Race Report

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Magic Bullet Breezemount Formula Libre returned for its last visit of the year to Kirkistown on 27th August for rounds 9 and 10 of the championship. 12 drivers turned out for qualifying and it was a flying Eamon Matheson who took pole, though low oil pressure on his freshly rebuilt engine was a major cause for concern. The team felt the problem was the pressure release valve which meant taking the engine out, but with insufficient time before racing they decided to retire rather than risk damage. The sheer speed of the Mission in a straight line though was shown by a speed gun reading of 152 mph into the braking area for the hairpin compared to a surprisingly identical 136 for both Dan and Stephen Daly. Stephen emerged fastest F2 qualifier from Philip Shields and Martin Daly with John Daly next up from Jim Larkham and Fergus Faherty. A trio of ex Formula Irelands in various states of tune followed in the hands of Stanley Watson, Geoffrey Moffett and Gary Graham, while the unfortunate Ivor Greenwood’s miserable season continued, transmission problems precluding him from any further part in proceedings.

Buoyed with confidence from his Mondello success Stephen Daly powered the little Renault to the front at the start of race 1 and stayed ahead of Dan and a fast starting John Daly. John jumped from sixth on the grid to tuck in behind the 2 leaders where he stayed until fourth gear disappeared a couple of laps from home loosing him time and dropping him down the order. Philip Shields had dropped to sixth at the start, but gradually fought his way past a race long dice between Martin Daly and Jim Larkham, while Fergus Faherty mixed it with the F Irelands. Geoffret Moffett retired on lap 7 but got going again for race 2.

Stephen once again got the better start in race 2 and led until Dan got past on lap 5. Philip Shields couldn’t quite match the pace at the front but was well ahead of the resumed battle between Martin Daly and Jim Larkham. This pair enjoyed another race long dice, Martin claiming the place with an audacious move at the hairpin on the last lap. Fergus Faherty had a lonely race to sixth with Gary Graham and Geoffrey Moffett rounding out the finishers. The Daly team had got John Daly going again, but a broken spigot shaft ended his race this time, while Stanley Watson had to retire as well on lap 5.

Relative calm returned thankfully after the last day’s dramas in Mondello Park. Full marks to Gary Graham for getting himself back in the fray, and its good to report that Heary Racing are hoping to run again before the season end. Stephen Daly consolidates his position at the top of the championship table heading into last 2 rounds at the blue riband Leinster Trophy meeting in Mondello. With Philip Shields back in top form it should be tight between himself Martin Daly and Jim Larkham for runner up places in F2. John Daly is Dan’s closest challenger in F1 and with a good entry expected for the Leinster Trophy they will both need to be on top form.

Click here for championship table

Link to the results: http://www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=708342

2012 Calender

April 15 - Mondello Park National
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April 28 - Kirkistown
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May 12/13 - Bishopscourt (non championship)
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May 26 - Kirkistown
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July 1 - Mondello Park National
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August 18/19 - Phoenix Park (non championship)
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September 8/9 - Mondello Park International
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September 29 - Kirkistown
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