Mondello Park, 15 March 2009

Delaney takes Season Opener

Robbie Allen took the opening pole of the 2009 FDS Worldwide Express Formula VEE Championship at Mondello Park on Sunday ahead of Trevor Delaney, Brian Kelly, Robert Casey, Dan Polley, and Jimmy Furlong .
Allen led away of the line with Delaney and the rest of the grid in tow. Kelly made an error going through Boac and was passed by Polley who had already passed Casey off the line. Champion Kelly was able to regain the place from Polley at Dunlop before .,the end of the lap. Allen was under pressure from Delaney who was eager to lead. Stephen Kershaw had started at the back of the grid and made short work of the back of the field in the opening two laps.
Delaney nearly took the lead on lap three at the end of the straight but just ran out of room and Allen hung on as they rounded Honda. Kelly was right with the leading duo. There was a small gap to Polley who headed a group containing heat winner Dave O Brien, Robert Casey, Jimmy Furlong, Adam Mcauley, and Mark Horan, while Kershaw wasn’t too far behind.

Allen lost his lead on lap four; Delaney got better drive out of Dunlop and took the lead on the straight. Kelly followed him through as Allen lost two places in a lap. Polley was squeezing out a gap from O Brien, Casey and the rest of the chasers. The leading trio kept each other honest with some tight racing.
Allan and Kelly came together at Honda on lap six to give Delaney a break at the front. The pair touched wheels and Kelly went across the front of Allen, he was able to straighten the car but the pair had lost valuable time. Polley passed Allen as he regained speed but O Brien couldn’t squeeze through and slotted in behind. He still had Casey, Mcauley and Furlong for company.
There was more contact between chasers Kelly and Allen on lap nine. The pair were braking as late as possible lap after lap but this time the cars skated together and Allen was knocked off into the gravel. Kelly raced on but was now a long way behind leader Delaney. Polley was still third while further back O Brien, Casey and Furlong were still trying to close the gap.

Kelly tried to close on Delaney as the laps wore on. O Brien leading the chasers made an error on lap twelve and was passed by Casey and Furlong. This was a delight for Casey as he was soon reeling in Polley looking for a podium, he was with him in two laps and trying for a place to pass. His efforts were dashed however when the race was redflagged on the last lap. A car and driver were in a dangerous position and the race had to be stopped. Delaney was the winner from Kelly and Polley (His highest finish) and the trio hold the top spots in the National Championship as they head to Kirkistown in two weeks time.

Results

Final (13 Laps)

1. Trevor Delaney
2. Brian Kelly
3. Dan Polley
4. Robert Casey
5. Jimmy Furlong
6. Dave O Brien

Pole: Robbie Allen
Lap: Robert Casey 1-01.015

Heat (13 Laps)

1. Dave O Brien
2. Adam Mcauley
3. Mark Horan
4. Gerard Byrne
5. Damien Flynn
6. Noel Cooley

Pole: Dave O Brien
Lap: Mark Horan 1-02.864 Class Winners:
Jimmy Furlong
Noel Cooley
Paddock Mutterings:

• Shane O Riordan and Noel Cooley came together in qualifying. Cooley managed to have his car ready to race.
• Morgan Mc Court, Noel Cooley, Michael Snoody, and Jessica Casserly all made their debut in VEE's.
  Welcome to the class.
• Leg victim Owen Purcell showed up on his crutches, We wish him a speedy recovery
• Champion Brian Kelly was bouyed by a recent appearence on the Irish Dragons Den TV show.
• Several drivers got points on their licence for overtaking under yellow flags.
  BE WARNED

Full Results from MyLaps.com