Mondello Park, 12/13 September 2009
Leinster Trophy Race
Garry Newsome secured pole for the Lenster Trophy in the car of Robert Casey
that had been so fast all weekend. Robbie Allen and Brian Kelly followed him ahead
of Stephen Kreshaw and Trevor Delaney. The full International track grid of 32 cars was utilised,
with reserves waiting in the pitlane should the race be red flagged early on.
Newsome was best away, Allen was judged to have jumped the start incurring a
ten second penalty, this would be added post race. He wasn't to know this
though and he was having a great scrap with Kelly on the opening lap. They were inseperable and often side by side. Kershaw kept his position from Delaney, O Brien and Mcauley.
Newsome kept his nose in front as Kelly did his best to pass Allen. Delaney
passed Kershaw as the leading group of seven started to pull away. Moore and
Paul Sammin led the chasing group. Dan Mulligan spun in the Esses on lap three
but recovered and raced on. The frantic pace of the leaders was the downfall
of the race on lap five. Delaney had been defending at every corner from
Kershaw but when the pair reached the Esses this time they pair collided. The
two drivers hurtled into the gravel tap and while Kershaw escaped Delaney was
beached and not getting out of the car.
The safety car was deployed and the
marshals ran to the aid of Delaney. The medical team arrived on scene and
after a brief conservation with Trevor there was still no sign of him exiting
the car. Officials had no choice but to stop the race. There was no restart
however and the day ended in anticlimax for everyone except Garry Newsome.
The Wicklow racer was declared the winner and lifted the Leinster Trophy.
Allen was penalised ten seconds promoting Brian Kelly to second place and
Dave O Brien third overall.