Formula VEE in Ireland

Introduced to Ireland in the mid 1970’s as a low-cost single-seater racing class, Formula VEE has survived where other racing classes have not and has become the biggest, most exciting racing formula in Ireland today. The original ethos has remained but Formula VEE has developed and evolved. Whilst there is no such thing as cheap motor racing any more, Formula VEE is still within the reach of “the man in the street”. The racing has also been retained. No processions here. You will see more overtaking in a single Formula VEE race than you will in a whole season of Formula 1 and with 2 races per day, enough thrills and spills to satisfy the bloodthirstiest spectator.

It is true to say that once the lights go out every millimetre of track is aggressively defended or fought for, but within the paddock there still exists a clubman atmosphere in Formula VEE. Competitors help one another with spares or repairs and have even lent complete cars to rivals. There is a great sense of fun and camaraderie among the drivers and crews.

Formula VEE is unique in Ireland in that all of the cars are manufactured here in Ireland and also exported to the U.K. The Sheane is made by David Sheane in Blainroe, Co. Wicklow and the Leastone is made by Paul Heavey in Kilmeague, Co. Kildare. Both manufacturers offer complete cars for sale or hire and can supply a complete service to drivers wishing to compete. New or aspiring drivers can obtain details of these or other suppliers from the club.

Such has been the success of Formula VEE to date that up to 50 cars and drivers take part on any Championship race day. This necessitates 2 races each day and some drivers qualify from race 1 to race 2, thereby getting 2 races. To cope with this large number of competitors Formula VEE has 3 separate championships. One is for complete newcomers, another for experienced drivers and a National championship which is open to all. This gives everyone competing a fair chance. Races are held at Mondello Park, Co. Kildare, at Kirkistown, in Northern Ireland, at the Phoenix Park, Dublin and one race at a track in the U.K. every year.

The 3 championships are keenly contested and usually are not decided until the last race of the season.