News

Formula Sheane
Preview
The 2016 Formula Sheane season is on the cusp of the horizon
kicking off on April 17th with a double header on Mondello Parks
National Circuit. The series then heads off across the Irish Sea to
compete on the cliffs of the spectacular Anglesey Race Circuit in
North Wales in May as Ireland’s only internationally racing single
seater series where it will contest two more rounds with a special
trophy race to be included in the line-up. In June, its back to Mondello
Park’s International Circuit, the longer twisty layout always
throws up a few surprises in the mix. In July and August it’s up to
the ultra-fast Kirkistown Race Circuit for four rounds, the long
straights and flat out 140 mph turn one really test the drivers. The
second visit in August will crown the Northern Irish Championship
winner for the second consecutive year. The conclusion of a
whole years racing comes down to the final race weekend of the
year for the Leinster Trophy Races on Mondello’s International
loop. For the first time in many years, Formula Sheane will be racing
for prize money at the 12th and final race of the year alongside
one of the prestigious Leinster Motor Club trophies.
2016 is looking more competitive than ever with seven different
race winners competing for this year’s honours and a handful of
drivers that have finished on the podium in the past who are chasing
an elusive first win in the series. The Scholarship Championship
for Rookie drivers is really heating up, with several drivers
who have taken wins in the Championship returning to
see can they take the big prize this season. Races are more
often won by tenths of seconds and this year is certainly no
different. The new revised rear wing that was introduced
to several cars last year are to be made compulsory to all
cars this season and the introduction of a “Fan Cam” system
will give fans and spectators of the series a little more
involvement with the drivers. The “Fan Cam” system is a
voting system that will place a Go-Pro on the competitor’s
cars with the most votes at each race weekend. Fans and
spectators will be given the chance to vote on the Formula
Sheane Facebook page on the week prior to the race, voting
will last from the Monday to the Thursday. Formula
Sheane now enters its 15th competitive season and shows
no signs of slowing down.
Words: Andrew Murphy. Photo: James Foley
HRCA
The HRCA arrive to Mondello Park on April 17th with their usual fabulous
array of historic cars to make up a healthy grid for the start of their 2016 Race
Championship. The following weekend, April 23rd & 24th, it’s off into the West
for the start of their Hillclimb series.
Liam Ruth driving his MG Midget and winner of the George Mangan Trophy
in 2015 will be back to defend his Title for 2016, but have no fear, it won’t be
an easy task with lots of the regulars like Steve Griffin MG Midget, Michael
Doyle Chevron, Billy Crosby Lotus, Jackie Cochrane Sunbeam Tiger, Paul
Gray Porsche 911RSR, Bernard Foley MGBV8 amongst others all trying to
make their mark too.
For further information contact: Liam Ruth on 0876175193
www.HRCA.ie
Facebook.com/Hrca Justforfun
HRCA Race Championship 2016
April 17th Mondello
May 7th/8th Bishopscourt
May 29th Anglesey
June 11/12th Mondello
July 10th Mondello
August 27th Kirkistown
Pre 55 Race Championship 2016
July 10th Mondello
Sept 17/18th Mondello
HRCA Hillclimb Championship 2016
April 23/24th Galway/Clare Hill
May 21st/22nd Wexford Sprints
August 13/14th. MEC Hillclimb
Sept 3rd/4th. Donegal Hillclimb
Bernard Foley in his powerful MGBV8 a serious
contender to watch in 2016. Photo: Michael Chester
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