Autosport – 22 August 2019

22 AUGUST 2019 AUTOSPORT.COM 81

NATIONAL REPORTS CLUB AUTOSPORT

CLASSIC MINIS

Race 1 Jonathan Lewis (Cooper S)

Race 2 Ray Cunningham (Cooper S)

PRE-55

Race 1 Edmund Cassidy (Iona Special)

Handicap Nick Bennett (Alvis Silver Eagle)

Race 2 Shane Houlihan (Riley 12/4)

HISTORIC RACING CAR ASSOCIATION

Race 1 Jackie Cochrane (Sunbeam Tiger)

Race 2 Bernard Foley (MGB GT V8)

IRISH LEGENDS

Races 1, 2 & 3 Paul O’Brien

FUTURE CLASSICS

Races 1 & 2 Aidan Byrne (Toyota Celica, below)

GRIFFIN DELIGHTS Steve Griffin is famous for his exploits in the ‘Smarties’ Mini, one of the first cars

to sport commercial backing in Irish motorsport. Some 40 years later, at the wheel of Dave O’Neill’s

newly restored ex-Alec Poole Wolseley Hornet, Griffin showed that he had lost none of his pace or

racecraft with a pair of impressive second places. After a successful maiden outing, O’Neill plans

to bring the car across the water to some of the bigger UK historic meetings in 2020.

DROUGHT’S F1 RUN Ireland’s top female racer Nicole Drought was delighted to demonstrate John

Campion’s immaculate 1981 March 811. Ex-grand prix driver Derek Daly was on hand to oversee

proceedings as Drought tasted Formula 1 power for the first time. Campion is a big supporter of

Irish motorsport and backs many of the younger drivers – including James Roe, Jordan Dempsey

and Craig Breen. Roe, Dempsey and Lucca Allen were all lucky enough to have a run in the car too.

RILEY DEBUTS The pre-1955 grid is an integral part of the Historic Festival, and grows every year.

Collector Shane Houlihan brought his beautiful Riley and took a popular win in the 1500cc 12/4,

crossing the line comfortably ahead. With MGs, an Alvis and the usual Ford Specials among the

entry, the class is a varied addition. For 2020, there are a number of famous Irish race cars in build,

including the ACJ Austin Special, and organisers are keen to invite some UK drivers to join the fun.

MONDELLO PARK

WEEKEND WINNERS

For full results visit: timing.ie

his 1800cc Punto just holding off the older
1.4-litre machine of Paul Flanagan, with
John Twomey third in his Citroen Saxo.
Byrne relished the horrendous conditions
in race two to do the double with Irish
Touring Car Championship regular Ulick
Burke his closest challenger in his borrowed
Punto. Darmody was third, just ahead of
Hammond. Duggan took another class
win, with Jimmy Kilbride’s Peugeot 106
next up from Flanagan in third.
LEO NULTY

Kavanagh

briefly grabbed

lead before error

ensured Lewis (left)

took the opening

Classic Mini win