The annual Leinster Trophy, running since 1934, looks set to top off an exciting weekend for motor racing fans when it takes place at Mondello Park in Kildare this Sunday.
Last year’s winner, Kevin Sheane (24) from Wicklow, will battle to take the trophy again and on the same weekend claim the Formula Sheane championship from current holder Brian Hearty (62) from Dundalk.
The Leinster Trophy has been awarded for almost 70 years and previous winners include Formula One World champions Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and Mike Hawthorn, five-time Grand Prix winner John Watson and former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan.
It was first awarded in 1934 to woman driver Fay Taylor, and has been an integral part of the Irish racing calendar ever since.
Only one woman will compete for the trophy this year, Jennifer Mullen from Kildare.
She will race in a Formula Sheane car. This is the second time the class has been chosen by the Leinster Motor Club to contest for the trophy.
Developed
Formula Sheane was developed by engineer and motor racing enthusiast David Sheane of Wicklow after the disappearance of Formula Opal Lotus from the motor racing scene in Ireland.
The single-seater Formula Sheane cars use a tubular steel space frame chassis in fibreglass bodywork. The engines are 1800cc Rover K series and are driven through a Vag five-speed gearbox.
The identical machines can reach top speeds of 150 miles per hour. They are entirely built at Sheane Cars in Blainroe, Co Wicklow, and have become popular among those who enjoy motor racing on a budget.
The class had its first race in 2001, and its first championship in 2002. The race on Sunday has attracted more than 20 entrants including 10 previous race winners and five ex-championship winners.
Dream to win
John Alvey, president of Leinster Motor Club said the race is the most important in the calendar. "It is every racing driver's dream to win the Leinster Trophy," he said. "I've been trying to win it myself since 1969 and never won it . . . it didn't help that I raced in 1982 on the same day as Ayrton Senna."
He said Formula Sheane was chosen this year to contest for the trophy because it is an Irish class manufactured in Ireland and is affiliated to Motorsports Ireland and met all of the criteria.
There were other classes interested in the trophy, but when the decision was being made they did not qualify.
“They had it last year and produced a fantastic grid,” he said. “They also have a couple of young, upcoming drivers who we believe have the potential to go on.”
The Formula Sheane drivers also have their final championship race on Saturday. Top of the table at present is Kevin Sheane ahead of Hearty by six points, with 20 points available for first place.
More than 20 other races will take place at Mondello at the weekend with most of the Irish Motor Racing championships to be decided.
