Jordan Kelly delivered a commanding performance at Mondello Park, securing the coveted Leinster Trophy in the Formula Vee series. His masterful driving throughout the weekend solidified his place in racing history alongside iconic figures such as Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen. The event, a highlight in the Irish motorsport calendar, also featured intense battles across various categories including Future Classics, Junior Mini Challenge, Irish Legends, Fiesta Zetec, and SEAT Supercup Ireland, showcasing a diverse array of talent and exhilarating competition.
The annual September motorsport event in Ireland, held at Mondello Park, once again awarded the esteemed Leinster Trophy, this year to the highly competitive Formula Vee series. This popular championship attracted a significant number of participants, all vying for the historic accolade. Jordan Kelly, a prominent figure in Formula Ford, made a triumphant return, driven by the ambition to add his name to the illustrious list of past winners. His intentions were clear from qualifying, where he demonstrated superior speed in wet conditions, outclassing his closest rivals by a remarkable four seconds.
Despite an early retirement in the initial race, which saw Gavin Buckley claim a well-deserved victory, Kelly quickly regained his momentum. He delivered a flawless performance in the second race, crossing the finish line more than five seconds ahead of the competition. The pinnacle of his weekend came in Sunday afternoon's feature race, where the Donegal-native executed a flawless lights-to-flag victory, finishing over nine seconds clear of Sean McClements. This dominant display cemented Kelly's name in the annals of the Leinster Trophy, placing him alongside racing legends.
Beyond the Formula Vee excitement, other categories provided plenty of drama. The Future Classics series, despite its unique regulations, continued to attract a growing following, with over twenty impeccably prepared cars battling it out. Mark Johnston and Kaleb Shanley split victories in the Super Futures class, continuing their rivalry from previous events without incident. In the Future class, Mark Gibbon secured a double victory on Saturday with his impressive Opel Corsa.
The Junior Mini Challenge also captivated audiences, establishing itself as a significant success story at Mondello Park. This series, designed for drivers aged 14 to 17, consistently features grids exceeding 20 cars, with qualifying times often separated by less than a second. TJ Taaffe emerged victorious in race one, fending off intense pressure from Jayden McBrearty. Following a disappointing fifth-place finish in the opener, championship leader Kyle Irvine fiercely contested race two, engaging in a thrilling duel with close friend Taaffe. Irvine ultimately triumphed by a mere 0.125 seconds, narrowly beating Taaffe and McBrearty.
The Irish Legends series, known for its unique ball-draw grid format, consistently delivered exciting races. The father-son duo, Michael and Robert Barrable, each claimed a victory in the first two races. Jamie Moylan then staged a spectacular charge from seventh on the grid in the third race to secure a memorable win. The Fiesta Zetec championship also saw record entries in 2026, with reigning champion Sean McGovern converting his pole position into a superb victory in race one. In the reversed-grid race two, fan-favorite Samuel Doyle emerged victorious after a captivating battle with Alan Dawson.
In the SEAT Supercup Ireland series, Eddie Peterson led a strong field of 14 cars to win race one. The second race, with a reversed top-eight grid, featured another compelling father-son dynamic. Michael and Victor Cullen locked out the front row, with Victor Cullen demonstrating exceptional drive to achieve a lights-to-flag victory. His triumph was particularly poignant as he lifted the Holmpatrick Trophy, an award his grandfather, Des, had famously won in 1961.
The Leinster Trophy weekend at Mondello Park demonstrated the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of Irish national motorsport. From the dominant performance of Jordan Kelly in Formula Vee to the close contests in Junior Mini Challenge and the historical resonance of the Holmpatrick Trophy win, the event was a celebration of speed, skill, and family legacies in racing. Each category contributed to a vibrant and unforgettable weekend, leaving fans eager for the next season's challenges and triumphs.