Mayo Racing Driver Sean Hynes Makes The Podium

Mayo racing driver Sean Hynes makes the podium

Mayo driver Sean Hynes secured his first ever podium finish when he claimed a hard-fought second place in the Formula Sheane race in Kirkistown in Belfast on Saturday last. Following his win in the inaugural ‘Mondello Park Become A Racing Drvier’ competition earlier this year, the Foxford driver – who is sponsored by Wick-low based carmaker Sheane Cars – competed in his first year in the very competitive Formula Sheane Championship. He was placed fifth on the grid after an eventful morning qualifying session.

Following a poor start he found himself demoted to last place in the scramble of cars which stormed into turn one. His difficulties were compounded at turn two when an excursion across the Ards peninsula grass damaged the nose cone which dragged along the track for the remainder of the race. The young Foxford racer stuck to his task however and, following a storming drive, he had climbed back up to fifth place when the safety car was deployed on lap six. He gained a further two places on the resumption of full-blooded racing and at the start of the final two laps found himself vying with veteran racer Brian Hearty for second place.

The two engaged in an extended wheel-to-wheel joust with Hynes coming out ahead on an extended passing manoeuvre on the long run into Colonial. He defended his position for the remainder of the lap to register his best result to date in the championship, chasing race winner Anton Savage to the chequered flag.

The Formula Sheane Championship reaches a conclusion with the doubleheader Leinster Trophy meeting in Mondello Park on September 17 and 18 next. It promises to be a spectacular meeting with racing across the full range of classes and is a must visit event for all motorsport enthusiasts.