McManus and Sexton Shine at Lydden Hill in Final Junior RallyX Season

Two of Motorsport Ireland’s rising stars, Leah McManus and Ailish Sexton, delivered standout performances at the iconic Lydden Hill circuit, marking a memorable close to their 2024/2025 rallycross season.

For Leah McManus, the event was a dream come true, “I’ve always wanted to race in Lydden Hill since I was little and went with my dad! So when we got the opportunity I was so excited!” she said.

Leah’s weekend began on a high note, topping the timesheets in practice and carrying that momentum into the first heat, where she fought her way from mid-pack to take the win. Despite a flat tyre and a red flag in race two, she battled back from the rear of the grid in race three to secure third place. In the final, a mistimed joker lap saw her finish fourth, and she repeated that result in the IRX vs BTRDA Junior Superfinal after another fierce drive from the back.

Her efforts were recognised at the awards night, where she was awarded 5th overall for the season, tied for 4th with teammate Ailish Sexton.

“Overall a very competitive year for my last year in juniors!” Leah reflected.

Ailish Sexton also showed grit and determination throughout the weekend.

“I was fairly nervous in practice 1 because it was a new track,” she admitted, “but after practice 2 I got the hang of it and got lucky with the grids.”

Starting third in heat one, Ailish led for most of the race before a poorly timed joker lap dropped her to fourth. Heat two ended prematurely after she lost control just before the jump, and heat three proved challenging with a tough start and a seventh-place finish. In the final, she crossed the line in sixth.

Despite the setbacks, Ailish’s consistent presence and competitive spirit earned her a share of 4th place overall, capping off a strong season.

Motorsport Ireland’s Women In Motorsport Commission congratulates both drivers on their achievements and looks forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented young racers.