Siobhan McCann’s success at MEC Sprint in Mondello Park
The annual two day Motor Enthusiasts Club Sprint was held at Mondello Park last weekend and with the sun splitting the stones and a healthy entry, was deemed to be a great success.
Driving her usual Ray 86F- Hayabusa, Siobhan McCann was on top form all weekend and managed to top the times on not one, but both days of the two day event. This was her very first FTD and overall win. It wasn't made easy for her though, as National Champion Billy White pushed her hard on both days in his Formula Renault. The pair were within a few tenths all day before Siobhan settled it with a blistering run of 1:35.98 on her final run of the day. White ended up just under five tenths off, with Russell Stanworth next up in his Opel Lotus.
On day two, after the usual Saturday social element of a Hillclimb/Sprint weekend, the pair went back to battle. If Saturday was close at the sharp end, it was nothing compared to Sunday. Just .17 of a second separated them on their first run as they each pushed for the win. This was pretty much the theme for the day, the fastest time swapping between them on a number of occasions. Billy posted his fastest time of the day on his second run and it seemed it might be one all, but Siobhan, on the following run managed to eclipse the time by just .01 of a second to take the FTD after a fantastic battle between the pair.
" I didn't see the time initially", she said afterwards, "I actually saw someone else's and thought it was mine. It wasn't until after I got out of the car that someone ran up to congratulate me, and then it sank in. I did the Trackdays.ie Action Day at Mondello a few weeks back and even though that was on the International Circuit, it gave me valuable seat time and I was able to push straight away when I got into the car this weekend. I was thinking of my Dad and felt him with me on every run. He got me into Motorsport and he would have loved to see me at the weekend. He loved the hills and enjoyed discussing the debrief of the event on a Saturday and Sunday evening. I dedicated it to him as he was always my number one fan'.
A great picture of Siobhan and her late father Joe, who shared a love of Sporting Trials - a discipline they both enjoyed much success in. Picture by John Nolan
Also Simon McKinley, who convinced me to start Hillclimbs and supported me when I did start. Finally, of course, Enda, my partner. I was double driving with Enda for a few years in his formula Vee up to last year. We always had great battles between us in the class. The Vee really helped me as a driver as it has low power, no brakes and less control!! But great fun!! He always has my back and is a great support.
For Dad and me, Mudplugs were are main thing , for Enda and me, Hillclimbs and mudplugs are ours!"
Always smiling! Enda chats with Siobhan before one of her runs. Picture by Martin Gallagher
Not only does Siobhan compete in a number of disciplines, she is also Chair of the Sporting Trial Commission, a member of the Hilllclimb Commission and a member of the Motorsport Ireland Council. She certainly couldn't be accused of not putting anything into the sport she loves so much. 'Its just as important for me to give back to the sport as it is to compete'!
Siobhan has won over 20 Sporting Trial events and is known for her spectacular commitment on the sections. She is captured here in a typical pose, approaching the zero!
Siobhan receives her award from Clerk of The Course Stephen Boden after her Mondello Victory. Picture by Martin Gallagher
Siobhan is on her way to France next weekend to compete in the Saint Goueno Masters with Team Ireland 🇮🇪 and the weekend after they come home it's the Carlow Hillclimb round 7 & 8 of the championship.
Written by Leo Nulty