The last round of the Dunlop Abarth Championship moved across the water to Anglesea. It proved to be an enjoyable and eventful weekend for all concerned, not least because of the unpredictable weather conditions that were expected. Testing on the Friday took place in glorious sunshine, but for the races it was a different story.

The first race on Saturday was run on a wet track with nearly all the drivers choosing to run on wets because of the changeable conditions. At the front of the field seasoned campaigners Liam Denning and Gordon Kellett were on the front row of the grid.  Liam out in brother John’s car having had to change an engine in his own car on the Friday, leaving John to race his car with the new engine. They were followed closely by Noel Greene, Clive Pratt, Nigel Pratt and David Pratt. Liam Denning got away to a faultless start and led the race from lights to flag. Behind him a close battle ensued between Gordon Kellett, Clive Pratt and Nigel Pratt with Gordon holding the advantage for a few laps before losing out to Clive Pratt. He then tussled relentlessly with Nigel Pratt until Nigel got the advantage and held on to the final podium position. Gordon finished fourth with David Pratt closing in on him and keeping him honest.  Noel Greene was next home, with Paul Copeland, Roger McMahon, John Denning and Arthur McMahon the remaining points scorers. They were interspersed by non registered drivers Conaire Finn in a Simon Quinn car for the weekend and Barry McMahon (brother of Roger and Arthur) making a guest appearance in Andrew Stewart’s car.

On the Sunday conditions were much improved and on a dry track Liam Denning once again lined up on pole with Gordon Kellett alongside again. Clive Pratt and Noel Greene lined up on row two with Nigel and David Pratt on row three. Once again Liam got off to a faultless start and quickly opened up a comfortable lead. Behind him the tussle between Gordon Kellett and Clive Pratt for second place picked up again. Gordon held the position for a number of laps before being out braked by Clive. After that he came under pressure from Nigel Pratt until Nigel spun off and rejoined near the back of the race and fought his way back up to eighth place. This left Gordon with a relatively comfortable run to third place, although Noel Greene was always close enough to capitalise on any mistakes but not quite close enough to challenge for the spot. Behind Noel David Pratt scored a few more valuable championship points. Following David Conarie Finn and John Denning enjoyed a race long tussle with Conaire coming home by less than half a second. Nigel Pratt, Barry McMahon and Paul Copeland were the next finishers. While at the back of the race brothers Roger and Arthur McMahon left brotherly love at the start line as they fought for the entire race over last position, With Arthurs increasing pace and confidence in the car Roger had to take some increasingly defensive lines in order to keep Arthur at bay.

The competition moves north to Kirkistown for the next round on 26^th July, where the excitement is sure to continue. Watch this space for reports of each race or go to www.irishabarthracing.com for details.  The Mondello races are all televised on Setanta Sport – go to www.onthelimitsports.com for details and listings.

Hal McGuckin