Race Report - Formula 5

Anglesey 9/10-9-7

Mark Reade and John Downey secured class honours in Formula 5’s first trip across the water in the championships history. The class put on a fantastic show around the 1.55 mile Coastal circuit. The new facility left the drivers impressed with its variation of fast and slow corners as well as the rapid changes in elevation.
Stephen Kershaw was super impressive in qualifying, snatching class pole from Mark Reade by 2 tenths of a second despite missing Fridays test sessions due to work commitments. John Downey had to settle for third in class thanks to clutch problems while Ronan Healy brought up the rear in his silver and orange machine.

Reade knew he had to nail Kershaw early if he was to stop the Swords man’s domination of the championship and he made amends for a poor start with a bold move around the outside at turn 2. Downey wasn’t far behind as Kershaw seemed to lack race set-up to maintain his qualifying advantage. Reade had a slight cushion but the pressure was greatly relieved when Downey decided to throw his car at turn 1’s scenery, resulting in a dramatic spin. Reade looked home and dry until a brief shower caused chaos late into the race. During the shower, Reade had a moment at the final complex but had such advantage that he was able to rejoin and take the chequered flag ahead of Downey and Kershaw for his first class win.