Dave O Brien won the opening round of the Pony Express Formula VEE National Championship at Mondello Park on Sunday from Brian Kelly and Ray Moore in an incident filled race.
Pole sitter Robert Casey defended from Dan Polley to lead into Honda corner. Robbie Allen then passed Polley but the pair tangled in the Esses leaving Allen out of the race, and Polley near the back of the field. Kelly soon caught leader Casey and the pair had a great battle for the lead. Moore and O Brien were unable to match their pace, but stayed in touch mid-race.
The race changed on lap eight when some oil went down, the leaders were caught out first. Casey spun exiting Honda Corner and was clipped by Kelly. Moore had to swerve heavily avoiding the pair and O Brien passed everyone to grab the lead. Kelly repassed Moore by the end of the lap, and then set after O’Brien, who he caught easily. Casey recovered and soon caught Moore. The race was set for a thrilling finale with these two battles when it was ended early.
A car was stopped in the middle of track after drivers all down the field were caught out with the slippery surface. The red flag was deployed with O Brien declared the winner from Kelly and Moore. The next outing for the VEE’s is in Kirkistown at the end of the month.