McGovern’s year? Siltex Safety Zetec Fiesta form biggest grids at ICCR Opener

Once again, the budget tin top Fiesta Zetec class will have the biggest grids in the paddock at this weekend’s opening ICCR race meeting at Mondello Park.

The Siltex Safety Fiesta Zetec Championship caters for 1250cc Fiestas producing somewhere around  80 bhp.  It’s arguably the cheapest class in the paddock with starter cars from about €3,000. Despite the budget costings, it attracts plenty of talent, both young and old, and tends to be one of the most competitive classes in the paddock.

2024 Champion William Kellett is taking a year out and Dave Maguire has moved up to STs so this leaves 2024 pacesetter Sean McGovern as the clear title favourite. Also, he has purchased Pater Barrrable’s race winning car and says he feels it is faster than his own! Mick Kehoe has gradually moved towards the front and a winter rebuild on his immaculate car might give him the last few tenths he needs.  Kelsey Kirby was a constant top ten finisher last year and is keen to take a podium or two in 2025 also.

Veteran Alan Dawson has moved to LOH motorsport in an effort to chase the elusive title. He has generally been close to the ultimate pace so is doubtless hoping to close that gap this year.

Josh Browne is hoping for a big step up in pace having bought the ex Jack Byrne machine, so it will be interesting to see his progress. Andy Kavanagh’s MILESplus machine has run at the front on occasion so watch out for him. Christian Brennan has bought Dave Maguire’s car from last year and should also go well.

Aidan Mulready is a Delta Airlines pilot who, although Irish, commutes from the US to race at Mondello. Having purchased the ex Derek Graham car and won last week at Kirkistown, will be keen to make amends!  for someone with so little mileage, he is fast and is aiming to challenge right at the front in 2025.

An exciting late entry to this weekend’s action is Rob Barrable. Fresh from taking an impressive runner up spot on the Circuit of Kerry, the ever adaptable North Dublin motor dealer will drive his Dad Michael’s former title winning Michael Barrable Motors car. He tested yesterday and, unsurprisingly, was bang on the pace. Sam Doyle showed impressive pace in 2024, only an early season penalty hurting his Rookie title chances. He is back again this year, no longer a Rookie, and could be worth an outside bet!

Keith Lenihan (above)  and Mick McArdle both run beautifully presented cars and, after a bit of winter fettling, both will be looking to move up the grid this season. Phil Lawless is back in what must be about his 20th Fiesta Zetec. A former champion in the class, he has rarely had a machine comparable with the rest. That said, he showed great pace in the six hour race in his latest mount so perhaps he can relive his former glories. One thing is for sure, if he isn’t on the pace, it won’t be for lack of commitment!

In the Rookie Cup, watch out for a group of ladies who are cutting their teeth in the class this year. The lastest of the Turley dynasty is Lola Rose. We haven’t seen a slow Turley at Mondello Park yet and testing would indicate that she will go well in the LOH tended car.

Elizabeth Downey makes her debut in the lurid pink machine. Having worked at Mondello in recent years she should know her way around the track pretty well.  Freya Burns also makes her race debut this weekend, as does Nadine Kavanagh. Kavanagh (above) comes with an impressive karting pedigree, so should be worth watching on her transition to cars this weekend. Evan Walsh won the highly competitive Mondello Park Fiesta Zetec Shootout and as a result finds himself with a fully funded race season in the Mondello  car. He impressed the instructors on the day and will surely be setting the Rookie pace from the off, with his eyes on the more experienced competitors too! Rookie competitors must be in their first two years of Motor Racing and are not eligible if they were on the Rookie Podium last year, so it is always wide open, and always produces good talent.

The Zetec Fiestas race twice on Sunday afternoon, with the top six finishers in Race One reversed to form the grid for Race Two, which always guarantees even more excitement!