Jason Smyth Defends Martin Donnelly Trophy at Kirkistown

Jason Smyth successfully defended his Martin Donnelly Trophy title at Kirkistown Race Circuit at the weekend, once again coming out on top in a fiercely contested Formula Ford 1600 field.

The 2026 Martin Donnelly Trophy attracted a capacity 26-car grid, setting the scene for a highly competitive weekend of Formula Ford racing. With United Championship points as well as local Northern Irish championship points on offer, there was plenty at stake for the drivers lining up at Kirkistown.

Smyth, returning to Formula Ford competition following his shortened GB4 campaign, started the opening race from pole position and immediately found himself under pressure. Ronan Doherty and Niall Murray kept the reigning winner firmly in their sights throughout the race, but Smyth remained composed and managed to hold them at bay. A red-flag stoppage on lap two gave the chasing pack another opportunity, but Smyth was able to maintain his advantage on the restart. He crossed the line with less than a second separating himself and second place.

The pressure continued into the Martin Donnelly Trophy race itself. Smyth once again found himself surrounded by a host of determined challengers, with Murray, Doherty, Kelly, and Quinn all pushing hard for position. Despite the relentless pressure, Smyth produced another assured drive to keep his Van Diemen at the front and secure back-to-back victories in the prestigious trophy race.

The result adds another chapter to what has already been an impressive period for the young driver. Smyth enjoyed a standout 2025 season, becoming the first second-generation winner of the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, following in the footsteps of his father Neville Smyth, who had won the Kent-engined section of the Festival 15 years earlier. His success at Kirkistown also continues a remarkable run of form in Formula Ford, with Smyth having established himself as one of the leading young drivers in the class.

With a capacity field behind him and the trophy firmly in his sights, Smyth once again showed the pace, consistency and composure required to come out on top in one of Formula Ford 1600’s most closely fought races.

For the second consecutive year, the Martin Donnelly Trophy belongs to Jason Smyth.