Kelly crowned a winner once again in brilliant Bishopscourt display - Formula Vee Round 4

By Evan Dalton

Jordan Kelly slides through the chicane ahead of Oliver Devlin | Photos by @RaceDayDori  


For a circuit located near the sea, wet weather is not too common in Bishopscourt. The fastest circuit on the island typically enjoys perfect conditions for Irish Formula Vee’s one trip there each year, but this weekend normality was likely to change. 


Qualifying took place on Saturday, with Round 4 and 5 of the championship being held on Sunday. Continuing on his impressive form, Jack Byrne took pole position for Round 4, joining him on the front row was John O’Hara. The 1997 ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ was set to not just make his return to Formula Vee, but to potentially fight for the race win. 


Championship leader Gavin Buckley would be forced out of racing action for the weekend after a frightening crash in qualifying. His car aquaplaned, sending him into the wall just before ‘Ringawaddy.’ Buckley was unfortunately injured in the contact, but remained at the circuit on Sunday to watch the event. 


Championship leader Gavin Buckley during qualifying | Photos by @RaceDayDori

  

Dark clouds formed over Downpatrick come race time and a downpour was awaiting. O’Hara wasn’t the only returning face to the field, with Illies’ Jordan Kelly qualifying in third. Kelly, who admitted himself that he was down on power across the weekend, is always one to watch when the conditions become unfavourable. 


When the lights went out, the No.99 of Kelly challenged the front row, as did his second row compatriot Colm Blackburn. Byrne led through the first corner. 


The Formula Vee field heads through turn one after a successful race start | Photos by @RaceDayDori


This didn’t last long, however, with O’Hara finding a way through. Kelly pressured Byrne, with Blackburn fighting with Conor Melia, just as he did en-route to two race victories in Bishopscourt last year. 


Blackburn and Kelly would fight on the next lap once again. Blackburn had the advantage of his best track, while Kelly had the advantage of his favourite weather. The Donegal man remained in front. 


Colm Blackburn gets air time through the chicane | Photos by @RaceDayDori


Byrne wanted to lead from the helm, as he had done while picking up two wins already in 2026. He went for a move on O’Hara, getting it done on the inside line through the chicane on the back straight. Being forced off-line, the LOH Motorsport car of O’Hara touched the damper surface, pirouetting back across the track and onto the grass. A quick thinking Melia avoided him, and O’Hara was able to rejoin down the order. 


It was now a two-horse race out front. Kelly, being a smart racer, was well aware of the damage Byrne can inflict on a Formula Vee race when left to his own devices up top. He launched his attack into the first corner, ‘Brock’s,’ and opted for the outside line. 


Experiencing a lack of grip, but keeping full  commitment throughout the corner, Kelly took the lead. Kelly is often described as an old school racer, and this was an old school move. A classic some would say. 


As the track got more soaked, there was strong running by Andy Keogh and Paul Lewis in fourth and fifth. Keogh was on course for his first finish in his new Leastone chassis. 


The grid was hanging onto their machines, with some losing their grasp. The Derry duo and teammates Sean McCallion and Aaron Murray both went off on the same section of circuit, bringing out a red flag, marking the conclusion of the opening race of the weekend. 

Sean McCallion, despite a spin, finished the race in tenth | Photos by @RaceDayDori


“It was a tough battle at the start of the race,” said Kelly. “Jack’s quick in the wet. I knew I just had to get ahead of him.”


It was the perfect win for Kelly in more ways than one. His driving was, as it usually is, superb, but the lack of fanfare due to the premature ending suited the humble 27-year-old down to the ground. Kelly is not one for obnoxious celebration, but a smile was certainly present as he earned his first win since July 2024. 


Byrne followed behind in second, with Blackburn standing on the rostrum for the first time in 2026. 


Full Top 10 

  1. Kelly

  2. Byrne

  3. Blackburn

  4. Keogh

  5. P.Lewis 

  6. Melia

  7. C.Lewis

  8. Hannan

  9. Murray

  10. McCallion


Fastest Lap : 1.27.261 [Kelly]


Tyredoctor.ie B Championship Podium

  1. Kelly

  2. Keogh

  3. P.Lewis


Rookie Championship Podium

  1. Slevin

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