Debut F3 win for Cian Carey
Motorsport Ireland Young Driver of The Year Cian Carey finished his inaugural F3 season with a victory at Oulton Park in Cheshire at the weekend.
The Sport Ireland-backed driver qualified in third position, but with his trademark rocket-like start, he vaulted to second place on the run to the first corner. He then took the lead and eased away for a dominant victory.
He started fifth in race two but immediately charged to second place which he held to the finish to cap a hugely successful weekend.
The debut season was not without challenges for the Meath driver, a complete engine failure in Spa Francorchamps probaly being the worst.
The pace was always there, however, as a new lap record in Donington Park showed.
He also came back to his home circuit of Mondello Park, to compete in the Leinster Trophy race in September and dominated proceedings all weekend, winning the famous race from pole position
"I’m delighted to finish the F3 Cup season on a high. I qualified P3 and was disappointed to be honest because I had the pace in the car for P1," he commented.
"Winning my first race in the series was an amazing feeling and all thanks has to go to the lads at CDR (Chris Dittmann Racing) for an incredible car.
"We started race two from fifth and the confidence was high so thanks to a great start we got up to P2 and maintained it until the end.
"It has been an exceptional year and I have learnt so much from the team that will make me stronger to fight for the championship next season.
"I would like to thank Chris Dittmann Racing who have supported and helped me all season, as well as Mooretown Engineering, F Brazil Reinforcements, Tattersalls and Macari's Ratoath, Motorsport Ireland, Sport Ireland and Declan Brennan Sports Management," he concluded.
Last September Cian was the guest of honour at the launch of the Meath Co Council BSafe campaign for which he is the ambassador and that same month he also won the Meath Chronicle / Cusack Hotel Group Sportsperson of the Month.
Last December (2016) Cian scooped the Sexton Trophy for Young Racing Driver of the Year ahead of 16 year-old Jordan Dempsey from Mullingar and 23 year-old Andy O’Brien (Templeogue, Dublin).
2017 AWARD
Dempsey is one of three drivers shortlisted for the 2017 award - Dempsey, from Mullingar has been named alongside Charlie Eastwood (22), from Belfast and James Roe (19), from Kildare, in the race for the prestigious Sexton Trophy and the €50,000 prizefund.
Young Kells driver William Kellett was in the original list of six nominees.
The overall winner of the 2017 award will be announced at the Beta Irish Motorsport awards ceremony which will take place on Tuesday, 5th December at The Round Room at The Mansion House. The award is presented annually and is supported by Sport Ireland and Motorsport Ireland.