The trip across the Irish Sea definitely brought out the best in Chris Smiley who stormed to victory in both races in the latest double header in the Celtic Speed Scottish Mini Cooper Cup at Kirkistown.
The trip across the Irish Sea definitely brought out the best in Chris Smiley who stormed to victory in both races in the latest double header in the Celtic Speed Scottish Mini Cooper Cup at Kirkistown.
The Irishman, clearly feeling very comfortable on home soil, finished ahead of championship leader David Sleigh in Race 1.
In Race 2, Smiley was chased right to the chequered flag by Kenneth Brewster. It was the Edinburgh racer's best finish of the season: he finished fifth in the opener.
But there was mixed fortunes for the Sleigh brothers. While David clocked up a second and a third, it was a weekend to forget for brother Tim.
The Edinburgh racer endured an overnight engine change ahead of the opening race, then a puncture and a five-second penalty put paid to any points in Race 2.
Adam Leitch was on the pace all weekend. His storming drive in Race 1 looked like he may deliver his first win of the season, but in the end he had to settle for third.
He followed this up with another solid drive in the second race which was only spoilt with a five-second penalty for overtaking under the yellows. Fastest lap in the penner though showed how much he was on the pace.
It was a weekend to forget for Vic Covey jnr. After bagging pole position, a poor start saw him drop back to ninth: he eventually fought back to finish fourth.
Race 2 though proved to be a nightmare. A three-car accident saw Covey over the tyre wall with a very badly damaged car and a big dent in his title challenge.
Fiona Wallace consolidated her Ladies Cup lead with two good drives to finish with 9th and and 8th place. Emma Bruce had to endure a bonnet wrapping itself round the screen in qualifying but bounced back with an 10th and a 9th place and continued to improve with every race.
© Celtic Speed 2026
