Rhys is action in the Aprilia UK Superteens Championship. Photo by: Damian McNamara.
Teenage motorbike racers Caolán and Rhys Irwin from Kilmacrennan traveled to the UK this weekend for round 5 of their British Championships at Oulton Park which was set to be a high pressure weekend with double points up for grabs.
18 year old Caolán continues to contest two Championships: The British Supertwin Championship and the 450cc UK Aprilia Challenge. Caolán headed straight into qualifying after a 4 week break from racing while he sat the Leaving Certificate at Milford Convent. Incredibly he put his little 550cc Aprilia on Pole position against the more powerful 650 cc bikes.
Celebrating from the podium the ever modest youngster said that although he felt a bit rusty after the long break from racing, he was delighted to be at the front proving he can be competitive against reigning UK and international winners even with his less powerful bike.
Caolán being interviewed following his first pole position in the Supertwins Championship. Photo by: Damian McNamara
Younger brother 14 year old Rhys continued his assault on the Superteens Aprilia UK Championship with very impressive riding throughout the weekend again finishing on the podium in every race. The ever smiling Rhys delighted with his results said that he was loving racing and continues to lead the Aprilia UK Superteens Championship.
The brothers again dedicated all their success to their parents and sister Nessa thanking them for giving them the opportunity to race and win at this level which is by no means without sacrifice, to their team manager/owner Trevor for his continued belief in them and team mechanics their father Ivan and Garry for the great bike set up.
They especially thanked their long term personal sponsor James Gallagher from Oasis Bar Letterkenny for all his encouragement, advice and financial help.
They also paid tribute to their other sponsors Eustace Mckee from Joe Macs Portadown, Wesley and Grace Ann Regan of Clean rubber Donegal/Sligo, Mairtin Kelly from Centra Mountain Top without the ongoing help and support from all these individuals their dreams would just not be possible.
Caolán also would like to take this opportunity to express his gratitude to all of his teachers from Loreto Convent Milford for all their extra help and support making it possible for him to continue to race in the UK throughout the last two years while studying for his Leaving Certificate.
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