Formula BOSS Ireland - Rds 5 & 6 - Kirkistown - 22nd June
Photos by Cromlin Images
Mark Reade and the Leastone team made a comeback at Kirkistown with the Leastone 1000, marking their first competitive race in almost a decade, as the Formula BOSS Ireland event took place at the Northern Irish circuit last weekend. Following his successful return to racing at Bishopscourt the previous month, where he secured two BOSS3 class victories and finished in the top 5 overall in both races, Reade aimed to continue his strong performance.
With 12 BOSS entries and the Leastone having the least horsepower on the grid, it was always going to be a struggle to take the fight around the fast and flowing former airfield. But that didn’t stop Reade from trying! He qualified 6th overall for both races and managed a good launch for Race 1 to slot inside the top 5 by the time the field exited Colonial. Despite the field stringing out primarily due to the gaps in performance, Mark found himself involved in a spirited battle with one of the Formula 3 runners for most of the race. In the end, he would come out on top, taking the chequered flag 4th overall and sealing another BOSS3 in the process.
Race 2 was interrupted early on by a red flag, which resulted in a depleted field taking the restart and Reade took full advantage2, vaulting himself to second overall on the opening lap. Despite his best efforts to hold on, he slipped to 3rd and then resumed his F3 battle from Race 1. He managed to hold onto the final podium spot for a handful of laps but eventually dropped to 4th, crossing the line for his 2nd top 5 of the day and with it, his 4th class win of the year.
‘We knew it could be a lonely race around here given the big BHP difference, so it was great to have a hard-fought battle in both races. I was happy to chip away at the lap times and from the first lap in qualifying we consistently got faster so that is important. First time I’ve come away with prize money so thanks to the BOSS organizers for that initiative! Also, a big thanks to Selco Hygiene who are our title sponsor this year, I’m delighted to have such a cracking livery on the car’ said Reade post-race.
The BOSS championship is returning to Mondello for rounds 7 and 8 of the 2024 season, where it will tackle the challenging 3.6km International layout. During the 2-day event, the UK Monoposto Series will join the event program alongside regular Irish classes, featuring 3 non-championship races. Mark will concentrate on the BOSS series, while the team will also join the Monoposto grid with 2 more Leastone 1000s. Additionally, Irish interest will be represented by 2023 series champion Karl O'Brien, who is returning to Team Fox with his flawless Dallara F311 Formula 3.
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