Paul Sammin Formula Vee Campaign on Track

After experiencing a 'baptism of fire' in the First Round of the 2000 Formula Vee National Championship, Louisburgh's Paul Sammin is keen to put his early season campaign back on track at Kirkistown, Northern Ireland on Sunday next 9th April.

The reigning Novice Champion is determined to move up the points classification table after a somewhat encouraging but disappointing opening round at Mondello on March 19th last. Having qualified an impressive 4th on the grid just behind renowned VEE racers as Ray Moore, three time UK champion, and Brian Hearty, five time Irish champion, Paul made an excellent start off the blocks to enter Turn 1 in third place only to see his progress halted by a red flag incident further back on the field.

After the restart, the Clonlee Mushroom/Armagruss Sensors backed 19 year old got caught up in a first corner skirmish resulting in a loss of one place. With no damage to the Sheane '93, the D.I.T. Kevin Street student was in the wars once more when up-ended by a close rival, pushing him back to a lowly 23rd position. Battered but not bruised the Mayo & District Motorsport Club racer was on a change and clocked the fifth fastest lap time to finish 11th and secure 22 valuable points. It was clearly a race of what might have been. Paul now realises the tough battle ahead after learning the hard way at the County Kildare circuit and looks forward to Round 2 at Kirkistown. "What I'm looking for in Kirkistown is a good qualifying position and a clean run to the podium," said Paul. "I know what I have to do to put more points on the table in order to be up there with the championship leaders. Here's to a good result in Kirkistown," added Paul.

Paul Sammin Racing is grateful of the support from James Murtagh Jewellers, Westport; Port-a-Pak (Pallet Suppliers), Westport; Engine Re-manufacturing, Castlebar; Westport Leisure Park; North-West Karting, Castlebar; Hastings & Company Insurance, Westport; Sheridans Super Valu, Newport; Clew Bay Hotel, Westport; Liam McNamara Building Contractors, Wesport; Berry's Printing Works, Westport; The Book Shop, Westport and Cox & Company, Westport.