Mondello Park
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (December 2021) |
Owner | Birrane family[1] |
---|---|
Opened | 1968 |
Major events | Former: BSB (2003–2007) BTCC (2001–2006) British GT (2004–2006) EuroBOSS Series (1996–1999, 2001–2002, 2006) FIA Sportscar Championship (2001) |
International Circuit (1998–present) | |
Length | 3.621 km (2.250 miles) |
Turns | 13 |
Race lap record | 1:28:708 ( Johnny Laursen, Benetton B197, 2006, F1) |
Intermediate Circuit (1998–present) | |
Length | 2.816 km (1.750 miles) |
Turns | 13 |
National Circuit (1969–present) | |
Length | 1.860 km (1.156 miles) |
Turns | 6 |
Race lap record | 0:49:275 ( Cian Carey, BOSS Ireland car, 2022, BOSS Ireland) |
Short Circuit (1968–present) | |
Length | 1.250 km (0.699 miles) |
Turns | 6 |
Mondello Park is Ireland's only international motorsport venue and is located in Caragh, County Kildare off the R409 regional road, approximately 48 km (30 mi) from Dublin city centre.
History
The Mondello Park short circuit was designed on farmland near Naas in County Kildare by Stuart Cosgrave in 1966, following the demise of the Dunboyne motor races on traditional and dangerous roads in County Meath. The circuit opened in 1968, and was extended via the National Loop the following year. Well-known Irish drivers such as Derek Daly, David Kennedy, Tommy Byrne and Eddie Jordan cut their teeth on the circuit in the 1970s and early 1980s, going on to international fame, but financial difficulties emerged thereafter.
Mondello was purchased by businessman
Notable Leinster Trophy winners at Mondello include thrice
during his driving career.Guest appearances and demonstration runs at Mondello include those by Jordan driver
The 2000s marked the most high profile time for the Irish Circuit, as Domestic series from Great Britain came over to Mondello Park every year. These included the British Touring Car Championship which ran from 2001–2006, the British GT Championship from 2004–2006 and the British Superbike Championship which ran from 2003–2007 where Jonathan Rea took his first ever BSB win in the last ever race at the circuit. Mondello Park also hosted a round of the FIA Sportscar Championship in 2001.
Mondello Park is now owned by Birrane's family following his death in 2018.[2]
Events
Currently, Irish Car Championship, Rallycross,
The biggest Irish circuit racing events, Formula Vee Festival and Leinster Trophy, take place in Mondello Park every year.
Other recurring motorsport events include drifting championship, Jap-Fest, Ireland's only Japanese car show, Historic Festival, historic car show and racing event. Mondello Park Racing School is on-site. General public car and motorbike circuit track days are organised. A small museum containing a number of rally and track cars from the past 30 or so years is also on-site.
The 2019 motor racing season at Mondello Park consisted of car racing days, 6 rallycross racing days, 7 drift days and 26 motorcycle racing days. Formula Vee Festival took place on 13–14 July, and Leinster Trophy on 14–15 September.
In the 2020 motor racing season Mondello Park had plans to host 16 car racing days, 7 rallycross racing days, 12 drift days and 14 motorbike racing days, however, the calendar was disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
In 2021 Mondello Park signed a 5-year deal to promote and organise Irish Circuit Racing.[3] In past years, various Irish Motor Clubs shared this task. Irish Circuit Racing consisted of 5 two-day events in 2021. Mondello Park has also hosted 5 rounds of Rallycross, 5 rounds of Rallysprint, Fiesta Endurance Race, and a number of motorbike racing days in 2021.
The circuit
It was established in 1968. Following investment and development in 1999–2000, the circuit was awarded FIA International status in 2001.
Situated on 110 acres the facility incorporates 3.621 km (2.250 mi) of race track, 24 race garages and 12 Hospitality Suites. It is host to national and international race events, motor shows, car & bike track days, training schools and corporate events.
The Circuit also has 3 km of extreme off-road driving trails and a 5-acre off-road activities centre and the Museum of Motorsport.
Lap records
As of April 2022, the fastest official race lap records at the Mondello Park are listed as:
Layout configurations
-
“Intermediate Circuit”
-
“International Circuit”
-
“National Circuit”
-
“Short Circuit”
The "Reverse Circuit" has also been used as a variation in National and Rallycross configurations.
Simulation / Video Game
This racetrack appears in the videogames .
It is also available for Assetto Corsa as third-party content through the official laser scanning of the present layout, or a made-from-scratch recreation of the track in its 1987 form.
Notes
References
- ^ Times, The Sunday (24 March 2019). "Irish Rich List 2019: profiles 101–150, featuring Conor McGregor and Rory McIlroy" – via www.thetimes.co.uk.
- ^ "History".
- ^ "Mondello Park to Take over Irish Circuit Racing".
- ^ a b c d e "Lap Records Mondello Park International Circuit" (PDF). 4 December 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ "2005 Mondello Park British F3 – Round 19". Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "2001 Mondello Park SRWC". Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "2 h 30 min Mondello Park 2001". Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "2007 Mondello Park BSB Race 2 Statistics". Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ a b "BTCC 2006 » Mondello Park Round 4 Results". Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Lap Records Mondello Park National Circuit" (PDF).
- ^ "XXIX Leinster Trophy". Retrieved 23 July 2022.