Racing car novice’s career to take off

A COUNTY Cork 10-year-old has marked himself out as a motor racing star of the future.

Young Darragh O’Shea reached speeds over 100km/h to take the chequered flag and become one of the youngest winners ever in the junior category (10-16 years) at Waterford Raceway in Dungarvan.

Remarkably, it was only his third race in a car lent to him by car dealer John Shanahan from Killavullen.

“Once the first race began, I forgot about being nervous and even though they passed me, I was still really excited. In the second race, the others only pulled away by about half a lap. John told me to keep going as fast as I could in the corners and in the third race I stayed in the lead, but I was still surprised when I won,” said Darragh, from Upton, Co Cork.

Brian Allen of Tipperary Motor Speedway said that there is no reason why he could not be the next Sebastien Loeb.

“It’s not unusual for children to be driving at a very young age, in well supervised events, but to win on the first day out is amazing and a sign of great potential. It is very intense competition even at that age, so he seems to be one to look out for,” said Allen.

“Eight years is the limit for driving here and I make sure to evaluate children’s ability beforehand. We have one eight-year-old driving — you could pick him up with one hand — and he’s so good, he would give 20-year-olds a run for their money. With some families, it is bred into them,” he said.

Such is the case with Darragh, whose dad Mick is a former rally driver. He says Darragh showed his talent as a three-year-old on the ride-on lawnmower. The following Christmas, Santa brought him a petrol-driven go-cart.

These days, the youngster enjoys nothing more than piloting a clapped-out Fiesta in the Castlewhite farm fields, which are owned by his uncle Sean.

“It’s brilliant fun. The cows used to look at me, but not anymore,” says Darragh.

Mick also stresses the importance of safety. “All the cars have roll-bars, neck braces, double harness safety belts and the seat must fit the driver and be snug,” he said, before revealing that he plans to build a rally car for Darragh.

And who knows where that road will lead?