Carlow driver Kearney becomes three-time champion

After years of dedicated pursuit, Richard Kearney has once again been crowned 2025 Airport Cars Formula Sheane Champion.

His determination, pace and passion for the sport have shone through all season, and it is fitting to see the Carlow man get his hands on the title.

It is the third time Kearney has won the title, having first been crowned champion in 2019 before regaining his crown in 2021.

Formula Sheane began in 2001 with an emphasis on fast, reliable and inexpensive cars, all of which are mechanically identical which means less time in the workshop and more time on the track. It also means that winning in Formula Sheane is based purely on driver skill.

The cars are single seat, like Formula 1 cars, and go from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in under four seconds and can reach speeds of over 240kmh.

Speaking with the Carlow Nationalist, new champion Kearney described the sport as “an unbelievably exhilarating form of motor racing.” The Carlow driver has his father and teammate, Dick Kearney, alongside him every step of the way. Together, Richard and Dick are true pillars of the Formula Sheane scene, always on hand with advice, encouragement and support for others. Their presence and commitment have helped shape the sport into the vibrant community it has become.

Richard is full of praise for his dad, who he credits with getting him interested in motor sport: “In all fairness, without him, none of this would be possible. The work, the effort he puts in – the two of us do the work and the set-up on the car, but I’m very lucky in the sense that he tips away at the car when I’m busy with work. It wouldn’t happen without him, that’s for sure.” Dick never reached the level he has seen his son achieve, but he was a keen hot-rod racer in his younger days, and it is the memory of being brought along to these races that Richard says originally set him on his path to Formula Sheane glory.

Keen to spread the gratitude, Richard also paid tribute to his brother, who helps with the car, as well as the support of his wife Pam and children Dylan and Lucy, proving that this championship win is a proud family achievement as much as a personal one.

The battle for bragging rights went right down to the wire, with Richard and Dublin driver Keith Hogg level on points heading into the final rounds, adding huge drama and excitement to the championship right until the very last corner.

Richard placed great emphasis on the importance of having such a skilled rival, insisting that each racer’s quality drives the other on.

“I sort of forced Keith to up his game, which then in turn forced me to up my game,” Kearney said. “Having someone that’s as quick as he is, it spurs you on. I managed to break a lap record this year as well, which has stood (at Mondello Park, Kildare) for 20 years – and it’s not too often a Carlow man beats a Dub anyway.” Richard’s generosity with his time, his knowledge and his love for Formula Sheane reflects the true spirit of the championship. His latest title is a well-earned reward for years of commitment and passion, and a moment to be celebrated across motor sport.

The Carlow racer closed by laying down the challenge for 2026 as he confirmed his intention to return to the track to defend his hard-earned crown.