MONDELLO PARK

Mondello Park is Ireland's only internationally recognized motor racing circuit, located in Donore, County Kildare, around 40 km west of Dublin. Established in 1968, it has evolved into a premier venue for various motorsport events, including motorcycle racing.

The Mondello Masters is one of Ireland’s most prestigious motorcycle racing events, held annually at Mondello Park. It draws top national and international riders to compete in high-speed, head-to-head racing. Here’s a look at its history and significance

Origins and History

The Mondello Masters began in 2010, created as a way to elevate the level of motorcycle racing in Ireland. It was designed to provide top riders with a high-stakes, competitive environment while attracting spectators and sponsors.
The series aimed to provide Irish riders a platform to compete against the best, fostering local talent and improving the overall level of Irish motorcycle racing. Riders often use the Mondello Masters as a stepping stone to larger championships, such as the British Superbike Championship (BSB) or other international series.

Format and Championships

The event features several classes, including:
- Superbike
- Supersport
- Pre-Injection
- Super Twins and other support classes.
The Superbike category is the flagship class, attracting the most skilled riders on high-powered machines, with top teams competing for significant prize money and prestige.

The Mondello Masters is run as a series with multiple rounds throughout the year. Riders accumulate points across the rounds, and the season culminates in a champion being crowned.

The series offers one of the largest prize funds in Irish motorcycle racing, which attracts top talent and boosts competition levels. In some years, the prize pool for the Superbike class alone has reached significant figures, making it a lucrative event for competitors.

Key Milestones

2010: The inaugural season of the Mondello Masters takes place, quickly becoming a popular event in the Irish motorcycle racing calendar.
2014: The series starts gaining recognition as a proving ground for Irish racers looking to break into international competitions.
2016 and Beyond: The event attracts notable riders from the Irish and UK racing scenes, helping to further establish it as a must-attend event for local racers.

Notable Riders

The Mondello Masters has seen participation from several well-known Irish and international riders over the years, many of whom have gone on to compete in international racing championships:

Derek Sheils
Richie Ryan – A multiple-time champion of the Mondello Masters Superbike category.
Michael Sweeney
Brian McCormack

These riders, among others, have contributed to the Mondello Masters’ growing reputation as a premier motorcycle racing event in Ireland.

Modern Impact

Today, the Mondello Masters is more than just a local racing series. It has become an integral part of Ireland’s motorsport culture, continuing to nurture local talent and entertain thousands of fans. Its importance as a stepping stone for riders hoping to compete in larger European and global events remains key.

Growth of the Event

As Mondello Park continues to invest in its facilities and infrastructure, the Mondello Masters has grown not only in terms of its reputation but also in the size of its grid, the quality of the racing, and the level of media attention it receives. This has made it a flagship event in the Irish racing calendar and one of the most anticipated motorcycle events in the country.

History

Founding: Mondello Park was initially a short 1.28 km (0.8 mile) track when it opened in 1968. It was established by a group of motor racing enthusiasts, with Stuart Cosgrave being one of the key figures.
Expansion: Over the years, the track was extended to 3.5 km (2.17 miles) and became FIA-licensed for international events. It is now a multi-purpose facility catering to a wide variety of motorsport disciplines, including motorcycle racing.

Motorcycle Racing

Mondello Park is significant in Ireland’s motorcycle racing scene, hosting national and international events, including rounds of the Irish Superbike Championship and other road racing events.

Irish Superbike Championship (ISB) This is one of the premier racing series in Ireland, and Mondello Park often hosts several rounds of the ISB, attracting top riders from around the country and beyond.
Over the years, Mondello Park has hosted high-profile motorcycle racing events, including visits from the British Superbike Championship (BSB) and other international series. This has further cemented its reputation as a top-tier racing venue.
The full circuit includes a mix of tight corners, straights, and elevation changes, making it challenging for riders. The shorter national circuit (1.94 km/1.2 miles) is often used for national-level motorcycle racing.
Mondello Park is also a key venue for motorcycle testing and rider training, offering track days and opportunities for both amateur and professional riders to hone their skills.

Notable Motorcycle Events

The Leinster 200: A historic Irish motorcycle racing event, with some editions held at Mondello Park. This race has seen participation from some of the best talent in Irish road racing.
Track Days & Training: Mondello Park organizes regular track days where motorcyclists can race or train in a controlled environment, under expert guidance.

Facilities

Spectator Facilities: Mondello Park offers extensive viewing areas for spectators, with grandstands, hospitality suites, and multiple vantage points around the circuit.
Rider Facilities: The circuit has full paddock facilities, pit garages, and amenities to support both amateur and professional riders during events.

Modern Use

Today, Mondello Park continues to be a hub for Irish motorsports, with motorcycle racing remaining an integral part of its calendar. It's also home to a motorsport museum, featuring a wide array of memorabilia from various racing disciplines, including motorcycles.