Holly steers to major success in a Mini

A DULEEK teenager has become the first ever female winner of an Irish Championship Circuit Racing (ICCR) event at Mondello Park.

Steeped with a family tradition in motorsport spanning three generations, Holly Dunnion began her motorsport exploits in kart racing when she was seven-years-old before moving up the motorsport ladder into saloon car racing driving a Mini Cooper. She signed off on her kart racing career by winning the 2019 Motorsport Ireland Cadet Novice Championship.

In what was Holly’s maiden season in saloon car racing, the Duleek native was on the podium in all but one of her ten races that were held at both Mondello Park and Kirkistown Racing Circuit in Northern Ireland. Her on-track performances, including that famous race win at Mondello Park and her consistency earned Holly second overall in the 2023 Junior Mini Challenge. The race series which is promoted by Mondello Park caters for junior racing drivers, both male and female, between the ages of fourteen and seventeen.

Reflecting on her success in 2023 Holly said: "Moving from karts to cars was a big challenge but with the help of Alex Denning I was able to adapt and learn quickly. My family has also played a central role, their support and motorsport experience has been pivotal. I would also like to thank all my sponsors, Energia, Esprit, Irish Cement Platin, Bright Software, Skyline Electrical and SmithsStop of Duleek, without their support it would not be possible.

On her progression in motorsport Holly said: “A special thanks to Leo Nulty and Mondello Park for introducing me to the Junior Mini Class. Leo loaned me a Mini back in 2022 and I competed in my first race at 14. I was the youngest female to race cars in Mondello Park. I would also like to thank Nicci Daly of Formula Female for her continued support, she is so encouraging and motivating.”

In 2019 13-year-old Holly who was 11 at the time became the first-ever female winner of a Motorsport Ireland racing championship title breaking down barriers for girls in what is often seen as a male-dominated sport.

"I think its really important to show other young girls that they achieve in any sport. There is no reason girls can't compete on an equal basis especially in motorsport and showing by example is the best message,"said Holly.

"Motorsport is so exciting and needs so much concentration and when you drive well and win there's nothing to beat that feeling"

The talented racer has competed at tracks all over Ireland getting her first kart when she was seven and competing in her first race at a track in Athboy with a local club. As with everyone, the youngster was forced to scrap training and competitions with the onset of the pandemic but little did she or her family know what other challenges were to face them.

On Easter weekend 2020, during the height of the first lockdown, the teenager was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes but the defiant champion has refused to let it take hold as Holly’s dad, Michael explains:

“It was a shock, It was life changing for us all.

“She is very brave, she took it in her stride and made it her own, she is control, she knows what she has to do inside out, she doesn’t rely on us for anything."

As for the season ahead, Holly and her dad are busy preparing her race car with the help of O’Brien Motorsport and in the background Holly is working on her fitness and sponsorship opportunities for 2024. “The plan for this season is to win the championship, this will take a lot of commitment but I plan to have loads of fun and I am looking forward to more exciting on track adventures,” she said.