Father and daughter take trophies at Mondello Park

Thomas McManus and his daughter Leah both reasons to smile at Mondello Park last weekend
Father and daughter take trophies at Mondello Park

Leah McManus and her dad Thomas are all smiles after both won in the first heat at Mondello Park Photo: Michael Relihan

Thomas McManus returned to the driving seat at Mondello Park last Sunday when he entered his MINI Cooper S in the Open Clubman Class of the Irish Rallycross Championship. Despite a long layoff, he won two heats over the weekend and was classified a close second on both days.

His 17 year old daughter Leah, went one better though, taking the win in the MINI Graduate Class on both Saturday and Sunday, and extending her championship lead as well.

Leah, despite her young age, has plenty of Motorsport experience, having competed in both Junior Rallycross and the Junior MINI Challenge race series over the last two seasons.

17 year Old Leah McManus on her way to a double MINI Graduate win at Mondello Park Photo: Michael Relihan
17 year Old Leah McManus on her way to a double MINI Graduate win at Mondello Park Photo: Michael Relihan

During the week, she shares her time between working at the family Motorworx garage in Kilmeague and Mondello Park, where she works at the larger shows and Corporate Events.

Thomas drives a supercharged MINI Cooper S in the Modified Clubman Class and Leah drives a 1.6 Cooper in the MINI Graduate class. Both cars are prepared at Motorworx and both are liveried in the garage's colours!

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