It’s a double victory for Perth speedster
Mark takes Newcomers Cup and Main Championship
Mini racer Mark Geraghty is reflecting on a delightful Scottish Motor Racing Club double.
The Perth speedster lifted the Celtic Speed Mini Cooper Newcomers Cup and Main Championship on a day to remember at Knockhill.
It was a performance at the Fife circuit which has Mark (33), who is in his first two years of car racing, on track to nail down further success next season.
Bagging the two titles was memorable and he said: “It was very unique as, since the Scottish Mini Cooper Cup started in 2003, it has never been won by a newcomer.
“It was very special to complete the double, winning both the main championship and also the newcomers championship. It’s the most competitive car racing championship in Scotland.
“It was a day of mixed emotions both exciting and nervous as going into the day I was 12 points behind the leader. But after a strong second place finish we took the championship lead.
“Then race two we took first place, extending our lead. Race three we had to finish 12th or better so I stayed out of trouble and cruised over the line in 10th to secure the championships.
“Although the driver gets all the credit, the double would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of Andrew Lamont Motorsport team who maintain and repair my MINI.
Mark Geraghty. Pics: Craig McAllister/CMC Images “They do everything from checking licence. Knockhill organise track days tyre pressures to engine changes on where you can take your car around race days to keep me on track and fight the track. Once I started to do this I for those podium positions.” was hooked.
In terms of competing, Mark was “After several years of track days I a late arrival onto the scene but his was becoming a bit bored as, although passion for motorsport has always this was fun, there was no competitive been strong. racing on.
“Although no one in my family had “This is where the transition to kart previously raced, I had a keen interest racing was made. Having purchased in motorsport from a young age,” the a kart I became a member at East of former Perth Grammar School student Scotland Kart Club. said. “I was a bit of a late starter at 27 as
“And with that, as a family, we some of the competitors had done this would attend the British Touring Car since six-years of age. Championship at Knockhill. “Although I wasn’t the quickest,
“I’ve always been competitive as it allowed me to learn the race craft with having a big brother, I was always required to race in the MINIs.” trying to beat him no matter what sport Mark still has decisions to make as we played. to where he will be racing next season.
“It all started once I had my driving What he does know, however, is how Mark Geraghty shows off his two titles at Knockhill important his sponsors are proving to be in what is an expensive sport to compete in.
“As for next season, we have not yet decided whether we will defend our title or not,” Mark said.
“We are looking at other car race series as well as possibly staying in the Scottish MINI cooper cup.
“But whatever we choose, myself and the team will give it 100% and push for the all important podium positions.
“Unfortunately the down side of the sport is how expensive it is to race.
“To be competitive requires money and fortunately enough I am sponsored by quite a few local companies.
“My main sponsor this year is Bonthrone Security Services. They have been a massive help this year.
“With all their support and backing, along with the other companies, it allows me to focus more on the racing rather than trying to find the money to race.
“Other companies who have supported me are: Grassicks MINI & BMW, Iain Ross Accident repair centre, PTW vehicle wrapping, Scott-glaze, Trac-prep, cutting edge landscape gardeners, little’s Restaurant, RA Motorsport, J B Racing Suspension, Balgonie Motor Company and Perth Tool Repairs.
“Without every single one of them then I’m sure I wouldn’t have won the championship so a massive thanks to them all, as well as my family and friends that come to support me.”
Mark is on the lookout for sponsors - he can be contacted via his Facebook page Mark Geraghty Racing.