Mondello operating as normal after Birrane’s death and targets UK series

Mondello Park is aiming to attract more UK race series next season with circuit bosses insisting it’s “business as usual” following the recent death of the track’s former owner Martin Birrane.

Birrane, also a former owner of Lola Cars, passed away in June and Mondello has now passed into the hands of his family.

But the circuit’s general manager, Roddy Greene, says there is no immediate threat to Mondello’s future, with the track celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“From our point of view it’s business as usual and it is from Martin’s family’s point of view as well,” said Greene. “It’s great that the family is fully supportive of the business – they support Martin’s vision for Mondello and will be over for the historic racing festival in August.

“On a day-to-day basis there are no major changes, just a little change in the reporting structure for me.”

Greene added that the circuit is putting a big focus on club racing – in terms of both Irish series and attracting major UK classes over. The circuit featured on the British Touring Car Championship schedule between 2001 and ’06 and British Formula 3 and British Superbikes have also been frequent visitors. Greene would like both highprofile and club classes to feature on the Mondello calendar.

“We’re speaking to a couple of classes from the UK about getting them over and have a couple of meetings coming up,” he added.