Martin Birrane

Martin Brendan Birrane (19 August 1935 – 9 June 2018) was an Irish businessman and former racing driver. Born in Ballina, County Mayo and educated at St Muredach's College, Birrane made his money in property development, with his company Peer Group.

Birrane was the owner of the Mondello Park racetrack in County Kildare, which is the only FIA 3 1/2 kilometre track in Ireland. It hosts domestic and international events.

Biranne competed in the Le Mans 24 Hours ten times as a driver, winning the GT class in 1985. In 1990, he attempted to break the then Irish land speed record of 294.56 km/h, set by Mel Nolan on a turbocharged motorcycle over a "flying kilometre" on the Carrigrohane Straight in Cork in 1981. Martin reached 176 mph (283 km/h) on the then-unopened Westlink, now known as the M50, in Dublin.

Birrane owned Team Ireland, a NASCAR Winston Cup Series car racing team from 1991 to 1992. He was the owner of racing car manufacturer Lola Cars from 1997 until the company was closed down in 2012. The Sunday Times Rich List 2011 valued his assets at €85 million.

Birrane died in June 2018 at the age of 82.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap.)

† Events with 2 races staged for the different classes.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Footnotes

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap.)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)