THE GOOD wine was certainly kept for last at Mondello Park yesterday, where a new outright lap record of 50.72 seconds (81.62 m.p.h.) - over a second and a half better than the old mark - was set by Johan Rajamaki of Sweden in winning the first Irish Super Prix, driving an ex-Formula One Footwork-Judd.

Championships in three National classes were decided in favour of Derek Cunneely (Bridgestone Formula Opel), Alan Ring (Ford of Ireland/Formula Ford 1600) and Michael Cullen (Dunlop Touring Cars).

The Irish Super Prix attracted a good overseas entry, headed by Rajamaki, leader of the Boss Series in Britain for this class of ex-Formula One, Formula 3,000 and other Libre cars.

Rajamaki led off pole but Britain's Perry McCarthy came from the back of the grid to challenge the Swedish driver. The lap record of 52.30 seconds set by Martin Donnelly in 1988 fell several times, with both of them setting new times.

Rajamaki took the 1,000 Guineas prize for setting the new record, and McCarthy and third placed Tony Worswick also got under the old record, recording times of 50.83 and 51.92 respectively. McCarthy lost first and second gear and was lucky to hold on to second in his Lola-Cosworth.

Rajamaki commented that it was difficult putting the 700 horsepower of his Footwork-Judd down onto the track. particularly coming out of the two hairpins, and the low-slung car was difficult to handle over the bumps. In congratulating the winner, the much experienced McCarthy said he will be back next year to lower the lap record to under 50 seconds.

Wayne Douglas was the start-to-finish winner of the final round of the Bridgestone Formula Opel Championship.