THIS weekend sees the return of the beautiful Pre-1955 racing cars to Kirkistown Racing Circuit.
Although the class is for pre-1955 cars, the youngest car entered on Saturday, June 28 is a 1936 Iona Special, driven by Edmund Cassidy from Kilsallaghan. The oldest, meanwhile, is a 1923 Bentley Supersports, driven by Dublin’s Daniel Bailey.
Killinchy’s Andy Johnston is the driver of a 1932 Alfa Romeo Monza, likely to be the quickest car this weekend. The interest that these cars garnered in 2024 was well deserved and they delivered in spades.
Continuing with the vintage theme, for the first time there is a race for Austin Sevens. The aforementioned Daniel Bailey, Philipa Bailey, from Newtownards, and Dermot Johnston (Holywood), are all piloting Austin 7 Chummies. Jack Brien (Holywood), Paul Armstrong (Belfast) and George and Angus Johnston (Killinchy) are all in Austin 7 Ulster machines. Bangor man Ali Carver is not only an accomplished mechanic and very handy driver, but also a highly talented jazz musician, mostly on bass. As a tribute to the famous Northern Irish Punk band, Stiff Little Fingers, he has listed his ride as an Austin 7 “Alternative Ulster”.
The Irish H.R.C.A. class has two races, with very good grids. These may well provide the closest racing of the day. One might expect Armagh stalwart Jackie Cochrane to dominate in his V8 Sunbeam Tiger, but his opposition this time is particularly strong.
Dungannon’s Gareth Thompson, is getting quicker with every outing, as he steadily tames his Ginetta G10. Belfast driver, Mark Russell, gets the best out of his Morgan Plus 8 and will be there or thereabouts. Among a good variety of other machines, there is also the very quick Crosslé duo of Bernard Foley (Blackrock) in a 42S, and John Benson, from Holywood, in a 37S.
At the time of writing, it looks like Ronan Doherty, from Dunloy, should have a clear run in the Formula Ford 1600s. However, in the older classes there will be tighter battles. Phillip Harris, from Ballynahinch, has had a great season so far in the very competitive Pre-90 class. His main opposition will come from Allan McBurney (Donaghcloney), David Nicholl, (Markethill), Henry Campbell (Ballymena) and Ashley McCulla (Lisburn).
The big question with the Kirkistown Fiestas is, can anyone beat New Yorker, Aidan Mulready? He makes the trip from the Big Apple every time and, so far, he has been rewarded with wins. The driver who has consistently come closest is Banbridge’s Neville Anderson. If Newtownabbey driver, Conor Mulholland, could escape his early race battles with Derry girl, Grace McCallion and Helensburgh man, Stephen Walker, he could push Anderson and himself closer to Mulready. The Fiesta races will be well worth watching.
In the combined Roadsports, Saloons and GTs races, the Radicals of Newtownabbey driver, Jim Larkham, and Youghal’s Mike Ward should be just in front but Banbridge driver, Arnie Black, in a Crosslé 37S, Bernard Foley and John Benson are all fast and will be snapping at the Radicals.
In the GTs, Barney Casement, from Saintfield and Alexander Preston and John Newport, both from Loughgall, should have an interesting battle, while in the Saloons, Saintfield’s David Smyth should have a clear run.
There is a view that when one driver dominates, a class will suffer with diminishing numbers. The Modi-5-Cup for Mazda MX5s proves this to be untrue. Dundonald driver and current Modi-5-Cup champion Craig Ewing is unbeaten this year. However, a growing list of drivers are lining up to challenge him.
With a 12-car field, this class is going from strength to strength. Newry driver, Damian Moran, Antrim man, Robert McAllister, and Moira’s Francie Allen should be the main challengers to Ewing. Further down the field, expect great battles between Warrenpoint’s Paul McAlinden, class founder, David Cousins, in a borrowed car, and Gregory Radcliffe, from Banbridge, among others. Greenisland man, Peter Gilchrist, is making his car racing debut in this very competitive class.
Qualifying starts at 9am, with the first race at 11am. A grid walk will take place for the pre-55 cars to allow the public to take photographs.
