MOTORSPORT fans are in for a treat this Saturday, July 26, as Kirkistown Racing Circuit hosts the first of its 2025 ‘mega-meeting’ car races.
Over 100 drivers are entered, with some competing in as many as five races. The packed schedule includes seven double-header classes and concludes with a special Fiesta Zetec Allcomers race. Adding to the day’s appeal, a display and parade of Ford Mustangs will entertain spectators between races.
The action kicks off with Formula Vee. Among the 18 drivers entered are Dublin’s Gavin Buckley, who clinched the 2024 title at Kirkistown and currently leads the championship. Conor Melia, second in the standings, will be pushing hard to close the gap. Expect close battles up front.
The ICCR Fiesta Zetec class follows, with 23 cars set to race. New Yorker Aidan Mulready leads the Kirkistown Fiesta Championship and sits third in the ICCR series. Sean McGovern (Dún Laoghaire) and Co Meath driver Alan Dawson will be among his main challengers.
A 10-car field of Roadsports, GTs, and Saloons promises variety and speed. Jim Larkham (Newtownabbey) and Mike Ward (Youghal) will go head-to-head in their Radicals, while Banbridge’s Arnie Black could mix things up in his Crosslé 37S. The saloon contest features three Seat Supercopas and a rapid BMW, with drivers including Peter Baxter (Lurgan), Paul Parr (Newry), and Gavin Kilkey (Derry). In the GTs, Cooktown’s Matthew McCord and Alexander Preston (Loughgall) will be battling it out in their SHP Wildcats.
The ICCR Fiesta ST class returns to Kirkistown with 15 entries. Championship leader David Maguire heads the charge, but Portadown’s Derek Graham, Roy White (Donnybrook), and Tim McQuaid (Dublin) will keep him honest.
The Modi-5-Cup Mazda class continues to grow, thanks to Ballyhalbert’s David Cousins, who prepares most of the 13-car grid. Dundonald’s Craig Ewing is the one to beat, with strong competition from Francie Allen (Moira), Damian Moran (Dundalk), and Rob Kennedy (Crossmaglen).
Kirkistown’s own Fiesta class returns after two thrilling races last time. Aidan Mulready faces a renewed challenge from Banbridge’s Neville Anderson and Newtownabbey’s improving Conor Mulholland.
Formula Ford 1600 wraps up the main classes, boasting a strong 14-car and international grid. Swedish driver Peter Sikström, London-based Giovanni Romagnoli Sacci, and New Zealand’s Alan Crocker will face home stars like Ronan Doherty (Dunloy), Stephen O’Connor (Dublin), and Ian Campbell (Dundalk).
Qualifying starts at 8.45am with racing from 11am.
