By Donal O’Neill
THE popular Scottish Minis return to Kirkistown Racing Circuit for three rounds of their Championship on Saturday.
Current championship leader Jack Irvine, from Carrickfergus, boasts two wins in the series, which is one more than Chad Little and James Hitchen, who will be chasing him hard this weekend.
As well as the Scottish Minis, there will be a full supporting programme for spectators to enjoy at the Ards Peninsula circuit.
The revival in FF1600 continues, with a 10-car grid, for two races. These should be excellent races and while predicting a winner is never a smart move, there could be two drivers worth keeping an eye on.
Ballina’s Dave Parks and Ballymena rookie Ben Smith are likely to be in the mix, with both fancied to go close and the latter tipped to secure his first FF1600 victory.
Neither will have an easy time however, as the opposition is talent heavy. Tim Woodside (Dunadry), his brother, Simon (Templepatrick), Trevor Delaney (Carrickmacross) and Phil Harris (Saintfield) are also potential winners in a field that is expected to feature battles throughout.
Travis Mawhinney, from Richhill, and Neville Anderson, from Banbridge, will be renewing their rivalry in the Kirkistown Fiestas, but Grace McCallion and Stephen Walker will be snapping at their heels, while ‘dark horse’ Lorcan McGivney could be one to watch.
The combined Roadsports, Saloons and GT races have a small field. Youghal’s Mike Ward and Newtownabbey’s Jim Larkham have already won races this year, and either could win again.
However, Holywood driverHal Catherwood is bringing his quick Crosslé 9s out and could be the one to upset the form guide.
Currently, the Modi-5-Cup Mazda MX5 field is very sparce. Craig Ewing, from Dundonald, is the man to beat, with potential challenges coming from Paul McAlinden (Loughinisland), Stuart Annesley (Holywood), Chris Radcliffe (Donacloney) and Andy Penman (Belfast).
The Kirkistown Mini Coopers also have a small field. Ballyclare’s Taylor Frizzell is the favourite for success, while Portadown’s James Turkington, Newtownards’ Ryan Hogg and John Williamson will aim to chase him down
The first race is scheduled for 10.40am.
