MOTORSPORT fans are in for a high-octane treat this Saturday as Kirkistown Race Circuit welcomes a bumper schedule of racing action, featuring the first visits of the season by the spectacular Superkarts and crowd-favourite Legend Cars.
In what promises to be the biggest Superkart turnout at Kirkistown in years, 17 entries across the 250cc and 125cc classes will battle it out over three adrenaline-charged races.
Ballygowan’s Aaron Newell arrives on a high after dominating the 250cc class at Bishopscourt earlier this month. But he won’t have it all his own way, with strong competition expected from Craigavon’s Brian Jones, Moira’s Liam Fox, and Bangor’s Colin Menary.
In the 125cc ranks, keep an eye on Hillsborough’s Noel Lindsay, his brother-in-law Geoffrey Simms from Armagh, and fellow Armagh racer Scott Greenaway. With top speeds and tight racing, the Superkarts are sure to thrill — especially through the high-speed Colonial One to John Crosslé Chicane section.
Adding to the spectacle, the ever-popular Legend Cars will also take to the track for three races. These 5/8th scale replicas of 1930s American stock cars, with their equal performance and eye-catching liveries, guarantee wheel-to-wheel excitement. Among the 13 entrants are Dublin’s Michael Barrible, Kilkenny’s Scott Jackson, Ballymena’s Richard Spence, and Dunboyne’s Lee Malone. Berlin’s Nico Frank is an unknown quantity but could well shake up the order.
The Northern Ireland Formula Ford 1600s (NI FF1600) will see 12 cars on the grid across two races. After missing the last round, Ballymena’s David McCullough returns eager to challenge the form man, Ronan Doherty of Dunloy, who dominated in April. American Ricky Simpson (Apple Valley, California) and Ballina’s Dave Parks are also expected to be in the mix.
Kirkistown’s Fiesta series will welcome another American entry — New York City’s Aidan Mulready — who has been setting the pace in recent rounds. Banbridge’s Neville Anderson will be aiming to break his run, with Newtownabbey’s Conor Mulholland close behind. Sharing the grid will be the ever-competitive Kirkistown Mini Coopers, featuring tight racing among Craig Gilmore (Ballyhalbert), Darren Gilmore (Lisnaskea) and Taylor Frizzell (Ballyclare).
The Libre Saloons and Roadsports categories round out a packed programme. Newtownabbey’s Jim Larkham is the driver to beat in his Radical Pro6, but Lurgan’s Peter Baxter (Seat), Banbridge’s Arnie Black (Crosslé 37S), and Blackrock’s Bernard Foley (Crosslé 42S) will all be hot on his heels.
Qualifying begins at 9:00am, with the first of 12 races getting underway at 10:40am. Spectators can expect a full day of racing drama at Northern Ireland’s premier circuit.
