THE final car and superkart meeting of 2024 takes place at Kirkistown Racing Circuit this Saturday, September 28.
As is traditional at this meeting, the Martin Donnelly Trophy is awarded to the winner of the second Formula Ford 1600 race and the Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy will go to the winner of the second Formula Vee race.
Both classes have excellent grids – there are 21 entries in the Formula Vee class and it promises to be an amazing contest with many of the big names from past and present, including Tinahely’s Jack Byrne, Colm Blackburn (Ballyfermot), Gavin Buckley (Dublin) and Anthony Cross (Bohernabreena). Cross usually shines at this event but he has not been racing much this year and may be slightly rusty.
It was in the Martin Donnelly Trophy race last year that young Jason Smyth was inconsolable after throwing away an almost certain win by making a slight mistake in the closing stages. In 2024 Smyth has been almost unbeatable, having already sewn up the NI FF1600 Championship at the last meeting, and will see this race as unfinished business. However, Ballymena’s David McCullough has won the trophy on numerous occasions and he will be seeking another win.
Once again, Portadown driver, Noel Robinson, will be parking his BOSS Ireland car and returning in his trusty Van Diemen to challenge the field. He too is a past winner. Other potential winners in the 15-car field include Jordan Kelly (Buncrana) and Stephen O’Connor (Ballymount).
Eleven Superkarts are turning out. Moira’s Liam Fox won in the 250cc class at the last meeting, as did Alan Crossen, from Comber. Ballyclare’s Jonathan Adams will also be in the mix. In the 125cc class, watch out for Scott Greenaway, from Gilford, Philip Mills, from Dollingstown and the evergreen Noel Lindsay (Hillsborough).
The H.R.C.A. boast an excellent 10-car field. Armagh’s Jackie Cochrane will have an immaculate V8 Sunbeam Tiger, as will Edmund Cassidy, from Kilsallaghan. Many eyes will be on Dungarvan driver Ciaran Geoghegan in his Lotus Cortina and also upholding the Ford flag will be Tommy Doherty, from Dublin, in a Capri.
A small combined Roadsports, GTs and Saloon race will feature Mike Ward (Youghal), in a Radical PR6; Bernard Foley (Blackrock), in a Crosslé 42S; David Kelly (Delgany), in a Crosslé 9S; John Cardoo (Naas), in a Wildcat; Peter Baxter (Lurgan), in a Seat, and John Newport (Loughgall), in another Wildcat. Going on lap times alone, Ward may just shade Baxter.
The Modi-5-Cup for Mazda MX5s has produced great racing this year. Dundonald driver Craig Ewing is missing, having already claimed the Championship. However, the sharp end should be tightly contested among Moira’s Francis Allen, Newry’s Damian Moran and Culloville’s Rob Kennedy.
The Kirkistown Fiestas is the class that refuses to die. People were writing its obituary when the Kirkistown Minis appeared, but this time there is a nine-car field. Father and son team, Derek and Michael Graham, from Portadown, are entered and must be joint favourites. Meanwhile Banbridge’s Neville Anderson will be trying to win the Championship. He is 33 points ahead of Stephen Walker (Helensburg) and, barring a non-finish, he should succeed. Megan Campbell from Strangford is currently third in the championship standings and could possibly get second. Making a guest appearance for this meeting is Eórann O’Neill, from Nutt’s Corner. She was a front runner and race winner in the class some years ago.
Qualifying is scheduled to start at 8.45am, with the first race of the day at 10.30am.
For all intending to visit, please be aware that the main Newtownards to Portaferry Road is closed for resurfacing and alternative routes will be signposted.
