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Martin Donnelly and Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy Meeting At Kirkistown.
Motor racing continues its truncated season this Saturday 26th September with a large meeting at Kirkistown Race circuit in County Down.
Unfortunately, the general public are not allowed in to spectate (club members are), due to continuing Covid-19 restrictions. However, live timing and results from the 18 race programme will be available on the Speedhive app.
Two major perpetual trophies will be up for grabs at this meeting.
The Martin Donnelly Trophy will be awarded to the driver with the best combined result over the two N.I. FF1600 races. The Randalstown Rocket, Alan Davidson, will be targeting this one again, having last won it in 2014. However, this year he will have stiff opposition from Dave Parks from Ballina, who has been at the sharp end of every FF1600 race this year. Anything can happen in these trophy races. Should Davidson and Dave Parks have misfortune, an opportunity will be there for Trevor Delaney, from Carrickmacross or Dave’s son Robbie. Drew Stewart, from Antrim, could also be in the reckoning.
The Emerson Fittipaldi Trophy race has been held at Kirkistown for many years. It is for Formula Vee racers and always provides breathtaking racing. This year will be no exception with 17 cars entered. Picking a winner in advance is impossible. Previous winner, Anthony Cross, from Bohernabreena, is in form. Philip Sheane, from Wicklow, is always a contender for the win. Gavin Buckley, from Dublin, will be in the mix as will John-Benedict Farrell, from Newry. Other Ulster drivers include Jordan Kelly, from Buncrana and Seán McCallion, from Derry.
The combined Saloons and GTs grids are very interesting. In the Saloons, Stephen Traub, from Belfast and Peter Baxter, from Aghagallon have to be the men to watch. Current Saloon Champion, Donal O’Neill, from Nutt’s Corner, makes his first outing this year in his ageing Seat and Hugh McEvoy, from Jonesborough is doing likewise in his Renault Clio.
In the BMW 330i class, expect close racing from Derry driver, Gavin Kilkey, Lisburn’s Greer Wray and Clonmellon driver, Pete Murray.
The GT class has a very eclectic mix of machinery. Gerard O’Connell, from Dungiven, in his space frame Escort, has not been beaten this year. His opposition will include Kieron Gaffin, from Toomebridge, in his Porsche GT3, Gareth Thompson, from Dungannon, in a very quick MGB GT and Ian Leinster, from Belfast, in a rapid MG Midget.
In the Roadsports race, John Benson, from Holywood, will be worth watching, although his Crosslé 37S has had some reliability issues this year. Fresh from his first win last time, Steve Morris, who makes the trip from Welling, will be hoping for a repeat.
The Global Lights will be racing with Roadsports and they always provide very close racing. Bernard Foley from Dublin will be in the mix, as will Raymond McKenna, also from Dublin.
There is a large grid of Fiestas for the combined Fiesta and Mazda MX5 races. Previous multiple champion, Jonny Forsythe, from Annalong, is making a rare appearance and can never be ruled out. Brothers, Mark & Paul Stewart, from Belfast will be in the reckoning, as will Strangford hot shoe, Megan Campbell. Dan Keelan, from Ashburn and Colm Barrable, from Dublin will be the dark horses.
In the MX5s, Paul Sheridan, from Randalstown, Stephen Murray, from Tandragee and Brian Sexton, from Robertstown, are all capable of winning.
The Legends make a welcome return, for the first time this year. These 1000cc 5/8 scale 1940s American Stock car replicas have the aerodynamic attributes of a brick and, consequently, put on great slipstreaming displays. Ten cars are entered. Dundrod legend, Ivor Greenwood, and Ruairi O’Dowd, from Portadown will be upholding the pride of Ulster while the two Richardsons, Geoff and Greg, from Dublin will be a major part of the opposition.
And so to the amazing Superkarts! Stuart Coey, from Comber and Liam Fox, from Craigavon should be the main contenders in the 250cc class while the 125cc class will see the Crossan brothers, Alan and Peter renew their rivalry. Ross Witherow, from Newtownards, will be trying to spoil their party, as will Scott Greenaway, from Gilford and Philip Mills, from Dollingstown.
Qualifying will begin at 8:30am, with the first race shortly after 11:00am.
