THE new motor racing season gets underway at Kirkistown this Saturday with a 16 race programme at the Co Down circuit featuring a wide variety of vehicles from saloons to Superkarts.
The 1,200cc Legends class pits 5/8 scale 1930s American stock cars against each other over the 1.57 mile circuit. Four locally based drivers will be involved in the 14 car race, including our own local legend Ivor 'The Driver' Greenwood from Dundrod.
Formula Vee returns with 28 racers, while the Kirkistown Fiesta Zetec class has a 15 car entry. Though current Fiesta champion Mark Stewart will not be competing, his brother Paul will be in the mix along with all of last year's top drivers.
The fastest machines on the day will be the Superkarts, with a few of the top 125cc drivers having now made the jump to 250cc, including Ballygowan's Aaron Newell in his 250cc Anderson Maverick. In the 125cc class, Comber man Alan Crossen will be the man to beat.
The combined Saloons/GTs/Mazda MX5 grid features 12 cars. Moira driver Francie Allen will be making his Mazda class debut, while the BMW330i class has entries from brothers Keith and Greer Wray and Clonmellon's Pete Murray.
The Roadsports class has a healthy 15 car entry. Making a comeback in his NI Seven is Jimmy Dougan from Killyleagh, while Steven Larkhan will make his debut in a Radical Pro 6 racing against his uncle, Jim Larkhan, in a similar car. Ian Leinster from Belfast, in his super-quick Midget, will be one to watch.
The Formula Ford 1600 class will feature all of last year's top contenders, including multiple championship winner David McCullough defending his 2021 crown.
Qualifying starts at 9am with the first race around 11am. Entry is £12, free for under-16s. Full race information at Kirkistown.com.
