THE most prestigious trophy in the history of Irish motor racing will making its long-awaited return to Northern Ireland later this month.
First awarded in 1934 to Irish racing star Fay Taylour, The Leinster Trophy has been won by famous names including Formula 1 World Champions Mike Hawthorn, Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen, former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan and F1 Grand Prix regular Maurício Gugelmin.
Several legendary drivers from the local motor racing scene have also had their names on the Trophy including John Pollock, Jay Pollock, Patsy McGarrity, Brian Nelson, Tommy Reid, Trevor Templeton and Belfast-born five-time Grand Prix winner John Watson.
Presented at a variety of Irish racing events over the past 57 years, the last time northern race fans caught a glimpse of The Leinster Trophy was when it was awarded at Bishopscourt in Co Down in 1967. The following year, it was presented at the newly opened Mondello Park circuit in Co Kildare, which would become the Trophy's 'home' for over five decades.
However, 2021 will see the historic 'loving cup' travelling north once again for the 2021 Leinster Trophy Car Race meeting at Kirkistown Racing Circuit on August 28 and 29.
Presented by the 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland in association with the Leinster Motor Club, the Co Down event will feature a variety of racing classes: Formula BOSS Ireland, SuperKarts, Formula Vee, Roadsports, Fiesta Zetec and a combined grid of Saloons, GTs and Mazda MX5s.
The Leinster Motor Club always decide which race will compete for The Leinster Trophy. In 2020, it was awarded to the winner of the Formula BOSS Ireland race, Limerick driver Paul O'Connell, who only began circuit racing in 2018 and is already a two-time Formula BOSS Ireland Champion.
The fastest class in Irish motor racing, 'BOSS' stands for 'Big Open Single Seaters'. There are very few vehicle restrictions – even Formula 1 cars are eligible.
This year at Kirkistown, the Limerick racer will be hoping for another 'double' by retaining the Trophy when it will be awarded to the winner of the second BOSS race.
"I'm delighted that Formula BOSS Ireland get the opportunity to race for the Leinster Trophy in 2021 at Kirkistown," says O'Connell.
"It promises to be a very exciting weekend of motorsport at a very fast and challenging racetrack."
There will also be a selection of classic trophies awarded to competitors in other classes for the first time at the Co Down circuit, including the Homepatrick Trophy for the winner of the Formula Vee final.
Qualifying will be on the afternoon of Friday August 27 between 2pm and 5pm. All racing will take place on Saturday August 28, starting at 9am, and will be open to spectators. All classes will have two 15-minute races, except for the SuperKarts which will have three eight-lap races.
:: See Kirkistown.com for more information.
