Visit to Kirkistown Racing Circuit

The night started with a scenic 10 mile drive down the very beautiful coastline of Strangford Lough through Greyabbey, Kircubbin and on to Kirkistown where we were greeted by our host for the evening, Richard Young.

The roar of the three e-types and the bark of another member’s V8 XFR set the mood for the evening. We were ushered up to the race tower overlooking the one-and-a-half-mile circuit where Richard gave us a talk on the history of the track. The first race by the 500 Motor Club of Ireland took place in 1953, followed by Formula Ford and then Formula Junior, heralding new beginnings of circuit racing. The track boasts of having at least 20 F1 drivers racing there at some time, with names like Ken Tyrell who competed in his Cooper, Desmond Titterington, Tommy Reid, Malcolm Templeton, John Watson and Eddie Irvine. Kirkistown hopes to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year and is the only club owned circuit in the UK. Richard got our pulses racing when we were given the green light to do as many laps as we wanted on this famous track. As we parked and made our way back for our tea and coffee the still night air was smelling of brake dust and the talk was of hairpins and chicanes. A great night’s fun was had by everyone