New Autograss track comes to Banbridge

Having previously been based at Maghaberry, the club’s new track is located at Brague Road, Banbridge.

The club will host the first heat of the All Ireland Series on Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1.

Nan Burke, the club’s PR officer said: “There are four All Ireland heats and we’ll host the first heat, with the rest in West Waterford, Cork and Carlow, before the grand final takes place in August.

“We’ll welcome drivers from the 32 counties. Hopefully 100 cars or more will be racing throughout the weekend in various classes with ages of drivers ranging from 12 years to 60 plus.”

Local interest in the event will be in the form of Loughbrickland’s Johnny McCracken and Dromore brother and sister, Scott and Gemma McNeill.

The two day event, which is suitable for all ages, will also see a host of entertainment provided for spectators.

Racing will begin both days at 11am, with three heats on Saturday, and one heat and a ‘Champion of Champions’ final on Sunday.

Meanwhile, an ‘It’s a Knockout’ contest will be held on Saturday evening for adults, with entertainment also provided for children.

Stalls will also be at the track, selling food and motorsport merchandise.

Nan added: “It is difficult to find a circuit for our kind of track, but we get quite a few from the border area and the Banbridge area offers us access to the main roads.

“We have people coming with cars and campers, so we need an area in the countryside where we will not cause any annoyance, although we are not very noisy.”

Nan said that Autograss is a family friendly sport.

“We are very much a family sport and there are occasions when we see a junior racing and then the mum and finally the father.”

Entrance to the All Ireland Series is £8 and under 12’s are free.

For further details visit www.downautograss.jimdo.com or follow them on Facebook at Down Autograss 2014.