A packed car and superkart programme at Kirkistown

This Saturday (April 27) will see the second race meeting of the 2024 season at Kirkistown race circuit in county Down when all of the domestic championships will feature, including the amazing Superkarts.

There is a good entry in Formula Ford 1600. Ballymena driver David McCullough will be trying to get the better of Jason Smith from Celbridge who won both races in March. Ronan Doherty from Dunloy will also be at the very sharp end, as will Jordan Kelly from Buncrana. Stephen O’Connor from Ballymount has been putting in lots of testing laps recently and is now going very well. This all augurs for an excellent couple of races!

Formula Sheane are visiting this time. Watch out for Vinny Keogh from Rathcoole and Keith Hogg from Swords who will be renewing their rivalry.

There are 13 Superkarts entered across the two classes. In the 250cc class, Brian Jones from Craigavon is certainly in form at the moment. Chasing him hard will be Aaron Newell from Ballygowan and Liam Fox from Moira, among quite a few others. In the 125cc class, Stuart Coey from Comber will be the man to beat.

2023 champion Michael Graham from Portadown makes a return to the Kirkistown Fiestas which will give Megan Campbell from Strangford something to think about. Paul Larkham from Larne will be hoping to repeat his winning form from March while Stephen Walker from Helensburgh seems to have found another gear this year.

There is another good field of Modi-5-Cup Mazdas. It should be frantic at the front. Any one of six drivers could win. These include Francie Allen from Moira, David Cousins from Ballywalter, Damian Moran from Newry, Rob Kennedy from Crossmaglen and Craig Ewing from Dundonald. 

Snapping at their heels will be John Stewart from Bangor, Jim Kennedy from Crossmaglen, Robert McAllister from Antrim, Gregory Radcliff from Banbridge and guest driver Paul McAlinden from Warrenpoint.

The Kirkistown Minis are fielding nine cars. Peter Bennett from Tandragee is always a man to beat. Those most likely to do so will be Darren Gilmore from Lisnaskea, his brother Craig from Ballyhalbert, Taylor Frizzell from Ballyclare and the Stewart brothers, Paul and Mark, from Belfast. Finn Blaine from Downpatrick has had to wait until his 16th birthday passed earlier this month to make his debut at this meeting.

There is a large combined field of Sports Cars. These include Globals, NI 7evens and Roadsports. The fastest will be the Roadsports where Mike Ward from Youghal will be the man with the target on his back. In the Globals, Peter Drennan from Navan, Richard Finlay from Larne and Cameron Fenton from Greystones will be worth watching. In the NI 7evens keep an eye on Ethan Campbell from Strangford who is getting quicker with every race.

Unless there is a major upset, Gavin Stanfield from Cabra should dominate a small Saloon field.

Qualifying starts at 8.45am. First race should take place at 10.30am.