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The Final Reckoning At Kirkistown 2023.
The end of the motor racing season at Kirkistown comes a little later than normal in 2023 because of a calendar issue earlier in the year. Thus, the final race meeting is on Saturday 21st October.
There are no visiting classes but, in most cases, there is a good turnout of local talent.
The Kirkistown Minis have entertained royally all year. There are eleven on the grid this time. It will be very close at the front. First time winners at the September meeting, Johnny Titterington, from Ballygowan, and Darren Gilmore, from Lisnaskea, are both entered. Expect strong opposition from the Stewart brothers, Mark and Paul, both from Belfast, and Peter Bennett, from Tandragee. If Wayne Owens, from Downpatrick, can keep it on the black stuff, he will be up at the front as well.
The Saloons Championship has yet to decided and, this time, there are three races for this class because of a cancelled race earlier in the season. The two contenders for the Championship are Gareth Blaine, from Downpatrick, and Peter Baxter, from Lurgan. Blaine currently has a 50 point advantage, with 66 points available, so it is a tough ask for Baxter. In the Saloon mix are a number of drivers capable of getting in the way of both of these men. Paul Parr, from Newry and Gavin Kilkey, from Derry, are both in similar Seat Supercopa cars. Expect them to be up there.
The GT class is running concurrently with the Saloons. Stephen Conn, from Armagh, has a 31 point advantage in the championship over Paul McAlinden, from Warrenpoint. Once again, there are 66 points on the table.
The Modi-5-Cup Mazda MX5 race features a record equalling ten cars, which combined with a further three Kirkistown Fiestas, provides a good grid. Francis Allen, from Moira, has already sown up the Championship but he will still be looking for another win. Main opposition should come from David Cousins, from Ballywalter, and Damian Moran, from Newry. In the Fiestas, expect a good dice between Strangford driver, Megan Campbell, and Helensburg driver, Stephen Walker.
There are seven entered for the Roadsports races. Top of the list is Steven Larkham, from Ballycarry. His main opposition will come from Mike Ward, from Youghal. There is a strong N.I. 7even contingent. Watch out for Ethan Campbell, from Strangford, Brian Crawford, from Lisburn and Allen Millar, from Loughgall.
At the time of writing, there are only three FF1600 cars entered and yet, this is a championship round. Currently, Alan Davidson, from Randalstown, is third in the championship, 34 points behind Ballymena’s David McCullough, who has not entered! Neither has second placed driver, Jordan Kelly, who will be at Brands Hatch. With 44 points available, Davidson could clinch the championship!
Qualifying will start at 9:15am with racing starting around 11:00pm.
Ballywalter driver, David Cousins.
Johnny Titterington, from Ballygowan, leading Darren Gilmore, from Lisnaskea.
Gareth Blaine, from Downpatrick.
Francis Allen, from Moira, leading Damian Moran, from Newry.
Mike Ward, from Youghal.
Megan Campbell, from Strangford.
Peter Baxter, from Lurgan.
Ethan Campbell, from Strangford
Alan Davidson, from Randalstown.
All photos are by Jimmy Graham.