THIS weekend could well be the last opportunity for Irish enthusiasts to see big time rallycross at Nutt's Corner Co Antrim, tomorrow and Mondello Park on Sunday.
Although the two British Rallycross Championship rounds have attracted a quality entry, they are poor consolation for the disastrous loss of the European Championship event originally scheduled for Mondello on June 22nd, cancelled on account of new technical and safety regulations.
If we cannot afford such changes, it could spell the end for international rallycross in Ireland.
Will Gollop in his Peugeot 306 4WD Turbo heads the entry, his biggest challenge is expected from Dublin driver Dermot Carnegie in a Ford Escort RS Cosworth, currently second to Gollop in the British series.
Tommy Graham of Prosperous expects to clinch the Manor Inn National Rallycross Championship in this final round. The Escort Cosworth driver has a six point lead over Peter Faulkner and is nine points clear of Lloyd Spendlove.
Joey Dunlop will give road racing fans a unique thrill in tomorrow's Cookstown 100, riding a 500cc Grand Prix Honda V Twin for the first time on a road circuit. He will also race this high tec. bike in the North West 200 on May 17th and the Isle of Man TT in June.
Dublin driver Des Cullen was presented with a special award to celebrate 50 years competing in motor sport on two wheels and four. Will he now retire? "No way", says Des, "I enjoy it and will be doing the hillclimbs, Mondello and the Phoenix Park again this year."
