The 500MRCI, who host all the car racing at their circuit, Kirkistown, had their party night to celebrate the Championship winners and a number of other luminaries involved in the sport. It all took place at the Beechlawn Hotel, in Dunmurry, on Saturday 4th January, 2025.
Guests were treated to an excellent three course meal on arrival, during which time and beyond they were regally entertained by Maestro Magician, Caolan McBride, from Armagh. People are still talking about his incredible abilities.
Circuit manager, Donal O’Neill, welcomed the guests, before handing over to the new Chairperson, Fay Weir, who asked competitors to reach out to her in 2025 with any suggestions or ideas they might have for the future.
First to come to the stage was Philip Harris, from Saintfield, who won the Pre-90 FF1600 Championship. He was awarded the Brown Memorial Trophy. Ballymena driver, Henry Campbell, collected the 2nd place award.
Moving on to Saloons, David McMinn, from Kells, collected his award for 3rd place, even though he only completed a half season! John Cardoo travelled from Naas to collect the GT Championship winner’s award, which is the Cairncastle Trophy..
The Modi-5-Cup for the MX5 Championship was awarded to Dundonald driver, Craig Ewing, who was competing on the night with Superkarter, Noel Lindsay, for the best dressed man award! Damian Moran, from Newry, picked up the third place award, in the MX5s, not the clothing stakes!
There was a full turn-out of awardees for the Kirkistown Fiestas. Loughbrickland driver, Neville Anderson, was the Champion. He received the Rallycross Trophy, which was repurposed for Fiestas, many years ago. Derek Graham, from Portadown, was runner up and his son, Michael, was third.
The Kirkistown Mini Cooper class also produced a full house. Tandragee driver, Peter Bennett, was awarded the Jim McClements Trophy for winning the championship. Twins, Darren and Craig Gilmore took second and third, in that order.
Mike Ward travelled all the way from Youghal, County Cork, to collect the Sports Car Trophy for his Roadsports Championship win. The Roadsports Class B winner was Richard Morgan. Brian Crawford was there as well to pick up the third place award.
The Bairds Cars Trophy was picked up by Moira driver, Liam Fox, who is the 2024 King Of Kirkistown in 250cc Superkarts. Alan Crossen, from Comber, received the second place award. Gilford driver, Scott Greenaway, retained the Budweiser Trophy as the 125cc Superkart Prince Of Kirkistown. The previously mentioned Noel Lindsay, from Royal Hillsborough, took second place.
Nigel McCutcheon was awarded an Eagle plate for his services to marshalling.
The Chairman’s Plate went to the Edinburgh native who is the main Clark of the Course at every meeting, Chris Edwards.
Wendy Young, now resident in Kircubbin, seemed very surprised to be awarded the President’s Plate, for all her hard work on and before race days.
The Top Rookie Of The Year and Des McAuley Trophy was awarded to Craig Ewing.
Another recipient who seemed genuinely surprised by being awarded The Don McCurdy Trophy for his services as Chief Safety Car Driver and other services was Ex-World Champion Superkarter, Trevor Roberts.
Lastly, a new award for 2025, the Rookie Marshal Of The Year went to Ben Brown.
When the awards were over, Donal O’Neill, held an impromptu quiz between the Tin Top drivers and the Single Seater drivers, using questions loosely based on Kirkistown. Nobody can recall which team won!
The Collective Band entertained for a couple of hours while Colm from Nuff Inc. provided all who wanted with some great caricatures.
Over seventy people were in attendance and feedback has been very good. Roll on the 2025 season!
Words: DONAL O’NEILL/500 MRCI
