For the first time in eight years DeLorean cars returned to the former test track at the factory site of one of Belfast’s most famous exports.
A weekend-long ‘DeLorean Revival – The Test Track Visit’ took place at the start of June which saw DeLorean cars, owners, and fans travel from across the globe to partake in what was an incredible and iconic journey.
Organised primarily by the Delorean Owners Association of UK and Ireland (David Mathers, David Abraham, Paul Jenkins, Alistair Vanstone) with help and input from the DOA, Robert Lamrock, Delorean Owners of Ireland, DeLorean Club UK, DeLorean Owners Club (UK), D Europe and DeLorean Go, it was a weekend never to be forgotten.
Soaking up everything that Belfast offers, participants left their base at the Europa hotel and got the chance to convoy to the Ulster Transport Museum for a tour of all things with engines and wheels, be it motor car, motor bike, locomotive, or even one of the world’s very first electric vehicles.
After which a procession of unmissable DeLorean’s headed to Titanic’s dry dock and pump house for a whiskey distillery tour.
A busy day of motoring events on Saturday gave the organisers a headache, I am sure, but it was the crowd’s attending a classic car show held at Stormont buildings that would benefit as the DeLorean Revival arrived in numbers for a static display and tour of Parliament buildings.
Having seen much media hype in the lead up to the weekend, and having written about cars for over two decades without ever visiting the test track, I thought it was about time I ticked a bucket list and found the time to visit such a historic place.
And what better way to see the track than with it being used by De-Lorean’s. It was a sight to behold!
This visit to the former DeLorean factory site, with access to the DeLorean test track on the Sunday, wouldn’t have been possible for organisers without the help and permissions of Linamar Light Metals who now occupy the site in Dunmurry.
Usually overgrown with trees and with moss sitting inches deep around its length, it was a mammoth task involving heavy machinery to clear the track in order for the DeLorean Revival Test Track Visit to happen.
On arrival, there as a great buzz in the air and countless lumps of brushed stainless-steel on wheels reflected light across the site. I missed the walk-about around the track, sadly, but I am very grateful to the organisers for giving me access to capture some of the track action as it unfolded.
Walking towards the treeline for a good vantage point of the banked area of the track, an odd thing on a custom trailer was pointed out to me as being of incredible significance. So I took a quick snap and it turns out to be an original production line floor dolly upon which the DeLorean’s were built.
Once beside the Armco I was greeted to flashing lights, tooting horns, opened gul-wing doors and a handful of spectators both young and old with smiles that spoke volumes, despite the relative quiet amongst the gathered crowd. It think most just wanted to cherish the moment of seeing and hearing the DeLorean’s drive around the facility.
I look forward to visiting again some day in the future, maybe even registering to drive the track in my own car. Or who knows, maybe even getting a run round in a DeLorean.
