First run in 1905, the prestigious Cultra Hillclimb is one of the world’s oldest speed hillclimbs and it’s set to return on Saturday 8th June 2024 to the Ulster Transport Museum, taking in the grounds around Cultra Manor at the nearby Ulster Folk Museum and is generously supported once again by Porsche Centre Belfast.
Organised by the Thoroughbred Sports Car Club of Northern Ireland, who reignited the event twenty-four years ago, around 100 drivers will don their race suits and helmets to charge up the 640-metre-long course against the clock in the most eclectic array of machinery.
Last year’s winner, Tim Woodside, who smashed the long-standing hill record on what was a glorious day, looks set to debut his recently acquired Gould GR55. Powered by a high revving V6 racing engine, Tim will bring a lot more noise to the event this year, with more speed being the aim.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour (left) pictured with the Chief Executive of National Museums Northern Ireland, Kathryn Thomson at the launch of this year’s Cultra Motorsport Festival. (Photo by Graham Baalham-Curry)
A mix of other pedigree racing machines will compete against an array of vintage, classic and modern road cars spanning across the several racing categories. Some of them driven daily, some with Ards Tourist Trophy history, the rest enjoyed as and when their owners get the chance.
Tickets for the one-day event, held from 9am to 6pm on Saturday 8th June 2024, are now available via the Ulster Transport Museum and your ticket includes admission to the museum on the day – https://www.ulstertransportmuseum.org/whats-on/cultra-motorsport-festival
The website states, “The Cultra Motorsport Festival is back, this time taking in the Ulster Transport Museum experience, with the famous Cultra hillclimb taking place on the grounds of the Ulster Folk Museum right beside us, on the other side of the tracks!
Pictured at the launch of this year’s Cultra Motorsport Festival are front L-R; Porsche Centre Belfast’s Centre Principle, Gerry Mulholland; The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour; the Chief Executive of National Museums Northern Ireland, Kathryn Thomson. (Photo by Graham Baalham-Curry)
Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1905, the motorsport hillclimb races will take place throughout the day around Cultra Manor, which is on the grounds of the Ulster Folk Museum – right beside the Transport Museum – beginning at 10:00.”
Alongside the timed competition on the hill, TSCC NI and Porsche Centre Belfast will have vintage, classic and modern cars on static display at Cultra Manor, including gems from the Ulster Transport Museum collection that will be released from Ulster Transport Museum’s private stores, especially for this event.
As well as greatly improved parking for this year’s event, there’s a new Green Ticket this year, which will get you 20% off event tickets if you travel to the event by train or bus.
The Chief Executive of National Museums Northern Ireland, Kathryn Thomson pictured in a Jaguar XK 120 at the launch of this year’s Cultra Motorsport Festival. (Photo by Graham Baalham-Curry)
TSCC NI secretary, Kevin McNamee commented, “The 2023 Cultra Motorsport Festival was a great success and the club has been working hard with our Ulster Transport Museum and Porsche Centre Belfast partners to make this year an even better family day out.
“Set in the beautiful museum grounds in addition to the famous hillclimb, with everything from vintage sports cars to single seater racing cars going up the hill right in front of you, there will be things to keep all the family entertained including static displays, circus performers, face painting and live music at lunch time.
“It is called a festival for a good reason – come and join the party.”
Talking of
their continuing support, Porsche Centre Belfast’s Centre Principle, Gerry
Mulholland stated, “Porsche Centre Belfast is once again
delighted to be partnering with the Cultra Motorsport Festival for 2024 after
the successful re-emergence of this historical event last year. The
ambition for the event grows with each year, and we are proud to support the
organising teams at TSCC and the Museum to ensure it becomes a date in the
dairy for many years to come.
“After last year’s 75th anniversary celebrations for Porsche globally, this
year is just as significant with the largest transformation of the Porsche
range ever. Our all-electric Porsche models grows with the launch of the
electric Macan alongside an improved and enhanced Taycan, while our iconic 911
sees a mid-generation refresh in the second half of the year.
“We encourage you to get up close and personal to our extensive display of
current Porsche models, and hope you all have an enjoyable day.”
The Mayor of Ards and North Down,
Councillor Jennifer Gilmour said, “The Cultra Motorsport Festival will be a
fabulous event for all the family. Taking place against the beautiful backdrop
of Cultra Manor, it provides a wonderful opportunity to see vehicles from past
and present, racing up the hill to try to set the fastest time possible. It is
an exciting day out and one that entices people to our Borough from all around
the country. It will be a great spectacle and I wish everyone a safe and
enjoyable event.”
Pictured at the launch of this year’s Cultra Motorsport Festival are front L-R; Porsche Centre Belfast’s Centre Principle, Gerry Mulholland; The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour; the Chief Executive of National Museums Northern Ireland, Kathryn Thomson. Rear L-R; Competitor David Gomes (Jaguar XK 120); TSCC NI representative Paul Robinson (Porsche Centre Belfast’s Porsche Taycan); Competitor Tim Woodside (Pilbeam MP82) who broke the hill record last year. (Photo by Graham Baalham-Curry)
Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, said: “Cultra Motorsport Festival speaks to Northern Ireland’s continued passion for competitive motorsport and our heritage when it comes to mechanical innovation and transport history. Our two Cultra-based museums have such unique history and connection to this event for those very reasons. The grounds of the Ulster Folk Museum is home to the famous Cultra Hill Climb and it’s at the Ulster Transport Museum where we celebrate our history of invention, a spirit of innovation and explore how our lives and communities have always been in motion.
Tim Woodside on his way to breaking the hill record in 2023 aboard his Pilbeam MP82. (Photo by Graham Baalham-Curry)
“The event this year, now taking place at the Ulster Transport Museum, will once again be an exciting motorsport experience for car enthusiasts and families. it’s a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to gather across our two museums in Cultra where shared passion meets tradition.”
The Transport Museum will open earlier and stay open later than usual to allow spectators to visit the museum before or after the races. In between races, circus performers, face painting, music and family activities will keep the crowd entertained.
