Supercar fans flocked in their thousands to Bishopscourt Racing Circuit near Downpatrick to see some of the most exotic locally owned machines being put through their paces on track, all in aid of the brilliant Air Ambulance NI.
Held as part of a weekend long series of events, which included a display on the previous day at the North West 200 pits near Portstewart and a gala ball at the lauded Titanic Exhibition centre, organiser Ronan Cunningham and the rest of the team behind Supercar Sunday had went to great lengths to arrange a great weekend out for the supercar owners and donating public alike.
Such has been the popularity of the event that it convinces many a local car collector here in Northern Ireland to bring something out from under car covers that would normally be kept privately stored. 2024 was no exception, including a stunning McLaren Senna, part of McLaren’s ultimate series range which would include the likes of the P1 and a spiritual successor the F1.
Speaking of childhood poster cars, there was an iconic Ferrari F40 brought to the event, one that came with significant provenance, having only just over a thousand miles on the clock and previously owned by an F1 boss in period.
The public had paddock access to all cars throughout the day and so were able to get up close and personal with everything from a tuned Nissan R32 GTR, to a Maserati MC20, giving an eclectic blend of rare and special metal that could be appreciated by all.
It was also an opportunity for many to drive the excellent Bishopscourt circuit, a track that is subject to restricted opening days and now of course up for sale, and it was certainly made the most of.
There were six awards up for grabs for car owners, a tall order for the judging team and it gives a further idea of the breadth of amazing cars on the day.
Most Unique: Pre-War Bentley
Best Classic: Grey E-Type Jaguar
Judges Choice: Red 1989 Porsche 930 Turbo
Best Modern: Lamborghini Huracan STO (Orange)
Best Performance Car: BMW M5 (F90) CS in Frozen Grey
Best in Show: Ferrari F40
The Air Ambulance NI helicopter made an appearance before leaving to do its real work, and we heard throughout the day from their staff, along with a local councillor on the good work it continually provides the province on a daily basis.
The Air Ambulance NI has significant running costs, and the Supercar Sunday organisers are hoping to beat last year’s total of £50k raised. Keep an eye on their social media for the final donation announcement.
Colleen Milligan, Business Development and Project Manager for Air Ambulance NI commented, “With an annual fundraising target of £2.5m, events like these can help us to sustain the air ambulance service for generations to come. The charity relies on public donations from the community to keep the medical team in the air, attending to seriously ill or injured patients across Northern Ireland. As a result of funds raised from this type of event, emergency pre-hospital care can be provided for the next patient who needs it most.
“We are incredibly grateful to the organisers for hosting such an incredible 2 day event, to all those car owners for coming along and taking part, and to the community for supporting events across both days – Thank you!”
