All of the other competitors entertained the crowd on the second round of the Motorsport Supplies Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs (ANICC) Championship. Tim Woodside, from Dunadry, once again topped the results and adds to his win at Croft, Holywood, Co. Down in April. In his new 2.5 litre Gould GR55 he set a very respectable time of 42.41s, just 2.52 seconds slower than Matt Ryder, to take 6th place overall (an average of 70.4mph).
The second fastest local competitor was Ryan McGimspey (13th overall) from Newtownards in his Mygale SF97T who posted a time of 45.9s, only 0.06s faster than brother Richard who finished in third place (14th overall) in his OMS 2000M, such a close battle (65.0 versus 64.9 mph) – bound to generate some family banter! Stephen Robb a resident of Crumlin picked up 4th position (15th overall) in his OMS28 with a time of 46s. Completing the top 5 ANICC competitors was Ian Lancashire from Kilmood in his Subaru Impreza taking 47.8s to cover the 1460 yards up the ‘Hill’. Interestingly most of the fastest times were recorded by competitors on their last run.
The Tony McShane Trophy for the fastest Northern Ireland newcomer was presented to Darwyn Young from Banbridge who finished 28th overall with a time of 52.9s in his Westfield SEIW.
9% of the Motorsport Supplies ANICC Hill Climb Championship entries came from Belfast City, 6% from County Londonderry, 9% from County Armagh, 31% from County Antrim, 42% from County Down and 3% from the Republic of Ireland which reflects a truly cosmopolitan field. All the drivers demonstrated their commitment and driving skills entertaining the crowds with the best hill climbing machinery to perform on one of the fastest hill climbs in Ireland. 7 of the 15 Class winners came from County Down whilst 4 came from County Antrim, 2 from Belfast, 1 from County Londonderry and 1 from County Armagh which reflects the depth of talented drivers we have here locally.
2025 is an extremely special year for the Ulster Automobile Club as we celebrate our 100th year promoting and organising motorsport events, a truly prominent milestone in our history. We were awarded Motorsport UK Club of the year in 2024 The Club and are very proud to have safely and successfully run the 112th ‘edition’ of Craigantlet Hill Climb, which we know has been enjoyed by all who participated and watched this amazing spectacle.
Clerk of the Course, Wilson Carson, on behalf of the UAC, took the opportunity at the driver’s briefing to thank Patterson Electronics Hytera Communications, for their third year as title sponsor. He also expressed sincere thanks to Belfast City Council, Downeys Cars and all our other associated sponsors, supporters, volunteers, residents, marshals, competitors and spectators for their loyal backing to one of the oldest Hill Climbs in the UK. At the prizegiving he thanked all the entrants, congratulated all the winners and expressed sincere thanks for all those who continued to enter the event and recognised the impact they have in showcasing Belfast and Northern Ireland as a truly special place to visit.
Paul Robinson, one of our Club members, the author of a number of books detailing the history of a range of motorsport events that the UAC have organised. In 2024 he very kindly gave copies of his book ‘From Ballybannon to Magilligan Strand’ which details Hill Climbs at Ballybannon, Craigantlet, Croft and Red Brae as well as other races to competitors visiting our Hill. This year he very kindly donated a smorgasbord from Mike’s Fancy Cheese. This was presented to the ‘Marshal of the Day’, Dessie Fair.
A few minor delays, mainly caused by mechanical failure were dealt with in record time, others caused by visits to the scenery thankfully didn’t result in any injuries and the event finished safely before 18:30. The Ulster Automobile Club would like to congratulate all winners and once again would like to thank all the residents for their continued support and forbearance without which this ‘annual festival of motorsporting delight’ would not be possible.
