Following on from the hugely successful June Supercross at Taylors Stadium, Carrickfergus near Belfast, the fresh thinking Carrickfergus MCC are putting the finishing touches to their upcoming 2-Day International Motocross meeting this coming weekend at their brand new venue at Knockagh Hill Motoparc overlooking the Carrickfergus itself…
Come Friday 19th August all roads will lead to one of the most anticipated events of the year, the Carrick Club run, Carrickfergus Two Day Motocross at an all new venue situated just on the outskirts of Greenisland. Following an excellent two day event at Desertmartin in 2010, Carrickfergus Borough Council have part funded the event being brought into the Borough and over the past months the Carrick Club have been working tirelessly in transforming the Knockagh Hill site into Northern Ireland’s newest motocross venue. With the circuit being built from scratch it has been nothing short of a mountain of work to undergo on top of the adult and youth grasstrack series aswell as the recent supercross at Taylor’s Avenue but yet again, thanks to the hard working members of the club, Knockagh Hill Moto Parc has been prepared to the highest standard. The venue boasts picturesque views across Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus, and the surrounding area along with a huge spectator area that gives spectators the opportunity to move around and view most of the circuit at their leisure. The circuit is situated on the Hillside above The Knockagh Lodge Hotel and is a lengthy 1.5K long that includes everything from fast sweeping corners to a variety of jumps and even a Bodytech Bomb hole! The chestnut fencing provided by the 2 & 4 wheel motorsport group will bring everyone closer to the action while providing the spectators with the best of protection from the racing.
Tommy Merton will be in "full gas-no shut" mode
Over the two days, Friday and Saturday there will be no less than 30 action packed races for premier and clubman solo riders, quads and sidecars. Champions seem to be the common theme of this event with Ulster, Irish, Scottish and British Champions all set to collide in the main event, The Bodytech Collision Repair Centre Premier Class. Making the trip across the Irish Sea is current Scottish Champion, Ross Rutherford along with the stylish Pete Mitchell and also from over the water, the experienced British Championship rider Glen Phillips brings upcoming young talent Alex Davies with him to go head to head with the best of the local riders. The local scene is headed by three time British Champion, Gordon Crockard onboard his Relentless by TAS Suzuki with Richard Bird, Tommy Merton and Robert Hamilton flying the local flag against the visitors.
If the on track battles are not enough to keep you happy C&DMCC have partnered with 1st Peninsula Bouncers to cover the family entertainment away from the racing. There will be plenty keep everyone entertained including Bouncy Castles, Superslides, Bungee Runs, Rodeo Bull and Sumo Suits throughout both days. The party on Friday night will be led by Live Band, FreeFall in the paddock and with onsite catering and a licensed bar there is no need to make any other plans for the weekend!
Admission is just £5 per adult for a two day pass and an official programme and parking within the Knockagh Lodge Hotel Grounds is included in this. The first race will be around 11.00am on each day with the last race scheduled for around 5.00pm. More information on the Carrickfergus Two Day Motocross can be found on the clubs website www.carrickfergusmcc.co.uk or on facebook at www.facebook.com/carrickfergusmcc.
Entry List: Two Day Motocross 2011 Entry list
C&DMCC would like to thank all our event sponsors for their help in making this event possible – Carrickfergus Borough Council | Knockagh Lodge Hotel | Bodytech Collision Repair Centre | Meadow Cars | Kilroot Business Park | LJ’s Diner | Mcat Racing | Lisburn Bitmac and Asphalt.
Words: Ryan Denny Images: Ryan Denny & Joe Beattie