Lisburn steps back in time to celebrate 90 years of GP

A special event will be held, in conjunction with the Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week, in the grounds of Lagan Valley LeisurePlex from 7pm. Visitors will be able to see a static exhibition of several road racing motorcycles which have won at the Dundrod circuit and meet some of our road racing legends.

Members of The 30 Motorcycle Club of Ulster and The Vintage Club of Northern Ireland will assemble at the LeisurePlex at 7pm and intend to complete a tour of the Dundrod circuit on their classic or vintage motorcycles before returning at approximately 8pm with their bikes being on display until 9pm.

Participating will be David Crawford on a 1928 Moto Guzzi 500cc Sport which he has restored.

During the evening there will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained with a series of performances by ‘Trail Star’ featuring motorcycles and stunt bicycles.

Speaking about the event the Mayor, Alderman William Leathem said that he was delighted that the Council was celebrating this very special Anniversary.

“Ninety years on from the very first Grand Prix, we wanted to pay tribute and bring the golden era of road racing to new generations.

“Next Monday’s event will hopefully provide something for motor cycling enthusiasts and we extend a warm invitation to come along to the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex next Monday evening.

“I would also like to congratulate the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club for organising the Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week and am very much looking forward to a wonderful week’s racing.” said Alderman Leathem.

Among the Ulster Grand Prix winning motorcycles on display will be a 350cc Yamaha, owned by Brian Reid, one of the famous Dromara Destroyers and ridden by him to victory in 1985 on the circuit and which also won the World Championship Formua 2 in 1985 and 1986.

Another Dromara Destroyer and local legend will be Ray McCullough who will be bringing one of his winning bikes as well as the 250cc Yamsel which he rode to victory at the Ulster Grand Prix in 1971. This bike is owned by Eddie Mateer and was the last bike to win an international championship road race at Dundrod in 1971.

Eddie will also have on display the 1991 Honda RS 125cc, ridden by Robert Dunlop that year which also had successes at the North West and Isle of Man TT.

Also on display will be the 1989 250cc Honda Gemini bike ridden by Joey Dunlop that year with success at many of the main races and is now owned by Mr Cleaver Brown.

Councillor Thomas Beckett, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure Services Committee said that this was a rare opportunity to see such special road racing motorcycles all in one place.

“For some visitors this will be a perfect occasion to take a trip down memory lane while for others it will be the first time they have seen such a valuable piece of racing history.

“The live demonstrations are sure to wow the audiences and there will be an opportunity to meet and chat with some of the riders.

“The Ulster Grand Prix is the oldest and fastest road races in the world and we wanted to mark this Anniversary by celebrating our former road racing stars and their motorcycles and I would encourage everybody to come along to this free event at the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex next Monday evening,” said Councillor Beckett.