Saloon showdown at Nutts Corner raceway

Saloon Stock Car drivers from across the UK will check into the province this weekend for a bumper programme of international events at Nutts Corner Raceway.

The Moira Road circuit hosts the Whitemountain 4x4 sponsored Irish Open Championship on Saturday evening before the Irish Masters title and John Griffiths Memorial Cup are decided on Sunday afternoon.

The Saloon drivers are the modern day gladiators of motorsport, with steel-clad chariots to push and shove their opponent out of the way in an all action style of racing! National Points leader Danny Colliver tops the entry list and the Londoner will start as one of the hot favourites for honours.

The local entry will be spearheaded by Irish Champion Ryan Wright. The Cullybackey Charger is relishing the prospect of a big grid of cars this weekend and intends to get in amongst the UK mainland stars.

Defending Irish Open title holder Ross Houston from Waringstown will not give up his crown without a fight, while the McIvor brothers, Kieran and Anthony, are enjoying their best season to date with Anthony currently riding high at the top of the Irish Points table. Seasoned campaigner Stuart McCammon from Armagh is another local hope, along with Matthew Stirling, James Surplus and Colin Jones.

There’s a full programme of support races as well over the two days, with the ever popular F2 Stock Cars, Stock Rods, 1300 Stock Cars, Group Twos, Euro Stocks and Junior Rods all on display.

Trackside parking is available around the circuit, with concessionary admission charges for children and senior citizens.

The action at Nutts Corner Raceway, which is situated opposite the Sunday Market, gets underway at 6:30pm on Saturday evening and 1:30pm on Sunday afternoon.