Autograss thrills this weekend in Ballyguyroe

SOME of Ireland’s leading drivers will go head-to-head in north Cork this weekend as the Mallow Autograss Club hosts one of the most important weekends of racing on its annual calendar.

Hundreds of autograss fans are set to flock to the club’s Ballyguyroe track deep in the Ballyhoura Mountains for two days of high-octane dirt track racing featuring an impressive and eye-catching array of cars.

The event, which will see competitors take part in round three of the Driver of the Year Championship, will also see the drivers competing for the annual Damien Forde Memorial Cup.

A huge motor-sport fan and a highly respected and much loved member of the Mallow Autograss Club, Damien died in June 2015 after the tractor he was driving struck a ditch near Glanworth.

He played an instrumental role in bring Autograss back to north Cork after and eight-year absence but sadly never got to compete in many events at the Ballyguyroe track.

Damien’s sister-in-law, Gillian Forde, said the Mallow Contracts sponsored memorial cup is a fitting tribute to his memory.

“Damien was a fun-loving and friendly club member who was held in high esteem by all who knew him,” said Gillian.

Gates will open at noon on Saturday with each of the competing cars undergoing a ridged scrutiny ahead of the first race at 4pm.

On Sunday there will be a lap of honour for Damien Forde before racing gets underway at 11am, with female drivers competing for the Arches Cup and juniors racing for bragging rights in the Donal O’Brien Cup.

Divers in all classes will compete over the weekend for final race where the winner, the ‘Champion of Champions’ will take home the much sought after Damien Forde Cup.

For more details of the event and to find out more about the Mallow Autograss Club visit their dedicated Facebook page.