The VMCC celebrates 100 years of the Ulster GP
The Ulster Grand Prix has unfortunately been cancelled the third consecutive year in a row, this time due to lack of funding.
It’s particularly sad for the fastest road race in the world as 2022 sees the centenary of the race first held on the Clady circuit, a few miles from the current Dundrod circuit where the Grand Prix has been held since 1953.
That very first Ulster Grand Prix was won by Hubert Hassall, the stepson of Norton Works manager Bill Hassall, and was the first major road racing victory for the OHV Norton. Hassall also set the fastest time of the day of 60.57mph, rather impressive on public roads.
However, the Northern Ireland section of the VMCC was not about to let such an anniversary pass unnoticed, so it will be holding a special Ulster Grand Prix Centenary event at Loanends Presbyterian Church Hall, in Loanends, Crumlin BT29 4YR. The venue is just a pebble’s throw from the site of the Loanends School where the first race started on October 14, 1922.
There will be a display of vintage machines and memorabilia and a Clady course lap by pre-1939 machines. The guest of honour will be classic motorcycle journalist and rider Phillip Tooth. The event will run on Friday, October 14 from 4pm to 9pm and on Saturday, October 15 from 10am to 5pm. For more details, see www.vmccni.org.uk or email lario@btinternet.com