Ballymena Raceway ...
SPEED WEEKEND F2s
I
nside Stock Car World’s Irish
reporter Richard Boyd, has once
again has been on hand to bring us
right up to date on the racing at
Irelands premier race track “Ballymena
Raceway”. Ever the one to publicise
the racing in Ireland, Richard points out
that the action and spectacle of racing
here is second to none and there’s no
denying that the promoters are giving
the crowds value for money. The race
card for this two days event was full to
overflow, here’s what was on offer.
There were GP2 Lighting Rods, F2
Stock Cars, Euro Stocks, Saloons
Stock Cars, Stock Rods, Junior Rods,
1500 Lighting Rods, National Hot Rods
and Speed Stocks - more than enough
for any discerning “Oval fan”.
First up, Richard looks at the “Norman
Cromie Memorial Cup” for F2s and for
once, he and the weather were warm
and dry. As the Hot Rods had already
raced and laid down some rubber on
the track, it gave the F2 lads
confidence to push on and go for some
quick laps. The race ran at a fast pace
as did all the formulas over the
weekends racing. Was this to be an
omen for what was to come?
As heat one got under way it was clear
all the drivers were racing at Ten Tenths
- but none more than Ryan McCory.
He waited for the right moment to make
his move, pushing Sam McKay and
Chris Kincaid wide on the last lap and
then taking the win in fine style.
Over the Speed weekend at Ballymena
and especially on Friday night, the
spectators were treated to what I think
was one of the best races I have seen
on this track. The Lighting Rods from
10
Aghadowey put on a real show case for
the fans. The front four cars raced side
by side for the whole race pushing the
spectators to the edge of their seats even the commentator was stuck for
words. As they crossed the line it
became clear that it was going to be a
Photo finish. Eventually, the victor was
declared as Mark Frew and the
distance
the width of a bumper.
Mark commented after the win that it
was a great race to take part in, but
even better to win. The fans showed
their appreciation after the race and
gave the drivers a standing ovation
when they left the track.
As the F2s lined up for heat two the
spectators were ready for another
thriller and they weren’t disappointed as
the F2s went for it. The Grand Prix
series winner Christopher Kincaid
rocketed through the field to take the
win - knowing full well that points
gained in the qualifying heats would
determine the grid positions for the final
and he wanted them all!
The “Norman Cromie Trophy” final was
to be a hard fought race. Thomas
Greer was to take the lead early on with
Gavin Fagan closing in on him as the
race progressed, Gavin’s challenges
coming in hard as he fought his way
from the front of the reds. As he eased
himself nicely into the lead, he noticed
Kiniad was looming in his mirrors and
closing in fast. Could Kiniad be the one
to take the lead away from Gavin?
The touch from McConnell answered
this question as he put Kiniad on the
grass and took him out of the race.
Fagan took his chance and broke free.
He was to hold the lead in the 20 laps
final and showed everyone what a
dominant driver he was and became
the “Norman Cromie Champion 2014”.
Last year’s winner Sam MC Kay gave
him the thumbs up as he drove past.
The placing for second, third and fourth
were, Mc Connell, Hughes, Murray and
Blair, with Kiniad finishing way