As expected the May track day was less frantic than April's. However, we had a high percentage of new drivers and we look forward to seeing them back with us in future. Some have already booked in for the 16th. On the Saturday before our event, the North West 200 was rained off, yet we had near perfect weather all day on the Sunday. You can read the report of the day at*
Track Skills - Providing Track Days for cars at Kirkistown Race Circuit in Northern Ireland - Track Reports.
During our last day, one of our regulars, James McConnell, ended up helping out rather a lot. I sent him an email to thank him and his reply just sums up the ethos and attitude of the great majority of people who attend our events.
"We all have our bad days and God knows, I've had enough of them myself so giving someone a hand when they're stuck is no big deal. Car lads help car lads. That's the way it should be. No thanks necessary."
That says it all really.
This Sunday we are hosting an incredible number of Honda Civic drivers, from all over the country. It should be some craic! Of course, our regular participants will be in attendance as well and there may be a racing saloon or two shaking down before the big event on the 22nd.
G8 Summit Traffic Disruption.
As mentioned in the last news letter, the G8 Summit takes place in the Lough Erne Hotel on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th June. However, the delegates will be arriving on Sunday 16th, the same day as our track day. Recently, President Obama has announced that he will visit Belfast before heading to Enniskillen.*
All of this means traffic disruption by our PSNI, U.S. Marines and extras from "Men In Black" talking to their sleeves.
I visited the PSNI in Antrim on Friday to see what information I could glean without being arrested for asking suspicious questions. The advice given was as follows;
Avoid Belfast city centre completely. Use the Ring Roads to get to Newtownards.*
Do not go near Antrim or Aldergrove. If you are coming down from Northern parts such as Donegal or Derry, get on the M2 and stay on it, right across the M3 bridge and past the George Best Airport.
If you are coming up from Dublin or Newry, on this occasion you might be better served going across country, either at Newry and through Hilltown to Strangford or at Hisslborough, through Comber to Newtownards.
If you are coming from Fermanagh, forget it. You aren't.