Mondello Park will hold its annual festival of classic racing, in association with Carole Nash, over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of August (that's this coming weekend, people…). A big part of the event will be a tribute to the late Eddie Jordan, the famed F1 team owner and, latterly, TV pundit, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
What cars will we get to see?
Some really cool ones actually, including the V10-engined Jordan 195 putting in some ear-splitting demo laps, as well as displays featuring more of the Irish team's cars from down through the years, including some in the iconic bright yellow Benson & Hedges colours, as part of the Eddie Jordan - From Grid to Glory event. Some of EJ's family, as well as friends and teammates, will be along for the event, and the Eddie-themed events will take place on the Saturday.
Which drivers will be there?
A phalanx of Irish motorsport talent - indeed, Irish motorsport legends - will be turning out for the Mondello Carole Nash Historic Festival, including multiple Grand Prix winner John Watson, Derek Daly, Alec Poole, and Martin Donnelly, whose infamous 1990 crash in the Lotus-Lamborghini was so heavily referenced in the F1 movie this year. Also appearing are contemporary Irish superstars such as F2 ace Alex Dunne and World Rally Championship driver Josh McErlean.
What else will be happening?
As well as the demo runs and static displays, there will be some proper racing too, including the The Irish International Grand Prix Trophy; The Dublin Grand Prix Trophy; and The St. Brigid's Trophy, which cover open-wheel, GT, saloon, and vintage car grids from the 1920s to 1960s. As well as the on-track action, there's also the brilliant museum adjacent to the track, which houses the Martin Birrane collection. Birrane, a racer and businessman, was the owner of both Mondello Park and racing car constructor Lola, until his sad passing, and his collection of classic racing cars covers F1, Indycar, rallying, and Le Mans from the 1950s to the present day, with such cars as Nigel Mansell's 1993 Newman-Haas Lola, the infamous Mastercard Lola F1 car form 1997, the Ford C100 Le Mans racer, and the BMW M1 Procar. You definitely need to carve out time on the day for a visit. In the paddock, you'll find a 'vintage wonderland' with live swing and drumming bands, vintage fairground rides, face painting and street food. “We're thrilled to welcome such an incredible lineup of motorsport legends to this year's Carole Nash Historic Festival. Having motorsport icons alongside rising stars is a true honour and a testament to Ireland's enduring passion for motorsport. Their presence brings a living connection to the history we're celebrating — from paddock stories to on-track action, this is shaping up to be our most unforgettable festival yet,” commented Roddy Greene, Managing Director of Mondello Park.
How do I get there?
You can buy Mondello Park Carole Nash Historic Festival tickets directly from the tack itself and at mondellopark.ie. Ticket prices start at €35, while children under the age of seven get in for free, and those aged 8-15 only need to pay €10. The action kicks off at 10am on both the 16th and 17th, and Mondello Park is easily accessed just off the M7 motorway at Junction 10.