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Mondello to celebrate its 50th with retro festival

Old cars, planes and bikes the attractions at the Historic Racing Festival in August at Mondello Park.

What's the news?

Mondello Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a Historic Racing Festival on August 18th and 19th.

The historic cars event will feature entertainment both on and off the County Kildare circuit, as well as a vintage aircraft display incorporating a lunchtime flyover by some historically important Irish planes. A gin and whiskey bar supplied by Glendalough Distillery and a live jazz band provide further attractions, while people attending the event are invited to come in 1960s and 1970s apparel and outfits, to match the venue's 50th birthday.

On track, the action will be headlined by visit of the Derek Bell Trophy from the UK. This class includes classic Formula 2, Formula Atlantic and Formula 5000 cars, which provide a stirring soundtrack. Mini racing will also return to Mondello Park, to celebrate the first ever race-winner at the track way back in the day - John Keeny, in nothing other than a Mini Cooper S.

Moving to two wheels, the motorcycle programme will be led by two rounds of the Classic Bike Racing Ireland championship, comprising a grid of 30 classic machines. On a slightly more modern theme, the Classic Superbike Championship will also put on a pair of races, too.

Other four-wheel entertainment will be provided by the Historic Racing Car Association, whose HRCA Historics Championship - for '60s and '70s saloons and sports cars - will be joined by races for the vintage 'Pre-1955' series.

If you're not so interested in the on-track action, there will be trackside displays of classic cars, motorcycles and airplanes, while the Mondello Park Museum of Motorsport will be open to visitors, allowing free access to the collection of rare machinery.

Roddy Green, the general manager of Mondello Park, said: "We will be offering visitors a taste of yesteryear as we celebrate the circuit's rich history, featuring the finest in classic motorcycle and car racing, including visiting classes from the UK, as well as hosting a classic aviation display, both in the air and on the ground."

Anything else?

Admission to Sunday's programme is €15 for adults with under-16s free, but tickets are also available to purchase online at discounted prices. To find out more, including a full timetable of the festival's events, head to www.mondellopark.ie.

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Published on June 1, 2018