National Hot Rods Headline At Aghadowey Oval

The quickfire start to the 2026 season at DMC Race Promotions continues on Saturday night (April 18th) at Aghadowey Oval with a 6.30pm start. Topping the bill are the exciting National Hot Rods and 1600 Rookie Bangers classes.

In the National Hot Rods, the drivers will contest Round 11 of World Series NI, with many eyes now firmly fixed on the World Final at Ipswich in July. Glenn Bell sits atop the series with a healthy lead and he will be keen to continue his good form to consolidate his lead at the top of the chart. He and Ian Riordan shared the Easter final wins, and Cork's National Champion Ian will be aiming for a repeat Aghadowey success. His brother Jeff, the reigning NI Champion, plus the on form John Christie will be others to watch, alongside Shane Murray and Drew McKeown. Many eyes will also be on former World Champion Adam Maxwell, and he strives to climb up into the World Final qualifying slots having missed a number of meetings over the season.

The 1600 Rookie Bangers contest the Spring Classic, with some exciting racing surely on the cards. Entertainment with a capital E will be the name of the game, as the drivers race for the feature race win. Garvagh's Stephen Boyd, Limavady brothers Josh and Lucas Goligher plus Steven Bolton, Matthew Nicholl and more will be right in the thick of the action.

In the Stock Rods, Randalstown's Sam McNeice had the perfect Easter weekend when he won both the NI Open and the Alan Connolly Memorial Trophy. He is a man on top form but will face stiff opposition from Mark Foster, Harry Minish, British Champion Siobhan Martin and Stevie McNiece to name a few. there will also be a welcome return to action for Jonny Cardwell.

Jamie McCann broke Steven Haugh's stranglehold on the Superstox category when he won last weekend's Tullyroan Challenge Cup. That heat and final double elevates him back to the star grade where things are sure to be action packed. World, European, Best in Britain and NI Points Champ Haugh will be keen to return to winning ways, as will British and Irish Champion Jordan Robinson. Local Garvagh man Dean Catherwood impressed many on his way to second last weekend and could be another to keep an eye on.

The Thunder Rods complete the line up, where a regrading will certainly shuffle the pack. Liam Wilson heads the points and has been in great form all season, whilst Irish Champion James Goldie can never be discounted. Adam Graham won the final a week ago up at Tullyroan, whilst Andrew McLean and Johnny Gillespie will be amongst the others chasing victory.

The first race leaves the grid at Aghadowey at 6.30pm.