Sensational Season Finale At Aghadowey Oval

The 2025 oval racing season at Aghadowey Oval ended in sensational style with an outstanding championship meeting on Saturday night, November 1st. Three Irish Championship titles were on the line and they fell to Coleraine’s Willie Taggart (1300 Stock Cars), Randalstown’s Sam McNeice (Stock Rods) and Ballymena’s James Goldie (Thunder Rods). The National Hot Rods contested the Richard Turtle Memorial Cup and it went to Kells star Derek McMillan, whilst Antrim’s Leyton Hughes continued his fantastic run of form with another Junior Productions title win, this time the King of Aghadowey.

The 1300 Stock Cars Irish Championship will live long in the memory as one of the best races seen on the iconic Aghadowey circuit, a history that dates back over 50 years! Cullybackey’s World Champion Curtis Greer made the perfect break from pole position, only for an early caution period to cancel his advantage. At the resumption the bumpers went in hard and Curtis got shuffled down the order. The lead was changing constantly out front as the bumperwork continued, with so many lead changes it was hard to keep up! Gareth Halliday went ahead, then Graham Meek, then Halliday again and then Curtis McConkey for a few laps. Meek then came back to hit the top spot, before Willie Taggart appeared from the rear of the grid to top spot, with Meek then going back ahead once again. It was sensational stuff, with Meek then tracking Taggart over the last few laps, waiting for a last bend assault. Graham gave it everything, but Taggart was equal to his attack with the Coleraine man staying out front for a superb win over Meek, the recovering Greer, Fionn Donnelly and McConkey.
The reverse grid Irish Revenge race saw a win for McConkey despite the late attentions from Ty Richardson, before Greer completed the night with a win in the Allcomers race.

Always an eagerly anticipated event, the Stock Rods Irish Championship saw pole-sitter Sam McNeice immediately assume the top spot ahead of Harry Minish and Siobhan Martin. Jonny Cardwell had dropped down the order from his front row start but he was making strides back towards the front, relegating Martin and then Minish to go second. For a time it looked like he may get on terms with the leader, but out front it was all about McNeice who controlled the race from flag to flag to take his first Irish Championship success with ease. Cardwell, Minish, Martin and a superb drive from the evergreen Victor McAfee completed the top five.
The Irish Revenge race saw a thrilling race, as former World Champion Marc Morrell marked his recent return to the formula with a fine win, having held off advances from Martin and Darragh O’Shea.

The National Hot Rods were contesting Round 6 of World Series NI with heat one falling to Kells racer Derek McMillan after an almighty scrap with Davy Clarke for the win. Heat two saw a welcome and well deserved win for Garvagh’s Johnny McCloy ahead of McMillan and NI Points Champion Jeff Riordan.
The final for the Richard Turtle Memorial Cup was a thriller, as McMillan worked his way ahead but soon had National Champion Ian Riordan on his case. Their battle slowed them up, which allowed Glenn Bell, John Christie and Jeff Riordan to join the fun for the closing stages. McMillan was equal to all their advances though, taking his second win of the night and the coveted Richard Turtle Memorial Cup. Ian Riordan and Christie filled out the top three.

Ballymena’s James Goldie, already a three times winner of the event, started from pole spot in the Thunder Rods Irish Championship and quickly moved clear of the pack. Many would have assumed that it was done and dusted at that stage, but step forward Liam Wilson who moved through to second and ran down Goldie’s advantage. Wilson tried inside and outside of the leader, but Goldie is a vastly experienced campaigner and he used everything in his locker to stay ahead. They had to negotiate heavy backmarking traffic near the end, but it was Goldie who hung on for his third Irish Championship win in succession. Wilson was great value in second ahead of Joshua McMullan and Jason Darragh.
The reversed grid Irish Revenge race was kindly sponsored by Autoclean of Limavady, and this time it was Wilson who did grab the honours after a fine drive through the field. McMullan and Alex Mailey completed the top three finishers.

The teenage Junior Productions aces raced for the King of Aghadowey title, with Ryan Berry taking the opening heat from Jack Morrison before heat two fell to Leyton Hughes from the impressive Charlie Johnston.
Hughes immediately hit the front from pole position in the final ahead of Berry and Johnston. But Casey Cherry and Morrison were coming through the pack like a steam train after trouble during the heats. As Hughes completed his dream season with another title win in some style, Cherry and Morrison filled the podium places ahead of Berry and Johnston.

It's 'JR' Time As Rochford and Robinson Land Irish Titles

A thrilling night of championship racing signalled the end of the 2025 season at Tullyroan Oval on Saturday night, October 25th. Jordan Rochford took victory in the 2.0 Hot Rods Irish Championship, whilst fellow Portadown driver Jordan Robinson successfully defended his Superstox Irish title. Dublin’s Deano McGrath won the Unlimited National Bangers Irish Championship, whilst Armagh’s Jack Murphy won the Ninja Karts Champion of Champions from a huge field of drivers. Completing the programme were the Lightning Rods where former World Champion Stuart Agnew (Magheralin) took the honours.

Jordan Rochford and teenager Callum Doak shared the front row for the 2.0 Hot Rods Irish Championship, with Rochford quickly settling into the lead. A great battle developed for second involving Doak, Andy Best, Conor Hughes and Adam Hylands. As Rochford cruised home to a fine victory, Hughes took a creditable second ahead of a fine drive from Hylands, with Best and Doak next home.
The reversed grid Irish Revenge race saw Michael Woods set the pace before Hylands swooped past on the outside nearing the end to claim a classy win.

There was an explosive start to the Superstox Irish Championship race, with World & European Champion Steven Haugh on pole spot with British and defending Irish champion Jordan Robinson alongside. Haugh was spun and collected by the pack before he even reached the green flag to end his race, with others getting involved to bring out a caution flag.
Neil Hyndman led the restart away, but he was quickly sent to the wall by Robinson as he took over out front. Hyndman and Jamie McCann were battling hard for second before both found trouble. As Robinson took the title for the second year in a row, Paddy Murphy came through for second ahead of a recovering McCann, with Gerard Hartley and Andrew Murphy next home.
A lively Irish Revenge race saw Stephen Stewart out front before McCann bumpered his way past to win from Stewart and Dean Catherwood.

A huge field of Ninja Karts from all across the British Isles took to the grid for the Hollytree Farm sponsored Champion of Champions event, with heat wins falling to England’s Henry Hunn, local star Jaxon Cairns and Scotland’s Rory Wilson.
The final was a superb race, with Cairns and Ollie Williamson having spells out front before Irish Champion Jack Murphy powered through to win over World Champion Dillon Murphy from Cork, England’s Mason Carberry and local driver Rowdy Grattan.
Earlier all the Ulster drivers who hadn’t won a race so far in 2025 took part in the Hollytree Farm Individual Achievement Award. Cahan Bradley quickly assumed the lead and took the win over William Brown and Matthew McNeill.

Stevo McGrath powered ahead in the Unlimited National Bangers Irish Championship race, before a puncture slowed his progress and his nephew Deano McGrath came through for the victory ahead of Steven Reynolds and an ailing Stevo.
Stevo McGrath that grabbed victory in both Allcomers races, before young star of the future Jake Reynolds won the Stephen Bannon Memorial Destruction Derby.

Teenager Tom Hewitt took a clear win in the opening Lightning Rods heat ahead of Dermot Tynan and Ian Hobson, before Mark McBurney claimed victory in heat two ahead of Tynan and Nigel Jackson.
The final saw Hewitt lead early on in the tricky conditions, before McBurney took up the running. But Stuart Angew was coming on strong, taking victory over McBurney and Hewitt.

Irish Title Success For Goligher and Murphy At Action Packed Aghadowey

A thoroughly entertaining race meeting at Aghadowey Oval on Saturday night, October 11th, saw two excellent Irish Championship events topping the bill. Limavady’s World Champion Lucas Goligher took the win in a dramatic 1600 Rookie Bangers Irish decider, whilst Co Armagh’s Jack Murphy claimed victory in a keenly contested Ninja Karts Irish Championship. The support events saw a heat and final double for Richhill’s Rob Barnett in the 2.0 Hot Rods, Portadown’s World Champ Steven Haugh took a hat-trick in the Superstox and Limavady driver Liam Wilson also took a brace of wins in the Thunder Rods category.

The 1600 Rookie Bangers have become a must-see for the fans in 2025, and a big grid came under starters orders for their Irish Championship. Stephen Boyd and Steven Bolton shared the front row on points collected during the season, and it was chaotic from the off as Boyd took up the running from Lucas Goligher and Aaron McGraw. There were a number of stoppages, for loose wheels and debris and then for a big crash on turn four. Boyd unfortunately was eliminated at this stage for not stopping under the red flags, which elevated Goligher to the lead. Lucas held on through the carnage to land the win, with McGraw and Ryan Nixon filling out the podium places.
Two excellent support races followed, which saw plenty of action with Boyd claiming victory in the first ahead of Josh Goligher. The second saw a home straight rollover for Jack Bell, as McGraw took victory. Second place in this one for Boyd was enough for him to secure a deserved victory in the NI Points Championship.

The young stars in the Ninja Karts contested their biggest domestic race of the year, the Irish Championship, with Ollie Williamson and Jack Murphy on the front row of the grid. Early on there was a superb five car dice for the lead, with Jaxon Cairns hitting the front. But Murphy was coming back strong, and he swooped ahead and raced home to take the Irish title in some style. Cairns took a very creditable second after a great drive, with Cahan Bradley also impressing on his way to third spot ahead of William Brown and Ethan McQuillan.
The first Allcomers race was lined up in reverse to the Irish Championship grid, and after an early crash caused a stoppage, Murphy once again showed his class to power through to victory over Williamson and Tommy Johnston. The final race saw a graded start, from which Frankie Stirling drove his heart out to take a fantastic win over Eddie Fowler and Rowdy Grattan.

Rob Barnett has shown some great pace of late in the 2.0 Hot Rods, and he took their opening heat from Shane McMillan and Chris Hamill. The roles were reversed in heat two, with McMillan this time the victor over Barnett, with Hamill once again in third ahead of Callum Doak.
Barnett edged out ahead in the final, but as the laps dwindled down McMillan and Hamill led much of the field onto his rear bumper. It was an enthralling final few laps, with Barnett just holding off McMillan to seal his second win of the night. Most eyes were on Adam Hylands though, as the former World title holder made an audacious attempt on the outside line. He came from nowhere to snatch a fantastic third on the line, ahead of Hamill and Doak.

A well subcribed field of Thunder Rods were on top form all evening, with Sam Dougherty pulling clear to win the opener ahead of Adam McMullan and Liam Irwin. Heat two saw McMullan ahead early on before Liam Wilson came storming through to claim the win over Jordan Nicholl and Norman Purdy.
Tyler McMaster and Alex Milligan had spells out front early in the final, before Irwin settled into the top spot and invited allcomers to take him on. Jason Darragh, Purdy and Wilson were right there on his tail, before Liam was bundled wide and out of contention. Darragh took the flag but was penalised for his part in Irwin’s demise, which handed the second win of the evening to Wilson from Mark McLaughlin and Darragh.

Steven Haugh sported the gold roof of Superstox World Champion for the first time after his big win last month, and he stormed through to take the opening heat win ahead of Dean Catherwood and Sean Mark. Mark led heat two for a time, but he had no answer to Haugh who claimed his second win of the evening over Mark and Catherwood.
There was an early caution in the final with Jonathan Crawford stuck in the wall on the Brown Trout Bend, and on the resumption Haugh lost a lot of ground to the leaders. Neil Hyndman was the man out front, but despite his earlier setback, Haugh arrived on his tail on the final lap, nudging him wide to complete a faultless hat-trick of wins. Hyndman tried to come back on the last bend but had to settle for second, ahead of Mark and Gregg Hyndman.

Tullyroan Title Wins for Bell, Hughes and Houston

Portadown National Hot Rods ace Glenn Bell continued his recent run of superb form at Tullyroan Oval on Saturday night, winning both Round 5 of World Series NI and the Ulster Championship.
There were also two Irish Championships up for grabs, where both Waringstown’s Ross Houston and Antrim’s Leyton Hughes successfully defended their Irish crowns in the Lightning Rods and Junior Productions respectively. In the other divisions on show, Portadown’s Adam Hylands took a heat and final double in the 2.0 Hot Rods, whilst Larne’s Samuel Wilson completed a similar brace of wins in the Stock Rods.

Conditions were still slightly damp for the first National Hot Rods race of the night, and it was Garvagh’s Johnny McCloy who drove superbly to take the win over Allen Cherry and Glenn Bell. From that point on the night belonged to Bell, winning heat two on the outside line in his rapid Ginetta from McCloy and Jeff Riordan.
The Final of World Series NI Round 5 saw McCloy lead until relegated by Riordan, but Bell was soon on the scene and swept past with ease to take the victory from Riordan and Derek Martin, the latter having his best run in some time. The meeting concluded with the Ulster Championship where Bell conducted the draw and put himself to the rear of the line up, from where he still won at a canter from John Christie and Shane Murray.

Nigel Jackson and Ross Houston shared the front row for the Lightning Rods Irish Championship, with Houston getting a fantastic drive from the outside line to lead the way early on. Jackson pressed him for the full duration of the event, but just couldn’t find a gap or force Ross into an error. Houston came home to retain his Irish crown after a fine drive ahead of Jackson, Stuart Agnew and Jake Morgan.
The Irish Revenge race saw a win for Morgan over Agnew and Houston.

The Junior Productions Irish Championship was another keenly fought event, with Leyton Hughes and Ryan Berry sharing the front row on aggregate point from across the season. The duo had a great battle early on before a caution period, only to resume the fight once the greens came back out, and with Jack Morrison now joining in too! It could have gone wither way as the laps ticked down, but Hughes kept hid cool and held on to retain his Irish title ahead of Morrison and Berry in the closest of finishes.
The reverse grid Irish Revenge race saw a fantastic drive from Ryan Carroll as he took the win from Keegan Turtle and Hughes.

After an ill-disciplined affair the previous weekend, it was great to see some fantastic racing this time around from the 2.0 Hot Rods. Shane McMillan led heat one until Adam Hylands found a way past, and he had to use all his experience to hold off Jordan Rochford over the closing laps to take the win. Heat two again saw McMillan set the early pace, but this time it was Rob Barnett who broke clear to take a well deserved and popular win over McMillan and James McKinney.
Approaching half distance in the final Hylands put a superb outside pass on McMillan to take the lead, and the formula Grand Slam winner held on to take his second win and announce his return to the scene in style. Rochford, the impressive Barnett and McMillan were next home.

Once again a full field of Stock Rods put on some tight, competitive racing. Neil Capper and Aaron Dilly battled out front in heat one before Callum Magill stormed past to take the win over Dilly and Rab Preston. Capper and Magill had spells out front in heat two, but this time it was Samuel Wilson who came home ahead, winning from Siobhan Martin and Jonny Cardwell.
An early yellow in the final changed the complexion of the race and brought the higher graders into play early. Wilson was once again the star of the show, pulling clear to record his second win of the night and seal a return to the star grade. Magill, Harry Minish and Sam McNeice completed the top places.

Glory For Giles In 1300 Stock Cars Irish Open

A sensational, sunny Sunday at Tullyroan Oval saw English visitor Joe Giles claim the feature event of the afternoon, the Irish Open Championship for 1300 Stock Cars. The bulging entry produced a superb spectacle with some of the best contact racing seen at the venue for some time.
In the other classes in action at the McKinney Safety Centre of Strabane sponsored meeting, recently crowned British Champion Glenn Bell was victorious in Round 4 of the National Hot Rods World Series NI, whilst fellow Portadown driver Jordan Rochford claimed the Tullyroan Challenge Cup in the 2.0 Hot Rods. Meath’s Jake Morgan took an accomplished victory in the Lightning Rods, with Limavady’s Liam Wilson the Thunder Rods victor.

A huge field of almost forty 1300 Stock Cars took to the grid for their opening qualifying heat, and the action came thick and fast right from the off. Norfolk’s Jake Banwell led initially before Kent star Jacob Bromley edged clear to take the victory over Scottish Champion Jamie Stewart and Banwell. Heat two was every bit as action packed, as another English duo of Joe Giles and Darren Terry-Brand traded blows, and the lead, out front. Terry-Brand went in with a last bend hit, but he just failed to unseat Giles from the top spot by the slenderest of margins in a race that also saw a rollover for Scotsman Stewart.
A win and a third saw Bromley annexe pole position for the Irish Open Championship final from Giles, and the race kicked off with a huge turn one shunt which brought about a stoppage. On the resumption the title battle came down to Giles and Bromley, with Giles hitting the front and edging clear to land the title in great fashion ahead of Bromley. Cullybackey’s World Champion Curtis Greer came through for third ahead of Terry-Brand, Curtis Tebbenham and Ryan Jordan.

There was an early stoppage in National Hot Rods heat one, as NI Champion Jeff Riordan found himself in the wall on turn three. Once they got going again it was his brother, Ian Riordan, who romped home to the win over Shane Murray and Glenn Bell. National Champion Ian repeated the feat in heat two, winning at a canter again from Bell and Jordan McCann.
The final again saw Ian Riordan build quite an advantage early on, but Bell soon set his sights on reducing his deficit. With the laps disappearing, he arrived on Riordan’s bumper before pulling off a sensational outside swoop to claim the victory in superb style. Riordan, John Christie, Murray and McCann filled the places.

It wasn’t the best day at the office for the 2.0 Hot Rods formula, with some ill-disciplined driving seeing a number of penalties handed out and some cars unfortunately damaged. British Champion Conor Hughes pulled off a great pass on early leader Jake Devlin to win the opening heat, before former World Champion Andy Best took heat two ahead of James McKinney and Callum Doak.
There was an early crash in the final which eliminated some runners, with Jordan Rochford hitting the front. Hughes was soon running him down having started down the pack, and despite Rochford looking to be in some mechanical difficulty he held on to take the Tullyroan Challenge Cup ahead of Hughes. Aaron Stewart inherited third spot after both the third and fourth placed drivers over the line were disqualified in the post-race analysis.

Jake Morgan was first over the line in the opening Lightning Rods heat, but the teenager was penalised for contact which handed the win to Mark McBurney over Ross Houston. Heat two saw a clear win for another teenager in Tom Hewitt, as he took the flag ahead of Nigel Jackson in a chaotic race.
The final saw Morgan quickly hit the front after just four laps, and the Meath driver held sway all the way home to win from Houston and Stuart Agnew.

Completing the programme were the Thunder Rods, where Jason Darrgh took the opening heat win after first across the line Liam Wilson was penalised by the Stewards. Heat two saw Adam McMullan and newcomer Jack Gault clear out front until they hit fluid on the track and skittled into the wall, bringing out the yellow flags. At the resumption it was Joshua McMullan who took the lead and the win over James Goldie and Joe Largey.
The final saw a repaired Adam McMullan out front early on but this time Wilson was on a charge, and he took a clear win to make up for his penalty earlier in the afternoon. Darragh, Goldie and Adam McKinney chased him home.

Many thanks to our meeting sponsors, McKinney Safety Centre

Super September Speedweekend At Tullyroan Oval

A superb Speedweekend at Tullyroan Oval saw a bumper crowd treated to some spectacular championship oval racing. Birches ace Steven Haugh added the Superstox World Championship to his ever-growing CV after a great drive, whilst Kent’s John Smith successfully retained his Stock Rods World title in an ultra competitive event.
The National Hot Rods were also in championship action, with Portadown’s Glenn Bell taking a record breaking fifth British title in his Ginetta, whilst the young 6-11 year olds in the Ninja Karts contested the Internations Cup which fell to Suffolk’s Mason Carberry.

Superstox
Yorkshire’s Michael Green was on pole position for the 64th running of the Superstox Championship of the World, sponsored by Mk2 Escort Shells and Spares, and with the atmosphere at fever pitch in the stadium he quickly assumed the lead. A big crash brought proceedings to a halt, and on the resumption Steven Haugh, the current European Champion, made his move and powered ahead. Steven was never to be caught, coming home to a rousing reception from the home crowd as he claimed the stunning trophy and gold roof for the next 12 months. Loughgall’s Jamie McCann came through for a creditable second ahead of Essex star Ian Beaumont and defending champion Jordan Robinson.
The World Revenge reversed grid race saw a sublime performance from Green, slicing through the field to take an outstanding win. The Internations Cup Final rounded off Saturday’s action, and it was to be one of the races of the weekend! Green led but after a number of cautions he was bundled to the wall by Beaumont and Robinson and his race was run. Robinson went on to take the win ahead of an impressive Dean Catherwood and Scotsman Kenny McKenzie.
Sunday’s racing for the Irish Open Championship saw the heats shared by Catherwood and Beaumont, but Scottish Points Champion Aaron Riddell claimed pole position for the final and romped home to a great win over Beaumont, Catherwood and Haugh.

Stock Rods
Thirty-six Stock Rods from all corners of the oval racing scene arrived to do battle for their World Championship, sponsored by Cirrus Plastics. The qualifying heats were shared by Dan Shannon, Darragh O’Shea and Mark Foster, with aggregate points seeing O’Shea deservedly take pole position over defending champion John Smith. Smith drove a blinding first two laps, using the outside line to superbly power ahead into the lead. It was a hugely competitive final, but Smith used all his experience to stay ahead all the way to the chequered flag to retain his title in fine style. Shannon came through for a great second ahead of England’s Stuart Smyth and Scotsman Sean Naismith.

Sunday’s racing was for the Irish Masters, with heats wins falling to Jonny Cardwell, Scottish lass Terri Linden and teenager Harry Minish. The final was all about Naismith, as he pulled effortlessly clear to win emphatically from Declan O’Connor and Minish.

National Hot Rods
Saturday saw some sublime racing from the fastest cars on the local tracks, the National Hot Rods, as they contested four qualifying heats for the British Championship, sponsored by Cirrus Plastics. Crumlin’s John Christie, Norwich driver Perry Cooke, Scotland’s World Champion Robert McDonald and Portadown’s Glenn Bell shared the heat wins, with Bell the one who claimed pole spot for Sunday’s British Final.
Despite a number of early cautions and the subsequent 2-wide restarts, Bell held his cool to edge clear and take a record-breaking fifth British Championship title of his career after never putting a foot wrong all weekend. Christie was a gallant runner up, with McDonald coming home third after a stirring drive from down the grid.
McDonald then won the Tullyroan Challenge Cup after a great outside pass on fellow Scot Gordon Alexander, before McDonald again took the win in the inaugural NI Open ahead of Christie and Shane Murray.

Ninja Karts
Providing some superb action were the Ninja Karts, and the kids were racing for the first ever Internations Cup which will become their ‘fifth major’. With a 39-car entry the track was more than busy, as heat wins fell to local star Jack Murphy and English pair Ralph Payne and Mason Carberry.
The Internations Cup final, sponsored by Cirrus Plastics, saw a great battle between East Anglian duo Carberry and George Cooper, with Carberry just grabbing the win ahead of Cooper and Henry Hunn for an all-English top three.

A great DMC Gold Cup race then fell to Scotland’s Rory Wilson ahead of England’s Johnny Wheeler and Scotland’s Alfie Shevill. The final race of the weekend was for the Keir Millar Memorial Trophy, and important race for the formula held in memory of the former driver who always competed superbly at Tullyroan Oval. It was a top quality race befitting Keir’s memory, with Carberry coming home to successfully defend the impressive trophy ahead of Cooper and Wilson.

Many thanks to our meeting sponsors, Cirrus Plastics and Mk2 Escort Shells & Spares

Secker On 'Grand' Form At Aghadowey Oval

Scotland’s 2.0 Hot Rods World Champion Jason Secker was the toast of Aghadowey Oval on Saturday night, when he raced to victory in the coveted Mervyn Emerson Memorial Trophy and in the process collected a cool £1,000 in prize money!
On a night of exciting racing and packed grids, the DMC Gold Cup for 1600 Rookie Bangers went the way of Garvagh’s Stephen Boyd, whilst Antrim teenager Leyton Hughes continued his great run of form in the Junior Productions as he also claimed the DMC Gold Cup. Other feature race winners were Banbridge teenager Harry Minish in the Stock Rods and Limavady’s Josh Young in the Thunder Rods.

With a total of £1700 extra prizemoney on offer (courtesy of Auto Collision Belfast, Countrystyle Burgers and Loanends Commercial Repairs), the 2.0 Hot Rods racing was always going to action packed, and Jordan Rochford got off to the best possible start by taking heat one ahead of welcome visitor Jason Secker in a race that was blighted by oil going down on the track. Heat two saw recent returnee to the formula, multi-champion Adam Hylands, take a flag to flag win over Andy Best and the impressive Secker.
On aggregate points Secker had annexed pole spot for the Mervyn Emerson Memorial Trophy final, and in a blinding start he just held Hylands at bay. There was then a big turn one crash which eliminated a number of cars, with tempers boiling over somewhat for some. At the resumption Secker led from Rochford, and the Scottish ace was able to fend off his attacker all the way home to land the stunning trophy. Behind Rochford, Chris Hamill had his best result in some time with third place ahead of Michael Woods and Jake Devlin.

Over thirty 1600 Rookie Bangers came to grid for their opening heat, and the action was always going to be frantic! With cars spinning and crashing all around, Lee Booth came through for the win just ahead of Josh Goligher, with Brendan Doherty in third. Heat two was another superb event, with Jack Murray taking the win on the road but he was disqualified in post race scrutineering for a technical issue. That elevated Dublin’s Keith McMahon to the win ahead of Dylan Connolly and Stephen Boyd.
The DMC Gold Cup Final delivered once again with some fantastic racing and crashes. The impressive Connolly went ahead early and looked good out front, before Boyd rushed ahead with Doherty in tow. Despite pressuring the front man Doherty just couldn’t get close enough to make a challenge for the lead, and Boyd took the win over Doherty with World Champion Lucas Goligher coming through for third.

With their World Final only a fortnight away, it was pleasing to see a very packed grid of Stock Rods on hand, with a very ill-disciplined heat one falling to Rab Preston who impressed out front. Star men Mark Crawford and Sam McNeice came through for second and third. Aaron Dilly led early on in heat two, before Harry Minish came storming past to take the win ahead of Callum Magill and Jamie Cardwell.
The final was a brilliant race, with a huge mid-field battle amongst a whole pack of cars. Up front Dilly led before losing out to Magill, but Minish was soon closing in. He hit the front, only for Magill to fight back to regain the lead. Harry wasn’t finished though, as he again found a way ahead, holding on to take a great win from the challenging Darragh O’Shea and Magill.

In the Junior Productions the novice graded drivers held sway in both heats. In the opener Sam Torrington took a great win ahead of Ryan Carroll, before Carroll went one better to take his first ever win in heat two ahead of Torrington and Andrew Hawe.
The DMC Gold Cup final saw Torrington and Carroll out front in the early stages, but all eyes were on the fast moving pair of Leyton Hughes and Ryan Berry. They were scything through the pack at a great rate of knots, and were soon bearing down on the now race leader Keegan Turtle. A great battle ensued for the silverware, with Hughes getting ahead late on to take the win in fine style ahead of Turtle and Berry after a fantastic race.

Completing the programme were the Thunder Rods, where it was pleasing to see another big grid on track. Stephanie Hawthorne impressed out front in heat one until a yellow flag brought the field onto her tail, with Rasharkin’s Jason Darrgh edging ahead to take the win over Liam Wilson and Norman Purdy. Heat two saw Wilson improve, this time taking a clear win over Joe Largey and Andrew McLean.
In the final Hawthorne impressed once again by leading until past the halfway mark, before Josh Young powered through to take the victory. Wilson, Darragh and Largey were next across the line.

Maiden National Hot Rod Final Win For Stewart At Aghadowey

Local man Richard Stewart, who lives almost within sight of the stadium, was the man on form at Aghadowey Oval on Saturday night, August 30th, as he took his first ever feature race win in the elite National Hot Rods division. There were trying conditions for the drivers all night on a damp and changing track, with the other final winners being Portadown’s Steven Haugh (Superstox), Lurgan’s Graham Meek (1300 Stock Cars), Coleraine’s Liam Wilson (Thunder Rods) and Portadown’s Ollie Williamson (Ninja Karts).

Recent newcomer to the formula, Ballymoney’s Davy Clarke, led the opening National Hot Rods heat away in the wet, and despite some heavy pressure from some star names late on, he was able to hold on for a well deserved win ahead of Drew McKeown and Scotsman James Mooney. Heat two saw Richard Stewart out front before flying Kells ace Derek McMillan swooped through from the star grade to take an emphatic win in his Lotus from Stewart and Glenn Bell.
The final was the race of the night, as the National Hot Rods delivered once again as they regularly do. Stewart wasted no time in building a lead out front once he had cleared early leader Clarke, but behind there was a huge battle for the places between eight or more cars at a time. Jordan Rochford broke clear of the fight to settle into second, but by this stage Stewart was well clear and he raced home to a very impressive maiden feature race win in the formula. Behind second placed Rochford, third fell to McKeown ahead of Bell and John Christie.

For the Superstox it was the final meeting of the 2024/25 NI Points Championship season, and it was the champion elect Steven Haugh who sealed the title with a heat and final double. Neil Hyndman won the opening heat, showing good pace to head home Sean Mark and Haugh, before Haugh took the second heat with a great drive after being delayed early on in a melee on the Brown Trout Bend. Mark and Hyndman filled the places.
Gerard Hartley led much of the way in the final, impressing out front ahead of Hyndman. Neil then moved ahead, but both could offer little resistance when Haugh came calling. The European Champion eased past them both to seal the Mk2 Escort Shells and Spares sponsored NI Points Championship in perfect style.

There was a straightforward opening heat win for Davy Wilson in the opening heat for the 1300 Stock Cars, the Cullybackey man heading home Graham Meek and Ty Richardson. The star men, including World Champion Curtis Greer, failed to get on terms all evening as Wilson again took the second heat to earn an upgrade for the final. Josh McKinstry and Richardson were the placemen in this one.
Richardson and Ethan Dilly squabbled over the lead in the final, before former Junior Productions champion Meek surged ahead at half distance. Richardson kept him in his sights all the way home but couldn’t land a telling blow. A delighted Meek took the honours ahead of Richardson, Wilson and McKinstry.

The Thunder Rods were a late addition to the programme, and they managed to produce some great action. Joshua McCahon was the star of the heats, winning the opener from Joshua McMullan and Liam Wilson before again grabbing the chequered flag in heat two, this time ahead of Wilson and Adam Graham.
Wilson had scored third and second in the heats, and he continued his improvement on the night by winning the final after relegating early leader, recent newcomer Sam Dougherty. Behind the impressive Wilsom, Irish Champion James Goldie powered through for second ahead of McCahon and Adam McKinney.

The opening Ninja Karts heat saw the young stars cope admirably with the damp conditions. Frankie Stirling and Eddie Fowler had spells out front before European Champion Mason Carberry from Suffolk slipped inside backmarkers to outfox Fowler and take the win on the final lap. Ollie Williamson and Fowler completed the top three. Stirling again heat two away, but this time the man to watch was Rowdy Grattan who roared through to win from Carberry and Tommy Johnston.
Paul Crooks charged ahead impressively in the final before he lost out to Evan Beattie. Coming with a late charge though was Wiliamson, the Portadown driver punching the air with delight as he took the chequered flag after a great drive to the front. Carberry and Grattan took the podium slots after a great evening from the youngsters.

Maxwell and McNeice Claim Victory in Fantastic Tullyroan Finals

Despite the damp conditions at Tullyroan Oval on Saturday evening, August 23rd, the race fans were treated to some fantastic on track action in one of the most exciting meetings served up in quite some time. Crumlin’s Adam Maxwell took the honours in the National Hot Rods final with a late charge to the win, whilst Randalstown’s Sam McNeice got the best of a fantastic dice to take a superb Tullyroan Challenge Cup victory in the Stock Rods.
World Champion Jordan Robinson from Portadown took the honours in the Superstox Moffett Shield, whilst the other feature race wins fell to Glenavy’s Joe Largey in the Thunder Rods and Antrim’s National Champion Leyton Hughes as he won the Junior Productions final.

Before racing began, the new National Hot Rods National Champion Ian Riordan was presented to the crowd to a great ovation following his big win at Hednesford earlier in the month. Racing commenced on a wet track, with Kells star Derek McMillan revelling in the conditions to take the win in heat one over Drew McKeown and Jordan McCann. McMillan repeated the feat in heat two, again winning with ease ahead of Adam Maxwell and McKeown.
The final commenced on a drying track, with McMillan hitting the front ahead of McKeown and looking odds on to complete his hat-trick for the evening. But some of the star men had gambled on a two wets/two slicks tyre combination, and as a dry line appeared they came into their own. There was a titanic battle at the front for a time which was a joy to watch, but Maxwell was able to edge clear to take the victory just ahead of the charging Glenn Bell. Ian Riordan came through for third ahead of McMillan.

A number of welcome visitors from Tipperary Raceway bolstered the Stock Rods grid to a very impressive thirty cars. British Champion Siobhan Martin went ahead in the opening heat, but succumbed to the pressure from Jonny Cardwell who went on to take the win over Martin and Mark Foster. It was a very packed raceway indeed, and in heat two it was Declan O’Connor who got the best of a great scrap to win over Irish Champion Mark Crawford and Samuel Murphy.
The Tullyroan Challenge Cup final was an absolute stormer of a race, with a huge battle up front for much of the distance between pole sitter Sam McNeice, Martin and young hot-shot Harry Minish. Most were using the high line in the search for grip, and two late caution periods only added to the drama! McNeice superbly held on for the victory after perfectly withstanding all the pressure from behind, with Martin taking second ahead of the very impressive 16-year-old Minish.

Jonathan Crawford and welcome returnee Sean Mark had a battle for the lead in the opening Superstox heat, before World Champion Jordan Robinson stormed through to take the win over Mark and Paddy Murphy. Heat two had a spectacular finish, with Mark losing out to the flying champion duo of Jordan Robinson and Steven Haugh late on. Just as Robinson looked set to take his second win of the night, Haugh punted a backmarker into him, sending the World Champ spinning out of contention and allowing Haugh to steal through for the win, with Mark and Murphy again filling out the top three.
The final, for the annual Moffett Shield, saw Crawford and then Mark at the head of the field, before Mark spun out of contention on the Tullyroan end, bringing about a caution. From there Robinson powered home to take the win and the shield over Haugh and Murphy, with Gregg Hyndman also receiving an award from the Moffett family as the best white or yellow grade finisher.

As he did for all three Thunder Rods races, Ballymena’s Brandon Kernohan led the opening exchanges in the first heat. Jordan Nicholl found a way past, before he then lost out to the charging Robert Nicholl who took the win. Kernohan impressed as he led the majority of heat two, before star man Adam McKinney surged past to take the victory over Adam Graham and Liam Wilson.
Kernohan again led the final, but this time it was Joe Largey who was making great progress by using the high line out against the wall. Former Stock Rods European Champion Largey stormed past to hit the front and take a very worthy win over Graham and Kernohan.

The opening Junior Productions heat saw Caolan Fegan the first over the line, but he was demoted two places by Race Control for a jump start. That handed victory to impressive debutant Sam Torrington ahead of National Champion Leyton Hughes. Heat two saw Tipperary racer Jamie Hadden drive a great race to win from Hughes and Ryan Berry.
The final saw Ryan Carroll out front in the opening laps before he lost out to the fast moving Maia Thompson. But there was no stopping Hughes in this one, as he hit the wide outside line to charge ahead and win at ease, ahead of an impressive drive from Ryan Jackson with Berry in third.

Goligher and Rochford On Top Form At Aghadowey

A fine summer evening at Aghadowey Oval on Saturday, August 16th, saw some great racing served up across five classes. Limavady’s Josh Goligher scored a heat and final double to land the Ulster Championship in the 1600 Rookie Bangers, whilst Portadown’s former World Champion Jordan Rochford took a decisive victory in the 2.0 Hot Rods Hoosier Tyres Challenge Series Grand Final. The other feature race wins fell to Cullybackey’s new 1300 Stock Cars World Champion Curtis Greer, Armagh’s Mark Foster in the Stock Rods and Magheralin’s Stuart Agnew in the Lightning Rods.

A packed grid of 1600 Rookie Bangers certainly produced the goods for the fans, with Lee Booth storming through to win heat one over Philip Holmes and Aaron McGraw. The track was every bit as busy during heat two, which saw Booth out front once again for much of the distance. But Josh Goligher had his focus firmly on the win, punting Booth wide on the last bend to snatch a last gasp victory.
The Ulster Championship race saw the top finishers from the heats starting at the front, and Goligher quickly grabbed the lead. As the race progressed Booth edged in on the leader but just couldn’t get close enough to mount a challenge. Goligher impressed as he took the Ulster title, with Steven Bolton snatching second after Booth got caught up in heavy backmarking traffic late on.

Rising Dungannon teenager Jake Devlin stamped his authority all over the 2.0 Hot Rods heats, holding on the take the opener from Michael Woods and Callum Doak despite a late caution period eroding his healthy lead. It was a much more decisive win for Devlin in heat two, Jake making good use of his yellow grading to lead home Chris Hamill and Robbie Barnett.
The Grand Final of the Hoosier Tyres Challenge Series was lined up in aggregate points order from across the series, which put Jordan Rochford on pole spot. Jordan quickly assumed the lead and edged out an advantage over Andy Best, reeling off the laps to seal the victory and with it two race tyres and the trophy courtesy of sponsors Hoosier UK. Best and Devlin received a tyre each for second and third spots, ahead of Doak and Adam Best.

Before the meeting commenced the new 1300 Stock Cars World Champion Curtis Greer was given a tremendous ovation from the home fans as he showed off his trophy and the gold roof after his big win recently in England. The first heat saw Graham Meek relieve Ty Richardson of the lead to take the win, with Gareth Halliday in third. Heat two saw Cullybackey’s David Wilson lead for much of the distance, before star man Matthew Milliken burst through to the win on the final lap with Halliday following him through to second.
The final was arguably the race of the night, with some outrageous bumper work thrilling the fans lap after lap. Richardson held the lead for some time, before Josh McKinstry fired himself ahead. But that man Greer was coming into his own just when it mattered most, Curtis landing the perfect last bend hit to unseat McKinstry from the top spot and take a stunning victory. McKinstry and Richardson were next home ahead of Wilson and Meek from the midst of an enormous places battle.

A very healthy grid of Stock Rods included a formula debut for Neil Capper, as young gun Harry Minish cruised to the heat one win over Mark Foster and Callum Magill. Heat two was another superb race, with Samuel Murphy just holding off the advances of the evergreen Victor McAfee to take the chequers.
The final saw Murphy hit the front early on, before Irish Open Champion Foster snatched the lead on the ninth lap. Mark had to withstand the advances of Minish all the way to the flag, soaking up the pressure to take the silverware after a fine drive indeed. Behind runner up Minish, Sam McNeice, Stevie McNiece and Jonny Cardwell filled out the places.

Completing the programme were the Lightning Rods where Stuart Agnew found a way past Ethan Dilly late on the take the win in heat one. 16-year-old Tom Hewitt, fresh out of Junior Productions, was the star man in heat two as he held off Agnew and Mark McBurney to take a very impressive victory.
The final saw a battle royale between the top runners McBurney, Dilly and Agnew. There was a late shuffle of the places as Dilly came through to take the flag, but he was docked for contact on McBurney which handed the win to Agnew which will see the former World Cup holder return to the star grade for the next meeting. McBurney was second, with Dilly having to make do with third for his efforts.

Rochford Romps To Lee Cherry Memorial Trophy Victory

A superb evening of racing was served up at Tullyroan Oval on Saturday night, with Portadown’s Jordan Rochford the big winner as he scooped the Lee Cherry Memorial Trophy for 2.0 Hot Rods. There were Tullyroan Challenge Cup wins for Ballymena’s Adam Graham in the Thunder Rods and County Armagh’s Jack Murphy in the Ninja Karts, whilst the Superstox final fell to Stephen Stewart of Portadown. The DMC Gold Cup for Unlimited National Bangers went to Dublin’s Stevo McGrath, whilst the crowd were also treated to some demonstration laps by the legendary three-times World Champion Norman Woolsey in his replica Royal Mail Peugeot 205 as he celebrated his 82nd birthday.

The opening qualifier for the 2.0 Hot Rods saw an easy win for Jordan Rochford over British Champion Conor Hughes and welcome visitor from Scotland, World Champion Jason Secker. The reversed grid heat two saw Andy Best take the win over Sean Maher and Jake Devlin.
Rochford had qualified on pole spot for the Lee Cherry Memorial Trophy final and, despite an early caution period, he stamped his authority all over the race. As Jordan took the win and the magnificent trophy, Secker and Best filled the podium places.
Ninja Karts
A number of visitors boosted the Ninja Karts field, with Rowdy Grattan coming on strong late in heat one to take the win from Eddie Fowler and Cumbria’s Jayden Jeffrey. A mid-race caution in heat two brought the star drivers right into contention, with NI Points Champ Jack Murphy taking the win by a nose over Tommy Johnston and Ollie Williamson.
The Tullyroan Challenge Cup final saw Murphy set the pace from pole position, and he raced on to take the title victory in some style. A great places scrap saw Williamson take second from Cahan Bradley, Johnston and Scotland’s Christopher Lattka.

Some of the closest racing of the night came from the Thunder Rods, with Joshua McMullan taking the opening heat ahead of Joe Largey and James Goldie, before Jason Darragh grabbed the heat two win ahead of Adam Graham and Goldie.
The final was arguably the race of the night, with Graham out front but with a pack of ten cars or more right on his case. It was fantastic stuff, with Graham managing to break clear late on to seal the Tullyroan Challenge Cup victory. The huge places battle went right to the wire, with McMullan snatching second ahead of Goldie, Mark McLaughlin and Adam McKinney at the end of a great night of racing from the formula.

The Superstox saw welcome returns to action for David McMenemy, Andrew Murphy, Dean Catherwood and Paul Crawford which helped boost the grid. Ethan Martin impressed on his way to the heat one victory, coming home ahead of McMenemy and Gerard Hartley, before European Champion Steven Haugh grabbed the heat two win after relegating McMenemy late on.
Novice grader Jonathan Crawford quickly settled into the lead in the final, and was driving superbly to open up a gap out front. With the others struggling to make inroads into his advantage, he looked a cert to take what would have been a career first feature race win. But with only a few laps left he picked up suspension damage after clipping the wall, which opened the door for Stephen Stewart to steal through and collect the trophy. World Champion Jordan Robinson and McMenemy filled the top three, with Crawford struggling home in seventh after an impressive drive that promised so much more.

A depleted field of Unlimited National Bangers did their very best to entertain, with David Gurney leading the DMC Gold Cup race for much of the way. He was stopped in his tracks on the last lap by Steven Reynolds, allowing Leonard Dunn to hit the front. But Leonard had clipped the melee of the Gurney/Reynolds incident sustaining suspension damage, and as he struggled around the final bend Stevo McGrath sneaked past to take a very fortunate victory.
The opening Allcomers fell to Daryl Gilshenan, before he repeated the feat in Allcomers 2. The Destruction Derby went the way of McGrath, after he stopped both Jake and Steven Reynolds to take the win.

Super Summer Speedweekend at Aghadowey Oval

A fantastic Summer Speedweekend at Aghadowey Oval saw some great racing, as a number of major championships were contested by drivers from right across the British Isles. The Ninja Karts World Championship was the feature event which fell to Cork’s Dillon Murphy after a sensational race, whilst Bleary’s Drew McKeown took the honours in the 2.0 Hot Rods European Championship.
Antrim teenager Leyton Hughes won the first ever National Championship in the Junior Productions whilst Waringstown driver Ross Houston was the victor in the Lightning Rods European Cup.

Ninja Karts
Thirty-six 6-11 year old drivers had battled hard all year to qualify for the first ever Aghadowey Oval staging of the Ninja Karts World Championship, sponsored by LJN Motorsport and Scrapco. Three keenly contested qualifying heats saw wins for Cumbria’s Jayden Jeffrey in the opener before another English driver, Johnny Wheeler, took heat two. The final heat also went to England, as Kent’s Henry Hunn took the honours.

Sunday’s World Championship final was an absolute cracker, as Scotland’s Alfie Shevill, and England’s George Copper scrapped out front with Hunn getting involved too. Then Dillon Murphy from the Republic of Ireland joined in the lead tussle, before a last lap caution period was called when Charlie Major rolled over on the back straight. The atmosphere was electric as they went for a one lap dash to the flag for the formula’s biggest prize, and it was Murphy who edged past Cooper to take the win in sensational style, joining his former National Hot Rods World Champion father Shane as a gold roof holder! Cooper, Jaxon York, Hunn and Harley Flegg completed the top finishers after a stunning event.
The reverse grid Revenge race saw a win for Scotland’s Rory Wilson, before Rory once again came through to win a hotly contested Irish Open Championship to end the weekend’s racing. Hunn, Murphy and Christopher Lattka completed the top four.

2.0 Hot Rods
The opening 2.0 Hot Rods qualifying heat fell to Scotland’s World Champion Jason Secker, before the Best brothers from Dungannon, Andy and Adam, took a win each in heats two and three. Consistency earned Bleary’s Drew McKeown pole position for the Cherry Pipes European Championship final, with Portadown’s Jordan Rochford alongside. There was a frantic start to proceedings and an early caution period, but McKeown remained in full control out front ahead of Rochford. Drew reeled off the remaining laps with ease to record his second European title win in superb fashion, heading home Rochford, Secker, Conor Hughes and Adam Best at the chequered flag.
The European Revenge race fell to Londonderry veteran Colin McFarland after an outstanding drive, before the NI Open Championship completed proceedings with Secker taking a deserved win over the impressive pair of James McKinney and Adam Weir.

junior Productions
The first ever National Championship for the Junior Productions was their feature race, and the teenagers all drove superbly over the weekend to provide some great racing. The heats fell to Antrim’s Leyton Hughes, Portadown’s Jack Morrison and Banbridge driver Noah Teggart to set up a titanic battle for the Cherry Pipes National Championship and the right to wear the gold roof for the next twelve months.
Morrison got the jump at the start of the National title race, with Hughes keeping a watching brief from close quarters. There was heavy backmarking traffic ahead, and as Morrison made the slightest of hesitations, Hughes pounced to grab the lead. Leyton stormed home over the remaining laps to take the title, celebrating by climbing onto his roof in front of the packed stadium! Morrison was a gallant runner up after a sterling drive, with Andrew Russell from Donegal in third ahead of Ryan Berry, Casey Cherry and Teggart.
Sunday’s Irish Open Championship saw heat wins for Hughes, Russell and Morrison, before Hughes was again the man on a mission as he took the honours in the title race ahead of Russell, Berry, Morrison and Teggart.

National Hot Rods
The elite National Hot Rods were in action on Sunday for the first round of the 2025/26 World Series NI. Portadown’s former World Champion Glenn Bell gave a dream debut to his stunning new Ginetta by taking the first heat win over Allen Cherry and James Mooney, before Thomas Dilly drove superbly on a slippery track to take heat two by a whisker from Adam Maxwell and Bell.
Bell was back in control in the final, streaking clear and taking a decisive win despite what looked like some mechanical issues nearing the end. Cherry was runner up once again, with Derek Martin and Shane Murray taking third and fourth.

Lightning Rods
The Lightning Rods formula were contesting the European Cup, with the excellent heats falling to Meath’s Jake Morgan and World Cup holder Mark Corry of Portadown. The European Cup final was totally dominated by Waringstown racer Ross Houston, as he pulled well clear to record an emphatic victory. Nigel Jackson came through to second having started at the rear after an engine change after an opening heat failure. Mark McBurney was another to impress in third place after a stirring debut drive.
Sunday’s NI Open saw heat wins for Jackson and Corry, before Jackson went on to dominate the final, taking the win at ease ahead of Stuart Agnew and Corry.

Stock Rods
A big field of Stock Rods contested the King of Aghadowey on Saturday evening, with the heat wins shared by Republic of Ireland drivers Declan O’Connor and Eogan Burke. The final saw Siobhan Martin lead from the off having qualified superbly on pole position, but she was caught out by an errant backmarker within sight of the flag which scuppered what looked like a nailed on victory. Armagh’s Mark Foster quickly capitalised to grab the win ahead of Dan Shannon and the recovered Martin.