THE PHOENIX Park motor races, among the oldest in the world, will take place in a fortnight’s time after a break of two years.
The recession and lack of volunteers has been cited as the reason why the races, first run in 1903, did not take place in 2010 or 2011.
Motorsport Ireland is hoping for a return to the halcyon days of racing back in the 1990s, when 100,000 spectators attended.
The first running of the event was as part of the Irish Gordon Bennett Race Speed Trials in 1903.
It was revived in 1949, after a hiatus of 10 years, and has run almost every year since, except the last two.
Unlike Bavaria City Racing, which charged for the best seats, the Phoenix Park racing will be free and competitive.
The races take place on the weekend of August 18th and 19th.
“It is great to be able to use the facility of the Phoenix Park,” said Motorsport Ireland president Joe Corcoran.
“At the end of the day the sport is absolutely run by volunteers. We have to rely on the availability of the course and the support of the Office of Public Works.”
The circuit that will be used over the weekend is the Oldtown Circuit in the park. This has three main corners: Dublin Corner, Furry Glen Corner and Mountjoy Corner. The paddock will be located in the grounds of Farmleigh House and spectators will have the opportunity to get close to the cars.
The highlight of the weekend will be the Dublin Grand Prix which takes place on Sunday and will be contested by Ford 2000s.
Also in action over the weekend will be Formula Libres, the fastest cars in Irish racing, Strykers, Irish Touring Cars, GT and Sprints along with supercars and classic bikes.
There will be no official spectator car parking in the park for the races due to heavy rain over the summer.
Spectators can get a shuttle bus from Heuston Station to the venue with a valid Luas ticket.
