Phoenix Park Motor Races this weekend 18th-19th August

Tallon

Anyone going? Does it be good?

MORE THAN 60,000 people are expected in Dublin’s Phoenix Park this weekend to take in the 110th anniversary of the very first motor racing event in the park.

The Phoenix Park Motor Races, Ireland’s oldest motorsport event, is a free event and will take place all day on Saturday and Sunday. The races are returning after a break of two years, with the last event taking place in 2009.

Competitive action will take place on both days, with the weekend’s highlight – the Dublin Grand Prix – scheduled for Sunday afternoon contested by the Historic Formula Ford 2000s.

There will be three main corners in the the Oldtown Circuit, where the action will happen this weekend: Dublin corner, Furry Glen corner and the Mountjoy corner where people will get to see some Formula Libre cars – the fastest cars in Irish racing – the Irish Touring Cars, Strykers, GT’s and Sprints. A full range of Ferrari’s and Supercars will be also involved over the weekend, along with some classic bikes.

Spectators will also have the opportunity to get up close to the drivers and the cars over the two days at the Paddock, which is located in Farmleigh.

“This weekend is going to be a fantastic event. The Phoenix Park Motor Races are a great spectacle and gives everyone the chance to see high speed motorsport in the heart of Dublin, and completely free for spectators. Even if you have only a passing interest it is a great couple of days out where you can see all sorts of action on the track, and something for everyone,” said Ann Steven, Clerk of the Course for the Phoenix Park Motor Races.

“To be able to run such a huge and exciting event in the Phoenix Park is fantastic and the OPW have done so much to make this happen so let’s hope the sun shines for the weekend, although a drop of rain could make the track action even more exciting!”

Spectators can avail of a free shuttle bus from the Luas Red Line Heuston Station stop to the venue from Parkgate Street, with a valid Luas ticket. Vistors have been asked to note that there will be no official spectator car parking in Phoenix Park for the Races due to the heavy falls of rain over the summer.

Motorsport Ireland will also have wristbands on sale across the weekend to help raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and all attendees are encouraged to support the charity. For more information on the event log on to PPMR.ie or MotorsportIreland.com.

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Furp

Think I'll make an effort to go this year, havent been in 3 years, much to the kids dissapointment. Should be a good weekend.

Drummerboy08

It's a great weekend out, I haven't been in years. It could well be the last year of it too if there isn't a good turnout so get down there and support it!!

I'll be there on Sunday, don't think tomorrow is a runner.

Chris_Heilong

I hear the cars taking part have to pay €400 each, so there maybe less for us to see this year. Also as far as I know the event is free to the public.

Drummerboy08

There are plenty of cars lined up to enter this year, a championship scoring event for any of these cars costs pretty much that anyhow.

Should be very good turnout in terms of different classes.

horse7

anyone got a timetable for the events?

zom

From another thread on Sports > Motorsport > Phoenix Park Motor Races 2012 :

Saturday 18th. August 2012
Practice:
09:00 Irish Historics
09:25 Fiats
09:50 Formula Libre
10:15 Formula Vee
10:40 Sprint Class (1)
11:05 Historic FF2000
11:30 Pre '55
11:55 Strykers/Globals/GTs
12:20 Sprint Class (2)
Parades:
12:45 AC Cobra & Kit Cars
13:05 Classic Bikes
Racing/Pursuit Sprints:
13:30 Pre '55
13:55 Irish Historics
14:20 Fiats
14:45 Formula Libre
15:10 Historic FF2000
15:35 Strykers
16:00 Formula Vee
16:25 Sprint Class 1
16:50 GT
17:15 Sprint Class 2

PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE
Sunday 19th.
Practice:
09:00 Practice Session
09:25 ITCC
Parades:
09:50 Classic Bikes
10:15 Ginetta
Racing/Pursuit Sprints
10:35 Pre 55
11:00 Sprint Class 1
11:25 Sprint Class 2
11:50 GT
Parades:
12:15 Ferrari/BMW/Supercars
12:35 TVR's
13:20 Ginetta
Racing:
13:40 Strykers
14:05 Luas competition winner plus...
14:30
Historic FF2000 Dublin Grand Prix
14:55 Formula Vee
15:20 Formula Libre
15:45 Irish Historics
16:10 ITCC
16:35 Fiats
17:00 Classic Bikes

I just came from Phoenix Park (have some work this Saturday unfortunately) - glorious weather to spend all day there. It started at 10 instead of 9 so I saw only 3 races: Historic, Fiats and Libre.

horse7

Thanks, while its a beautiful day to be in the park,the event is a damp squib. The paddocks are miles away from the action on the track. Its impossible to see the cars taking the corners,so if ur going bring some water/fizzy drinks and some eats,could be a long day. p.s and the classic bikes didnt run till 2pm(so much for the schedual).

Veloce

Was at the practise sessions this morning. Bit of a trek to get around and not really much to see in certain spots due to the concrete barricades. The ITCC cars are on tomorrow, 9.25 practise with the race in the afternoon. Look forward to that. The supercar parade is also on tomorrow, hopefully some decent metal there.

Chris_Heilong

for some reason I thought spectators would be beside the track like in a Rally, sound disappointing as I had planned to go tomorrow.

IrishZeus

Walked over this evening to have a look.

Disappointed to be honest - you have to stand miles back from the action, very difficult to see much, almost impossible to see anything on the corners.

As mentioned above, paddocks are miles away.

Stayed for a half hour and don't think I'll head back tomorrow

Agent_47

Went today with the young lad and had a ball. His eyes lit up when we treked over to the paddock and did belt and braces tour of the parked and being repaired cars and bikes. Wanted a picture at the Formula Renault which went on to win the race at 16.20 and which he was rooting for.
Some nice stuff there especially the Cobras. Fiat race was good and enteraining. I'd say for safety reasons and with there being no run off areas/gravel traps were the reason some spectator areas were miles back. Over to Farmleigh and around there was not bad at all especially given sunny day that was in it.

MrJoeSoap

Was at it the last year it was on and at a few before that over the years, looking forward to heading in early tomorrow then on to Croker. Once the sun makes an appearance it could be a great day.

cgal093

Agent_47 wrote: »

Went today with the young lad and had a ball. His eyes lit up when we treked over to the paddock and did belt and braces tour of the parked and being repaired cars and bikes. Wanted a picture at the Formula Renault which went on to win the race at 16.20 and which he was rooting for.
Some nice stuff there especially the Cobras. Fiat race was good and enteraining. I'd say for safety reasons and with there being no run off areas/gravel traps were the reason some spectator areas were miles back. Over to Farmleigh and around there was not bad at all especially given sunny day that was in it.

Was he able to see everything alright?

Thinking of bringing my nephew tomorrow but wouldn't really be worth it if we were stuck looking at the back of peoples heads..

privateBeavis

I was at this just for an hour or so this morning with the young fella, during practice there wasn't many around so you had no problem seeing stuff. But can't imagine you wouldn't be able to find a free barrier space to see.
One thing I would mention is that at least on the north side of the track the barrier is right back so there's no path and the ground in quite wet in places. I was there with the buggy so couldn't go too far with it! Probably better viewing spots around the track!

here's an idea of the view:

Hotwheels

Some good fun in the Park today, ideal weather too...

horse7

A real let down today at the races today.Not worth going.

goz83

+1. It totally blew. Going ankle deep into muddy sludge didn't improve things for me.

Drummerboy08

horse7 wrote: »

A real let down today at the races today.Not worth going.

Can you clarify why? What find you expect versus what you got etc?

I thought the exact opposite, some great racing today and the views are nowhere near as bad as people make out.

The only thing I could criticise was the lack of binsaround the track and paddock for rubbish.

goz83

I would say very little action and the barriers were too far away from the track, which left a great deal of the spectator area in mud, closest to the visitor center. There were massive gaps in the races and I wouldn't have called what I saw racing.

Veloce

I thought today was very enjoyable. Was down on the outer apex of Dublin corner. Some great overtaking and shunting!

I really enjoyed the historic bike parade too the noise off them is unreal.

Gary ITR

goz83 wrote: »

I would say very little action and the barriers were too far away from the track, which left a great deal of the spectator area in mud, closest to the visitor center. There were massive gaps in the races and I wouldn't have called what I saw racing.

Some great racing today. Great battles in the puntos and the abarths, the itcc guys has great battles too so not really sure what you were expecting. I stood at turn.one for a bit and could see a lot of the action. Not a lot can be done.about the.mud given recent weather and msi (rightly so) wouldn't allow barriers any closer.

There was a shuttle bus to the paddock if you so wished. Not a bad day out considering all it cost was the luas fare in

goz83

Gary ITR wrote: »

Not a bad day out considering all it cost was the luas fare in

We don't have a luas line on the north side

When I arrived at about 1pm today, there was nothing happening. No race. I heard the commentators saying "there are no vehicles on the track right now." 15 minutes later changed nothing. I came back an hour later and there were bikes on the track, but they were just cruising. I was going to walk around and find a different viewing point, but I got destroyed in mud and on my way out, I saw that many others had too. It's good that some people enjoyed it, but I did not see any of the good stuff and only heard people complaining about the big gaps in between action, which I saw none of.

I did see a bunch of Ferrari's on the way in though

Gary ITR

goz83 wrote: »

Gary ITR wrote: »

Not a bad day out considering all it cost was the luas fare in

We don't have a luas line on the north side

When I arrived at about 1pm today, there was nothing happening. No race. I heard the commentators saying "there are no vehicles on the track right now." 15 minutes later changed nothing. I came back an hour later and there were bikes on the track, but they were just cruising. I was going to walk around and find a different viewing point, but I got destroyed in mud and on my way out, I saw that many others had too. It's good that some people enjoyed it, but I did not see any of the good stuff and only heard people complaining about the big gaps in between action, which I saw none of.

I did see a bunch of Ferrari's on the way in though

You arrived at lunch break ya clown lol

tranceman

I was there yesterday and the weather was just perfect. Came back with muck up to my ankles but it was worth it. You can see some of the action on my website here
Event, Corporate, Party Photographer Dublin

Veloce

Gary ITR wrote: »

goz83 wrote: »

Gary ITR wrote: »

Not a bad day out considering all it cost was the luas fare in

We don't have a luas line on the north side

When I arrived at about 1pm today, there was nothing happening. No race. I heard the commentators saying "there are no vehicles on the track right now." 15 minutes later changed nothing. I came back an hour later and there were bikes on the track, but they were just cruising. I was going to walk around and find a different viewing point, but I got destroyed in mud and on my way out, I saw that many others had too. It's good that some people enjoyed it, but I did not see any of the good stuff and only heard people complaining about the big gaps in between action, which I saw none of.

I did see a bunch of Ferrari's on the way in though

You arrived at lunch break ya clown lol

Was just about to say the same LOL!

There was that lunch break but the gaps in between the other races after were not too bad. The odd delay as a result of a DNF car making its way back to the paddock after the race.

The noise off the Ferrari 360s were class

goz83

Gary ITR wrote: »

You arrived at lunch break ya clown lol

Really? Did lunch break last from 1pm to 3pm? I did say that I stayed for 15 minutes and then returned after an hour. I stayed a good while after that and it was sh!te. The only thing that could have made it worse was getting clamped. That's probably why you left the car behind was it?

cgal093

Deadly day today! Didn't see a lot of racing but had a good look around all the cars. Very nice BMWs on show today

Veloce

goz83 wrote: »

Gary ITR wrote: »

You arrived at lunch break ya clown lol

Really? Did lunch break last from 1pm to 3pm? I did say that I stayed for 15 minutes and then returned after an hour. I stayed a good while after that and it was sh!te. The only thing that could have made it worse was getting clamped. That's probably why you left the car behind was it?

You go to a free event and all you do is whine about it afterwards. Jeebus Christ. I don't know what your on about a lunch break from 13:00 to 15:00? I was there from 11:45 to 16:30. Oh and the motorbikes were a parade run, and not a race if you cared to check the timetable.

goz83

I was planning to go take a look at the cars on display, but the mud stopped me in my tracks

Gary ITR

goz83 wrote: »

Gary ITR wrote: »

You arrived at lunch break ya clown lol

Really? Did lunch break last from 1pm to 3pm? I did say that I stayed for 15 minutes and then returned after an hour. I stayed a good while after that and it was sh!te. The only thing that could have made it worse was getting clamped. That's probably why you left the car behind was it?

I arrived around 12 and there was parade laps with classics and such. There was racing again from 3 with small gaps between.

I have free parking not far from the park.so no issues there for me

goz83

Veloce wrote: »

You go to a free event and all you do is whine about it afterwards. Jeebus Christ. I don't know what your on about a lunch break from 13:00 to 15:00? I was there from 11:45 to 16:30. Oh and the motorbikes were a parade run, and not a race if you cared to check the timetable.

No, I didn't check the time table. I was also there with the kids for other reasons. Jeebus will you shut your pie hole. I didn't say lunch was 1-3pm. I was merely pointing out that I was there between those times and caught no action. Read my posts before responding. Good for you to have a good day, congratulations, jump on stage with with Katie and wave your medal. A free event doesn't take away my right to have and give an opinion on said event. This was my experience of it and I have given my experience of it.

Checking the schedule does guarantee that the event will run to that schedule. So.....after arriving just after one and seeing NOTHING...I left and returned after an hour to try see SOMETHING. I saw very little, got muddy on my travels and called it a day. If this was your experience, would you call it a brilliant day?

goz83

Gary ITR wrote: »

I arrived around 12 and there was parade laps with classics and such. There was racing again from 3 with small gaps between.

I have free parking not far from the park.so no issues there for me

I was gone before 3, so that would explain why I missed the action. Shame, I would have loved to see a bit of racing.

Veloce

goz83 wrote: »

Veloce wrote: »

You go to a free event and all you do is whine about it afterwards. Jeebus Christ. I don't know what your on about a lunch break from 13:00 to 15:00? I was there from 11:45 to 16:30. Oh and the motorbikes were a parade run, and not a race if you cared to check the timetable.

No, I didn't check the time table. I was also there with the kids for other reasons. Jeebus will you shut your pie hole. I didn't say lunch was 1-3pm. I was merely pointing out that I was there between those times and caught no action. Read my posts before responding. Good for you to have a good day, congratulations, jump on stage with with Katie and wave your medal. A free event doesn't take away my right to have and give an opinion on said event. This was my experience of it and I have given my experience of it.

Checking the schedule does guarantee that the event will run to that schedule. So.....after arriving just after one and seeing NOTHING...I left and returned after an hour to try see SOMETHING. I saw very little, got muddy on my travels and called it a day. If this was your experience, would you call it a brilliant day?

Jez this really ruined your day didn't it!

goz83

Veloce wrote: »

Jez this really ruined your day didn't it!

From 1-3 it did :P

kodak

cgal093 wrote: »

Deadly day today! Didn't see a lot of racing but had a good look around all the cars. Very nice BMWs on show today

Went both days, thought is was excellent , considering they staged the event without a major sponsor. Seemed a huge amount of volunteer effort went into putting the show on. Weather great on both days.

Great to see a golf beating m3's, integras and the rest!

Was at corner 1 and saw lots of action. Sure There was a couple of breaks and commentary was dodgy at times, but can't expect races after races!

Had a great time up in the paddocks when they were starting the classics motorbikes, noise was unreal!

Well done to all. Hopefully it will be back next year, with reduced entry fees for races. Might bring a few more cars to some races!

In Total two days cost me E5, for a programme...

cgal093

kodak wrote: »

Went both days, thought is was excellent , considering they staged the event without a major sponsor. Seemed a huge amount of volunteer effort went into putting the show on. Weather great on both days.

Great to see a golf beating m3's, integras and the rest!

Was at corner 1 and saw lots of action. Sure was a couple of breaks and commentary was dodgy at times, but can't expect races after races!

Had a great time up in the paddocks when they were starting the classics motorbikes, noise was unreal!

Well done to all. Hopefully it will be back next year, with reduced entry fees for races. Might bring a few more cats to some races!

Total two days cost me E5, for a programme...

Saw a bit of the classic motorbike races, sounded deadly!

Only spent about €10 today, at an ice-cream van

WhatAMelon

It was good stuff and the racing wasn't inferior to the park's heyday. You could hike to some great vantage points without a much of a problem as long as you went with the right footwear. They could've arranged to cover the ditches a bit more mind you. That did hamper access .

I did think they badly let the ball drop putting the paddock in complete limbo mind you. That just never allowed the atmosphere to take off. Both the track and the paddock were kinda dead because of this. Did the park authorities object to them being near the track or something? They need to resolve that next time. But if you went for the racing alone it was a great event. .

Veloce

WhatAMelon wrote: »

It was good stuff and the racing wasn't inferior to the park's heyday. You could hike to some great vantage points without a much of a problem as long as you went with the right footwear. They could've arranged to cover the ditches a bit more mind you. That did hamper access .

I did think they badly let the ball drop putting the paddock in complete limbo mind you. That just never allowed the atmosphere to take off. Both the track and the paddock were kinda dead because of this. Did the park authorities object to them being near the track or something? They need to resolve that next time. But if you went for the racing alone it was a great event. .

The paddock was normally across from the start / finish line but due to the Swedish house mafia concerts this year the grass area was destroyed so they had to put it in farmleigh instead. Bit of a pain really.

alastair

Veloce wrote: »

The paddock was normally across from the start / finish line but due to the Swedish house mafia concerts this year the grass area was destroyed so they had to put it in farmleigh instead. Bit of a pain really.

The paddock was up at the Farmleigh car park last time too - (two years ago or whenever).

Veloce

alastair wrote: »

Veloce wrote: »

The paddock was normally across from the start / finish line but due to the Swedish house mafia concerts this year the grass area was destroyed so they had to put it in farmleigh instead. Bit of a pain really.

The paddock was up at the Farmleigh car park last time too - (two years ago or whenever).

Yeah 3 years ago. Could be other reasons as to why it's no longer nearer the track but the concerts was the reason they gave today.

Sundew

We popped over to the Phoenix Park this morning at 9am and left around 1.30 after the supercars parade!

Now as a first time female viewer of live "motor sport" I really enjoyed this and noticed most of the families and children having a ball too. We had the Mountjoy corner all to ourselves nearly till 12.30 and the views were pretty decent. Himself got plenty of photos. Might try and upload a few at a laterdate.
The delay in the timetable occurred because of something to do with the deer beside the track..........well thats the excuse that was given by the commentators who were very entertaining!
The only disappointing thing for us, like another poster said, was also having to turn back after mud stopped us in our tracks walking up to Farmleigh. I did not bring appropriate footwear. I hadn't realized the park was so cut up around that area!
Anyhow the result of us watching this enjoyable free show is that we are planning to go to Mondello to watch some racing in the future.:)

Gary ITR

Seems there was some controversy after the itcc race, seeing as it was a non championship event some competitors ran non Yokohama tyres, the winner, Barry Rabbitt was running two old scabby dunlops on the rear and was protested after the race then subsequently stripped of the win. Shocking really as there was no clear ruling, some organisers had said tyres were open.

Barry drove the nails out of the wee Golf and would have gone quicker on the yokohamas!

horse7

Wonder why there was no mention of the event on rte radio or tv?

Drummerboy08

horse7 wrote: »

Wonder why there was no mention of the event on rte radio or tv?

It's a poor show on behalf of rte, offering no coverage or exposure to one of the biggest motorsport events in the country this year.

The media need to step up and support Irish motorsport more. There are some great drivers out there and some great potential too but it's all going unnoticed.

serious3

not defending RTE and the radio but i remember talking to a radio show researcher/sportscaster a while back about something else and i complained about lack of home coverage and he said that if the clubs don't tell them whats happening then they cant report on it!

serious3

LIGHTNING wrote: »

That`s total bullcrap they get told about every major event. Plus as reporters is it not their job to find out about events???

just saying what i was told

James Hunt

This year felt subdued. Had my 4 year old, so having the paddock in Farmleigh is an absolute killer IMO. Back in the day, it was right on the start/finish and very busy, now its tucked away with far fewer spectators making the trip. There were fewer stands, stalls, promotions as well. Also, having the paddock so far away must make running to schedule more difficult.

Dublin Corner is the best place to see the action IMO, either on the start/finish side or just around that corner looking back. I didn't think Mountjoy was great, but I never normally view from there for very long. The ITCC and Abarth races were great. Pity there was a bad turnout on the single seater side.

Overall, it wasn't as good as previous years, but still enjoyable. The only time I can remember good media coverage was back in the Rothmans years when Hill and Villeneuve were there.

Gary ITR

James Hunt wrote: »

There were fewer stands, stalls, promotions as well.

Probably cost an absolute fortune to have a stand at the event. Drummerboy did get barred from an ice cream van though

Drummerboy08

Gary ITR wrote: »

James Hunt wrote: »

There were fewer stands, stalls, promotions as well.

Probably cost an absolute fortune to have a stand at the event. Drummerboy did get barred from an ice cream van though

It wasn't my fault!!

zom

horse7 wrote: »

Wonder why there was no mention of the event on rte radio or tv?

This year there is huge competition in locally organised events and everybody is trying to focus public public eyes on their party. Its all about money, sponsorship etc. Good example recently is Tall Ships festival - seems like media were well paid to make it almost as big as London's Olympic. Pathetic.

I am sick to see Ireland trying recently to be big player on the field of engineering while more people care about potatoes than about cars here. All "cloud" dreamers should get a trip to Germany and see their cities, factories, technical universities or just hobby associates. It's a question of technical tradition - we don't have it and wouldn't get any soon. Pity.