From its inception in 1922, the Ulster Grand Prix has been renowned as the fastest motorcycle road race in the world. Fast-forward to the year 2023, and the event is grappling with a complex web of challenges, including the impact of COVID-19, insurance complications and funding uncertainties.
History
In February 1922, during a gathering in Belfast, Harry Ferguson, known as “the Mad Mechanic” and the inventor of the modern agricultural tractor, persuaded the Irish Motor Trade Association to promote international racing in Ireland. This led to the formation of a sports committee under Ferguson’s guidance. Originally planning a dual event for cars and motorcycles on the same day, the focus shifted to hosting a race on the unique 20.5-mile Clady Circuit in Co Antrim, distinguished by its remarkable seven-mile straight.
Their main challenge was the lack of legislation for such an event. Antrim County Council contacted the Northern Irish government, with the help of Thomas Moles MP, who was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and editor of the Belfast Telegraph. In May 1922, the Road Races Act was enacted. Harry Ferguson had left for America during this time, leaving a dedicated group including Billy Chambers, Robert Condell, Billy Simms, and Alex Waddell to plan the inaugural Ulster Grand Prix race.
On October 14, 1922, history was made on the inaugural handicap race, boasting an impressive roster of 75 entries across four distinct classes: 250cc, 350cc, 600cc, and over 600cc. The challenge was set over a relatively concise distance, requiring participants to complete a mere 7 laps, encompassing a total of 143.5 miles. In comparison to renowned events like the Isle of Man TT or the esteemed French and Belgian classics, this course proved notably shorter.
During that era, the concept of official practice sessions had yet to take root, leaving only a handful of riders with the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the demanding and notoriously uneven 7-mile straight sections of the circuit.
The starting grid featured an impressive array of approximately thirty motorcycle brands, comprising both well-known names such as Norton, A.J.S, Cotton, and Harley Davidson, as well as some more obscure makes like Pax, Sirrah, and Mohawk.
Hubert Hassall, riding a Norton from the works team, secured victory with a remarkable lead of 45 seconds, achieving an unprecedented milestone as the first race anywhere to be won at an average speed exceeding 60.57 mph.
Despite the challenges posed by the Great Depression in the 1930s, the race not only endured but also received a significant boost when it was granted the prestigious title of ‘Grand Prix of Europe’ in 1935.
As speeds continued to rise, with Jimmie Guthrie clocking an impressive 95.97mph during practice, just 32 seconds inside the lap record, a decision was made to enhance safety measures. To caution riders about the upcoming bends, the organisers opted to paint five-foot-wide yellow lines every 30 feet at ten corners along the course.
From 1923 to 1937, and then again from 1938 to 1952, the Ulster Grand Prix held the distinction of being the fastest road race in the world. However, following the Second World War, in 1947, the ‘Prix’ returned on a revised 16.5-mile circuit, necessitated by the construction of a new airfield at Nutts Corner.
Starting in 1949, the Prix became an integral component of the newly established World Championships, retaining this status until 1973 when it was subsequently revoked.
In September 1950, the Belfast & District Club organised a race on a new circuit in Dundrod, supplanting the Carrowdore 100 with the Dundrod 100. During that era, the Ulster Grand Prix drew around 100,000 spectators, solidifying its position as one of the biggest sporting events in Ireland.
In 1953, Antrim County Council faced the challenge of maintaining two circuits and thus declared their inability to continue supporting the Clady Circuit for the Ulster Grand Prix. However, they offered the newly established 7.416-mile Dundrod venue as an alternative location for the event.
Consequently, the first-ever Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod took place on Saturday, August 15, 1953. It was in 1963 that Mike Hailwood achieved the milestone of recording the inaugural 100mph lap at Dundrod, accomplished while riding an MV Agusta.
The troubled 1970s posed significant challenges for Northern Ireland and the Ulster Grand Prix. A terrorist bomb forced the event’s cancellation in 1972 replaced by a short circuit at Bishopscourt. In 1973 the FIM world governing body withdrew World Championship status from Dundrod.
Fatalities
Road racing takes skill and bravery and is a dangerous sport. Since Italian Moto Gussi teammates Leoni and Geminiani were killed during their unofficial practice race in 1951 there have been twenty-two deaths of racers, marshals and spectators.
The Circuit
The race has taken place on three distinct circuits:
The initial circuit was the Old Clady, stretching over 20.5 miles (33 km) and it hosted the event from 1922 to 1939. Notably, this circuit featured a renowned, bumpy 7-mile (11 km) straight stretch.
Following World War II, a new Clady circuit came into play, measuring 16.467 miles (26.501 km) due to road improvements. It served as the venue from 1947 to 1952.
In 1953, the race found its home on the Dundrod Circuit, covering a distance of 7.401 miles (11.911 km), where it continues to be held up until 2019.
Race Records
The tradition of setting records at the Ulster Grand Prix dates back to 1950, where the iconic Geoff Duke achieved a historic feat when riding a new 500cc Featherbed Norton (notably, the Featherbed frame was designed by County Down native Rex McCandless), Duke not only completed the first sub-10-minute lap but also became the first to reach a speed of over 100mph, clocking in at an impressive 101.77mph.
By 1963 Mike Hailwood was lapping the circuit 100 mph – previously Geoff Duke’s top speed!
The speeds climbed and by 1984 Joey Dunlop was lapping at 120 mph. Local hero Joey Dunlop from Ballymoney, County Antrim achieved an unparalleled record with twenty-four victories at the Ulster Grand Prix over the course of his career, along with a remarkable string of five consecutive World Championships.
In 2010, Bruce Anstey claimed victory in the Superbike race at the Ulster Grand Prix and simultaneously set a ground-breaking lap record of 133.977 mph (215.615 km/h). This achievement established him as the fastest rider on the most rapid motorcycle racing circuit in the world at that time.
After setting the fastest ever recorded lap at the 2018 Isle of Man TT Mountain Course at 135.452 mph, Peter Hickman came to the Ulster Grand Prix in 2019 and laid down the fastest ever lap speed of 136.415 mph riding a S1000RR BMW.
He wasn’t the only man going very fast at the Ulster Grand Prix in 2019 as Conor Cummins riding a Honda Fireblade achieved a new top speed record of 202.8mph.
Notable Race Winners
24 race wins – Joey Dunlop
14 race wins – Philip McCallen
13 race wins – Peter Hickman
12 race wins – Bruce Anstey
11 race wins – Guy Martin
9 race wins – Brian Reid, Jon Ekerold, Mick Grant, Robert Dunlop, Steve Hislop, Wayne Gardner
8 race wins – Peter Hinkman
7 race wins – Giacomo Agostini, Mike Hailwood, Stanley Woods
6 race wins – John Surtees
5 race wins – Carlo Ubbiali, Tom Herron, Ray Amm, Ron Haslam
3 race wins – Artie Bell, Bill Ivy, Bob McIntyre, Bill Lomas, Freddie Frith, Gary Hocking, Geoff Duke, Jimmie Guthrie, Jimmie Simpson, Les Graham, Phil Read
The Future
The Ulster Grand Prix had to cancel its events in both 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it faced additional challenges related to insurance and funding, culminating in the issuance of a winding-up order against the Dundrod and District Motor Club, ultimately leading to its liquidation.
The Revival Racing Club made an effort to revive the race for its centennial year at the renowned 7.4-mile Dundrod circuit. Unfortunately, this endeavor ultimately proved unsuccessful due to a shortfall in funding. Dundrod and District Motor Club Statement (excerpt): “It is with deep regret the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club has been forced to abandon plans to revive the Ulster Grand Prix on August 18-19, 2023.”
The Genius of Rex McCandless
Check out our previous episode set in 1950 when the legendary Geoff Duke rode a new 500cc Featherbed Norton, with the frame designed by County Down native Rex McCandless – to record the first sub 10-minute lap of the new circuit and first 100mph lap at 101.77mph.
Information sources, video and photo credits:
BBC Sport NI
Beautiful Danger: 101 great road racing photographs – Stephen Davison
Devitt Insurance
Duke Video
Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club
Goodwood.com
Irish News
Lisburn.com
Motorcycle Union of Ireland
Readro
Revival Racing Motorcycle Club
Rideapart.com
Ulster Grand Prix
Where it all began – Natalie Ferris
