MOTOR SPORT: There is no motor racing in the Phoenix Park this weekend, a sad break with a tradition that started in 1903 when speed trials were held in the Park at the time of the great Gordon Bennett Cup race.
The decision to cancel this year's event was made by Motorsport Ireland and the two organising clubs, Irish Motor Racing Club and Leinster Motor Club, due to lack of major sponsorship, the seriously deteriorating road surfaces and inadequate safety.
Plans for the centenary celebrations in 2003 have been put on hold, but may be rescued if there is decent sponsorship and financial assistance to support Motorsport Ireland's pledge of €100,000 towards road resurfacing.
An Irish Grand Prix was held in the Phoenix Park between 1929 and 1931.
The first Irish Grand Prix was won by the Russian Boris Ivanowski driving an Alfa Romeo. German ace Rudolf Caracciola in a Mercedes won in 1930. The last winner was Englishman Norman Black in an MG. Road racing continued to 1939 and was revived after the war, running annually for six decades.
American newspaper tycoon James Gordon Bennett sponsored the Gordon Bennett Cup races which ran from 1900 to 1905.
Next year the Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Gordon Bennett Cup with a five-day international rally (June 4th-8th).
In addition, the Co Councils of Kildare, Carlow and Laois will celebrate the event with a programme events from May 31st to June 2nd.
WEEKEND FIXTURES: Sunday-Athea MCC, Motorcycle Road races, Athea, Co Limerick, 11.30 a.m.
