MOTOR SPORT/Phoenix Park Races: A Russian nobleman and an English woman share a strange love affair - with a car. Boris Ivanowski, winner of the first Irish Grand Prix in 1929 never met Trish Pilkington, who is the proud owner of his winning Alfa Romeo 1760 which she drives in the Phoenix Park this weekend.
The 75th Anniversary Irish Grand Prix Meeting is jointly run by the Irish Motor Racing Club and Leinster Motor Club in association with Motorsport Ireland, with sponsorship from Irish Dunlop and Irish Ferries.
Back in 1929, Ivanowski won both the Eireann Cup and Saorstat Cup races. The Irish Grand Prix was awarded on the aggregate results of the two 300-miles handicap races, and not only did Ivanowski take the overall victory but he also classified third. Best of the "Bentley Boys" Glen Kidston was the filling in Ivanowski's Irish sandwich.
There is quite an impressive line-up of pre-war racing and sports for the Irish Ferries-sponsored feature races on both afternoons.
Pilkington, in the Ivanowski car, heads the entry of nine Alfa Romeos. The 14 Bentley drivers include David Dunn, Julian Mazujub drives a Mercedes SSK similar to the 1930 Irish GP winning car of Rudolf Caracciola, and Tony Colley will be at the wheel of the 1934 Frazer Nash driven to victory at the Cork Grand Prix by his late father Dudley, who also was the first winner of the Sexton Trophy championship in the same car in 1948.
The honour of oldest driver goes to 92-year-old Tom Delaney, who drives a 1928 Lea Francis Hyper. The remarkable Delaney recently won a handicap race in the UK.
In addition to the historic cars, there will be a demonstration of Footwork, Tyrrell and Dallara EuroBoss Formula One cars on Sunday.
Jim O'Reilly of Malahide, who drove his Porsche 911 to three Park wins last year, will be seeking another this weekend.
Brian Hearty starts favourite in the two Formula Sheane races. The Dundalk driver took the honours last year, beating Matt Dunne, Enda O'Connor, Breen White, Dermot Doherty and Jim Lyons, who are all back for more.
In Formula Vee, Leastone drivers Ken Elliott and Ray Moore face strong competition from Sheane drivers Brian Kelly, Robbie Parkes, and David Dickenson. Motorsport TV commentator and journalist Declan Quigley will effectively "practice what he preaches" at the wheel of the Auto Ireland Sheane as he goes for that elusive first Park win.
More close racing is virtually guaranteed in the Fiat Uno/Punto and Punto Abarth HGT races, and likewise between the Strykers and Global GT drivers. Roads close in the Park from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days (first race Saturday at 1.20 p.m.; first race Sunday at 10.20 a.m.) The programme of 18 races finishes on both days with Formula Libre races.
Irish drivers Laurence Gibson on 470 points, Dermot Carnegie (400) and John McCluskey (388) compete in round six of the British Rallycross Championship at Pembrey in Wales on Sunday. Carnegie has recovered from a first-round retirement to win the last four rounds, and is gradually hauling in the leader Gibson.
WEEKEND FIXTURES - Saturday:Limerick MC, Autotest, Foynes, Co Limerick, 2.30 p.m; Saturday-Sunday: IMRC/LMC, Phoenix Park Motor Races, roads close 7-7 p.m.; Midland MC, Autocross, Doon, Ballinahown, Athlone, 11 a.m. Sunday: Wexford MC, Autocross, Adamstown, Co.Wexford, 9 a.m.
