Phoenix Park Motor Races 2012

Phoenix Park Motor Races

A crowd of over 60,000 is expected to attend the Phoenix Park Motor Races on the 18th & 19th of August it was announced today at the official launch of the event in Dublin by Motorsport Ireland.

The legendary races, which are celebrating their 110th anniversary this year, are Ireland’s oldest motorsport event and used to attract crowds upwards of 100,000 in their heyday in the 1990s. Motorsport Ireland is hoping to return the races to their former glory this year after a break of two years.

The Phoenix Park Motor Races, which are completely free to the public, will provide a full weekend of competitive racing in Ireland’s most famous and unique motor racing venue. The highlight of the weekend will be the Dublin Grand Prix which will take place on Sunday and will be contested by the Historic Formula Ford 2000’s. Also in action over the weekend will be Formula Libre, the fastest cars in Irish racing, Strykers, Irish Touring Cars, GT’s and Sprints along with Supercars and classic bikes.

The circuit that will be used over the weekend is the Oldtown Circuit in the Phoenix Park. This has three main corners; Dublin corner, Furry Glen corner and Mountjoy corner. The Paddock will be located in Farmleigh and spectators will have the opportunity to get close to the cars and meet the drivers over the two days.  There will also be an RSA Shuttle and Roll-over Simulator with Irish driver and Motorsport Ireland ambassador Aron Smith in attendance to brief spectators on the safety behind motorsport cars.

Joe Corcoran, President of Motorsport Ireland said; “The Phoenix Park Motor Races really are the showpiece of the Irish motor racing calendar and a great opportunity for people to get out and see a thrilling couple of days racing and entertainment for free.  There is a huge range of cars from Ferrari’s and Porsche’s to single seater racers and of course the Dublin Grand Prix. It will be a fantastic couple of days and we would encourage everyone to come along and hear the roar and see the speed of competitive Irish motorsport.”

Ann Stevens, Clerk of the Course for the Phoenix Park Motor Races said; “I have been involved in the organisation of this event since the early 1990’s, except for a few years here and there and it really is the most exciting motor racing event to be involved with. The enthusiasm of the dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy into getting the event running is contagious and sincere thanks again to all who support us, especially the OPW who give us the permission and assistance to put on this great spectacle. Let’s hope that the weather “shines” over the weekend.”

Luas are the official transport partner to the Phoenix Park Motor Races. The Luas Red Line will operate to Heuston Station which is the closest station to the Phoenix Park and from there spectators can avail of a free shuttle bus to the venue from Parkgate Street, with their valid Luas ticket. 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.