GRAND PRIX racing returns to the streets of Limerick on September 4 next-76 years after cars were waved off in O’Connell Street by the then Mayor.
The Limerick Classic and Vintage Car club, mindful of the days when upwards of 50,000 spectators watched in awe as some of the finest cars and drivers lapped city streets, will mark the September event with a photographic and memorabilia exhibition.
Unfortunately, the initial year of the Grand Prix was marred by the fatal crash of the Duke of Grafton on his first lap, the first fatality in Irish motorsport.
The Duke was driving his newly acquired type 59 Bugatti when it went out of control on Sexton Street, and burst into flames.
The organisers of the 2011 commemoration would now like to hear from anyone with pictures, programmes or memories of the original races.
The highlight will be a gathering of pre 1940 sports and racing cars of the type that took part in the 30s and 40a.
The cars will complete several laps of the original race circuit with a garda escort, before parking in the picturesque Pery Square area for the day.
A plaque will be unveiled as a permanent reminder of these ‘Round the Houses’ races.
Last year’s occasion attracted huge crowds to Pery Square.
The 4th placed Fiat Balilla and 5th placed Smithfield Special from 1935, created a direct link to the original race, and for the first time in seven decades, three Alfa-Romeo 8C 2300s graced the streets of Limerick.
A green 8C Monza, similar to that of the original 1935 race winner Luis Fontes, led off the cars.
Included also were a BMW 328, Bentley 6 litre and various Rileys, Lagondas, MGs and Ford based Specials.
In 1936, the Grand Prix gained international status.
Participants included Prince Bira of Thailand in his ERA, who described the course as being the most difficult on which he had ever driven.
The race was won by A. Hutchinson from Belfast, driving an MG.
By 1938, Limerick’s street circuit was to host its last grand prix and the sound of thoroughbred race engines was to become just a distant memory.
This September’s race will be held on a street circuit which uniquely remains unchanged since the 1930s, and will commemorate those brave drivers of a bygone age who hurtled their cars through its tight bends and long straights.
Those with memorabilia and photographs should contact Colin, (087) 6103173, Martin, (087) 8174991
