The inagural Ulster GP was held on June 20/21 at the UMCC track in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. Drivers travelled from all over Ireland and further afield to compete. Ballymoney is a compact technical track and the UMCC had done a superb job of preparing the venue including sugar watering the asphalt for the first time.
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Saturday practice was held in superb conditions and with track temperatures soaring the track was surprisingly fast. The sugar water was obviously helping with traction. The XRAY team used the sessions to refine the usual setup for the track topping the time sheets consistently. We took the opportunity to test the new progressive piston system and the results were very positive.
Sunday arrived and track conditions we less than optimum! Wet cars at the ready and again the T4 performed superbly, taking TQ in all 3 qualifiers.
The first final seen a win for the XRAY of Andrew Smith, his first major win.
The second final saw a start to finish win for Mark Gilliland.
Going into round 3 and 3 drivers, Mark, Andrew and Alan Bickerstaff all had a chance of winning. The track had almost fully dried and grip was up to standard. The pace was hot at the front and despite close attention Mark came out the winner with a very quick 25 lapper off a standing start.
Thanks to the UMCC for a superb meeting and look forward to next year. Bigger and better!
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Final results:
1. Mark Gilliland â“ XRAY T4
2. Andrew Smith â“ XRAY T4
3. Alan Bickerstaff
