Graham Baalham-Curry
sport@spectatornewspapers.co.uk
FIRST run in 1905, the prestigious Cultra Hillclimb is one of the world’s oldest speed hillclimbs and it’s set to return on Saturday, June 8 to the Ulster Transport Museum, taking in the grounds around Cultra Manor at the nearby Ulster Folk Museum.
Generously supported once again by Porsche Centre Belfast and organised by the Thoroughbred Sports Car Club of Northern Ireland, who reignited the event 24 years ago, around 100 drivers will don their race suits and helmets to charge up the 640-metre-long course against the clock in the most eclectic array of machinery.
Last year’s winner, Tim Woodside, who smashed the long-standing hill record on what was a glorious day, looks set to debut his recently acquired Gould GR55. Powered by a high revving V6 racing engine, Tim will bring a lot more noise to the event this year, with more speed being the aim.
A mix of other pedigree racing machines will compete against an array of vintage, classic and modern road cars spanning across the several racing categories. Some of them driven daily, some with Ards Tourist Trophy history, the rest enjoyed as and when their owners get the chance.
Tickets for the one-day event, held from 9am to 6pm are now available via the Ulster Transport Museum and your ticket includes admission to the museum on the day – https://www.ulstertransportmuseum.org/whats-on/cultra-motorsport-festival.
The website states: “The Cultra Motorsport Festival is back, this time taking in the Ulster Transport Museum experience, with the famous Cultra hillclimb taking place on the grounds of the Ulster Folk Museum right beside us, on the other side of the tracks!
“Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1905, the motorsport hillclimb races will take place throughout the day around Cultra Manor, which is on the grounds of the Ulster Folk Museum – right beside the Transport Museum – beginning at 10.00am”
Alongside the timed competition on the hill, TSCC NI and Porsche Centre Belfast will have vintage, classic and modern cars on static display at Cultra Manor, including gems from the Ulster Transport Museum collection that will be released from Ulster Transport Museum’s private stores, especially for this event.
As well as greatly improved parking for this year’s event, there’s a new ‘Green Ticket’ this year, which will get you 20% off event tickets if you travel to the event by train or bus.
TSCC NI secretary, Kevin McNamee commented: “The 2023 Cultra Motorsport Festival was a great success and the club has been working hard with our Ulster Transport Museum and Porsche Centre Belfast partners to make this year an even better family day out.
“Set in the beautiful museum grounds in addition to the famous hillclimb, with everything from vintage sports cars to single seater racing cars going up the hill right in front of you, there will be things to keep all the family entertained including static displays, circus performers, face painting and live music at lunch time.
“It is called a festival for a good reason – come and join the party.”
Talking of their continuing support, Porsche Centre Belfast’s Centre Principle, Gerry Mulholland, said: “Porsche Centre Belfast is once again delighted to be partnering with the Cultra Motorsport Festival for 2024 after the successful re-emergence of this historical event last year.
“The ambition for the event grows with each year, and we are proud to support the organising teams at TSCC and the Museum to ensure it becomes a date in the dairy for many years to come.
“After last year’s 75th anniversary celebrations for Porsche globally, this year is just as significant with the largest transformation of the Porsche range ever. We encourage you to get up close and personal to our extensive display of current Porsche models, and hope you all have an enjoyable day.”
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Jennifer Gilmour, added: “The Cultra Motorsport Festival will be a fabulous event for all the family. It is an exciting day out and one that entices people to our borough from all around the country. It will be a great spectacle and I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable event.”
Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, said the festival speaks to both Northern Ireland’s ‘continued passion for competitive motorsport’ and ‘our heritage when it comes to mechanical innovation and transport history.’
She continued: “Our two Cultra-based museums have such unique history and connection to this event for those very reasons.
“The event this year, now taking place at the Ulster Transport Museum, will once again be an exciting motorsport experience for car enthusiasts and families. It’s a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to gather across our two museums in Cultra where shared passion meets tradition.”
The Transport Museum will open earlier and stay open later than usual to allow spectators to visit the museum before or after the races. In between races, circus performers, face painting, music and family activities will keep the crowd entertained.
