100 YEARS OF THE ULSTER GRAND PRIX - A CENTURY OF ROAD RACING

 

100 Years of the Ulster Grand Prix

A Century of Road Racing

by

Norman Windrum

https://blackstaffpress.com/100-years-of-the-ulster-grand-prix-9781780733050

I will take a stab at 1965/66, when I was just pre-teen.  My big brother Paul was a massive fan of motorcycle racing and especially the Ulster Grand Prix.  He took me with him a couple of times.  This was the era of Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Tommy Robb and Phil Read riding big name bikes such as Honda, MV, Bultaco and Yamaha.  I recall the pits were open to the public and pre-race we would wander through to see mechanics tinkering with motorbikes and, occasionally, we would spot a famous racer.  The prize for a spectator, according to my brother, was to ask a Honda crew member for (and get) his Honda baseball cap.  I remember the thunderous noise as bikes were revved and the intoxicating smell of fuel fumes.  It was amazing and exciting to be at the Ulster Grand Prix.

 

These memories have been reignited on reading 100 Years of the Ulster Grand Prix – A Century of Road Racing by Norman Windrum.  And what an excellent achievement it is.  He charts the beginnings of the fixture, the trials and tribulations of getting the event off the ground, the debatable timing of such a notion in the politically troubled and unstable political landscape in early 1920s Ireland and the anxieties of the 1970s troubles.  But determination and growing public interest eventually won the day.  Motorcycle companies, racers and spectator enthusiasm helped the UGP become prestigious on the sporting calendar.  The first phase of the UGP story centred on a road circuit in Clady, County Antrim before moving to Dundrod , near Lisburn.  

It has to be said that health and safety were not a particular priority as fans lined the roadside, sometimes risking life and limb as bikes raced by.  Over time, of course, safety became paramount.  

 

Even from my long-ago memories of attending the Ulster Grand Prix, it’s the speed and the bravery of racers always rising to the challenge and pushing for faster laps that make up the thrill of it all.  There have been superheroes, glorious triumphs and, sadly, many tragedies.

 

The story of the UGP is told via Norman Windrum’s detailed and loving narrative enhanced by historical programme covers and many action photographs.  The forty-five pages of statistics at the end are fascinating in themselves.  The book, by Blackstaff Press, is a beautiful production.

Anyone with even just an inkling of interest in motorcycle racing and Northern Irish sport generally would do themselves a favour and buy this book.  Die-hard enthusiasts should not hesitate to get a hold of it and marvel at 100 years of the Ulster Grand Prix.