45 years ago this month, Mondello Park opened as Ireland’s first permanent motor racing circuit. Starting as a short 0.8 mile loop the original layout grew within a year to become the 1.26 mile National Circuit which is still in use for the majority of events today.
In 1985, the County Kildare circuit was purchased by Martin Birrane and with his support it was developed further, including an extension to bring the track length to 3Km and create the internationally recognised venue that now exists.
To celebrate the venue’s 45th anniversary, the next Car Race event, on June 8th & 9th, will run as the “Mondello 45”, with a new award, the Birrane Trophy, being presented to the winner of the race which has the biggest grid of the meeting. Additional features are being added to the event to create a celebration of Mondello Park's history including a Mondello Park birthday party in the circuit bar on Saturday night.
John Keaney famously won the first ever race at the Kildare venue in a Mini Cooper S back in May 1968 and as one of the events highlights he will lead a parade of Minis around the circuit at lunchtime on race-day. Admission to the event will be decreased to just €4.50 for adults with under sixteen’s admitted free of charge, unless you arrive in a Mini, new or old, in which case admission is free.
With reduced admission, a birthday party, the Mini parade, additional attractions still to be announced and of course a top quality weekends racing, the event will be one of the highlights of the motor racing year. All current and past spectators and competitors are welcome to come and join in the celebrations and perhaps share some memories!