Ian, although I've heard of the Ards race, I know nothing of where it was held. But you do know who the winner was don't you? Charlie Dodson, C.J.P. Dodson to be precise, winner of the '28/29 Senior TTs on Sunbeams.
He died at Brands Hatch on a Parade Lap round about 1980. I think when he fell off he wasn't wearing a helmet.
Anyway, I wouldn't think it will take much to gain some information on this circuit. It certainly looked good fun! Over to Larry.
I found a book recently called "Grand Prix" (written in the late 30s) and it has a chapter dedicated to the Ards Grand Prix, the story of the race (for cars).
The circuit was 13.66 miles long so it is a shame it fell out of use so long ago. It would make a marvellous third-sized TT wouldn't it !!
Interesting to read in the article (Brrrrmmmm) that "the Ards TT was attracting nearly half a million spectators !"
Like anyone with a computer I am feeding bits into my Yahoo and Google plus my Ask (no I'm not being rude) and finding teeny bits about the circuit etc. I wonder if anyone over in the Belfast area has any modern pics of the corners etc. Please help.
I am sorry to read that the race was cancelled after a fatal crash................................
"The Ards TT race continued very successfully each year until 1936 when one of the competing cars crashed at Newtownards killing eight spectators and injuring 40 others. The Ards TT was never held again."
In 2015 I celebrate 68 years as a devoted TTFan
Bookingfor 2016 !!
(This post was last modified: 04-08-2010, 10:08 AM by ian huntly.)