Fast and furious action is assured from these purpose built, single-seater specials. These attractive machines, topped of with a purposeful roof mounted aerofoil wing, are powered by a two-litre Ford ‘Pinto’ engine and race on a control tyre. Pushing and shoving an opponent to gain a position is allowed, but no deliberate or heavy fencing is permitted. The star drivers require a dynamic blend of skill and aggression to make headway through a crowded pack of cars. Another class popular throughout the UK mainland and governed nationally by BriSCA F2 Ltd. This class can claim to be the direct descendant of the original stock car class introduced to the province during the late sixties.
This is a new class introduced to BMR for '09 season. The objective of this formula is not purely competition. The look of the cars shall be considered more important than their performance. The cars will look like Hot Rods from the 1960’s/early ‘70’s, and engines should sound like cars of the period. It is our aim to encourage a variety of types of car to appear.
The 2012 season will see a new range of cars being permitted to race in the Gp2 class, with the Vauxhall Vectra B and the Peugeot 307 being introduced. This is an ideal entry-level formula with this being a non-contact class offers drivers the chance to experience the excitement of short oval racing on a limited budget. The usual safety regulations such as roll cages, etc are compulsory, but otherwise the cars are virtually standard to keep preparation costs at a minimum. An engine capacity of 1600cc is specified with the most popular car being the Vauxhall Astra. The Group Twos regularly produce the highest car turnouts of any class in the province and the racing is often fraught with incident as ‘rookie’ drivers learn the tricks of the track!
2010 will see a new 1200cc Junior Rod class race at both Ballymena Raceway and Nuttscorner Raceway. This new class caters for drivers from 11-16. The new rules/spec will also allow more modern cars to race such as the Peugeot 206, Vauxhall Corsa C & Vauxhall Tigra. The Junior Rods are non-contact class with strict safety rules in place. In previous seasons the youngsters have race just as hard as their senior counterparts and the girls have proved just as successful as the boys. It is great fun to watch the enthusiasm the kids display in their driving and many of them move into the senior classes when they exceed the upper age limit for the juniors. This class truly is the training ground for our stars of the future.
The pinnacle of UK based short track saloon racing, these highly modified cars, powered by a two-litre engine producing approximately 230 BHP, feature a purpose built space framed chassis, lightweight Kevlar body kits and race on wide, slick racing tyres. Very fast and spectacular racing is the order of the day as the drivers battle to control these thunderous machines while attempting precise overtaking manoeuvres. Contact is strictly prohibited and the class is governed at national level by the N.H.R.P.A. Northern Ireland drivers have enjoyed tremendous success in this formula, indeed the World Championship, held annually at Foxhall Stadium, Ipswich, Suffolk, has been won on twelve occasions by drivers from the province.
The most modern cars race with the National Hot Rods, the historics and replicas with the Classic Hot Rods – but what about those in between?
This “open” Hot Rod category is eligible for any 8-valve or 16-valve Hot Rod to enter and gives owners of some older cars, such as 1990s and early 2000s National-spec machines, an extra arena in which to show off their machines.
ORC Lightning Rods
Popular national formula, delivering competitive non-contact racing on a reasonable budget. With drivers restricted currently use the Ford Sierra chassis (saloon or hatchback) and running on a controlled treaded Yokohama tyre, these 2 Litre machines provide fast and furious action. Engines and suspension modifications are kept as inexpensive as possible.
This formula is designed to encourage new drivers to our circuits to enjoy the atmosphere and thrills of driving on an oval without substantial financial investment or for those drivers who cannot give the commitment necessary to compete at the very high level of all our present formulae.
Pro-Stocks feature cheap cars in LIMITED CONTACT racing
The concept of racing is to nudge or spin out the car in front rather than the intentional fencing of National Bangers.
One of the roughest, toughest classes on the UK ovals, thrills and spills come in equal measure when the saloons hit the track. This is full contact, no holds barred racing where only the strong survive. The cars are based on the Ford Sierra model with the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra's now being introduced for the '08 Season.
These cars are heavily armoured with additional steel box section and plating. Power comes via a two-litre engine and a single control tyre is specified. The formula races widely throughout the UK and is especially popular in Scotland. Racing is often quite controversial, especially when the mainland drivers come over to take on the locals. Some dubious tactics have been employed through the years to alter the course of a race!
Speed Stocks is new 1400 light contact formula which will be introduced to Ballymena Raceway at the start of the 2013 Season. This a low budget formula without the necessary expense.
You may use a carburettor or injection engine, single or multipoint (8v and 16v engines are permitted). The maximum engine capacity is 1400cc - with no purpose built Race Engines being permitted. It is recommended that cars are painted in bright colours and have a good overall appearance for each Raceway meeting.
A well supported and keenly contested non-contact formula for saloon cars up to 1400cc capacity. Limited engine and suspension modifications are allowed and the cars race on a single control tyre. The standard of car preparation and presentation is very high which leads to ultra close, wheel-to-wheel racing. The top drivers must be on it from the drop of the green flag to make any progress through the large grid of evenly matched competitors. Most successful car of the last decade has been the ubiquitous Vauxhall Nova, but the Vauxhall Corsa and Citroen Saxo models are becoming increasingly popular and competitive. The ORCi governs the formula at national level.
1300 stock cars are a smaller but no less exciting version of the 2L Saloon Stock Cars, with bumpers front & rear, it’s a nudge & spin formula without the heavy contact. The fast close racing results in spins and lots of bumper work. The cars are mainly 1300cc Novas or Corsas, cars have steel rails on the outside of the body to protect the body panels from too much damage. A budget formula with the emphasis on keeping everything as standard.
