30 May 2003: Several roads in counties Kildare, Carlow and Laois are to be closed this weekend as part of the run up to the 100th anniversary of the Gordon bennet Race.
There will be 93 vintage, veteran, pre and post-World War II and modern racing cars competing for the fastest laps in their various classes, and time trials will be taking place on the closed roads.
The following roads will be closed with diversions in place from 8am to 8pm on the following days.
Saturday 31 May in County Kildare - the N78 Kilcullen to Athy road between Fontstown and Russelstown.
Sunday 1 June At Baganelstown Co Carlow - The Quay and Green Road.
Sunday 2 une At The Heath, Portlaoise - The Stradbally to Old N7, from the Golf Club to the Gaelic Grounds.
In all cases public viewing areas are adjacent to the Time Trial Courses. The Public are advised to follow the Stewards' directions and keep children supervised. This is the first time in 100 years that these roads have bee used as Motor Race tracks.
Prior to the original Irish Gordon Bennett Race in 1903, Time Trials were held at various venues throughout the country.
At the time there were only 250 motor cars in the 32 counties and here they were racing on what was to be the first Circuit Road Race Course in the World. What you see on TV today started in Kildare Laois and Carlow 100 years ago.
The Gordon Bennett Co has been set up by the three County Councils and their Tourist Interests to promote the route as a Tourist attraction to get visitors off the Motorways and bypasses and once again see the real Ireland.
