Formulae & Rules
 

The elite formula of the small ovals, these cars are purpose built race cars with strong exaggerated Kevlar panels clothing high specification spaceframe chassis and highly adjustable suspension designs. They run on Hoosier slick tyres and are by far the fastest formula on show at Nuttscorner Oval. The engines are developed from 2L blocks, and the most popular are the Vauxhall 16v and the Ford Zetec 16v motors, producing 235+ BHP in National Hot Rod trim, and the more modern Ford Duratec 16v engine has also now been introduced. Spoilers and aerodynamic aids are the order of the day, with the most popular body styles being Peugeot 206, 206cc and Vauxhall Tigra, with examples from Mercedes and BMW set to hit the tracks in 2008. Northern Ireland drivers have consistently shown very well in this class, with 2005 World Champion Keith Martin and 1990/2002 winner Davy McCall amongst the ranks here in the province. Stewart Doak is the current British title holder having taken the crown here at Nuttscorner Oval in 2007. The non-contact National Hot Rod Racing provides an excellent spectacle to be enjoyed by any motorsport fan.

 Download the 2008/2009 National Hot Rod Rules from Here (requires adobe acrobat reader)
February 2008 Rule Amendments Here
August 2008 Rule Amendments Here
 

Like their big brothers the National Hot Rods, the 2.0 Hot Rods also provide close non-contact, wheel-to-wheel racing at Nuttscorner Oval. These spaceframed cars run on control Hoosier tyres, and are confined to the Ford 2L Pinto engine, making the “2 Litres” a much more cost effective way of getting the thrills that hot rod racing brings. Around £14,000 can put one of these machines on track, with close racing guaranteed at every meeting. Co Tyrone’s Andy Best is the current European Champion in the class, and was the victor when the World Final was staged at Nuttscorner Oval in 2005, whilst Randalstown’s John Murray and track promoter Davy McCall are two others who have held the gold roof in previous seasons. The World Championship Final returns to Nuttscorner Oval in 2008, on July 26/27th.

Download the 2008 2.0 Hot Rod Rules Here(requires adobe acrobat reader)

For those looking the thrills of non-contact rod racing at an affordable cost, the Lightning Rods are just the answer. Confined to the Ford Sierra chassis (saloon or hatchback) and running on a treaded Yokohama tyre, these 2 Litre machines provide fast and furious action. Engines and suspension modifications are kept as inexpensive as possible, whilst the large size of the cars leads to non-stop action on the tight confines of Nuttscorner Oval and provides some spectacular racing. Antrim’s Stephen Emerson is the current World, European, Irish and ORCi Champion in this class, proving that this is another class where the local racers can more than hold their own against the best the British Isles can offer.

Download the 2008 Lightning Rod Rules from Here (requires adobe acrobat reader)

The Junior Productions are the breeding ground for the hot rod stars of the future, with the racing restricted to those drivers aged 11-16 years old. Since 2006 the racing has been strictly non-contact, although the cars are still armoured with protective steel to prevent the young pilots from coming to any harm as they cut their teeth in the world of short oval motorsport. The experience gained in this class stands the youngsters in good stead for their future racing careers, with former Junior Production Irish Champions Glenn Bell and Shane Murray running in the star grade of senior formulae soon after graduating - Glenn indeed tasting World Championship glory in the Stock Rods on two occasions whilst still a teenager. Irish Champion in 2005 William Buller has graduated through Stock Rods and 2.0 Hot Rods and is now involved in the National Hot Rods as well as Formula BMW on the circuit racing scene. Adam Hylands was Irish Champion in 2006, and his progress as he moves into the 2.0 Hot Rods will be closely followed by many in 2008.

Download the 2008 Junior Productions Rules from Here (requires adobe acrobat reader)

The Reliant Robins are becoming more and more popular here at Nuttscorner Oval, with Fun with a capital F being the primary aim. Just like Del Boy and Rodney from Only Fools and Horses, the drivers get up to some hilarious antics in these 850cc three-wheelers. The poor stability of the machines leads to many two-wheeled moments and frequent rollovers, which will make even the purist racing fan smile as they bounce back for more! Portadown’s Rab Stewart has been the man to beat in recent seasons here at Nuttscorner in his distinctive Mr Blobby liveried car, whilst Ballymoney’s seasoned campaigner Ian Bolton holds the Irish Championship crown as well as being the fans’ favourite with his entertaining driving.
 

Probably the most spectacular formula to be seen in action at Nuttscorner Oval, the National Bangers have wide public appeal to those who like to see the old MOT failures driven to destruction. A minimum of preparation is required (although some drivers do spend many hours fine tuning and painting their vehicles), and contact is actively encouraged leading to some breathtaking smashes and rollovers as the drivers try to destroy the opposition. The National Bangers race in different guises during the year, some events being for unlimited cc machines, some under 2 litre or 1600cc and a Big Van Banger meeting is held annually. Certainly not a sport for the faint hearted - most meetings usually finish with a Destruction Derby where the last vehicle moving declared the winner! Shamwreck is the National banger highlight of the season in April, with the Nuttshaker also attracting a huge entry towards the end of the season. Over the last few seasons we have had something completely different with Hearse Banger racing here at Nuttscorner Oval which was a great success, and 2008 should also see something ‘new’ for the National Banger boys to have a shot at.

Download the 2008 National Banger Rules from Here (requires adobe acrobat reader)