MORE THAN 60,000 people are expected in Dublin’s Phoenix Park this weekend to take in the 110th anniversary of the very first motor racing event in the park.

The Phoenix Park Motor Races, Ireland’s oldest motorsport event, is a free event and will take place all day on Saturday and Sunday. The races are returning after a break of two years, with the last event taking place in 2009.

Competitive action will take place on both days, with the weekend’s highlight – the Dublin Grand Prix – scheduled for Sunday afternoon contested by the Historic Formula Ford 2000s.

There will be three main corners in the the Oldtown Circuit, where the action will happen this weekend: Dublin corner, Furry Glen corner and the Mountjoy corner where people will get to see some Formula Libre cars – the fastest cars in Irish racing – the Irish Touring Cars, Strykers, GT’s and Sprints. A full range of Ferrari’s and Supercars will be also involved over the weekend, along with some classic bikes.

Spectators will also have the opportunity to get up close to the drivers and the cars over the two days at the Paddock, which is located in Farmleigh.

“This weekend is going to be a fantastic event. The Phoenix Park Motor Races are a great spectacle and gives everyone the chance to see high speed motorsport in the heart of Dublin, and completely free for spectators. Even if you have only a passing interest it is a great couple of days out where you can see all sorts of action on the track, and something for everyone,” said Ann Steven, Clerk of the Course for the Phoenix Park Motor Races.

“To be able to run such a huge and exciting event in the Phoenix Park is fantastic and the OPW have done so much to make this happen so let’s hope the sun shines for the weekend, although a drop of rain could make the track action even more exciting!”

Spectators can avail of a free shuttle bus from the Luas Red Line Heuston Station stop to the venue from Parkgate Street, with a valid Luas ticket. Vistors have been asked to note that there will be no official spectator car parking in Phoenix Park for the Races due to the heavy falls of rain over the summer.

Motorsport Ireland will also have wristbands on sale across the weekend to help raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and all attendees are encouraged to support the charity. For more information on the event log on to PPMR.ie or MotorsportIreland.com.