Fast uphill section of Ulster Grand Prix course at Dundrod named 'Ray's Rise' in honour of legendary Dromara Destroyer Raymond McCullough

The ‘Dromara Destroyer’ famously won the last Grand Prix World Championship race held on the iconic course in 1971, beating Jarno Saarinen and Dieter Braun in the 250cc class.

On Saturday, a special day of celebration will be held to mark the centenary of the Ulster Grand Prix, which was due to take place this week from August 16-20 before the event was cancelled for a third successive year.

The fast uphill section of the 7.4-mile course from Leathemstown leading towards Deer’s Leap will be named ‘Ray’s Rise’ in tribute to McCullough, who will be in attendance this weekend at the centenary celebration event, which will be held in the paddock area at the start/finish on Saturday from 11am-5pm (admission free).

Dessie Stewart, Chairman of the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters’ Club, said: “On Saturday morning, we will be making a presentation to Ray McCullough in recognition of his achievements at the Ulster Grand Prix.

“The section of the Dundrod course on the approach to Deer’s Leap will be named ‘Ray’s Rise’ in his honour.

“A ride-out of 100 bikes will complete one lap of the course from 2pm on Saturday under controlled conditions.

“Prior to the ride-out, a sign will be put up so that those taking part will pass by it on their run.

“This was done in agreement with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to mark the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Ulster Grand Prix.

“We had looked at doing something to honour Ray some years ago, but it fell through, so we went back and looked at it and decided that it was fitting to do something with this year being the centenary,” he added.

“We’ve already announced that Bruce Anstey will be along on the day and hopefully Glenn Irwin, but we will also have Dick Creith with us, another Grand Prix winner.

“It’s a free day supported by the council to allow us to mark this occasion and I felt it was incumbent upon us to try and do something for the centenary.

“The supporters’ club has done great things for the event since 1963 and it would be wrong if we weren’t to the fore in trying to push this forward, so hopefully people will turn out to show their support on Saturday and the event will be a success.”