Aghadowey Oval holds arguably the biggest race meeting in its illustrious history this weekend, when the Superstox World Championship headlines a weekend of speed packed with major title races.

World Final

The 61st edition of the Superstox World Championship, sponsored by Mk2 Escort Shells and Spares, promises to be an action-packed encounter.

The best of the formula will descend on the local circuit with the aim of winning the coveted crown, one of the most sought-after trophies in the sport of oval racing.

Reigning champion Nick Roots of Surrey tops the entry list alongside Berkshire’s Chris Bradbury, who claimed world title glory the only time it has ever been staged at Aghadowey in 2015.

Essex-based European champion Ian Beaumont, British champion Martyn Coles and Scottish points champion Dean Johnston are also among the big challenges on the continent.

Homegrown stars will also have their sights set on global glory, led by NI points champion and Scottish Open champion Craig McConnell of Bangor.

Irish champion Jordan Robinson and 2018 world title winner Lee Davison, both of Portadown, are hoping to clinch the Golden Roof, as is former Irish Aughnacloy champion Kyle Beattie.

Cullybackey’s Curtis Greer and Cloughmills driver Sean Mark are two other local stars aiming for glory.

National hot rods

The fastest non-contact formula on the ovals are the National Hot Rods and they will be contesting the Cherry Pipes British Championship. Portadown’s defending champion Glenn Bell will be one to watch, with Dungannon’s NI champion Derek Martin, Ballinderry’s John Christie and Galgorm ace Shane Murray other major challengers. World and national champion Robert McDonald is hoping to confirm his entry into the event after racing in South Africa last weekend, while England stars Billy Wood, Perry Cooke, Hayden Ballard, Terry Hunn and Barry Limer will all be in stock. Waterford’s David Casey claimed victory in Great Britain when he last staged at Aghadowey in 2015, and he will be a threat again, with Les Compelli and Jeff Riordan further challengers from the Republic of Ireland. The British Championship will be contested on Saturday, with drivers competing for the Leslie Dallas Memorial Trophy on Sunday with a whopping prize pool of over £2,000.

2.0 Hot Rods

The 2.0 Hot Rods Competitive Division will contest the Cherry Pipes European Championship, with Portadown World Champion Jordan Rochford topping the entry list. British champion Jason ‘Boxer Jack’ Jackson from Essex leads the England squad alongside former world champion James Morris, Ryan Eaton and Ben Murray. Scottish champion Jason Secker will also be in action, leading a tough tartan challenge that also includes Cameron Willacy, Keith Brown, Gerry Hendry and Ethan Doull.

Support the race

A host of Ninja Kart stars aged 6-11 from across the UK will be in action as they chase the coveted Keir Millar Memorial Trophy, while teenagers from Junior Productions will also be on the track on Sunday.

The weekend begins with a practice session on Friday evening from 6 p.m., with Saturday races starting at 4 p.m. and Sunday races starting at 1 p.m.