Cavalcade in memory of legendary road racer

Cavalcade in memory of legendary road racer

9 September 2020

OVER 90 cars, scooters and motorcycles took part in last Sunday’s Brian Steenson Memorial cavalcade in Crossgar which raised almost £1,000.

The spectacular display of vehicles from yesteryear drew a large crowd to the village with event organisers delighted with the support.

In addition to the display of machines, famous names from a bygone era of Irish road racing were in the village with Roy Neill providing expert commentary.

Graham Ritchie displayed photographs and memorabilia of the late Brian Steenson who motorsport enthusiasts have remembered with a wall mural in Crossgar. 

There are also plans for a permanent granite memorial to the rider outside Killyleagh castle, once the necessary permission has been secured.

Trevor Lindsay brought along Steenson’s Aermacchi motorcycle to Crossgar which he rode in 1968 and 1969. The Ronnie Donnan Memorial Cup was presented to Colin Allen from 

Comber, who brought along his 1964 650cc BSA. 

Colin’s machine was judged by former ‘Dromara Destroyer’ road racer Trevor Steele as the most interesting original motorcycle on display. 

Those taking part in Sunday’s event followed a route from Crossgar to Downpatrick and over to Killyleagh before heading back to the village.

The cavalcade left Crossgar for Downpatrick and it was then over to Killyleagh, into Shrigley, with participants proceeding along the Clea Lough Road past Steenson’s former home, and into Derryboye before heading back to Crossgar.

The popular road racer lost his life 50 years ago after crashing at the Isle of Man TT and earlier this year, a highly impressive new tribute film to Steenson was premiered at Down High School in Downpatrick where he was a former head boy. 

The rider was also widely regarded as the motorcycle racing champion Northern Ireland never had and revered by his peers, Steenson was not only a road racer, but a talented engineer, sportsman and musician.

The motorsport enthusiasts decided that because Steenson had connections with Killyleagh and Crossgar, they would honour his memory in both areas.

The rider started his career in 1966 on a Triumph Tiger Cub funded largely by father Alex, with his first race win coming later that year at the Tullyvallen circuit in the Republic of Ireland.

Organisers of Sunday’s event wish to thank everyone for their support, especially The Corner Inn, Central Garages, the Scott family, Eurospar and Supervalu Crossgar. 

They have also thanked Roy Neill for his excellent commentary and David McClements who was the event’s official photographer and who donated a Brian Steenson T-shirt for the auction.  

Everyone who attended the fundraiser has been praised for adhering to social distancing requirements with organisers also confirming that plans are in place to run the successful event next year.