PRESS RELEASE
Plews Tyres Irish Motocross Championship Returns to Saul for Round 5
The excitement and spectacle of championship motocross returns to County Down on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September when Knock Motorcycle & Car Club hosts Round 5 of the Irish Motocross Championship at the spectacular Mountain Quarter circuit near Saul, Downpatrick.
Set against the stunning backdrop overlooking Strangford Lough and under a symbolic nose of St Patrick, Mountain Quarter has established itself as one of Ireland's premier motocross venues, with its challenging natural terrain, huge jumps and dramatic elevation changes providing a true test for riders of all abilities.
This year's event will feature a revised schedule, with Youth Championship classes and support races taking centre stage on Saturday showcasing our champions of tomorrow, while the country's leading adult riders will battle for championship honours on Sunday.
Fans will have the opportunity to watch some of the finest motocross talent in Ireland, including Jason Meara, Lennox Dickinson, Glenn McCormick, Niall Creggan, Nathan Green, Ben Kennedy and Irish motocross star Martin Barr. Adding further international flavour to the meeting, several top riders will also make the journey from Great Britain to challenge for honours on the demanding County Down circuit.
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃: Tristan Purdon and Joel Rizzi are heading to Mountain Quarter!
The SevenSeven2 Ride Kawasaki duo will make the trip across to contest the final round of the Irish Championship at Mountain Quarter MX on September the 13th.
With Taylor Hammal and Josh Gilbert also confirmed, the Irish Championship is attracting a strong field of British riders for the season finale!
Anticipation for the event has been building following a successful press launch evening at Mountain Quarter. Among those attending were many of Northern Ireland's leading motocross riders, joined by six-time World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea. The Ballyclare rider took the opportunity to sample the circuit himself, turning several laps of the track and lending his support to one of the biggest motocross events on the Irish calendar.
Club officials are expecting a large crowd over the weekend, with competitors and spectators travelling from across Ireland and Great Britain. The event promises close racing, spectacular jumps and plenty of family-friendly entertainment in a unique countryside setting. There will be on-site catering including ice cream, hot food, coffee and cold beers on tap, with the opportunity to purchase parts, tyres and kids' toys.
A spokesperson for Knock Motorcycle & Car Club said:
"We're delighted to welcome the Irish Championship back to Mountain Quarter. The track is in excellent condition and we are looking forward to hosting the best riders in the country alongside competitors travelling from Great Britain. Having Jonathan Rea join us at the launch event was a fantastic boost and demonstrates the profile and importance of the championship. We look forward to welcoming riders, teams and spectators for what promises to be a fantastic weekend of motocross."
Racing begins on Saturday morning with the Youth Championship and support classes, while Sunday's programme features the premier adult championship races where Ireland's top motocross stars will battle for valuable championship points.
Spectators can expect a full weekend of high-octane action, excellent viewing opportunities and some of the most exciting motorsport competition available anywhere in Ireland.
Event Details
Event: Plews Irish Motocross Championship Round 5
Venue: Mountain Quarter, Saul, Downpatrick BT30 7JQ
Date: Saturday 12th September (Youth & Support Classes)
Date: Sunday 13th September (Adult Championship Classes)
Organiser: Knock Motorcycle & Car Club
Knock MCC Events2026 Evo dates need added
| Date | Event | Satus | Link |
| 18th Jan | Evo day | Evo day races | Online entry |
| 7th March | Kelly Cup Trials | Round 7 ADS UC | Results |
| 12th April | Evo Day | St Johns Point | Online entry |
| 8th May | NW200 Beach Race | Adult and Youth | Online Entry |
| 16th May | Laurelbank | Youth Ulster | Online Entry |
| 29th Aug (Sat) | Bells Hill Fastest 30 | Billy Hutton Trophy Overall winner plus the Balloo Hire Trophy for rider of the day | Online Entry |
| 12/13th Sept | Irish MX Championship | Saul. Downpatrick | Online Entry |
| 17th & 18th Oct | Beach Race | Portrush | |
We’re always on the lookout for volunteers to assist us with organising these events. If you’re interested in helping us out, please don’t hesitate to reach out. If anyone is interested in volunteering for flag marshalling, we’re happy to pay flag marshals £50 plus lunch. Feel free to contact me on 07722006995 or email trevor.mcafee@live.co.uk
The MCUI (Ulster Centre) no longer issues trial competition licenses. If you need a trial competition license, apply to the MRA using their license application form. Your club competition secretary can provide you with the form. The MRA accepts existing Ulster Centre licenses, but new applications must use the MRA form. The MRA will also issue start permission for either license. The good news is that the MRA license allows you to ride motocross, enduro, supermoto, and trials.
Knock MCC membership for 2026 is now open for application. The application link is available on the top menu. The Knock club is affiliated to the MRA, we can provide you with an MRA licence. To apply for a license, you must be a Knock Club member. Adult membership costs £6, while youth membership costs £4. If you’re seeking a MRA license (which covers motocross and trials), tick the box indicating your need for a MRA license.
Adult riders can ride in their Grade and the Evo/Vets/Girls class for no extra fee. For a family of 2 or more siblings we will offer discount at sign-on. Tear offs – are not permitted on grass field tracks or Barley Stubbles
Evo days race order
| Practice | Race set 1 | Race set 2 | Race set 3 |
| Y 250/125/BW85 | Y 250/125/BW85 | Y 250/125/BW85 | Y 250/125/BW85 |
| SW85/65cc | Vets 45+Girls | Vets 45+Girls | SW85/65 |
| 65cc/fast Auto’s | SW85/65cc | SW85/65cc | 65cc/fast auto |
| Auto’s small track | 65cc/fast auto | 65cc/fast auto | Evo Race/Girls |
| Grade D | Evo Race | Evo Race | Auto small track |
| Grade C | Auto small track | Auto small track | Sportsmen |
| Grade A/B | Sportsmen | Sportsmen | Grade C |
| Grade C | Grade C | Grade A/B | |
| Grade A/B | Grade A/B | ||
| Vets/Evo/Girls practice in their Grade | Practice or race order may change subject to numbers | Track Clear Up |
Evo day race fees. Adult classes cost £27 (online), which covers all adult classes. Additional classes like the Evo & Vets/Girls class are free with an appropriate bike (Evo must be at least 10 years old, Vets must be 45 and over). Youth classes cost £22 (online), and the Automatics class costs £11 (online). We accept entries on the day, but fees in all classes are increased as table below. Rider sign-on is from 8:30 am to approximately 9:30 am.
| Evo Day Riders Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Class | Online Entry | Entry on the Day |
| Adults | £27 | £30 |
| Youth | £22 | £25 |
| Automatics | £11 | £15 |