A piece by Andrew Huddleson about Billy Hutton.

Billy Hutton & Bell’s Hill
In 1952, the Tommy Stewart Memorial Scramble moved to Hutton’s farm at Bell’s Hill, Crossgar. From the outset, the event attracted the crème de la crème of motocross talent. The 1957 BSA team included the famous Taft brothers, Brian Martin—who later became BSA Racing Manager—and European motocross champion Vic Allan.
A Tough and Testing Venue
Bell’s Hill quickly earned a reputation as one of the toughest racing venues in Ireland. The early events lasted three hours and tested both rider and machine. Competitors began by climbing the power-sapping hill, then dropped down the back hill, round to the washboard, jumping into the bog, and returning through the narrow lanes to the start.
Billy Hutton’s Contribution
Throughout these years, Billy Hutton of Bell’s Hill was a constant source of support for the club. In 1964, he joined the club committee and served as clerk of the course. He was a familiar figure at the finish line, wearing his prestigious white coat as he controlled the racing and waved the chequered flag.
Billy was a quiet man, but he kept firm control of each event and stood no nonsense from competitors who got out of order. He was also present for every track build, driving his “wee” grey Massey tractor as he helped prepare the course.
Notable Winners Through the Years
During Billy’s time at Bell’s Hill, the first winner was his cousin, Bill Hutton, who claimed victory in 1952. Bill went on to become one of the event’s most successful competitors, winning the Tommy Stewart Trophy ten times: 1952, 1953, 1955, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965 and 1966.
The 1960s and 1970s
In the 1960s, winners included J. Griffiths, Dick Clayton and Vic Allan. Clayton remained a strong competitor into the 1970s, winning the event twice more. Local riders Robert Wilkinson and Winston Norwood also added their names to the roll of honour, alongside visiting riders Willie Simpson, Roger Harvey and Bob Wright.
The 1980s and 1990s
In the 1980s, local talent came to the fore, with Laurence Spence, William Burgess, Paul Chambers, Philip Neill and Alan Morrison among the leading names. Morrison became a seven-time winner and remained hard to beat into the 1990s.
In 1995, Gordon Crockard ended Morrison’s dominance, beating him in the final race after being upgraded to Grade A by Billy. Brian Steele and Phil McCullough also recorded wins before 1999, when Gordon Crockard lifted the trophy from Billy.
Billy’s Final Chequered Flag
Billy’s final meeting in charge came in 2005. Despite doctors’ advice, he made his way to the top of Bell’s Hill to wave the chequered flag one last time for Gordon Crockard.
The Inaugural Bill Hutton Event
On 4 August 2006, the inaugural Bill Hutton event was held, featuring some fantastic racing. Robert Hamilton became the first winner and was presented with the trophy by Billy’s wife Frances.

🏁 Upcoming Race: 29th Aug 2026 🏁
Historic Return: The Knock Club Revives Legendary Bells Hill MX for Potential Final Race
The Knock Club is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of motocross racing to Bells Hill MX Track on Saturday, 29th August incorperating the Billy Hutton Memorial Trophy. As one of the oldest and most revered motocross venues in Northern Ireland, this event marks the first time in several years that riders will take to the iconic land—special thanks to the Hutton family for letting us use their land. To mark this historic occasion, the Knock Club is offering an impressive prize money purse to attract the region’s top talent. The event will feature an action-packed schedule, headlined by the thrilling "Fastest 30" format, which pits the absolute quickest riders of the day against each other in a high-stakes battle. Catering to all eras and levels of racing, the event schedule also includes: The Evo Class: Celebrating vintage horsepower with a dedicated class for 2-stroke bikes up to model year 2008, and 4-stroke bikes up to model year 2000.Non-Transponder Race: A dedicated class designed for grassroots, entry-level, and hobby riders looking to experience the historic track without the pressure of official timing. Spectator admission is just £5, making it an affordable day out for families and motorsport enthusiasts alike. On-site catering will be provided by the popular Leah’s Chip Van, serving hot food throughout the day. Rider sign-on begins strictly at 7:30 am. With this potentially being the last chance ever to race or watch at Bells Hill, a bumper crowd and packed gates are expected. Special thanks to sponsors Roger Magee (Maggie Wine Bar Crossgar) and Balloo hire who are putting up a trophy for rider of the day plus more.