Mayor hosts reception for Ken Irwin to mark his achievements in motorsport

MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairí McHugh, has hosted a reception for Castlederg man, Ken Irwin, in recognition of his achievements in motorsport.

The civic reception was hosted at the Guildhall on Monday, November 3.

Ken is a legend in motorsport. He has been Northern Ireland overall Autotest champion six times, Southern Ireland champion two times, Scottish champion once and the pinnacle of his autotesting career was becoming British Autotest champion in 1981.

He was also the first driver to win all four different classes in the Northern Ireland Championship, a feat that has only been repeated by one other driver.

The biggest event each year is the International Autotest held in England where teams from all countries compete for the Ken Wharton Trophy.

Ken has represented Northern Ireland a record 30 times and has been on the winning team a record 15 times.

He has also won every class on that event and has set the individual fastest time a number of occasions.

Such are his skills that they were recognised by none other than Top Gear who invited him to become part of their stunt driving team.

He did two six-week world tours helping to put on breathtaking driving displays in a number of different countries, sharing the stage with Jeromy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

As a very talented engineer, throughout the past 50 years Ken has built and prepared cars for other drivers.

These cars have won over 25 championship titles. At 85 years of age he still is building cars and is a great encourages of young and upcoming drivers.

He delights in taking a young driver and mentoring them and the records will show that some of them have gone on to win championships.

Not only is he renown for his autotest achievements but Ken was also a very gifted rally driver.

He competed all over Ireland, winning many rally awards. One of these was winning the up to 1600cc Group One class in the Northern Ireland Forest championship.

On that occasion his navigator was Omagh man, Godfrey Crawford.

The word legend is some times misused but in Ken’s case he is a true legend and being recognised by the Mayor was a fitting tribute to a wonderful talented man who thoroughly deserved this award.

Mayor McHugh said he was delighted to recognise his fellow Derg man.

"I was delighted to host a reception in the Guildhall to celebrate Ken Irwin and his outstanding achievements in motorsport," he said.

"Ken has proudly represented our district on the national and international stage for many years, earning a well-deserved reputation for talent, determination and sportsmanship.

"It was a pleasure to welcome Ken, his family and friends to recognise his remarkable contribution to the sport and the inspiration he provides to so many.

"Congratulations, Ken, on your incredible success - and thank you for being such a fantastic ambassador for our area."