Tullyroan Oval
Location
Tullyroan, Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
Current Local Time
Track Info
Tullyroan Oval - Dungannon, Northern Ireland
Purpose-built banked asphalt short oval in County Tyrone - home to National Hot Rods, Stock Cars, Bangers and major championship racing
When was the track built?
Tullyroan Oval was constructed during 2011 and 2012 as a completely new short-oval venue. Promoter Davy McCall wanted a purpose-built replacement for his previous Nuttscorner operation, with the new track designed specifically around the needs of British and Irish oval racing.
The asphalt oval was created using computer-aided design and surrounded by large spectator banks, giving fans a clear view across almost the entire circuit.
When was its first race?
Tullyroan staged its first race meeting on 26 May 2012. The opening marked the beginning of a new home for the Hot Rod, Stock Car and Banger classes that had previously competed under the same promotion at Nuttscorner.
The track quickly began hosting major championship events, with national and international drivers travelling to County Tyrone for some of the biggest meetings on the short-oval calendar.
What's the circuit like?
- Very fast for its size: National Hot Rods can lap in just over 13 seconds, so drivers spend almost the entire race either cornering or preparing for the next bend.
- Banked corners: The raised outer edge of the bends allows cars to maintain more speed than they could on a completely flat oval.
- Several racing lines: Drivers can attack around the inside or try to carry more momentum around the outside, creating side-by-side battles through the bends.
- Traffic is part of the challenge: With such short laps, faster drivers quickly catch cars ahead and must find a safe way through without losing momentum.
Racing and benchmarks
- National Hot Rod record: 13.192 - John Christie, set on 22 July 2012.
- 2.0 Hot Rod record: 13.956 - Wayne Woolsey, set in 2016.
- Superstox: Contact is allowed, making bumpers and tactical use of traffic an important part of the racing.
- National Hot Rods: The fastest regular non-contact category, using highly developed purpose-built cars on slick tyres.
- Bangers: Tullyroan also hosts both Rookie and Unlimited Banger events, where contact plays a much larger role.
Why go?
Tullyroan is particularly good for someone discovering short-oval racing because almost the whole race happens in front of you. Cars complete laps every few seconds, overtaking happens constantly and several different categories can race during the same meeting.
The venue also hosts major championship weekends. National Hot Rod British Championships, Superstox World Championships and other important titles have all been decided at Tullyroan, bringing visiting drivers from elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Spectator banking: The raised banks surrounding the oval provide the best overall view and make it possible to follow battles around virtually the whole lap.
- Outside the bends: A good place to appreciate the speed of the Hot Rods and watch drivers attempt outside-line overtakes.
- Start and finish area: Ideal for race starts, close finishes and seeing packed grids accelerate away together.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Tullyroan Oval (Dungannon)
Plan your trip: driving is the easiest way to reach Tullyroan Oval. The circuit is just off the M1 between Portadown and Dungannon, with parking at the venue and limited public transport in the surrounding rural area.
Getting there by car
- Navigation: use Tullyroan Oval, Derryhirk Road, Dungannon, BT71 6NH as your destination.
- From Belfast: travel west on the M1 towards Dungannon. The circuit is close to Junction 13, making motorway access straightforward.
- From Portadown or Dungannon: both towns provide convenient approaches to the circuit, which lies between them.
- Race days: allow extra time near the venue and follow temporary signs or marshal instructions for the correct entrance.
Bus & public transport
- Route 67: Translink operates services between the Portadown and Dungannon areas, with some journeys serving Tullyroan Corner.
- Check carefully: not every service follows the same route or operates at useful race-day times, particularly in the evening.
- Final connection: the bus does not provide the same door-to-door convenience as driving, so consider arranging a taxi or lift for the last part of your journey.
If a meeting finishes at night, plan your return journey before arriving. Rural bus services may not run late enough for the end of racing.
Parking
- Race-view parking: the venue provides car parking with views towards the raceway.
- On arrival: follow staff directions because the areas used for parking and vehicle movement can depend on the meeting.
- Busy events: arrive early for major championships and speedweekends when larger crowds are expected.
Facilities & spectators
- Spectator banking: raised banking around the venue provides good views of the compact oval.
- Toilets: toilet facilities are available at the circuit.
- Weather: much of the spectator experience is outdoors, so bring suitable clothing for Northern Ireland's changeable conditions.
- Noise: short-oval racing can be very loud, so hearing protection is recommended, especially for children.
Accessibility
- Contact DMC Race Promotions before travelling if you require accessible parking or assistance at the venue.
- Travelling by car or taxi is the most practical option for visitors who find longer walks difficult.
- Ask about parking location: event staff can advise which arrival area is most suitable for your needs.
Airports & longer-distance travel
- Belfast International Airport: just over 30 miles from the circuit; hiring a car or arranging a road transfer is the simplest onward option.
- Belfast City Airport: around 40 miles away on the eastern side of Belfast.
- By ferry: Belfast ferry port is around 35 miles from Tullyroan, making the venue accessible to visitors bringing a car from Great Britain.
About Tullyroan Oval
Tullyroan Oval is a purpose-built banked asphalt short-oval circuit near Dungannon. The venue was constructed during 2011 and 2012 and became DMC Race Promotions' main circuit for racing previously staged at Nutts Corner.
Meetings feature a mixture of Hot Rods, Stock Cars, Bangers and junior categories, with major championship events also held during the season.
Always check DMC Race Promotions' latest fixture information before travelling for current start times, admission details and any event-specific access instructions.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Tullyroan Oval (Northern Ireland)
Tullyroan Oval brings fast, close short-oval racing to the countryside between Portadown and Dungannon. Away from the track, visitors can explore peatland boardwalks, historic estates, ancient Irish heritage and family attractions around Armagh and Lough Neagh.
Family-friendly highlights near Tullyroan
- Peatlands Park: Explore woodland, open bog and boardwalks through one of Northern Ireland’s most unusual landscapes. Entry is free and the trails suit an easy post-race walk.
- Armagh Observatory and Planetarium: Interactive space exhibits and immersive dome shows make this one of the strongest indoor choices for families.
- Oxford Island Nature Reserve: Walk beside Lough Neagh through woodland, meadows and wetlands, with birdwatching hides, picnic areas and a large play park.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Navan Centre & Fort: Discover the archaeology, mythology and stories connected with one of Ireland’s most important ancient ceremonial sites through guided tours and living-history activities.
- The Argory: Explore an early-19th-century country house overlooking the River Blackwater, along with gardens, historic outbuildings and riverside walks.
- Armagh city: Visit the two St Patrick’s cathedrals and explore a compact historic centre with museums, cafés and Georgian architecture.
Eat & drink away from the circuit
- Portadown: Head east for cafés, restaurants and takeaway options if you want plenty of choice after an evening race meeting.
- Dungannon: Travel west for pubs, cafés and restaurants around the town centre.
- Try local favourites: An Ulster fry, soda bread, potato bread or a warming stew makes an easy introduction to Northern Irish food.
Get outdoors between race meetings
- Peatlands Park: Follow waymarked paths through woodland and peat bog, including boardwalk sections around the bog garden.
- The Argory: Choose an easy estate walk beside the River Blackwater or follow the gentle lime-tree trail through the grounds.
- Oxford Island: Explore the shoreline of Lough Neagh on foot, with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife.
Weather can change quickly in Northern Ireland. Waterproof clothing and shoes suitable for damp paths are useful throughout the year.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Armagh: Combine the Planetarium, Navan Centre & Fort and historic city centre for an easy full day.
- Lough Neagh: Pair Oxford Island with nearby lakeside viewpoints and nature walks for a quieter day away from motorsport.
- The Argory: Allow a few hours to tour the house, explore the estate and walk beside the River Blackwater.
- Belfast: Follow the M1 into the city for Titanic Belfast, museums, shopping and a much wider choice of restaurants if you are extending your stay.
Good to know during race weekends
- Expect several formulas: Meetings commonly feature multiple types of car, so newcomers can see everything from non-contact Hot Rod racing to full-contact Bangers on the same evening.
- Bring hearing protection: Short-oval racing is loud and spectators sit relatively close to the action. Ear defenders are strongly recommended for children.
- Dress for the weather: Evening meetings can become cool even after a pleasant day, so bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
- Check the fixture list: Classes, championship titles and start times change between meetings, so check the organiser’s schedule before travelling.
Race dates, formulas, spectator arrangements and attraction opening hours can change - check current information before travelling.