THE course at Armoy is ready for action as almost 150 road racers – newcomers and fan favourites alike – are set to descend upon the County Antrim village today (Thursday 24th July) with some travelling from as far as Finland, Austria, Germany and Canada, alongside local talent from Ballymena, Ballymoney and across Ireland.
According to William Munnis, Clerk of the Course of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club (AMRRC) the quality of this year’s entries guarantees “a great weekend of road racing.”
“We’re absolutely delighted with the number and calibre of riders joining us this year,” William said. “With returning favourites, newcomers and international teams set to take part, spectators can expect a great weekend of racing.
“We have over 20 newcomers this year with a third of them coming from the South, and there are a few races that are oversubscribed but as a Club we are really keen to ensure that everyone gets some track time – we are probably going to have to run some B races too. Friday will be interesting, it always is, but if we get it right, Saturday should take care of itself.”
Amongst those making their debut at Armoy is English rider Rob Hodson, who took third place at the Isle of Man TT Races last month in the Metzeler Supertwin race and Jonathan Perry of Gordon Huxley racing who had a top 20 finish in the Superbike race at the Isle of Man TT. Joe Yeardsley, who is an Isle of Man native, is also taking his place on the grid at Armoy for the first time after a podium finish at the Southern 100 just a few weeks ago.
Finnish rider, Erno Kostamo, is also a newcomer and he is competing as part of the RVS Motorsport team. Erno will face stiff competition from an experienced field of riders including Mike Browne, travelling to Armoy fresh off a Supersport race win at the Southern 100, alongside Jamie Coward, last year’s Man of the Meeting, and Paul Jordan, who has been performing well so far this season with wins at both the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT.
Fan favourites such as Michael Sweeney, Dominic Herbertson, Phil Crowe, who all secured several podium finishes last year, and Conor Cummins along with a number of good, experienced riders are set to return, ensuring plenty of action across the classes.
William added; “Roads will close at 10am on Friday for qualifying and practice racing, with two races scheduled – the Clyde Shanks Supertwins and Hilton Car Sales Supersport – after that the roads will reopen, and then on Saturday they close at 9am, opening no later than 7:30pm. I’d like to encourage spectators to choose their vantage spot and get into position early and would ask them to stay off the road at all times for their own safety.
“As always, we’ve had tremendous support from each and every one of our sponsors, who give so generously to ensure that we can continue to host the Armoy Road Races. With their help and that of the fans, the local community and residents we expect to have another good year’s racing.
“The Club, volunteers, the circuit – everything is set and ready to go for the riders to land in the paddock and for the fans and spectators to arrive on Friday – although I see a few people dotted around the course already in motorhomes and tents.
“There’s still time to purchase programme packages at the Armoy office in the village’s main street, which includes a free car parking pass and a limited-edition event lanyard, enabling spectators to enter certain vantage points around the circuit. If you’re thinking about attending this year, please do come along and be part of one of the highlights of the road racing calendar.”
Title sponsor of the Armoy Road Races is the Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae which has supported the motorcycle road races for the past sixteen years and sponsors the hugely popular Bayview Hotel Race of Legends.
Supported in part by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the Armoy Road Races will take place on Friday, July 25th, and Saturday, July 26th.
Visit: www.armoyroadraces.com for further details or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook.