WITH just a few days to go until the 2006 Armoy Road Races, sponsor support continues for popular races.
Taking place on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July, the Armoy Road Races are returning with a packed programme of 13 races, showcasing some of the sport’s top riders and a collection of sponsors supporting the event which is now in its 17th year.
Having supported the much-loved event for a number of years, Sean Crawford of MJF Builders is returning as sponsor of the Pre 73 Lightweight and Junior Classic races, which will allow fans to see the riders expertly operating these vintage machines around the three-mile circuit.
Sean said: “I’m delighted to be sponsoring the Armoy Road Races once again. This is a must-attend event for me and something I look forward to year after year, especially the Junior Classic races – the roar of those engines is just spectacular.”
Elsewhere, Taggarts Barn, which is a mainstay during the week of the Armoy Road Races, and new sponsor, Townhouse Letterkenny have issued support to the Pre 73 Senior and Unlimited Classic Races.
“Northern Ireland has a very rich road racing history, producing numerous legendary riders and it’s very important that the legacy continues well into the future. I’m really looking forward to the event; it will no doubt be great craic,” commented Nigel Taggart, from Taggarts Barn.
Meanwhile, based in Ballymoney, the Diamond Bar is sponsoring the Lightweight race alongside the Mermaid Club, a devoted group of road racing fans hailing from Kircubbin in County Down.
Speaking about the races, Martin Doyle from the Diamond Bar said: “We have been sponsoring the Armoy Road Races for a number of years now. The Club’s organisation of the event, alongside the high calibre of riders competing every year and the thrilling atmosphere, keeps us coming back.
“The Lightweight race should certainly be one to watch and we’re looking forward to seeing who takes the winning position on the podium.”
Ballymoney locals, Ian Hickinson and James McKillop are set to sponsor the Junior Support race, which is fourth on the programme on Saturday.
Meanwhile, PES, a Belfast based leader in industrial automation with five locations across the UK and Ireland, has partnered with Brap Moto, a motorcycle sales, purchasing and breakdown recovery business located in Moira, to support the Senior Support race.
Claiming that he looks forward to Armoy year on year, James McKillop, joint sponsor of the Junor Support race added: “I am a huge fan of road racing and the AMRRC does so much to give the sport and its riders a platform. The event has expanded greatly since I first came on board as a sponsor in 2021 and it’s brilliant to have witnessed that growth. I’m delighted to be back for 2026 and can’t wait to see all the rising stars in the Junior Support class competing for a place on the podium.”
Two very competitive races on the programme, last year saw County Armagh’s Kevin Lavery finishing the Junior Support race in poll position, while Sean Brolly from County Derry/Londonderry clinched the top spot in the Senior Support race.
Davey Chambers, owner of Brap Moto and joint sponsor of the Senior Support race, says that the atmosphere at Armoy is always “second to none.”
“One of the things that keeps me coming back to Armoy is the calibre of the riders and indeed the thousands of fans that come from all over the world. That combination makes for a thrilling atmosphere across the two days,” Davey commented. “I’m an avid fan of the sport and it’s important that we continue to support local events so that Northern Irish road racing continues to grow and that new talent is nurtured.”
Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club (AMRRC) volunteers are currently busy with the final preparations for the upcoming event which is set to attract thousands of global fans from across Ireland, the UK and Europe.
“In a very short time, Armoy village will be packed with visitors from near and far, gathering to watch some big names tackle the challenging course,” Gareth McAuley, AMRRC Chairman said.
“The hard work and dedication that goes into organising an event of this scale simply cannot be understated. Our Club volunteers have worked tirelessly over the last few months, and indeed, 17 years to make Armoy what it is today – one of the most highly anticipated road racing events in the country.
“Alongside our Club volunteers, we’re indebted to the generous support of our sponsors. They too have helped us to elevate the profile of this event, nurture rising talent and make it a staple event in Irish road racing. We are extremely grateful to each and every one of them – thank you for your generosity.”
The Armoy Road Races are supported in part by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and will culminate in the prestigious Bayview Hotel Race of Legends.
Programme packages, including a vehicle parking pass and event lanyard granting access to vantage points around the circuit, are still on sale at the Armoy office.
Further information can be found at www.armoyroadraces.com or by searching ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook.