No Funding for Armoy Road Races from Tourism NI
AS the famous Armoy Road Races Bayview Hotel Race of Legends 2018 draws near, the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club has called for support and ensure the 10th anniversary continues to be another sensational year of racing.
Born from an initial idea by the locals in 2007, the Armoy Road Races has continued to grow from strength to strength, now positioning itself as one of the biggest national road races in Ireland, welcoming an increasing number of spectators and bike enthusiasts each year.
Bill Kennedy MBE, Chairman and Clerk of the Course said, “Each year all of our members work tirelessly to ensure that every Race of Legends is bigger and better than the previous year and for that I am thankful to them.
“As a non-profit organisation, the races are driven by our dedicated volunteers and support from the local community and sponsors. If we lose one link in that chain, then it can be difficult to rally round but we, as a club, have achieved so much over the last number of years and I look back and take pride in the fact that we have built a community from scratch and we are determined to keep going.
“I am extremely grateful to all of our sponsors as well for giving us the financial stability to celebrate our tenth year. To the Bayview Hotel, Tourism Ireland and the Causeway Coast and Glens in particular, I thank you.
Bill continues, “This year the Club didn’t receive funding from Tourism Northern Ireland. As you can imagine this is a substantial blow for the Club but although challenging it is not insurmountable.
“So this year there is a special plea from me, Bill Kennedy, and every member of our Club, come to the races and buy a programme. Each penny will make a difference and will help sustain these races going forward. For as long as the community love and support the Armoy Road Races, we will continue to make it the best we possibly can.”
Bike Week runs from Saturday 21st July until Saturday 28th July, with the Bayview Hotel ‘Race of Legends’ featuring on Saturday 28th July 2018.
Bill concludes, “Finally, I just want to encourage you all to show your support, whether it is buying a ticket for the grandstand or a programme, every little helps and I thank you all for your continued support.
“It really does take all of us to make these races happen. I truly believe that.”
The official 10th anniversary race programme can be purchased at a cost of £15 or €18 from the AMRRC Office and a number of local businesses in the area including the Armoy Garage and the Armada Inn.
The roads surrounding Armoy will close on Friday 27th July to allow for the qualifying race and practice race from 12:30pm, reopening no later than 9:30pm. On Saturday 28th roads will close from 10:00am and will reopen no later than 7:30pm. Please support the club by using AMRRC official car parks, proceeds of which will go directly back to the club.
For more social media on the Armoy Road Races, Bayview Hotel Race of Legends 2018, visit AMRRC on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ArmoyRoadRaces.