Motorbike Racing Ireland by Kieran Coleman

Ireland’s Newest FREE Online Motorcycle Racing Magazine

MOTORBIKE RACING IRELAND

IRISH SHORT CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIPS - ROUNDS 1 & 2 at Mondello Park & Bishopscourt

2013 CHAMPIONSHIPS & CHAMPIONS - A REVIEW COOKSTOWN 100 SIDECARS TANDRAGEE 100 WEST CORK MCC DRAG RACE MOTORCYCLING MARSHALS ASSOCIATION ROAD & SHORT CIRCUIT RACING NEWS

Feature Columnists: Nico Mawhinney Cody Nally

Jamie Masterson Suzanne Douglas

Graham Whitmore

Issue 1 March 2014

The basic purpose behind Motorbike Racing Ireland (MRI) is very simple; to promote the sport of both Road & Short Circuit Motorbike Racing in Ireland. This will be done by giving much needed media coverage & exposure to the riders who fill the grids & pay for the privilege of competing in our sport, keeping it alive each season, for our benefit, as well as their own. We at M.R.I., also firmly believe that it’s not just the racers who keep our sport going, there are so many people working tirelessly & selflessly, behind the scenes at every race event. So, we intend to highlight the efforts of all those people, who never race themselves, but without whom the races would not, or could not, even occur; the organising committees, the marshals, medics, scrutineers, volunteers who prepare the road circuits in advance of road races, etc …the list only goes on & on, but without these people, our fabulous sport couldn’t exist, & so we at MRI will acknowledge their efforts in subsequent features throughout the season, as a sign of our appreciation & respect.

We at MRI don’t care what class of bike you race, how long you’ve been racing, how successful you’ve been or where in the field you typically qualify or finish……non of that actually matters….what matters is that you throw your leg over a race bike (or sidecar unit)…. & RACE!!! If you race, we want to hear from you, we want to do what we can to promote you & highlight your progress throughout the course of the season, we want to make the fans more aware of you, so that you may get even more support & potentially more sponsorship throughout the season. All you have to do is contact us by email or through Facebook.

So please feel free to contact us with any suggestions you may have, which we will add to our own list of potential features. EMAIL:

motorbikeracingireland@gmail.com FaceBook:

https://www.facebook.com/motorbikeracingireland

MOTORBIKE RACING IRELAND

Background Image by: Tom O’Hanlon

Travelling to Ireland for the races? Why not savour a taste of what the country has to offer away from the circuit? To see the many unique & beautiful aspects of Ireland & make your trip all the more special, visit ISLE magazine - a FREE online magazine about Ireland with features on Travel , Arts & Crafts, Food & Drink Producers, Chefs, Entrepreneurs and Much More. www.islemagazine.com

Contents: M O T O R C Y C L E

Cover Pic: Courtesy of Darren JarJar O’Rourke

4 6 8 10 12 14 18 22 26 32

Cody Nally Nico Mawhinney Jamie Masterson Suzy Douglas Graham Whitmore Irish Short Circuit Round 1 - Mondello Irish Short Circuit Round 2 - Bishopscourt Cookstown 100 Tandragee 100 West Cork MCC – Drag Race

Bits Of News & Stuff

36 38

Irish Sidecar Racing

2013 Championships & Champions

Motorcycling Marshals Association

R A C I N G

I R E L A N D

Welcome to the first issue of Motorbike Racing Ireland (MRI) online magazine, Irelands newest FREE magazine for Irish motorbike racing, both on the roads and on short circuits. We will be keeping you up to date with all the latest news, as well as providing in-depth features on numerous racers, previewing & reviewing each & every Road & Short Circuit race throughout the season, as well as offering helpful advice for attending each event. In the upcoming issues, we will be highlighting, not just the main runners in each championship in Ireland, but also the efforts & results of other riders in each class, giving you a behind the scenes insight into their season as it develops. In fact, we will feature any & every rider who wishes to be featured. All they need do is contact us for details on how to help us help them. We are very fortunate to have some excellent short circuit racers contributing to our magazine with monthly columns. In addition, we are delighted to have Nicole Lynch from The Irish Sidecar Racing Supporters Club & Clodagh Brennan from The Motorcycling Marshals Association, also contributing each month. We also hope that they will be joined by a number of road racers in subsequent issues. I’d like to thank you all for your effort & support for our efforts here at MRI. We would also like to thank all of the photographers whose images have been used in this issue. Their work is vital to the continued enjoyment of the sport, as the excitement & action can be savoured by spectators, long after the bikes have been packed back into the vans & taken home. All images in this issue have been provided, either by individual riders, organising clubs or courtesy of the photographer themselves. Where possible or applicable, we have accredited each photographer on each of their images used & we would like to thank them for their co-operation & support in this regard. If there are any issues regarding accreditation etc, then please email us here so that we may resolve them & avoid any similar issues in the future. MRI is a voluntary effort & as such, has to rely on the goodwill, support & input of you the racers, the fans, the organisers etc, in order to maximise the benefit we can offer the sport & those who love it as much as we do. We would like to thank those who have been so helpful & supportive of our efforts to date. It is hoped that, in time, commercial advertising income will cover the costs of producing & developing MRI even further & if any companies wish to advertise on MRI, then please contact us by email, but regardless, we will continue our efforts to bring you all a magazine that is informative, enjoyable, relevant & effective in supporting what is one of the best sports in the world. Thank You All. Regards

Email: motorbikeracingireland@gmail.com

First & foremost, it must be clearly stated that Kieran Coleman is NOT a racer. The only time he has ever “raced” has been on the school run, to avoid being late for work, last orders…or to the loo. He is however, a racing fan, of both road & short circuit racing. He feels it’s a sport like no other in the world, where riders are heroes without being “precious”, where they display their skill, commitment & bravery on each & every bend, on each & every lap, in each & every race, where spectators can come within touching distance of the action & where they can mix freely with their idols.

Background Image by: Baylon McCaughey

It is for this reason that Motorbike Racing Ireland has been created; to promote this wonderful sport that we are so privileged to witness & be part of, to support it’s competitors & those whose efforts keep it alive every season……and to have the craic while we’re at it. So, if you see him wandering around the paddock, don’t be shy…introduce yourself & be ready to have a chat & a bit of craic..

Pic Courtesy of Cody

As far as results ambitions go, I have my own personal aims and if I can meet them I’ll be happy enough, but if I don’t I don’t, I’m not going to put pressure on myself this year, its not worth it. I just want to enjoy racing bikes. That’s the main thing….. but don’t worry, I will be trying my best. I think this year will be a really tough championship and I’m looking forward to being part of it. There are a lot of really good riders and machines in it, so it should be good bar-banging every weekend, so I’ll just try keep her out of the weeds and on the tarmac.

Pic by: Kieran Ryan

Firstly, I’d like to thank Kieran for asking me to do this column. I get sick of hearing myself talk sometimes, so I wouldn’t blame anyone who cant be bothered to read the shite I write. I don’t really know how you go about doing a column, but here it goes. Last season was a really up and down one for me. I started the season with Jones Dorling racing, in the British Superstock 1000 Championship, but after 2 rounds it was decided it was in both of our interests if we parted company. I have to say that was the hardest point I’ve ever had in racing, as I lost a lot of confidence in myself and stopped enjoying it. I even thought of walking away from the sport, as I couldn’t understand what was wrong. Luckily for me, my long time sponsor Stewart Harrison jumped in and put me on his zx10 for the remainder of the Irish Championship. Slowly but surely my confidence came back and I really enjoyed the end of the season, picking up a few wins which was nice and also lapping faster than I ever done before.

Pic by: Tom O’Hanlon

Over the winter its been pretty quiet. I have been just looking to try and get sponsors for the coming season and I’m back training again. It was good to get a break from the racing for a while and have a bit of craic with friends and family and Arthur Guinness, but I have to admit, I’m excited to get going again. I’m very fortunate that I have a lot of local people and businesses chipping in, to try help me this season, including my own family and friends, so I really have a lot of great support. I was also asked to take part in the Nifty 50 race on the 23rd of February by Ed Manly and it was great craic, even better to actually win it!!! I’m looking forward to the season starting and getting back to enjoying myself and building up my confidence. Hopefully, next time, I’ll have a bit more biking news to tell you about, instead of talking shite.

Pic by: Irishracephotography

This year I Intend to do the whole Irish Superbike Short Championship Series, as well as The Adelaide Masters onboard the same zx10. I was looking at the possibility at going back to the British Championships, but with the silly money some of the teams are asking riders to pay, its just not possible. I’m putting no pressure on myself this year. I just want to go out and enjoy it. I know my bike is brilliant and the people around me are great, so I will give it my best and see where we end up.

Pic by: Keith Moore Pic by: Nico

Few nice Awards from last year, after being crowned the Irish Superbike Champion and Ulster Champion into the bargain. A few more records were also set along the way; youngest ever champion in the class, first ever from my county as well, which is nice. My local council also awarded me a civic reception, which was nice to sit along with my family and sponsors and also the councillors. I also won the Bertie Mann award a pretty big prestigious award. This was definitely nice, a lot of big names on the trophy as well. I have to thank Anne Forsythe at the Tandragee club for nominating me and for all the other clubs around Ireland for voting for me. Was also very nice to be at the Ramada with all the big shots as well and get chatting to world champions.

Well where do I start? Firstly I would like to thank Kieran, at Motorcycle Racing Ireland, for asking me to do this; I'm sure it was a bit of a torture for him, as things have been hectic lately. As Davy, my mechanic and mate says "like a teacher chasing you for coursework". I was never the best pupil, anyhow, stay at school kids ha-ha. It’s also quite nice to see that someone is doing something positive for the sport, after all the negativity that has been in the media lately, regarding one thing or another. So thanks to him and anyone else involved. Why does it always seem that after Christmas, time flies? Or is it just me? Definitely not easy to get the turkey burnt off. I spent the first few months just doing the normal stuff, training preparing, meetings, busting my balls to get out on a bike again, as usual, and it was only in late February that things started looking more positive for me, after a few let downs for one thing or another. But I am delighted with how things have gone since. Having signed for Northern Escalators Installations, it’s been a whirlwind for me. I won’t be defending my Irish Superbike title this year, as I’m going back to the Supersport class on a new Kawasaki zx6, to take on a new challenge…contesting rounds of The Thundersport championship in the UK, to gain some valuable experience, against strong opposition, on English circuits. All this is with the view of contesting in the British Superbikes Series in 2015, all going well. We just came back from testing the new bike at Cartagena Murcia, which was an unbelievable experience. We made a lot of changes over the five days & made some great progress on set-up. I was able to knock off over 8 seconds on my lap times after a few days. The new bike feels so good I don't feel like I'm pushing and I'm not tired out. Not sure whether that is my fitness that's helped into the bargain. All I do know is that this is a brilliant opportunity for me…& I intend to grab it with both hands. As well as the Thundersport, I’m hoping to take in a few of the Adelaide Masters Superbike rounds on my championship winning Suzuki. Before signing with my new team, we had been already working on it, so thanks to Dad for doing all the hard work behind the scenes, while I was just going for a jog in the gym ha-ha.

Pic by: Trevor Harbinson

What was even nicer was being nominated and making it through to the final six of the Motorcyclist Of The Year, which was won by Eugene Laverty, with Micky 2nd and myself coming in 3rd. That was quite a big thing as well, to be standing on stage with those guys. So thanks to everyone that I pestered on Facebook for votes. I also won the Red Bull Young Motorcyclist Of The Year and Enkalon’s Most Promising And Talented Young Rider. I was in with a few names on it too. Not bad for a home grown Castledawson ‘cowboy’ ha-ha. Was nice to be awarded it by another home-grown world championship race winner Jeremy McWilliams. Not much more to say just yet, but thanks to everyone. Here’s to 2014 where I wish everyone the best of luck and they be safe! Here’s to the next time! Cheers,

Pic Courtesy of Jamie

“ With only a few weeks left now till all hell breaks loose and the 2014 race season gets under way, its all go for us in the JMR camp. After buying our weapon of choice late last season, I have totally rebuilt my 2011 MSS Kawasaki ZX10r and have nearly completed the jigsaw that its been for the last 2 months…hopefully she will be ready for the rollers in DLM RACING HQ early next week for some fine tuning and mapping by Danny at DLM. We have rebuilt the bike from the ground up and literally replaced every nut and bolt and cleaned in every nook and cranny over the last few weeks, just to make sure that I’m gonna hit the ground running this season, where I’m hoping for big results and make a lot of noise.

Pics Courtesy of JMR

Sponsors are very hard to come by these days also, but I have been very lucky to be supported by some of the top people in the business…like STUDIO M, DLM RACING, BAZZAZ, MSS KAWASAKI, SD DESIGNS, MOTORSPORT.IE, WOOLSEY COULTERS ART and MRI. Without all these people on board, my racing would be very difficult and I can’t thank them enough for all their continued support. Last season was a bit of a disaster, but you have to just keep plugging away. All started off badly when I dragged my new AMA Suzuki over to Spain for a 4 day test and broke the crank after just 6 laps… some start to my first season in the pros. Disheartened and dealing with low moral, I plugged away through the year, really struggling throughout but got into some sort of a rhythm near the end of the season, where I eventually beat my personal best times on all the Irish tracks. Sold the big Yankee girl on and now have a savage MSS Kawasaki Stocker for 2014#

A lot goes on behind the scenes that a lot of people wouldn’t see. Apart from spending the whole week leading up to an event getting the bike prepped, there's also a heap of other stuff that goes on as well. Here’s a basic run down of what a race week has in store for us.

Goals for this season are to compete in the Thundersport GB championship in the UK and hopefully a couple of rounds of the ADELAIDE Masters here in Ireland. Looking to finish in the top 6 Superstock in the UK and hopefully get a podium in the Masters Pro Class over here. All in all its gonna be my biggest year yet, with a bin it or win it attitude.

Prepare the Bike: This includes everything from stripping the bike for a complete check-over, change oil and filter, clean down entire bike from top to bottom with a tooth brush, replace anything that’s needed.

Look forward to seeing everybody at the first round in Mondello, Come on over and meet me and the team and say hello and check out our spanking zx10rs. Will have merchandise and free tea and coffee for all.

Prepare Myself: I have being training 6 days a week for the past 3 months to get myself physically and mentally prepared to race at the top level. I’m lucky to have being blessed with the backing of one of Dublin’s top gyms and personal training from STUDIO M in Coolmine Industrial Estate. Without these guys behind me, I doubt I would be in any condition to race in the top flight PRO class, The days leading up to a race are very important, to train the correct amount and eat the right things so I can be 110% for the weekend. It’s very hard to try to juggle everything at the same time to make sure you don’t forget anything for the camper, bike, gear, hospitality set up etc… a lot goes into a weekends racing that some people just wouldn’t understand. Hopfully you have half an idea now.

Look forward to seeing you all and keep following me on my column here on MRI… FLASH #22 www.jamiemastersonracing.com @flashracing22 on twitter, or JMR on Facebook.”

Pic Courtesy of JMR

Pic Courtesy of #84 Racing

Pic by: John Burke

Not long now til the 2014 race season kicks off! I can't believe how fast the time has gone. At least we got to start our warm up in style at the Nifty Fifty in Mondello ha ha! And I’m just back from Cartagena after three days with Woolsey Coulter's ART (Advanced Rider Training), which was brilliant and I can’t wait to go back next year!! This year, I am so excited to be riding for RT&E for the season. I have the use of the Davy McCartney CBR1000RR for the short circuits and a Kawasaki ER6 for the short circuits and junior support class on the roads. So 2014 is going to be a busy year! This year, the prep work has been a lot simpler for me, as RT&E have taken care of most things. It's weird for me, as usually I am stuck in and loving it! But I have been working hard on my own physical fitness by putting lots of time in at the gym. I recently took up Bikram Yoga too and that is an experience to say the least!

Riders such as Michal "Indi" Doukopil, Veronika Hankocyova, Stephen McKeown and Annalee Simpson among others, are all sponsored by RT&E, which makes it a great team to be part of. I have been so lucky with my own personal sponsors old and new. Stephane Doherty of SD Designs has always done my helmets and my own race bikes he is the most amazing artist out there. Jim Halligan of Jtec Sports has always been a mentor, sponsor, friend and sounding board. Roddy Hayes of MotoMad has in the past looked after my engines and Ronan Pentony of RPMcycles Drogheda does all my Dyno work. These boys are top class past and present racers, and total perfectionists. Sprockets Performance & Accessories have helped out with getting me on track this year also. There are quite a few friends who have always helped me out and their names go on the bike's bellypand each year as a little thank you for their support. This year will be no different. Last year was another learning year for me every year is! I've been chipping away at my times and feeling a little more confident each time I go out. It's hard not to get disheartened when you're at the back, but hey! Someone has to be ha ha! I just hope this year it's someone else's turn! My goals for 2014 are the same as 2013 - to get my lap times down, my confidence levels up, and the fun factor through the roof! I will be giving 100% to be a much better racer this year.

Pic by: John Burke

So with the bikes pretty much sorted, and physical fitness in hand, it's down to me to do the rest by having my homework done. I've been watching millions of onboards of all the circuits that are new to me this year. I want to be as familiar as I can with the layout and general geography of the road circuits before I get near them on a bike. Sponsors are very hard to come by when you're at the back of the grids, but I have been blessed by having been taken into the RT&E family. These guys are the embodiment of the spirit of racing, and do it because they love the sport. They are almost entirely self funded and sponsor a number of riders.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in the paddocks again this year. Come and say hi and have a cup of tea!

”

You can also follow Suzy on; www.facebook.com/Suzy84Racing www.facebook.com/RathkennyTrackEnduro

Pic by: Michael Barnes

Pic by: James Foley

Well, coming into my second year racing now, I'm looking to continue onwards and upwards. I'm going to compete in the Lightweight Supersport class again this year, on a Kawasaki zxr 400. I hope to try to stay within the top 5 this year and get some really good results along the way.

Then preparing food in the van is my mother who always has us fed and watered and is always making sure the tyre warmers are on. There’s also my girlfriend Nicole, who watches and worries and gives me a lot of moral support to go faster and keeps me relaxed.

Last year I had my ups and downs, with sliding off in my first race and twice more during the year. I also suffered from some issues with the bike throughout the year, but all and all, I was very happy as it was my first year. My aims for 2014 are really to just get better starts and try to run with the front group aswell as knocking some seconds off my lap times and maybe getting a win. I also hope to do one or two races up the North in the coming season. For my pre-season training, I have been in the gym five days a week aswell as jogging throughout the week. I find bmxing good for my arms and it really helps to strengthen them. You also have to have the positive attitude and people around you, constantly supporting and keeping you going after a bad race or bad weekend. I have been lucky with sponsorship, as I get so much help from my father. I can honestly say that, if it wasn't for him I'd still be sitting on the other side of the fence, wishing I was out there. I’d also like to thank my sponsor Shane at Sp Motorcycles, Gorey, as well as Tommy Vennard for designing my race logo for the season. There's a lot of work behind the scenes, well it's really all down to my father working on the bike. He spends many days and nights in the shed. Coming up to a race weekend, you have to make sure the van is packed and all the boxes are ticked. You also have to make sure to get your sleep, as early mornings are the norm when racing. Over around the van at a race weekends it’s always a very relaxed atmosphere, with mostly me talking to my experienced brother, Thomas about track conditions and where I could make up time and he fills me in on how other riders were doing in my practice/qualifying. Follow Graham on www.facebook.com/graham.whitmore @Graham_Zxr400 Whitmore #123

Pic by: Tom O’Hanlon

Before a race, I like to just sit down and relax and try keep a clear mind, as there’s no point, in my opinion, having a game plan, as every race can be different. I like to take in a lot of water and eat a banana before each race for energy and hydration. If I've made mistakes in the race before, I like to think of them and figure out what to do to prevent them. For example, last year I didn’t have the power of the other bikes, so I tried to enter the corner a bit faster to get the drive out. When your on the grid, waiting to get out racing, there isn’t really that much going through your head, apart from telling yourself that you need to get the inside line into turn one. You make sure you’re in gear, that the clutch is in the right place, just bitting, that you’re at the right amount of revs and when the lights go out just GO, GO, GO!!!!! Try get to the inside and try not to get boxed In, as the faster riders will start to pull away and you loose your momentum and determination to keep up with them. You have to keep a clear head and not get frustrated. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me over the last year, especially my father, and I hope to see everyone in the paddock for 2014. Call over for a chat and some taaaeee anytime.

SUNDAY MARCH 23rd 2014 MONDELLO PARK Practice & Qualifying on Saturday March 22nd Promoted By:

FINGAL MOTOR CLUB

Background Image by RaceproPhoto

IRISH SHORT CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIP

Short Circuit Racing.

ROUND 1, Mondello Park 23rd March 2014 Next Sunday, March 23rd, sees the opening round of The Irish Short Circuit Championships take place at Mondello Park, Caragh, County Kildare. This opening event is being run by Fingal Motor Club & will be the first “serious” run out for all competitors. With Superbikes Pro & Cup, Supersport Pro & Cup, Lightweights/Moto3, Pre-Injection/250GP & Super/Production Twins all having rounds it promises to be a cracking opener to the short circuit season. The caliber of racers is constantly rising on the short circuit scene & the action is hot & fast, regardless of whether it’s in the 125’s or the Big Bikes. With many riders throughout the classes now riding on improved machinery this season, some championship winners transferring to bigger capacity classes & over 70 newly licensed riders joining the ranks, there promises to be nothing short of great racing & excitement in store.

[ Attending

] [ Attending

For details of advantageous viewing points, please refer to the circuit layout map on a later page. As with all racing events, it is vital to respect the riders’ need for concentration, as well as acting responsibly in terms of health & safety of not just the riders, but of those attending as spectators also. Unless you have an Official Pass, you will not be allowed wander onto the Pit Lane, for obvious reasons. All other areas are secured against fans accidently walking into unauthorised or dangerous areas, so please feel free to wander the paddock. The ideal way to soak up the atmosphere is to go up on the Saturday, so you get to see the Practice & Qualifying Sessions & the track is less crowded on the day before the races, which will give you an opportunity to call in on a few racers if you like, regardless of whether you know them or not…..most are more than welcome to have a chat or a cuppa…….they are passionate about racing too, just like the rest of us. By staying overnight, you’ll get to sample the atmosphere in the Bar, where there are always a few characters about, willing to chat racing & the craic is ninety.

Pic By: Irishracephotography.com

If you’re only intending on going up on the Sunday for the races themselves, then get there EARLY, buy your programme, which will give you the race schedule, as well as the race numbers & names of all riders in each class. As the racers go through their Warm Up Laps, you’ll have an opportunity to have a good wander around the circuit, hopefully get to meet a few racers off the track, gauge your preferred viewing spots, soak up a bit of the atmosphere & settle down for a great day’s racing. THERE’S NOTHING BETTER!!

[ Spectating

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For details of advantageous viewing points, please refer to the circuit layout map on the following page. The Grandstand provides a great few back down the main start/finish straight, letting you see the action as the bikes exit Dunlop, the last corner. Situated just at the braking point for the first bend, the Ford hairpin, it also provides a perfect opportunity to witness some late, sometimes VERY late braking & overtaking maneouvres. You also get a great view of the bikes going through Turn 2 & heading out to “the For further information or queries, ring country” as they peel into The Dog Leg & Mondello Park on 045 860200 or contact disappear momentarily from view. The bikes come back into view as them through their website, which is they crest the hill coming towards you & https://www.mondello.ie throw themselves into the Esses, where you can follow them almost all the way up to & out of Dunlop at the end of the lap. Another favourite viewing spot is just at the paddock side of the footbridge across the Main Straight, where from ground level you can see the bikes fly into Ford, swoop into Turn 2 & head out towards the country again. This position also gives a good view of the bikes going through The Esses. There are also viewing areas along the banking on the road side of the track fencing from the last bend at Dunlop, down along the Main Straight, as far as the Grandstand, which can offer a different perspective to the action.

IRISH SHORT CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIP

Short Circuit Racing.

ROUND 1, Mondello Park 23rd March 2014 Pic By: Darren JarJar O’Rourke

[ Directions

]

Mondello Park is situated in Co. Kildare 5 miles from Naas and 25 miles from Dublin.

2013 Round Review Superbikes:

Supersport/Superbike Cup:

Damien Byrne got his 2013 Championship season off to a great start by taking victory in Race 1. He set the fastest lap of the race in Lap 3, when he put in a 56.092 sec lap, with a top speed of 118.724mph, to finish a relatively comfortable 6 & 7 seconds behind David Haire & Alan Bonner in 2nd & 3rd places respectively, who also managed to put in 56+ sec laps. In the afternoon, Race 2 saw Alan Bonner turn the tables on Damien to take the 25 points, putting in a scintillating 56.393 sec fastest lap to finish an exciting 1.4 seconds ahead of Damien, with Frank Smyth & Peter Maloney having an epic dice for 3rd spot, with Frank taking the last podium place by the merest tenth of a second over Peter.

John Cahill took victory on his superbike with a fastest lap of 1:01.974 seconds to finish ahead of 600 riders Aaron McBride & Sam Wilson, who were close on his tail over the line.

Supersport: The Supersport Pro race produced some great racing & an amazingly close finish. David Haire put in a fastest lap of 56.540 seconds on the last lap against Mark Conlin, who was also flying, only to lose out to Mark for the victory by a miniscule 25 THOUSANTHS….yes, that’s right…THOUSANTHS of a second. With Carl Philips just another 2 seconds behind the epic battle to take third spot. Although giving 400cc’s away to the Superbikes, the 600 riders put in laps very close to the bigger machines, making for some brilliant racing.

Lightweight/Moto3: Korie McGreevy took the top step in this race, putting in a fastest lap of 1:03.609 seconds & at a top speed of over 104mph to take victory ahead of Karen Hadden in second place. The McGreevy’s made it a family affair on the day, with Korie’s younger brother Kia, taking the third place spot.

Super& Prod Twins: Korie McGreevey took a fine victory against some stiff competition. Just 0.7 seconds divided the next four riders over the line, with Dave Butler holding off Brendan Glover for the second spot on the podium, by less than three tenths of a second. Aaron Armstrong & Niall Power were both just beaten to a podium finish by fractions of a second over the 8 Laps. Close racing or what??

Pre-Injection/250GP: The Pre-Injection/Pre-97 bikes raced in tandem with the two-stroke 250ccGP bikes & after a re-started race, it was Thomas Lawlor who toke his Honda rs250 onto the podium behind Pre-Injection rider Paraic Dooley in 1st place, & ahead of eventual Ulster & Irish Pre-Injection Champion, Stephen McKeown in third place. The fact that Paraic put in a fastest lap of 58.247 seconds gives an indication of the pace of the riders in this class.

Directions from Dublin and the M5O: Take the N7 towards the South. Leave the Naas by-pass (M7) at Junction 10 (signposted for Newbridge) and turn right at the top of the slip road. At the roundabout take the first exit (signposted for Mondello Park/Rathangan). Once past the roundabout, take the next right turn and then the next left. Follow the road through a narrow bridge and the village of Caragh. Mondello Park is 1 mile past the village on the left. Enter the circuit through Gate 4. From the South: Leave the M7 Motorway at Junction 10 (signposted for Naas) and turn left at the top of the slip road. At the Roundabout, take the first exit for Mondello Park/Rathangan. Once past the roundabout, take the next right turn and then the next left. Follow the road through a narrow bridge and the village of Caragh. Mondello Park is 1 mile past the village on the left. Enter the circuit through Gate 4. From the West: Leave the M4 at the junction for Maynooth, at the top of the slip road turn right, follow the signposts for Clane. In Clane village take the right turn signposted for Prosperous. Turn left at the Naas oil petrol station in Prosperous. Go left at the first crossroads, Mondello Park is two miles on the right. Again, enter through Gate 4.

Circuit Layout: Mondello National Circuit [ The Circuit

Short Circuit Racing.

]

The Mondello Park National circuit is a technically challenging one, where raw power is of less advantage than stability & speed through the corners. In use since 1969, the circuit runs in a clockwise direction from start to finish, although for a time it was ran anti-clockwise. The initial rush into the Ford Hairpin on the first lap is always exciting & dogged determination & bravery here can make the difference in the opening lap, if riders are not to be left too far behind the leaders to catch them before the finish. This is also a favoured out-braking area for those having a lot of confidence in their front end setup. Turn 2 is a sweeping left-hander that comes straight after the exit from Ford &it’s negative camber at the apex can catch out many a rider very easily. Another exciting areas, although unfortunately not visible to spectators, in the Dog Leg/Turn Three combination, out in “The Country”. This is a section that takes riders from flat out, to banked over, while slowing enough to take the sharp, uphill Turn Three immediately after, which can see a lot of front ends wash out here. The entry into The Esses can also catch out a few riders, as patience & confidence is required to maintain mid-corner speed & grip through the left hander, before flicking sharp right to set up a quick exit speed for the rush into Dunlop. This tight right hander drops significantly towards the apex & is the last out-braking opportunity on the lap, before gunning it down the Start/Finish Straight & over the line.

Turn Three

The Dog Leg [ Facilities/Services

]

There are toilets, shower facilities, a café serving hot food, teas & coffees, as well as vendor stalls for you to browse through in between the racing action. There is a bar on track, which opens in the evening. The nearby village of Caragh has a pub, grocery stores & a large service station, should you need anything that is unavailable at the circuit itself. There is also a Medical Centre on track, in case of any emergencies.

The Esses

Turn 2

PADDOCK AREA WC

Ford Hairpin

Footbridge

Café/Bar

Pit Garages

Dunlop

Grandstand A video of the Adelaide Masters Supersport 2 Race 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGH91MKk1js

SATURDAY MARCH 29th 2014 BISHOPSCOURT Practice & Qualifying on Friday March 28th Promoted By:

TEMPLE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

Background Image by RaceproPhoto

IRISH SHORT CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIP

Short Circuit Racing.

ROUND 2, Bishopscourt 29th March 2014 Saturday, March 29th, sees the second round of The Irish Short Circuit Championships take place at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, Downpatrick. This event also coincides as the first round of The Ulster Short Circuit Championships. Bishopscourt is a fast & flowing circuit with some tricky chicanes added to the mix. Over 170 competitors are expected to race on the day, with all of the top riders in each class being in attendance. After their first outing â&#x20AC;&#x153;in angerâ&#x20AC;? at Mondello in Round 1, any issues arising over the winter months should be resolved, meaning all will out to improve further on their first round performances, which only promises to provide some excellent racing & closely fought action. And to add to the excitement, MRI has it in very good authority that a certain pair of well known Road Racers, just out of retirement, will be getting a feel for their Kawasaki's at Bishopscourt on the 29th

Circuit Map Courtesy of Bishopscourt Race Circuit

IRISH SHORT CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIP

Short Circuit Racing.

ROUND 2, Bishopscourt 29th March 2014

2013 Round Review Superbikes:

Superbike Cup:

Lightweight/Moto3(125GP):

Race 1 saw a titanic battle between eventual Irish Superbike Road Racing Champion, Derek Sheils & Marshal Neill on his Wilson Craig Racing Honda, with just 0.036 of a second separating the two over the line, with Derek just pipping the Portadown rider, with Stephen rd Thompson taking the 3 place spot on his T & R Motorsport BMW. Race 2 saw Derek take a slightly more comfortable 3 second gap win over second place man, Stephen Thompson who improved on his Race 1 podium position, to the detriment of Marshal who came in third, a further 3 seconds behind.

Aaron Hatch, on his 750cc Suzuki, took first place in a close battle with Terence Mayne, who followed Aaron over the line by just 0.57 of a second, with Philip Crosby, on his Yamaha, less than a second behind.

In the Moto3/125GP class, Conor Parkhill had an impressive 12 second win on his Bob Wylie Racing Honda 250, with Nigel Percy taking second place & Korie McGreevy finishing third. Race 2 saw Conor Parkhill win by an even more impressive margin ahead of Mathew Hazlett in second, who had a terrific battle with Ross Patterson, to eventually take second place by just half a second, with Andrew Pollock finishing just a further half second behind Ross in fourth place. In the Lightweight class first race, Alvin Griffin & Stephen Shortt had a very hard fought battle with each other, leaving the remainder of the field in their wake, as they lapped the remainder of the field in search of victory, which came to Alvin by the shortest of margins after such an epic battle, with just 0.094 seconds separating the two over the line Peter Fletcher on his Kawasaki took third place. Alvin did not contest Race 2, which left Stephen Shortt free to focus on his own race, which he did so very impressively, finishing in first place, well ahead of a very close battle for second place. Gavin Quinn eventually took the second podium spot, less than half a second ahead of Peter Fletcher, who got his second third place of the day.

Supersport: The Supersport Pro race saw similar close racing to the Superbike races, with Race 1 being taken by Carl Philips, onboard his Sandown Racing Yamaha, who improved on his impressive performance in the opening round in Mondello. Mark Conlin continued his good start to the season by taking second spot on his KDM Triumph 675, ahead of Alan McClean on his Yamaha. Alan improved yet again in Race 2, to take the win ahead of Jonny Harvey by just 0.46 of a second, with Marshal Neill making up for his DNF in the first race, to claim the last podium place.

Supersport Cup: Conor Parkhill too a relatively comfortable win on his Triumph 675, with a 12.6 second lead over second place rider James Cunningham on his Honda, with Jonny Irwin just a further two seconds back, in third place.

Super Twins: Race 1 saw Conor O’Neill take victory over Stuart Elwood by just under a second, with Trevor Elliott finishing just two tenths of a second behind Stuart on his Kawasaki ER6. It was a successful day for Conor, who took his second victory of the day in Race 2. Trevor improved on his first race third spot by coming in 2nd with eventual Irish Champion Daryl Duffy taking the final podium place.

Production Twins:

In the Production Twins class, Aaron Armstrong took a comfortable victory over Sean O’Neill in Race 1, with Daniel Annett taking third place. Race 2 again saw Aaron take a For further information or queries, comfortable win, finishing over 8 seconds contact Bishopscourt Racing Circuit ahead of a great battle for second spot, Production 125cc: Race 1 had a very close finish, with directly on +44 28 4484 2202 or contact between Daniel Annett & Michael Rea, them through their website, which is with Daniel just taking it by less than a just 0.25 seconds separating Jordan Grier in first place from Killian Quilter in http://www.bishopscourt.org/ quarter of a second over the line. second, with eventual Irish & Ulster Champion, Richard Kerr in third. Killian Quilter made amends in Race 2, by taking a comfortable win of over 8 seconds , ahead of Richard Kerr, with Eoin Collins in third. It was a successful day for Conor, who took his second victory of the day in Race 2. Trevor improved on his first race third spot by coming in 2nd with eventual Irish Champion Daryl Duffy taking the final podium place.

BRING A FRIEND TO THEIR FIRST RACE… THEY’LL BE HOOKED ON IT & OUR SPORT WILL THRIVE BECAUSE OF YOUR EFFORTS

IRISH SHORT CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIP

Short Circuit Racing.

ROUND 2, Bishopscourt 29th March 2014

2013 Round Review Pre-Injection/250GP: The Pre-Injection/Pre-97 bikes again raced in tandem with the twostroke 250ccGP bikes. Stephen McKeown took Race 1 honours, on his DTR Tyres Yamaha, finishing just over a second ahead of Jonny Aitkin, with Gareth George just a further second & a half behind. Race 2 saw Stephen take a relatively more comfortable 4.2 seconds win, ahead of Steven Clarke, onboard his TCR sponsored Suzuki, with Jonny Aitkin taking 3rd place. In the 250GP class, Race 1 saw Mark Hanna take an impressive win, ahead of D&GW pairing Nigel Percy & Adam McLean. Race 2 brought a very dramatic final dash to the line, with Mark Hanna taking his second win of the day, just 0.071 seconds ahead of Thomas Lawlor, with Adam McLean again taking a third place finish.

Photograph Courtesy of BRC

Sidecars: In the first Sidecar race of the day, Dylan Lynch & passenger Stephen Mullen took a 5 second winning margin, on their Eclipse Racing/Baker Suzuki unit, ahead of a very closely fought battle for second place, with Peter O’Neill & Jack Galligan taking it by the slimmest of margins on their Cranmore Pets Hotel/Windle Suzuki over John Clarke & passenger Geoff Small. Just one tenth of a second separated second & third place

Race 2 saw Terry O’Reilly & passenger Clive Russell take a comfortable win over John Clarke & passenger Geoff Small, with Dylan Lynch & passenger Stephen Mullen having to settle for third spot.

BRING A FRIEND TO THEIR FIRST RACE… THEY’LL BE HOOKED ON IT & OUR SPORT WILL THRIVE BECAUSE OF YOUR EFFORTS

Image Courtesy of

COOKSTOWN 100 - 2014 PREVIEW

Road Racing.

With just 40 days left to the commencement of the 2014 Irish Road Racing Championship, with the traditional season opening in Cookstown final preparations, both on & off track are well under way by The Cookstown & District MCC Club. All parties involved in the club, past & present, are to be commended for continuing to provide such a brilliant event for racers & racing fans alike, each & every year. A phenomenal amount of time, effort & energy is required by those involved & this year is no different, with the club organising a range of events, from the Official Press Launch on Thursday 3rd April at The Royal Hotel to the actual race day itself, some three weeks later. (See Programme of Events on The Cookstown 100 website for more details.) The KDM Cookstown 100 race weekend itself will start with the Practice Day on Friday 25th April, with the road circuit closing to public traffic from noon. Saturday 26th April brings Race Day, which will undoubtedly see a massive influx of fans for what is a favoured event for both riders & fans alike. The pubic road closure commences from 10am on Race Day, so get there early to gain advantage of the many spectacular viewing areas. If the racing is anywhere as good as it was last year, everybody there will be in for a treat. Here’s hoping the weather plays fair with us on both days.

Pic By: Unknown

[ Attending

]

For details of advantageous viewing points, please refer to the circuit layout map on the next page. While spectating, it is vital to respect the riders’ need for concentration, the marshals’ responsibilities for the health & safety of not just the riders, but of those attending as spectators also. Adhere to all stewarding & safety instructions & signage etc. Resist the temptation to watch from restricted areas…there is a very good reason why they are restricted in the first place…most notably, for your own safety. There are some great places, around the circuit, to watch the action from, with the start/finish straight providing a great vantage point, as well as the many grandstands located around the circuit. Also, make sure that you take the time to visit the paddock & maybe take advantage of an opportunity to meet some of the riders in person. One of the fantastic things about our great sport, apart from just how close we, as spectators, can get to the action, is the fact that the “stars” of the races share a core belief with us “mere mortal” race fans…& that is their passion for the sport. So why not call in for a chat if the opportunity presents itself & make your experience all the more memorable?

Considering the fact that such racing & excitement is provided for us at such a low cost, please make sure to support the continuation of the event by buying a programme over the weekend, or joining the club itself, which you can visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/cookstown100

BRING A FRIEND TO THEIR FIRST RACE, LET THEM SEE HOW BRILLIANT THE RACING, ATMOSPHERE & CRAIC IS, CALL IN TO SEE & MEET A FEW OF THE RACERS. THEY’LL COME BACK FOR MORE… AND OUR SPORT WILL THRIVE BECAUSE OF YOUR EFFORTS

COOKSTOWN 100 - 2014 PREVIEW

Despite the unfortunate fact that Guy Martin was booked to race in The B’ol D’Or over the same weekend, the Cookstown 100 will still have a formidable array of Road Racing talent competing again this year & it is with great relief, & no small amount of effort on the Club’s part, that the running of the 250cc race is also guaranteed again this year, despite a poor entry last year & initial fears for an even worse situation in 2014. WELL DONE ALL INVOLVED!!!! While fans may initially lament the absence of the amicable & talented Lincolnshire man, they will soon be distracted by the action on circuit, with some great riders confirming their attendance yet again this year. Local Race Teams, (TAS Racing) Tyco Suzuki & BE Racing have confirmed that their riders, William Dunlop & Dan Kneen respectively, will be racing in County Tyrone next month. William is a North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix race winner & undoubted talent on the roads, with great performances at home & on The Island already to his credit & will be bringing both his Tyco Suzuki Supersport & Superbike machines to Cookstown this year. BE Racing Team Owner, John Burrows is bringing Manx man Dan Kneen to Cookstown for the first time & the young Douglas rider must be licking his lips at the prospect, as not only will he be riding the BE Racing Suzuki Superbike, he will on race on an ex-PTR Honda in the Supersport, as well as a 650cc Kawasaki in the Supertwins, although Team Owner John Burrows is keen to ensure there is no pressure on Dan, other than to gain valuable experience & some decent finishes in Cookstown. He will however, have to watch out for the formidable cast of home bred racers, out to show their worth too.

Road Racing.

[ Directions

]

The circuit is situated at Orritor Road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone Northern Ireland. Directions from Dublin : Take the M1 from Dublin to the Armagh turn off then head to Armagh then head for Dungannon, when you get to Dungannon look for Cookstown A29 when in Cookstown Orritor Rd is off to the left up the main street, If you cant find it ask anyone because you are not far away. From Belfast : Take the M1 and head for the West Dungannon, When you get to Dungannon look for Cookstown A29. When you arrive In Cookstown, Orritor Rd is off to the left up the main street. From Larne : Head for the M2 Motorway when you get on the M2 you are heading for Magherafelt, Once in Magherafelt head for Moneymore, then Cookstown. In Cookstown Orritor Rd is off to the right, up the main street.

[ Accommodation

]

The official Cookstown Website provides a list of various types of accommodation , together with contact details, for those wishing to stay over in the Cookstown area for 2014 Cookstown 100. It covers Hotels, B&B’s & self-catering & can be seen on www.cookstown100.com If this list of accommodation is unavailable, then you should look for an alternative place in Dungannon, Maghera or Magherafelt, as they are all within easy distance to Cookstown. There is also a number of campsites available for those wishing to “rough it/stay closer to the action”. Weather permitting there may well be a field for campers and caravans. Contact the club on their FB page to see what’s available at www.facebook.com/groups/cookstown100

Circuit Layout: The Cookstown 100 [ Viewing Points

]

The Start Finish Straight offers an excellent vantage point for spectators, where the outright speed & quick braking of racers can be seen quiet clearly. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also close to The Paddock Areas. Gortin Corner is also another good vantage point, as the jostling for position & passing under severe braking always brings excitement, plus, it gives you more of a chance to actually see the bikes travelling at a slower pace through the corner. There is a grandstand in this area also. MacAdoo & Mackney Bends are also great places to see the kind of action that separates our sport from all other bike racing ones, relatively high speeds into tight, twisty, unforgiving bends, with competitors in close pursuit. Many famous pics have been seen of riders rubbing shoulders on the hedge coming through Mackney & the fencing on the opposite side of the road almost seems to be brushed by the riders as they race past. The approach to Black's Jump is another ideal spot for spectators. You can see the bikes get airbourne over this jump as they power their way towards Craigmount. There is also a grandstand in this area. Craigmount yet another brilliant spot to spectate from. Timber fencing seperates the fans from the riders just a few feet below & there is yet another grandstand in this area. Orritor Crossroads always sees plenty of action also, as the exit for the straight is vital for subsequent progress going into Gortin Corner again. There is yet another grandstand in this area also.

To Omagh From Cookstown (Tullagh Road to Omagh)

Mackney Macadoo Bends

Blackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jump Craigmount

PADDOCK AREA

TOP PADDOCK

Gortin Corner From Cookstown (Orritor Road)

A video of the 2011 Cookstown 100 Superbike Race http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3wCZfX4Tps

Braeside Bar PADDOCK AREA

Orritor Crossroads

TANDRAGEE 100 - 2014 PREVIEW

NORTH ARMAGH MOTORCYCLE & CAR CLUB LTD

Please make sure to support the continuation of the event by buying a programme over the weekend, making a small donation to the club or joining the club itself, which you can visit on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/grou ps/203346583021038/ or their official Website on http://www.tandragee100.co.uk/

Road Racing.

Friday 2nd May 2014 sees the start of the second round of the Irish Road Racing Championships, with The “Around A Pound” Tandragee 100 Road Races taking place on Saturday 3rd May. The event, which is run, very smoothly & effectively, by The North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club Ltd, is now in it’s 54th year & the event continues to grow from strength to strength each year. It is a favoured event for many of the riders taking part in the subsequent North West 200, as they use Tandragee as a testing ground for their bikes, prior to the international event. For spectators also, it has become an internationally renowned event, with The Tandragee 100 recently voted 4th best Road Race in the world, by MotorMagazineNL in Holland, only being bettered by such International events as The TT, Macau & The UGP……Good Company Indeed!! Preparations for this years race have been underway since August of last year, with a phenomenal amount of work being done, both behind the scenes & physically on the circuit. Over the last few years, virtually the entire circuit has been resurfaced, the Paddocks have had drainage work done to improve conditions in the wet & many other smaller projects carried out to improve the event, from a spectating, as well as safety perspective. Many previous spectators have commended the club on the friendly & welcoming atmosphere they experienced at Tandragee in the past & that culture of close community involvement, pride & co-operation is very evident in the amount of voluntary support the club continually receives from other local sports clubs & community bodies. In keeping with this approach of welcoming public involvement in the event, the club will continue with it’s very successful “Peoples Race” this year, whereby anybody can have their name printed in the official programme, or on a flag post around the circuit, for a very small sponsorship amount. Last year’s event was very nearly jeopardised by heavy rain on the Friday of practice, but fortunately things improved for race day on the Saturday, with close & exciting racing in evidence across the classes. Here’s hoping that the weather will be kinder to Tandragee in 2014, as everything else involved in running a successful, safe & entertaining event will already have been taken care of by the club. And with the news that Ryan Farquhar, Keith Amor, Dan Kneen will be in attendance, along with some of the very best road racers that Ireland has to offer, it is setting up nicely to be one brilliant race weekend on the roads….yet again.

[ A Short History

]

The Tandragee 100 is the largest National Road Racing Event in Northern Ireland. The circuit is situated in County Armagh between Tandragee, Markethill and Armagh & is traditionally ran in the first week or so of May. It attracts over 200 entries from riders with many of them travelling from the four corners of the world to compete in what has become referred to by many top International riders as “The Mini TT”, due to it’s relatively long length of 5.3 miles, which overs a mix of top speed sprints, narrow technically challenging & bumpy sections, as well as some very fast sweeping bends. Top Superbike riders reach speeds in excess of 180 mph along the Cabragh Straight. Spectator numbers at the event often exceed 10,000 to 15,000. The first Tandragee 100 took place on Saturday 19th April 1958 and it has become one of the most popular road racing events on the racing calendar. When first ran, the race was a 100 mile handicap race, which gave it the name Tandragee 100. The event has ran every year since 1958, with the exception of 1972, 2001 & 2010, when it was cancelled. Michael Dunlop currently holds the outright lap record, since 2011, of 109.297 mph on his Kawasaki Superbike but his uncle Joey Dunlop still holds the most wins at Tandragee, having won an amazing 18 events between 1971 & 2000.

TANDRAGEE 100 - 2014 PREVIEW

Road Racing.

Pic By: Paul McClean BA Photography

The 54th running of The Tandragee 100 promises to serve up some great racing for those attending, so make sure you’re there to see it first hand, as the line up of confirmed riders is already mouthwatering. And the entry list is yet to close, so there is still time for more developments, especially as top international riders will be eager to get some miles in before the NW200. The return of road racing giants, Ryan Farquhar & Keith Amor, as well as the debut appearance at Tandragee of Manx man Dan Kneen will add some extra excitement for the fans, as will the presence of William Dunlop, but they will face some stiff opposition from the best that the Irish Road Racing Championship has to offer. Davy Morgan, is competing in what is his 21st year of competitive road racing. Current Irish & Ulster Champion, Derek Sheils will be there also. Micho Sweeney is also confirmed for the event, as is Mark Hanna, James Kelly, Derek McGee & Mark Sheils, to name just some of those already confirmed. Unfortunately, fans of Guy Martin will have to wait to see him race on Irish roads, as he will be in Oultan Park over the Tandragee weekend. It’s a pity we will be deprived of seeing him in action, but there’s no doubt we will be well entertained at Tandragee yet again this year.

[ Directions

]

The circuit is situated in County Armagh, between Tandragee, Markethill and Armagh Directions from Dublin : Take the M1 Northbound from Dublin. As you approach Newry, take the A1 onto the Newry Bypass. Take the A28 off the Bypass (Signposted Armagh) until you reach Markethill. At Markethill, turn right, onto the B111 for Hamilton’s Bawn & Tandragee. The circuit will be signposted from that point onward. From Belfast : Take the M1 Southbound from Belfast. When you reach the Newry Bypass, take the right turn onto the B111 for Hamilton’s Bawn & Tandragee. The circuit will be signposted from that point onward.

[ Accommodation

]

The official Tandragee 100 Website provides a list of various types of accommodation , together with contact details, for those wishing to stay over in the Cookstown area for 2014 Cookstown 100. It covers Hotels, B&B’s & self-catering & can be seen on http://www.tandragee100.co.uk/ There is also a number of campsites available for those wishing to “rough it/stay closer to the action”. Contact the club on their FB page to see what’s available at https://www.facebook.com/groups/203346583021038/

BRING A FRIEND TO THEIR FIRST RACE, LET THEM SEE HOW BRILLIANT THE RACING, ATMOSPHERE & CRAIC IS, CALL IN TO MEET A FEW OF THE RACERS. THEY’LL COME BACK FOR MORE… AND OUR SPORT WILL THRIVE THROUGH YOUR EFFORTS

TANDRAGEE 100 - 2014 PREVIEW [ Attending

]

Road Racing.

Pic By: dmc photography

For details of advantageous viewing points & facilities on track, please refer to the circuit layout map on the subsequent page. As always, while spectating, it is crucial to respect the riders & the marshals & their responsibilities for the health & safety of not just the riders, but of those attending as spectators also. The location of all Prohibited Areas are clearly indicated on the circuit layout map, so for everybody's sake, please adhere to all stewarding & safety instructions & signage etc. There are some great places to watch the action from, with four grandstands located around the circuit, as well as numerous Spectator Viewing Areas. There are plenty of spectator facilities along the circuit route as well as provisions in place for wheelchair bound spectators. As always, MRI would encourage you to take the time to visit the paddock & meet some of the riders in person & maybe get a photo opportunity or two. Entry into the race area is free, however, the Club do ask spectators for a donation (however big or small) and to buy a Race Programme which costs £10 Stg. Access to grandstands costs £2 Stg on Friday and £5 Stg on Saturday. Parking in one of the official car parks is £2 Stg for the entire day and camping at the back of the paddock is free of charge. Food stalls are available in the paddock and at various locations around the circuit on the Saturday. Toilets are also provided around the circuit.

Pic By: Unknown

Video Clips on The Tandragee100

[ The Peoples Race

“An Insight Into The Tandragee 100” Courtesy of Behind The Bubble Racing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAefbeXt018

For a minimum donation of £20, you can have your name printed in the Official Programme as being one of the Races sponsors. For a minimum of £50, you can have your business sign on one of the 49 flag posts located around the circuit. The deadline for receiving sponsorships for The Peoples Race is 31st March & are payable through PayPal to anne.forsythe@orange.net.

“An Interview With Anne Forsythe” Courtesy of Emerald Road Racing: http://racenewsandphotography.com/rnp/2014-tandragee-100-road-racesann-forsythe-interview/ Onboard Footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRK70dGLkQ4 Trackside Footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb3GRtFOOvY

]

TANDRAGEE 100 - 2014 PREVIEW

Circuit Map Courtesy of The North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club

Road Racing.

Would you like to

Sponsor a Race at the 2014 Tandragee 100 Road Races?

2014 PREVIEW - The West Cork MCC Annual ¼ Mile Motorcycle Drag Race

Drag Racing All Photographs courtesy of Eddie Appelbe, RaceProphoto

On April 13th 2014, The West Cork MCC is holding their Annual ¼ Mile Motorcycle Drag Race on the N71 between Ballinhassig & Innishannon at the Halfway in Co. Cork. This event has been granted a Motorcycling Ireland permit and everything is in place to ensure it goes ahead. The club has received unanimous support from the local Gardaí, local business and most importantly, the local people of the Halfway community itself. Yet again this year, The West Cork MCC will have Top Irish & UK drag bikes & riders lined up to go full throttle up the N71, at speeds in excess of 280kph!! Last years winner, Graig Mallabone is back over from the UK on his Turbo charged Suzuki GSXR1300 Hayabusa to defend his title. Last year’s Drag Race saw Craig win it for a third year in a row, and Graig will return in April to try and beat his best time of 8.868 seconds and to regain his title. But he’ll face stiff opposition, as last year’s runner up Ted Brady, on the famous Yamaha FJ 1200 Prostock, built by the Motorcycle legend that is Mel Nolan. Ted was “pipped at the beam” by Craig last year by 0.847 of a second. Now THAT is what you call close racing….and great entertainment. Former winner, Northern Ireland’s Jack Frost will also be competeting in this year’s event, on his Turbo charged Suzuki GSXR1300 Hayabusa, along with the clubs own Ger O’Donovan, on his Turbo charged Suzuki GSXR1340 & Cork legend Eddie Galvin, who will be back again on his Suzuki 1400 Prostock. When you combine the action on track with the spectating facilities, family fun & late night entertainment, then this year’s West Cork MCC Drag Race is not to be missed!

[ History

]

This event was initially set up to enable everyday riders and enthusiasts to experience the thrill and excitement of drag racing. Motorcycle drag racing events are held all over the world and the West Cork Motorcycle Club is proud to have run the biggest event in Ireland over the last number of years. The current venue in the Halfway has been used annually since 2009. Since moving to this location, the event has been recognised as one of the foremost drag race venues in Ireland and the UK and this has been reflected by the quick take up of entries. On 13th April 2014, some of the fastest motorbikes in Ireland and the UK will once again make the trip to Halfway, Ballinhassig, County Cork.

[ Spectating

]

This event is not just for biking enthusiasts, it’s a real family event. There will be food stalls, kiddies entertainment, and all usual amenities available on the day. Spectators will have the pleasure of viewing the whole race on the track or via the Big Screen. The cameras catch all the action from the pre-race burnouts to the final whip across the finish line. The screen will rotate between the racing and the results throughout the day so the spectators will know who has won each race, which bike is running next and who are in the finals, so they can follow the action with ease, to enjoy it even more.

For further event information visit www.westcorkmotorcycleclub.ie or email contact@westcorkmotorcycleclub.ie

[ Facilities/Services

]

There will be a family entertainment area for kids including kids karting, bouncy castles, merries & face painting. There will also be trade stalls to rummage around and plenty of catering available. There will be two live bands on stage,from 5pm in the Ramble Inn, Halfway. The first band is Hell for Leather, followed by the prize giving and then The Waxies to finish off the days entertainment. The main road from Half Way to Cork will be closed off from 8.30am until 6.30pm on April 13th. Road diversions will be in place and sign posted with marshals to direct you

For 2014, The West Cork Motorcycle Club are working hard to make this years drag race even bigger and better than ever. With up to 90 entrants expected, the standard of racing is expected to be extremely high. Speeds approaching 200Mph will be reached on a closed public road, as competitor’s battle for the honours in their respective classes. Times are recorded to 0.001 of a second. Incredibly, the event recorded its first ever “dead heat” to 0.001 of a second in 2013! Eventual finalists in the 750cc (Class D), Pauline Harte (from Crossbarry) and Simon Callanan (Innishannon) both recorded a time of 11.441 sec in their 4th qualifying run! Those attending can look forward to similar exciting racing this year. The club hope to see both biking and nonbiking fans thronging the road sides to witness this unique event. Again for 2014, the club will continue with the large 4.5 x 2.5m Outdoor display screen, which is run by “Bigscreenmachine.com”. The screen will enable spectators to see more of the action than ever this year, with even more cameras being used to bring the action live to the Big Screen. Intending spectators should note that racing will begin at approximately 11.30am with The Knockouts starting at approximately 2.30pm on the day. The WCMCC would like to acknowledge the Cooperation of The Gardai and Cork County Council in the organising the event.

Pic Courtesy of WCMCC

For further information on the www.westcorkmotorcycleclub.ie or contact@westcorkmotorcycleclub.ie.

event visit the club site email them directly on

MRI would like to thank Eddie Appelbe of RaceProfoto for kindly providing all of the photographs used in this feature.

[ Classess

2014 PREVIEW - The West Cork MCC Annual ¼ Mile Motorcycle Drag Race ]

There are eight classes being run this year including one new class and a split in the popular C Class. Class A Pre-1987 Street Bike (unlimited cc). This is the new class being introduced for this year, so it will be great to see the likes of the early Suzuki GSXR slingshots, Kawasaki GPZ 750 Turbos & 900R’s, Honda VF750 interceptors, Yamaha FZ750’s go head to head!! The club introduced the class this year to bring something new & different to the event. Class B Twin cylinder 2 strokes, 4 stroke 4 cylinders to 400cc and all single cylinders not eligible for Class A and 4 stroke twins up to 651cc. Be on the lookout for the likes of the Honda CBR400, Kawasaki ZXR400 & Suzuki SV650s, etc. This class is gaining popularity each year with the SV650 & ER650 twin cylinder purpose built race bikes. Class C 401cc to 600cc and twin cylinder 4 strokes over 651cc & under 850cc. This class is normally run with race bikes, so this year the club have spilt the class in order to give everyone a good chance of winning it. So Class C is now spilt between Pre-Injection & Injection. Class C/Pre-injection Pre-Injection 401cc to 600cc and twin cylinder 4 strokes over 651cc & under 850cc. Watch for the Suzuki Bandits, Honda CBRs & Yamaha R6’s. Class D 601cc to 750cc and 2 stroke multis & twin cylinder 4 strokes over 850cc. This class is music to the ears with the likes of the Aprilia RSV’s, Honda SP1’s and Ducati’s. Class E Pre 1999, (unlimited cc) In this Class we will have the likes of Honda Blackbirds, Kawasaki ZXR’s & ZZR1100’s, Suzuki GSXR’s, Yamaha YZF750R & FZR’s and Class title holding 1998 R1’s. Class F 751cc – unlimited. A mixture of road bikes like the R1 or Hayabusa and purpose built race bikes, this is also a very popular class and this year we have a new entry in this class, where she very often tops class D, the clubs own Pauline Harte on her Honda CBR1000RR will be out in full force to separate the boys from the men. Definitely one to watch! Class G Super street bikes. In this class there is no restriction on chassis, engines, fuel or tyres. These are the guys that EVERYBODY loves to see, and as mentioned above, this year is one not to be missed. Entry forms are currently available for download on the club website Http://westcorkmotorcycleclub.ie or they can be requested, by post, from the race secretary. Those wishing to receive Entry Forms by post should request so, by emailing Elaine Lynch at the following address; dinnylynch@eircom.net.

[ Want To Try It?

]

The West Cork MCC Annual Drag Race is also catered to accommodate anyone who would like to take their bike to the limit and to have a chance to see what it’s like to be in a competitive motorcycle road race. There are only a couple of minor preps they will have to do to get themselves and their bike ready in order to race. Rider: Protective clothing and helmets must conform to M.C.U.I. standards i.e. full leather suit or two-piece zipped together at waist. Leather gloves and shin high racing boots must be worn. NOTE: Helmets with ratchet type clasps will not be permitted. Helmets must not be older than 5 years from Date of Manufacture. M.C.U.I One day licenses are available on the day inclusive of a self-medical form. Bike: The mirrors, stand & rear foot pegs must be removed or wired up. Sump plugs, fillers and oil filters must be lock wired. All glass must be taped and bar ends plugged. Levers must have ball ends.

Pic Courtesy of WCMCC

[ Charity Work

]

The West Cork Motorcycle club runs many charitable bike runs every year. Last year, the club donated approximately €5,000 to local Cork/West Cork based charities. These included, The Rosmini Center in Bandon, Co-Action West Cork and Build4Life Cystic Fibrosis. in 2013, the event was run is association with Build4Life Cystic Fibrosis. Established in 2007, Build4Life have raised a staggering €3.4 million in 5 years. This money has gone towards building Isolation Units at Cork University Hospital. These units are vital to Cystic Fibrosis sufferers who are prone to picking up infection. Build4Life Cystic Fibrosis assisted the club with traffic management on the diversion route. This function is vital for the event to go ahead. In return, the Club and Alan Barry (owner of the Ramble Inn) made a donation of €2,100 to this worthy locally based charity at the “AfterDrag” party. This collaboration between the WCMCC and Build4Life will continue in 2014. Donations will go to Build4Life for their assistance and the club will run further fundraisers for this worthy charity later in the year.

[ Directions

]

From the West – On the N40, take the slip road before the New Bandon Road flyover and take the third exit off the Bandon road roundabout heading for Bandon on the N71. Halfway is 10km from there. From the East – On the N40, take the slip road for the N71 after the New Sarsfield Road flyover. At the Bandon Road Roundabout take the first exit, heading for Bandon. Halfway is 10km from there. There will be road marshals to direct spectators to the event and to the bike/car parks, on the main road.

Bits of News You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down Despite breaking his right wrist, damaging his ribs & getting a pair of “shiners”, following a fall of his dirt bike this week, all Road Racing Fans will be delighted to hear that John McGuinness will definitely be racing at the 2014 Vauxhall International North West 200. He’s already had a couple of operations on the wrist & will have to rest it for the next month, but “The Morecambe Missile” has no doubts he will not only be there, but will be fighting fit & aiming to notch up his seventh North West title on May 17the & will be at the North West 200 press launch, on March 31st

Bonner is The Peoples Choice Alan Bonner will be riding for thepeoplesbike team at this year’s TT, joining Stephen Thompson, who remains with the team for 2014. Alan is excited to get the opportunity to tackle the Island course for the first time & will be riding in the two Monster Energy Supersport Races, the Dainese Superbike, RL360 Superstock and PokerStars Senior TT, on both a Fireblade & an R6, which will give him plenty of track time & experience. Stephen will be on a GSX-R 600 in both of the Monster Energy Supersport Races, which admittedly, will be a new experience for him around the island, but should prove no problem for him, as his best placed finish at The TT to date was 15th in last year’s PokerStars Senior TT. Keep up to date with their news at this year's TT on the team’s website www.thepeoplesbike.com .

KELLS IS BACK! Road racing fans will be delighted to hear that the popular event returns in 2014, after a number of years, with a new Title Sponsor in Carole Nash, with Road Racing Ireland continuing to maintain their long-standing association with the Crossakiel event.

HAPPY 21ST TO DAVY MORGAN

RETURN OF THE MAC

Former double Adelaide Masters Series champion Brian McCormack, has put his own racing team together & will be making a full time return will make a full time return to the series this season, riding his 2011 Season Fireblade, bucking the current trend for Kawasaki machinery in the big bike class. His superbike has been extensively upgraded from it’s 2011 spec, through the efforts of MV….mmmm Tom Fitzsimons of VTL and Jim Halligan of Northern Irish Team JTecSports. Brian is also considering the BikeBitsNI Racing will be prospect of also competing in the bringing their two bike Supersport class this year. team. works supported MV Agusta line-up to the Adelaide Masters, for If you would like to have the first time. The team news of your racing have two MV Agusta F3RR 675′s for the season, progress or results included which is certain to excite in the next issue of MRI, fans & add even more competition to the then please don’t hesitate racing in the series. to contact us. We are a Daniel Annett, who remains with the team voluntary effort who may for his third season, is not yet have the resources being joined by Dean McMaster, who moves of a national magazine, so over from his own self help us help you keep your run Triumph. Both of these riders are up & fans informed throughout coming teenagers with the season lots of potential, so putting them both on these bikes will make for Contact MRI with any news items or fundraising some very exciting efforts you wish publicised by emailing us at; motorbikeracingireland@gmail.com or on FB at; racing during the series

Davy is starting into his 21st season of competitive road racing this year and will be riding an ex-Michael Dunlop Fireblade, a new CMS Sponsored Supertwin and his CSC Racing Yamaha R6. Unfortunately, he has had to retire his lovely 250cc Two-Stroke Honda, which is a great pity. But Davy has gotten the party started early, by lining up a ride on the Trident Engineering XR69, at The Manx later in the season, where he will team up with Guy Martin in the process. Hope you enjoy the party Davy!!!

Milwaukee U-Turn Makes Us Happy In a dramatic reversal of their earlier position, Milwaukee Yamaha will now compete at this years TT, which means legendary rider, Ian Hutchinson and Aussie favourite Josh Brookes have had their prayers answered…….and ours too. A dispute between Shaun Muir’s team, their team sponsors Milwaukee Power Tools and the TT organisers, over new rules introduced this year, regarding the choice of permitted electronics systems on competing bikes, led the title sponsor to withdraw it’s support of the team for the TT. Under the new rules, competing bikes have the choice of running either their own manufacturer’s kit ECU or a “standard” spec system set by the TT organisers, in a bid to restrict the use of aftermarket electronics systems such as the Magneti Marelli system which Milwaukee Yamaha have been using on their road racing bikes. Hutchinson and Brookes will now be using the BSB-spec Motec ECU for the TT races. The team felt that they would be at a distinct disadvantage against their main competitors, whose own manufacturer’s kit ECUs are substantially ore advanced than Yamaha’s own kit ECU. Thankfully we will all now get to witness one of the best road racers in the world PLUS the fastest newcomer in TT history ply their trade on one of the world’s best stages, The Isle of Man TT.

www.facebook.com/motorbikeracingireland

IRISH SIDECAR RACING SUPPORTERS CLUB

Sidecar Racing.

Like many others in racing, we here at MRI have to confess that it was the love of two-wheeled bikes that got us hooked on racing….and like many others, we tended to “stick to what we knew” (or thought we knew, as the case may be!!) To us, the sidecar class were like distant cousins in one sense, we knew each other existed, often saw each other at get-togethers, but never really acknowledged each other, apart from a casual “nod” when passing by. But a recent effort by The Irish Sidecar Racing Supporters Club in Mondello Park, opened our eyes to see the sport from a slightly different perspective, a better one…..and the club is to be commended for their ingenuity & efforts to make that change happen. At a recent Track Day, the club offered to let people take a few laps, as a passenger, on a selection of sidecars available, to get a real flavour for the sport, it’s demands, excitement…..& characters. The results were good…..VERY good in fact. MRI spoke to a number of “two-wheel racers” who had ventured out as passengers & every single one of them had obviously had a ball out on track, many stating that they had no prior appreciation of what was involved, or how enjoyable it was, all of them said they enjoyed it…..& because of the experience they were given by the club, they ALL said that they would be keeping a closer eye on the sidecar racing in the future. “JOB DONE!!!”….you would think….but no, the club is planning another event in the future, to maintain their very effective efforts to promote the class & give people a rare opportunity to do something very challenging, very unique ….and very, very enjoyable. MRI will be bringing you updates on the sidecar racing scene in each issue, but you should contact the club directly for more information about their efforts & events…you won’t regret it! In the meantime, Nicole Lynch, a very capable sidecar passenger herself & sister to former sidecar champion Dylan, has given us an introduction & insight into the class, to give us some background & further understanding of the sidecar sport……those distant cousins are worth meeting up with after all.

[ What “Are” Sidecars?

]

When you hear the word ‘sidecar’, most people think of motorbikes with a little cart/seat attached to carry somebody on the side. So when you hear about people racing them, you may wonder what that’s all about. Racing sidecars are much different. Instead of having a cart attached to the side, the racing sidecars have purpose built frames, usually made of tubular steel, with a platform on the back for the passenger to sit on. A sidecar is a 3-wheeled racing bike, with the 3rd wheel (or chair wheel) not directly in line with the rear drive wheel. The platform is flat, and there are various handles attached to the bodywork (or fairings) so that the passenger can move around quickly and smoothly during races.

Pic By: CregorNews.com

[ The “Riders”

Pic By: Darren JarJar O’Rourke

]

On the sidecar, there are two people; the rider and the passenger. When the rider sits into the bike, he is mostly enclosed in the bodywork, and he is in control of the machine. The passenger sits on the platform on the back, manoeuvring into different positions, depending on the section of the track they are on, acting as a ballast and keeping weight in the right places on the bike. On right hand turns, the passenger must lean over the back of the bike, behind the rider & on left hand turns, they must hang out over the chair wheel to keep it on the ground. Between the rider and passenger there has to be a large amount of trust. Both have to know that the other is in control and is capable of doing their part in a race, after all, if one makes a mistake, they both pay the price for it.

IRISH SIDECAR RACING SUPPORTERS CLUB [ The Types of Sidecars

Sidecar Racing.

]

There are two types of sidecars present on the Irish Short Circuits; F1 Sidecars, and F2 Sidecars. There are a few differences between the two classes; the F1 bikes are longer than the F2’s, and the F1’s also have larger engines (F1’s are usually 1000cc, where as F2’s are generally 600cc). Despite the big difference in engine size, both of these classes compete in the same races, and each has their own advantages and disadvantages. With its bigger shape and engine, the F1 Sidecars handle much better going in a straight line, in comparison with the smaller shape of the F2, which would struggle on the long straights. However the F2 bikes are much more agile in the corners, as their smaller shape allows them to turn quicker and retain more corner speed. The majority of riders on the Irish Circuits run F1 machines, with only a few running the smaller F2 bikes. Those running F2 bikes usually have their sights set on the Isle of Man TT races, in which only F2 bikes are permitted to race. We will be following all sidecar outfits this season, including those heading to the Isle of Man TT.

Pic Courtesy of Irish Sidecar Racing Supporters Club

[ The Season Ahead

]

With the start of the racing season just around the corner, all of the teams are busy putting their machines through their final preparations & getting ready for what promises to be a very exciting season of racing ahead. Terry O Reilly will be out to defend his championship title and Dylan Lynch will be out to take it back. But the two favourites won’t be allowed to get away lightly though, as they will have Scobby Killough, Peter O Neill and Derek Lynch hot on their heels. The racing was very close & exciting last year, with many people saying it was the best class to watch during race weekends, and with all of the teams gearing up, it’s set to be better than ever this year.

Pic By: Con Connolly

For further event information on The Irish Sidecar Racing Supporters Club visit their FB Page on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Irish-Sidecar-and-Motorcycle-Racing-Supporters-Club/

Motorcycling Marshals Association (MMA)

For further information on the MMA, or to enquire about becoming a Marshal, then please contact Clodagh Brennan on 085 1313555.

Marshalling.

The MMA was set up 21 tears ago, so that marshals could be organised specifically for bike racing events. They marshal at all the bike race events in Mondello Park as well as helping out at the road races. the MMA was founded by tony o reilly. Before the MMA Motorcycling Marshals Association there was MRMCI (Motor Racing Marshals of Ireland) who covered cars as well as bikes. They asked if a club could be formed for people who were mainly interested in bikes and Tony O Reilly who was a founding member of the MRMCI, went on to found the MMA and his family are still highly involved in the club to this day. As it currently stands, there are 21 “active” marshals this year, but this number is expected to rise to over 30 durin gthe course of the season. All members are volunteers who love the sport, the excitement of being so close to the action on track…….& the craic that goes along with being part of such a tightly knit “family” group….a family of crazy nutters admittedly…..but a family none the less, who work hard all day at events, then enjoy their downtime when the racing is done for the day. It can be a tough job admittedly, at times, but Marshals get to experience the racing closer than anybody other than the riders themselves & THEY LOVE IT!!

Pic By: CregorNews.com

Pic Courtesy of MMA Pic By: James Foley

Pic Courtesy of MMA

[ Types of Marshal

]

There are different types of marshals, mainly differentiated by experience & training. Flag Marshals:

These are usually younger or newer members, who will have received a few days on-track training, with an experienced marshal so that they know what they are to do and how to do it. Ground Crew: These are the marshals that you see running around in gravel traps, picking up the bikes and making them safe. Only experienced marshals are allowed out on ground crews, as it is a dangerous place to be when a race is on, as it is possible that more bikes might crash in the same spot. Grid Marshals: These are the marshals you will see on the grids & their job is to make sure that all the bikes are in their right qualifying positions before a start of a race, to be on the pit lane in a Red Flag occurrence & also to check that all rider’s helmets are closed properly and their leathers are zipped up fully for the riders own protection. Recovery Marshals: When possible, these marshals travel on the recovery van to recover the bikes that have fallen, which are unable to make it back to the paddock on their own. Incident Officers: Experienced marshals will become Incident Officers. While on post. they are responsible for filling out all the necessary records & paperwork, which includes information about the track conditions, recording of any incidents that happen on track and any rule infringements that may happen, such as riders passing under a yellow flag etc. They are also responsible for the radioing all these incidents to the tower. A Senior Incident Officer will support the Incident Officer on post, at the scene, in the case of a major incident & will, in turn report back to the Chief Marshal on track. Junior members are not allowed attend at major incidents. These are “First On Scene” Marshals & will have successfully completed the training that allows them be FOS Marshals: called upon when an incident occurs on track, to take charge & manage the situation until such time as medical attention arrives for a stricken rider. NOTE: The club intend to run First on Scene training later in the season, so if anyone would like to join the marshals and complete the training with them, they will be more than welcome.

Motorcycling Marshals Association (MMA)

Marshalling.

As we are a volunteer club, we only ask members to make as many “race gvuu” meetings as they can. We understand that life and work commitment's will always be a issue for people and that it’s not always possible to make every meeting, except for the crazy few of us, for who racing is our life and everything else has to fit in with it. Once racing is finished in the evenings, so are the marshals. This is our down time. We always seem to park in the same place in the paddock, all around each other, so in the evenings we are all together. In good weather, we sit outside and chat till the late hours, or in bad weather we usually try to see how many we can fit in a caravan and chat there.

Pic Courtesy of MMA

We wear orange when out on the track, as that way we don't clash or get mistaken for a flag. We always have wet gear in our bags, as more often that not we get rained on. The club this year are reducing the cost of the gear for all members who wish to join the club and are looking to get kitted out in overalls & waterproof gear. If getting wet and standing out on post aren't enough of an incentive for people to join, well there are other perks. We get to be track side, where we get to see all the action close up and we get to know the riders well. Marshals are like a big family and we always make sure to look out for each other on and off the track. We enjoy having fun. We try and support each other in our private lives as well as our track lives and be there for each other when needed. We are trying to organize a social day this year, something such as paint ball shooting or something along the lines of that, but we do have other social events as well. We will be having a 21st birthday party for the MMA later in the year and dates, times and venue etc will announced later.

“ gvuu” Clodagh Brennan

Pic Courtesy of MMA

Pic By: Brian Bain Photography

[ How Do I Become A Marshal?

]

Very simply is the short answer. Just contact Clodagh Brennan in advance. You then report to her at the next event you attend & the MMA will take care of you from there. You will be “mentored” by an experienced Marshal & given on-site training appropriate to your level of experience or otherwise, so don’t panic…you WON’T be put in a position of danger or be allowed attend a serious incident on track. Marshal safety is very important to the club, so all Marshals receive basic training before heading out on track and training is always on-going for all members. You can try it out, see how much you enjoy it & take it from there basically. The Marshals are a close band, who look out for each other, both on track & off it, & try to make sure everybody enjoys themselves as part of the overall experience. There are two age groups in Marshalling. 16 - 18 As “Junior Members” they will be given the role of Flag Marshals and only when they are trained and deemed suitable will they be allowed out on track as Ground Crew. Junior members must have written permission from a parent or guardian to be allowed to marshal. 18 – 99 These Marshals will, once trained & deemed experienced enough, be placed wherever they are needed on the track, as Flaggers or Ground Crew.

2013 Championships & Champions

Superbike Classes. Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

There were some genuine concerns for the Superbike class before the beginning of the 2013 season. Rising costs associated with racing in the most powerful class combined with the ongoing stagnation of the economic situation didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bode well for the class. But thankfully, Ireland seems to posses the enviable quality of producing young, talented riders who rise through the classes in exceptional style, to join the ranks of the more experienced, seasoned Irish riders, who have proven their ability & competitiveness against some of the best riders out there. The Short Circuit scene had some great racing, which saw Damien Byrne & David Haire dice with eventual Irish & Ulster Champion, Nico Mawhinney all the way through the season. The late arrival of Cody Nally to the championship added a further twist to proceedings, making the racing even tighter & more competitive. The Superbike Cup class saw Emmet Bannon take the Irish & Ulster short circuit titles, while also regularly running with the fastest Superbike PRO riders. On the roads, Derek Sheils reigned supreme, doing a magnificent job, against no less a rider than Michael Dunlop, who won every round he entered during 2013. Derek rode exceptionally well throughut the season on both the roads & the short circuits, claiming titles in both sectors. What would have brought even more delight to true road racing fans was the emergence of top quality young riders, such as Jamie Hamilton, Micho Sweeney & Derek McGee ,who no doubt have formidable talent & very exciting, successful careers ahead of them.

Nico Mawhinney

Irish & Ulster Short Circuit Superbike Champion

2013 saw Irish Short Circuit Racing crown its youngest ever Irish Champion, in 20 year old Nico Mawhinney, an accolade that was added to by Nico receiving the coveted Bertie Mann Award, which is bestowed upon the rider deemed to be the most outstanding Under 21 year old rider in the country, in either tarmac racing, MotoCross or Trials. Having upgraded his Superstock Suzuki to Superbike spec for the 2012 season, Nico took his time to grow his confidence & feel for the more powerful machine, so that, by the time the 2013 season came around, he was ready to launch a concerted assault on the title. Although considered young to be riding a superbike, Nico maintained his steady growth as a racer on the big machines & despite taking only a single victory throughout the season, at Kirkistown, he maintained his composure & consistency over the course of the season, claiming numerous podiums along the way, which helped him hold off tough competition from the likes of David Haire, Damien Byrne & Marshall Neill, who made sure the young Castledawson rider earned his title.

Photograph: Shaun Lewis

Superbike Classes.

2013 Championships & Champions Derek Sheils

Irish & Ulster Road Racing Superbike Champion

Skerries rider, Derek Sheils had a phenomenal season in 2013, showing his class both on the roads & the short circuits. Despite Michael Dunlop winning five of the eight rounds of the Irish Road Racing Championships, Derek was the only Irish rider who seemed capable of consistently giving Michael a serious challenge & he got his reward for some outstanding riding by taking wins at Glanmire in Cork, as well as the Mid-Antrim 150, to take both the Irish & the Ulster Road Racing Superbike Titles ahead of the man from Ballymoney. He also accredited himself very well at the North West 200, The Ulser GP as well as at his debut visit to The TT. Derek also contested in just two rounds of the Irish Short Circuit Superbike Championship in 2013, at the very start of the season over the Easter Weekend at Bishopscourt. True to form, Derek won BOTH of these races, winning the Enkalon Trophy in the process. And just as if that wasn’t enough, the Skerries man also competed in The Adelaide Masters Championship, winning all three of the first round races in Mondello Park, along with one more in each of the remaining rounds, crowning him Masters Superbike Champion in the process. A truly remarkable season for a fantastic racer & worthy champion.

Photograph: Darren “JarJar” O’Rourke

Emmet Bannon

Irish & Ulster S/C Superbike Cup Champion

The County Meath man had a fantastic 2013 season on his Kawasaki zx10r, winning both the Irish & the Ulster Short Circuit titles in the Superbike Cup Championships in a very convincing manner. He finished 87 points ahead of his nearest rival in the Irish Championship & 56 ahead in the Ulster Championship. What makes this feat even more impressive is the fact that Emmet only competed in approximately half of the championship rounds last year. Of the 12 rounds he contested throughout the season, he racked up 7 race wins & frequently ran with the leaders in the Superbike Pro class. An obvious talent, Emmet is not only stepping up to the Short Circuit Superbike Pro classes for 2014, he is also hoping to compete in the Senior Support Classes on the roads, as well as the Cork Hill Climb & hopefully Scarborough. So, expect to see an awful lot more of Emmet Bannon in 2014….and expect to be impressed.

Photograph: Martin Bailey

2013 Championships & Champions

125cc/Moto3 Classes. Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

2013 was a great year for the 125cc/Moto3 classes with a scintillating mix of young emerging talent making their mark on the series & more experienced, well known riders providing amazing entertainment & very close racing in their respective classes. In the Short Circuit Newcomers championship, 15 year old County Offaly rider, Kevin Keyes took both the Irish & the Ulster Newcomer titles at a canter, winning 10 of the 11 rounds of the championship, showing great potential & hope for the future. In the Short Circuit Production classes, young Richard Kerr from Donegal also took both the Irish & Ulster titles. What made his feat even more impressive is that 2013 was his debut season racing on short circuits…& he is STILL only 13 years old of age. Conor Parkhill was also a dual champion in the Short Circuit GP classes. The 17 year old Derryman showed great form & consistency throughout the season, going on to notch up an impressive 13 wins in the process, from a very eager field. But it was in the Roads GP class that the experienced riders provided great entertainment & competition, with Sam Dunlop & Paul Robinson sparring with each other all the way to the end of the Irish Roads Championship, with only two points separating the two at seasons end, with Sam taking the Irish GP title & Paul taking the Ulster title. Two great riders providing great racing.

Richard Kerr

Irish & Ulster 125/Moto3 Production S/C Champion

In just his first year of racing on tarmac, the Donegal youngster Richard Kerr exceeded all expectations by actually winning the 2013 125cc/Moto3 Irish Short Circuit Championship. A natural talent on two wheels, Richard won his first motorcross race at the age of six & certainly looks to have a very promising racing career ahead of him. In his first competitive outing on a 125, at Bishopscourt last year, he finished a very creditable 2nd, backing that up in the next round at Nutt’s Corner with a 3rd place finish. His maiden victory in the class came in the following round, in what was his first time racing on the International Circuit in Mondello Park…no mean feat at all. Richard went on to win another two races, but it was his consistency, which ultimately led to him having a comfortable winning margin by seasons end. Richard is yet another of our young & upcoming Irish racers who are destined for great success in their future racing careers.

Photograph: James Foley

Kevin Keyes

Irish & Ulster 125cc S/C Newcomer Champion .

The young Edenderry rider had an amazing season in 2013, in which he was unmatchable by the rest of the newcomer field. Kevin went on to win all but one of the Newcomer Championship rounds throughout the season, on his Honda RS125Gp. Having already won all of the Irish rounds & 4 of the 5 previous rounds of the Ulster championship gave Kevin an unassailable lead going into the final round at Bishopscourt, County Down, but he went out & won that final round of the 2013 season as if it was the first of the season. On his way to becoming Irish & Ulster Champion, Kevin also broke existing lap records at each of the three championship circuits in Ireland, at Bishopscourt & Kirkistown in County Down & Mondello Park in County Kildare. At the tender age of 13, Kevin has already shown amazing ability & there is no doubt that he will go on to have a very exciting, successful racing career, with many racing fans eager to see just how far he can go.

Photograph: David Maginnis

125cc/Moto3 Classes. Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

2013 Championships & Champions Conor Parkhill

Irish & Ulster 125ccGP/Moto3 Champion

In only his fourth season of tarmac racing, Conor continued his successful progression in the sport. Having already won the Irish Short Circuit 125cc GP class in his second season, the young Derryman went one better in 2013, by winning both the Irish & the Ulster Short Circuit 125cc GP/Moto3 championship, bravely holding off the challenge of Nigel Percy to win the Irish title by 10 points. Conor is a very accomplished, capable & confident rider, competing in both the 125ccGP/Moto3 & the Supersport Cup championships in 2013, taking two wins in the Irish Supersport Cup Championship as well as winning the Adelaide Supersport Cup Championship, to add to his brace of 125cc GP/Moto3 titles last season. Yet again, the future looks bright for another of our young talented riders & we look forward to seeing how well Conor continues to progress in 2014. Photograph: Barry Clarke

Sam Dunlop

Irish 125ccGP/Moto3 Roads Champion

The 30 year old Ballymoney man had a great season in 2013. Sam & Paul Robinson had a great dice all season with Sam just pipping Paul for the Irish Road title by 2 points. Riding his Honda Rs as onlly he can, Sam’s best result came at his home round, the Armoy Road Race, where he finished a very creditable second place. Consistency & commitment paid dividends for Sam in 2013, where although not actually winning a race, he performed well enough throughout the season to accumulate a winning points tally & narrowly hold off another great rider for the title position. There is no doubting Sam’s racing pedigree or ability & considering the fact that he achieved what he did in 2013 while still being a full time degree student at university, just goes to show what he is capable of.

Photograph: Jackie Henry

Paul Robinson Ulster 125ccGP/Moto3 Roads Champion

Photograph: Photograph: James Foley Chris Usal

Paul notched up two wins from the four Ulster rounds, on his 125 Aprilia RSW, to take the Ulster Road Racing title, holding off Sam Dunlop in second place. The 39 year old Ballymoney man, showed his road racing prowess by taking the top podium step at both The Cookstown 100 & The Mid-Antrim 150 in 2013. He also went on to take yet another win at Killalane in the Irish championships, in which he came so close to claiming that title also. A natural talent, with road racing in his blood, Paul is a highly experienced road racer, who consistently puts in great performances & achieves great results on the roads, with a small but very effective team set-up supporting him, so here’s to seeing “more of the same” from Paul in 2014.

2013 Championships & Champions 2013 was a tough year for all classes, with field entries lowering & the availability of competitive machinery becoming ever more scare in this wonderful two-stroke class. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before the smell & sound of these beautiful racing machines will become an even more rarity. However, we thankfully had a number of riders making every effort to maintain interest & competition in the class & keeping it alive again last season. On the Short Circuits, Kildare man Thomas Lawlor reminded everybody of just how good he is, by taking both the Irish & the Ulster titles in 2013, holding off Ronan Shanahan in the process. On the Roads, a very familiar name to all road racing fans, William Dunlop, was also a duel champion, winning both the Irish & the Ulster titles against strong pressure, in both championships, from the talented Skerries man, Michael Sweeney.

William Dunlop

250cc Classes. Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

Photograph: Baylon McCaughey

Irish & Ulster 250cc GP Roads Champion

The elder of the two famous racing brothers, William had a magnificent season in 2013. While taking the Ulster GP Supersport win & coming third in the Supersorts at The TT, on his Milwaukee Yamahe R6, he also remained loyal the 250cc GP class to take both the Irish & the Ulster title in commanding style. On his way to the title, the soft spoken & affable Ballymoney man won all but one of the championship rounds, which he lost to his nearest rival, Skerries rider Michael Sweeney, who ran with William all the way to the wire. Hopefully, we will get to see this pair continue to thrill & excite fans of road racing in 2014.

Thomas Lawlor

Irish 250cc GP Short Circuit Champion

In 2013, Thomas racked up the second of his Irish 250cc GP titles, after first winning it in 2012, having come so close on numerous occassions, including being beaten by a single point by Darren Lindsay. On his way to the title, the 39 year old County Kildare rider won 13 of the 24 national championship rounds, despite missing a number due to the common ailment of modern day bike racers; budgetary constraints. On board his Honda RS250, he held off stiff competition from his nearest rival in the class, Ronan Shanahan, who is himself is a very experienced & competitive rider. IN typical fashion for such a passionate racer, Thomas does all the preparation work on his bike himself, from engine tuning to painting its bodywork, which is surely what traditional â&#x20AC;&#x153;home-grownâ&#x20AC;? racing is all about. As well as racing in the Irish & Ulster 250cc GP championships, Thomas also competed in a number of rounds of the very competitive NG Road Racing Championship in the UK, taking a third & second place in Anglesey during the course of the season. Photograph: first2last photography

2013 Championships & Champions Alvin Griffin

400cc/Lightweights Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

Photograph: Mary Esler Brown

Irish & Ulster Lightweight Roads Champion

2013 was also a very successful season on the roads for 33 year old Wicklow rider, Alvin Griffin, which saw him take both the Irish & the Ulster Championship titles in the Supersport 400cc class, on his Kawasaki Zxr400. On his way to the titles, Alvin won 13 of the 23 championship rounds, despite missing a few due to engine problems over a few rounds & went on to open up an assailable lead over his nearest rivals. Like so many of other championship riders, Alvin has been very busy over the winter months rebuilding & preparing his bikes & is aiming to not only defend his lightweight title in 2014, but to also compete on his Kawasaki Zx7r in the F1 Forgotten era, which will give racing fans plenty of opportunity to see more of this exciting rider on our roads during the coming season.

Andy Farrell

Irish Supersport 400cc Roads Champion

Yet another road racer from Skerries, Andy Farrell had a very successful 2013 season. He & Gavin Lupton kept the battle for the Irish Supersport 400 championship going until the very last round, where just a single point eventually separated them. Andy took three wins, two second places & one third place, out` of the seven round Irish Championship. Andy also came second in The Ulster 400 class championship, this time finishing behind Gavin & he only lost out on third place to Micho Sweeney in the Irish Supertwins Roads Class by just two points. Andy is another exciting racer to watch out for. Photograph: Eamonn McKeown

Gavin Lupton

Ulster Supersport 400cc Roads Champion

The amiable Leeds rider had a very good 2013 season on his Honda CBR400. Securing two wins & a second place in the Ulster Superspot 400 Roads Championship saw Gavin take the title from Skerries rider Andy Farrell. Gavin was also just pipped to the Irish Title by Andy, with Gavin finishing the season just a heartbreaking single point behind the Dubliner. On top of his Supersport 400 racing, Gavin also competed in both the Senior & Junior Support Classes, finishing in the top five in the Irish & Ulster Senior Support Championships & in the top three in both of the Junior Support Championships. He also performed admirably on his Rob North Triple 750 to take a very commendable second place in the Formula Classic race at the Classic TT. All in all a great season for Gavinâ&#x20AC;Świth even more success surely due his wayâ&#x20AC;Ś..watch this space.

Photograph: Derek Wilson

Support Classes. Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

Shane Egan

Irish Roads Senior Support Champion

2013 Championships & Champions

Mark Hanna Competing in both the Junior & Senior Support Classes, the 34 year old Corkman had a fantastic season, winning the Irish Senior Support Championship & coming fourth in the Irish Junior Support Championship, both of which were highly competitive, with a number of great riders slugging it out throughout the course of the season. Riding his Suzuki gsxr750, Shane competed in all rounds of the rounds, taking three wins along the way. For 2014 Shane is also to compete in the Supertwins class, on a Kawasaki er650, as well as riding his trusty Suzuki in the Senior Support class again. In addition, Shane is also set to compete at The Manx GP in 2014, so all in all, a very busy year for him, with plenty of opportunity for us to see him grace the Irish Road Racing scene again this year. Photograph: Darren JarJar O’Rourke

Irish & Ulster Roads Junior Support & Ulster Senior Support Champion

Mark Hanna must have had to pinch himself by the end of the 2013 season, as he had the kind of season that most racers could only dream of; He won the Ulster Roads Junior Support Class, The Irish Junior Support Class, The Ulster Senior Support Class, came second in the Irish Senior Support Class & topped it off with a third place in The Irish Short Circuit 250ccGP Championship. All three of his championship title wins were more closely fought than any championship could possibly be. In the Ulster Senior Support Class, he & James Kelly were inseparable in first place & actually shared the title between them. In the Ulster Junior Support Championship, The Antrim rider also finished level on points with the UK’s Conor Behan, but won the title on race wins, having racked up three wins over Conor’s single one. In the Irish Junior Support Championship, Mark had the comparatively “comfortable” lead of 5 points over the same adversary, Conor Behan, racking up five wins from the eight rounds contested. All in all, it was a fabulous season for Mark, who undoubted showed himself to have fantastic ability & amazing potential & we are all eager to see just how far this talented young rider can go in the future. Mark Hanna is definitely one to watch for the 2014 season. Photograph: Keith Moore

James Kelly

Joint Ulster Roads Support Champion

What a debut season on the roads for the 23 year old man from Mullingar; Joint winner of the Ulster Senior Support Roads Championship, along with Mark Hanna, as well as finishing in third place in the Irish Senior Support Championship. Not Bad! In the four rounds of the Ulster Championship, James, took a win at Tandragee, a second place at Cookstown, a third place at the Mid-Antrim & an unfortunate DNF in the Armoy round. Finishing on an equal points tally of 61 with Mark Hanna, who himself had a fantastic season, was no mean feat for a rider in his first year on the roads & still learning the circuits. In the Irish Championship, James took another second & third place spot along the way, to finish third behind Mark but still within a single race win margin from overall championship winner Shane Egan. More is yet to come from this young rider.

Photograph: Tom O’Hanlon

Pre-Injection Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

2013 Championships & Champions

Stephen McKeown

Irish & Ulster Short Circuit Pre-Injection Champion

Stephen McKeown, from Maghera, County Derry, took a clean sweep of the Pre-Injection class, with consummate ease in both the Irish & the Ulster Championships. On his way to winning the Ulster title, Stephen took four wins, six second places & two third place finishes, along with a number of finishes just off the podium, to win the Ulster title by an impressive 85 point margin. He got his season off to the best possible start in Round 1 in Ulster, with a double win at Bishopscourt. He subsequently took a win & a second place at both Kirkistown & the penultimate round, which was again held in Bishopscourt. He also took a brace of second place finishes in two other rounds of the championship. He added a further three second place finishes, along with another two third place finishes in the Irish Championships to win the title by an impressive 142 points over his nearest rival, Mervyn Griffin, although Mervyn did accumulate respectable points in virtually every round of the championship & Paraic Dooley, who finished the Irish Championship in third place overall, amassed a very impressive nine wins throughout the course of the season. As with the Supersport 600 classes, the preinjection typically provides exciting racing, so stay tuned to this class during the upcoming season; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be worth it.

Photograph: Keith Moore

2013 Championships & Champions Jamie Hamilton

Super/Stock Twins Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

Irish & Ulster Super Twins Roads Champion

While still only 23 years of age, Jamie has crammed a lot into his racing career so far. Having raced in a number of different British championships in his teens, he entered the British Supersport Championship in 2008, which he subsequently won in 2009, with some impressive results along the way. Unfortunately for the Ballyclare youngster, the following year was disastrous as a lack of adequate sponsorship, as well as well as injury, effectively halted his progression across the water. Fortunately for us, Jamie was back racing in Ireland in 2011, where he got his first taste of road racing, on a Superstock GSXR1000 at the Northwest 200 no less. ..and he hasn’t looked back since. Having developed his racecraft while under the eye of Ryan Farquar at KMR Kawasaki, Jamie has gone from strength to strength on the roads. 2013 saw him win every round that he finished in the Ulster & Irish Supertwin Road Racing Championships. The only “blip” coming at the last round in Walderstown, where he had crashed out during the Open Race. He also had a brilliant Northwest 200 last year, where he finished third in the Supertwins race, just three quarters of a second behind second place man James Hillier & only 1.6 seconds behind the winner, no less a great than Jeremy McWilliams. He came one podium step closer at last years Ulster Grand Prix, coming in second to Ivan Lintin….by just 48 thousandths of a second!!! 2014 promises to be even better for the Antrim rider, who laid claim to be one of Ireland’s rising stars on the road racing scene…and Jamie has the potential to keep on rising.

Photograph: Unknown

Korie McGreevy

Ulster Short Circuit Super Twins Champion

Another up & coming Irish rider is Ballynahinch youngster, Korie McGreevy, who showed phenomenal determination, strength & ability last season. Korie took the Ulster Supertwins title from Trevor Elliott, winning five races during the course of the Ulster Championship. The County Antrim rider also just missed out on the Irish Supertwins Short Circuit Championship Title, by five points to Daryl Duffy. During the remainder of the Irish Championship, Korie picked up yet another five top step podiums along the way & also racked up four further four wins in the Irish 125GP Short Circuit Championship, in which he raced against his brother Kia. During the course of the season, Korie went on to win more championship races than any other racer, in any other championship. That in itself would have been enough to prove any rider’s ability & potential, but what is truly remarkable is the fact that Korie broke both his fibula AND tibia in a crash, while leading at Mondello Park, not only to return to racing just six weeks after having had plates & pins inserted to mend his injuries…. he won on his first outing back!!....not bad for a 16 year old is it? Definitely an exciting young rider, Korie is surely one to watch out for during 2014. Photograph: On The Spot Photography

2013 Championships & Champions Daniel Annet

Super/Stock Twins Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

Irish & Ulster Short Circuit Stock Twins Champion

The 19 year old Bangor rider had a very impressive 2013 racing season on the short circuits, with him winning both the Irish & the Ulster Stock Twins Championships. On his way to the Ulster Title, Daniel was on the pace all season & showed tremendous consistency with two wins, nine second places & two third place finishes in the 14 rounds of the championship. On his way to claiming the Irish Stock Twins Title, the young County Down rider amassed a further two victories, three seconds & another third place finish to end the season a clear 47 points ahead of his nearest rival, despite missing the first round of the championship. IN addition to his Stock Twins racing last year, Daniel also competed in the Ulster & Irish Supersport Cup championships, where he also performed very well, taking four victories & four further podium places during the course of the Supersport Cup season. He came within a point of sharing the third place spot in the Ulster cup championship, finishing just behind Aaron McBride. Daniel finished the Irish Supersport Cup Championship in fourth place also, with the his tally of four victories being more than any other rider in the class last season. All in all, those statistics underline just how good a racer Daniel is & with the benefits of such a successful season behind him last, the prospects of what he can achieve in 2014 are high.

Daryl Duffy

Photograph: Barry Clarke

Irish Short Circuit Super Twins Champion

Derek, riding a Ryan Farquhar built Kawasaki Er6, showed how consistency is vital to a successful championship challenge. The County Monaghan rider, from Castleblaney, took home a return of points from virtually every race of the season & held off a near relentless challenge from Ulster Super Twins Champion, Korie McGreevy, who despite recovering from a serious leg break in the early part of the season & ending the season as the rider with the most championship wins in a single season, in any class, the man from Monaghan held his nerve to take the Irish Short Circuit Super Twins Championship by a margin of just five points.

Photograph: Irishracephotography.com

2013 Championships & Champions Jamie Hamilton

Supersport Pro/Cup Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

Irish & Ulster Roads Supersport Champion

To add to his Irish & Ulster Supertwin Titles in 2013, Jamie also took both the Irish & Ulster titles in the Supersport class on the roads, winning the Ulster title by a relatively “comfortable” 15 points over his nearest rival, Lincolnshire man & top international rider Guy Martin. We use “comfortable” in the context that only four points separated Guy in second place to Derek McGee who finished fifth in the Ulster Championship. Jamie finished off the podium in the first three rounds of the Ulster Championship but got his victory in the final round at Mid-Antrim, holding off Seamus Elliott by 2.5 seconds. In a closely fought Irish Supersport Championship, Jamie finished just three points ahead of fellow rising star Derek McGee, who really showed his potential on the roads in 2013, with William Dunlop finishing third in the championship table, a further three points back. Considering the fact that he also upped his fastest lap at the TT & took podium finishes at Northwest 200 & the Ulster Grand Prix, as well as a win at The Southern 100 on his Supertwin Kawasaki ER6, Jamie looks set for a stellar 2014.

Photograph: Unknown

David Haire

Irish Short Circuit Supersport Pro Champion

Photograph: Mary Esler Brown

Johnny Irwin

Ulster Short Circuit Supersport Cup Champion

Consistency throughout the course of the season, was the key for Johnny Irwin to claim the Ulster Short Circuit Supersport Cup Championship Title in 2013. Good, solid points scoring in the majority of the rounds he contested saw him hold off the challenges of his nearest rivals & finish 15 points clear of the second place man, James Cunningham, in a closely fought race for the title. At the end of the campaign, only seven points seperated the second to fourth place finishers, giving an indication of the closeness of the racing & the abilities of those involved.

2013 saw yet another closely fought battle for title honours in the Irish Supersport Pro class, with David Haire from Ballinderry sparring on track with Belfast man Mark Conlin throughout the season. David took the Irish Title by just eight points over Mark, with a race win tally of nine, along with five second places & a consistently high finishing record all year. David also came second in the Ulster Supersport Pro Championships second in the Ulster Superbike Pro Championship behind Nico Mawhinney, as well as a third place in the Irish Superbike Pro championship. David has proven himself a very capable & successful racer on both the 600’s & the big bikes over the years, winning the Irish Supersport Pro Title in 2012, as well as coming in second in 2012’s Irish Superbike Pro Championship & being crowned fastest newcomer in the Northwest 200 Supersport class. All in all, 2014 promises to be another successful one for the Derry rider.

Photograph: Mary Esler Brown

2013 Championships & Champions Mark Conlin

Supersport Pro/Cup Championship Tables Compiled From MCUI Official Tables

Ulster Short Circuit Supersport Pro Champion

24 year old Belfast rider, Mark Conlin had some great battles with David Haire in the Irish Supersport Championship, eventually coming in second to the Ballinderry man by just eight points for the Irish Title, but he had some reward for his efforts in the Ulster Championship, by taking the title over David by a comfortable 54.5 point margin. On his Triumph 675, Mark maintained a consistent performance level throughout the season, taking points at every round. At his home track of Kirkistown, the Belfast man took a brace of double wins in Round 2 & also in Round 4, which stood him in good stead in his battle for the title. Those wins came on the back of Mark getting his season off to a great start in Round 1 of the Irish Championship by taking his first Supersport win at Mondello Park. Mark was unlucky not to have been able to add the Irish Supersport Pro Title to his list last season, after battling with David Haire all season, he narrowly lost out in the national title by just eight points. Given his passion for racing & his approach to continuously pushing to improve himself, there is no doubt that 2014 will hold even more in store for Mark, making him definitely one to watch out for on track this year.

Photograph: Mary Esler Brown

Aaron McBride

Irish Short Circuit Supersport Cup Champion

Photograph: Stacy Clyne

Aaron McBride had an excellent 2013 season, which saw him win the Irish Supersport Cup Title by 28 points from Belfast rider Johnny Irwin, his nearest rival in the championship. The 18 year old racer, from Convoy in County Donegal, riding a Suzuki GSX-R 600, displayed good consistency & pace all season, which saw him take points in virtually every race as well as three wins along the way. Aaron took the top podium step in Round 6 & 10 at Mondello Park, before adding his third in a memorable win at Kirkistown in Round 11. Having raced motocross for nine years. From the age of six, Mark took to the short circuits in 2010 & showed his undoubted potential by not only taking two wins in his debut year in the 125cc Production class, but in coming in second in the Irish championship that same year. Taking to the bigger bikes was a natural progression for the Donegal youngster & he has maintained a steady rate of improvement & development in his riding & race craft since that impressive debut championship year. Aaron possess the individual discipline & attitude of a potentially very successful rider, enjoying the commitment required & the competition involved, both with rivals on track & also personally, to keep pushing himself to higher levels, which when combined with his obvious determination to succeed, will surely mean we will see a lot more of this young rider next season.

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