Thousands of Global Spectators Expected as Event Officially Launched at Bayview Hotel
Today during an official launch event at the Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae, the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club is preparing to welcome thousands of global spectators, alongside some of the sport’s top riders to the County Antrim village this summer, in what they’re expecting to be “the biggest and best year yet.”
Members of the Club welcomed sponsors and road racers, Paul Jordan, Marcus Simpson, Neil Kernohan and Michael Clyde who took part in a question and answer session.
Title sponsor of the prestigious Race of Legends and owner of the Bayview Hotel, Trevor Kane gave a special address as well as Club Chairman, Gareth McAuley, and Clerk of Course, William Munnis, who outlined the weekend’s race proceedings and acknowledged the impact of the event’s sponsors. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins also addressed attendees, highlighting the significant economic impact that the event secures for the area.
“For the last 17 years, we have been attracting top-class riders and fans from every corner of the globe to Armoy. The races have become one of the most keenly anticipated events in road racing and as a Club, we’re so proud of this achievement,” commented Gareth.
“With the event just over one month away, our volunteers are busy putting the final preparations together for what we’re expecting to be one of the biggest and best years yet.”
A number of fan favourites were at the launch and are set to return to the Armoy circuit this year including last year’s Man of the Meeting, Paul Jordan fresh from the Isle of Man races where he joined the highly exclusive ‘130 Club’ and that band of elite competitors who have lapped the 37 mile course with an average speed exceeding 130 mph.
Manx man, Marcus Simpson set a new lap record in the Senior Support race at Armoy in 2022 and in 2023, finished second in the Manx Grand Prix as a newcomer and joined the ‘Tommy Club’ with a lap average of 120mph. Irishman Kevin Keys will also be competing in the Next Generation Supersport, The Open and the Bayview Race of Legends races, alongside Armoy regulars, Neil Kernohan and Ryan Whitehall.
“We have a number of high-profile riders already signed up to take part this year and we have no doubt that this will continue over the next few weeks until entries close,”Gareth added. “As with previous years, we’re also set to welcome fans from around the world,confirming on a global stage that Northern Ireland is the home of road racing.
“We have a busy programme of road racing planned throughout the weekend which will be thrilling and exciting for all the fans – we can’t wait for July!”
During the launch event, the Club also paid homage to race sponsors: Roadside Garages, Hilton Car Sales, Ian Hickinson, James McKillop, Raymond Hodges and TT Racing, Diamond Bar, Mermaid Club, Ducati Antrim, MJF Builders, The Essence Vault, Taggarts Barn, The TownHouse Letterkenny, John M Paterson, Hurricane Windows and Doors, Park Electrical Services, Brap Moto and the Bayview Hotel.
“We’re very lucky to have a group of supportive and dedicated sponsors – some of whom have been on board for many years – we truly are indebted to them,” Gareth added.
“Without their generosity year after year, we simply wouldn’t be able to host an event that has become synonymous as one of the biggest events in Northern Irish road racing. Sincere thanks to each and every one of them.”
Meanwhile, Trevor Kane, title sponsor and owner of the Bayview Hotel commented: “We have been supporting the Armoy Road Races since day one and to see its growth and success over the last 17 years has been a great source of pride. It has become such an iconic road racing event that draws fans from near and far and at the Bayview, we’re also gearing up for a very busy weekend of hosting guests. As a huge road racing fan, I’m really looking forward to July – it’s always a great two days of racing.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins said: “What began as a two-day event has evolved into one of the most anticipated fixtures on Northern Ireland’s sporting calendar, reflecting the growing reputation of the Armoy Road Races and the increasing number of visitors who choose to holiday in our area while enjoying this unique spectacle.
“In the lead-up to practice and race days, the village of Armoy and the offices of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club become a hive of activity, demonstrating the dedication, professionalism and community spirit that continue to drive the success of this outstanding event.
“The Armoy Road Races not only celebrate Northern Ireland’s rich road racing heritage but also provide an invaluable opportunity to showcase the many attractions of our local area. Thousands of visitors are welcomed each year, bringing significant benefits to local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants and retailers, helping to support jobs and strengthen the local economy.
“Events such as these play a vital role in promoting tourism, generating economic growth and highlighting our region as a destination of choice for visitors from across these islands and beyond.”
Rider entries are set to close on Friday 19 June. Programme packages and car parking passes are currently on sale. Bike week is running from Saturday 18 Julywith the races taking place on Friday 24and Saturday 25 July, culminating in the Bayview Hotel Race of Legends. The Armoy Road Races are part funded by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. For more information, visit the website:www.armoyroadraces.com.
