Road Racing Ireland September 2021

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SEPTEMBER 2021 No. 345

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SEPTEMBER 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 345

CONTENTS

10 NOTICEBOARD 04 PADDOCK GOSSIP 06 A LARK IN THE PARK 10 BRITISH SUPERBIKES 18 THE GREAT ESCAPE: ADRIAN ARCHIBALD INTERVIEW 22 CARROWDORE 100 PICTORIAL 32 WORLD SUPERBIKES 42 SCOTT REDDING 44 ALISTAIR V ALASTAIR! 46 USBK ROUND-UP 50 MOTOGP 52 TEN MINUTES WITH FERGUS BRENNAN 56 KEVIN TURNS THE ‘KEYES’ ON DUNLOP 58 DUNLOP MASTERS SERIES 59 FINAL FRAME 62

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Slowly but surely we are getting back to some kind of normal life after the turmoil of the past year when Coronavirus turned everything we took for granted upside down.

In some ways though too much has now changed for things to simply go back to how they were before the pandemic struck.

Given all that has happened to motorcycle sport in the past two years- the cancellation of all the international road meetings, the difficulties at Scarborough and the financial collapse of the Ulster Grand Prix- it is difficult to see how we can simply hit the reset button and pretend everything is fine.

The TT’s recent re-organisation and the UGP’s plight are indications that things weren’t in a particularly healthy state so why would we want to go back to how things were?

Over the next few months there will be much discussion in Northern Ireland about huge sums of money being invested in sport here. Golf and Gaelic games will be amongst the recipients as they attempt to launch major events and projects underpinned by funding from the public purse.

Ultimately these schemes will be successful because the arguments will be convincingly made that such investment will benefit the local economy, tourism, employment etc. With the financial support of government guaranteed, commercial investment will follow.

All of this will happen because the right people with the right plan, professional people who can talk the language of politicians, civil servants and business leaders, will be spearheading these projects.

Unfortunately, motorbike racing, as an amateur sport, has very few people capable of providing such leadership.

Over the past year the sport’s governing body has imploded amidst venomous discord and rancour, leaving it to others to navigate a path through the current disarray.

In this vacuum, a small grouping has hatched a plan to attract a BSB round to Northern Ireland next season in an attempt at showcasing the benefits motorcycle sport can bring to this part of the world.

It is an ambitious plan and one that might require a little longer to bring to fruition. It is also the first green shoot to emerge from the darkness the sport has recently come through.

We wish it well.

Stephen Davison Editor

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Published by: ROLLINS PROMOTIONS LTD., 26 The Oaks, Newtownards, Co. Down BT23 8GZ Northern Ireland Tel: 028 9182 8211 Email: editorial@roadracingireland.com Website: www.roadracingireland.com

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Advertisement Directors Wallace Rollins, Gillian Rollins Editor Stephen Davison Designer Mark Stokes Printed GPS Every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, but the proprietors assume no responsibility for manuscripts and photographs submitted to Rollins Promotions Ltd. They accept no responsibility for loss or damage. All photographs sent in must be accompanied by a SAE. All prices and data contained in advertisement and editorial are accepted by us in good faith as being correct at the time of going to press. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any variations affecting prices or availability. The views expressed in R.R.I. are not necessarily those of the publisher. All material in the publication is strictly copyright - all rights reserved 2021 - and may not be reproduced, in whole or part without the express permission of Rollins Promotions Ltd.

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NOTICEBOARD

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If you have something you would like to be considered for our noticeboard page please send it in together with your name and address to: NOTICEBOARD, Road Racing Ireland, 26 The Oaks, Newtownards, Co. Down BT23 8GZ T: 028 9182 8211 E: editorial@roadracingireland.com

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OCTOBER’S STARS OF DARLEY MOOR REVAMPED After being wiped out by Covid in 2020, the famous Stars of Darley Moor is set to make a comeback on October 9-10 with an exciting new look for the Derbyshire event.

The meeting will be spread over two days with practice and racing for both the club competitors and the ‘Stars’. Both days will consist of timed practice with club riders enjoying more racing laps this time around.

For the Stars competitors there will be a 15 minute free practice each day followed by a 20 minute timed practice and a 15 lap race.

The total prize fund for the Stars at Darley aggregate result is over £6,000 with the winner receiving £1,500. In addition, there will be £500 up for grabs in the CB 500 Club races.

Camping is also available for visitors.

Advance tickets are now on sale for both days, with a weekend option available, at the all new e-ticketing website https://tickets.darleymoor.co.uk or contact Eddie Nelson on 01246 866537.

Question: Who is the newcomer and where is he racing?

Book in advance and save money!

the Voxan at Joey’s bend during practice for the 2004 Isle

The answer to last month’s quiz was Fabrice Miguet on of Man TT. The winner was Roger Orr, Kells, Ballymena.

Send your answer with your address and name to Picture Quiz, Rollins Promotions, 26 The Oaks, Newtownards, Co. Down, N. Ireland BT23 8GZ or email: info@roadracingireland.com Closing date for entries is 25th September 2021.

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PADDOCK

G O SSI P

GOLD CUP CANCELLED IN LATEST SCARBOROUGH BLOW The 2021 Gold Cup meeting has been cancelled at Scarborough’s Oliver’s Mount circuit. Scheduled to run on on September 18-19, the event has suffered the same fate as the Barry Sheene and Oliver’s Mount festivals which had already been called off after inspections carried out by Scarborough Council had found many of the paddock buildings at the Yorkshire parkland track were “structurally unsound and unsafe for public use”.

Race boss Andy Hayes had vowed to run the Gold Cup “no matter what happens”. But safety and insurance issues have now brought the curtain down completely on action at the 2.43 mile circuit for 2021.

“Much negotiation has taken place with Oliver’s Mount Racing, Scarborough Borough Council and the ACU, the sports governing body, but the health and

safety issues that remain extant will not be completed before the events are due to take place.” the organisers announced in a statement.

“Apart from Health and Safety concerns, insurance implications also need to be taken into consideration pending removal of some of the defective paddock infrastructure.”

About half of all the paddock

buildings- including the scrutineering bay and the shower block- have to be knocked down and replaced with temporary structures before new buildings can be erected. Hayes says the cost will run well into six figures and as yet it is unclear who will foot the bill.

Scarborough Council have vowed to “do all that it can” to carry out the demolition work “without delay so that the circuit can be given a clean bill of health”.

“We look forward to working with our landlord, Scarborough Borough Council, to help us to resolve the issues so we can have a full programme of events for 2022.” the club said.

A crowdfunding page has been set up at https://gofund.me/d993775d. to help raise funds for the Oliver’s Mount organisers by Shop4biker’s, a Chesterfield-based business.

NO COOKSTOWN 100 FOR SILVERSTONE BOUND DUNLOP Michael Dunlop missed the Cookstown 100 after being recruited by Dynavolt Triumph squad to replace the injured Brandon Paasch in the British Supersport championship at Silverstone on the same weekend as the Co. Tyrone event.

Paasch broke his wrist in a crash at Snetterton, opening the door for the 19 times TT winner to renew his relationship with Dynavolt boss, Simon Buckmaster who run the PTR squad Dunlop won TTs with in 2013.

“Really good news to be riding the Dynavolt Triumph at Silverstone.” the Ballymoney man said.

“I’ve been watching the bike as it’s progressed this year and the team seem to have done a great job. As a lot of people know I’ve had success with PTR and it will be great to be working with Simon and the boys again. It’s a good opportunity, I’m looking forward to it. Let’s see what we can do, it will be great to see everyone there.”

“He’s got good feel for a bike and he’s a good Supersport rider.”

Buckmaster said.

“He’s really looking forward to it and so am I. It will be great working with him again. Let’s see if we can’t surprise a few people.

INJURED McGEE TO MISS COOKSTOWN ‘Mullingar Missile’ Derek McGee will miss the 2021 Cookstown 100 after being injured in a recent training incident.

McGee, a race winner at this season’s Armoy road races, suffered a broken pelvis in seven places when he crashed an offroad machine. It is a major blow to the Cookstown organisers and race fans with the Mullingar man listed to ride in five races at the Co. Tyrone event.

The 2021 KDM Hire Cookstown 100 will take place on Friday and Saturday 10-11 September. Admission is by wristband and programme purchase only.

6 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

Derek McGee (B&W Kawasaki) in action at July's Armoy road races. The Mullingar man will miss the Cookstown 100 after being injured in an off road incident.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021

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The race of his life! A fleet footed grey squirrel dodges Joey Thompson’s Wilson Craig Honda at Aberdare.

10 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

SEPTEMBER 2021

A LARK IN THE

PARK ABERDARE PARK IS THE SETTING FOR WALES ONLY ROAD RACE. AFTER IMPRESSIVE SHOWINGS AT SCARBOROUGH AND ARMOY, DAVEY TODD DOMINATED THE PROCEEDINGS AROUND THE NARROW TREE-LINED CIRCUIT ON THE WILSON CRAIG HONDAS.

SEPTEMBER 2021

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 11

M

otorcycles have been racing around the fountains and flowerbeds of Aberdare’s Victorian park since 1950. In the early days, thousands of race fans flocked to the South Wales venue to watch the leading two wheeled stars of the era compete.

John Surtees was enthralled by the Aberdare experience after making his debut there on a 500cc Vincent Grey Flash in 1952.

“Of all the races I did in my life, that was probably the one that had the

TOP: Park life. Wilson Craig Racing duo, Davey Todd and Chris Burns locked in battle between the flower beds at Aberdare.

ABOVE LEFT: Aberdare Park has been graced in the past by riders like World Superbike champion, Carl Fogarty.

ABOVE RIGHT: John Simpson battles the rain and Chris Burns at Aberdare 12 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

SEPTEMBER 2021

Torrential rain turned the Aberdare paddock into a quagmire.

This bus doubles as Race Control at Aberdare.

most effect on me.” the motorcycle and Formula One world champion later enthused.

“For the first time I was no longer just a mechanic who rode a bike. The bike and I became one. We spoke to each other, we were exchanging messages through the seat of my pants. I realised that’s what you need to get the best from a piece of machinery. It shaped the mould for the rest of my racing career.”

LIVE BROADCAST

In 1955 the Welsh event pulled of a

major coup when it became the first motorcycle race in the British Isles to be filmed live by the BBC. Leading names of the era like Mike Hailwood, Bill Ivy, Bob McIntyre, Phil Read, Dan Shorey, Chris Conn, Malcolm Uphill and John Cooper made regular appearances at the parkland venue with Cooper setting a lap record on his Manx Norton that would stand until the Eighties after spectator safety concerns led to the event being halted in 1964.

RESURRECTION

Following a 13 year break, Aberdare welcomed the bikes back in 1978. Initially the action was confined to closed to club status but after a couple of years the event was promoted to National standard as it hosted rounds of the

Kenning Singles, Classic Bike Magazine and Loyblox Battle of the Twins series.

The resurrected races were dubbed the ‘Welsh Grand Prix’ before resistance to the title by the A.C.U. saw the moniker quietly dropped.

During the Eighties and Nineties when two strokes dominated the action, Aberdare attracted riders like Chas Mortimer, Neil Tuxworth, Bob Heath, Steve Chambers, Kevin Mitchell, Ian Lougher and a strong Irish contingent that included Robert Dunlop and Alan Patterson. In 1988 future World Superbike champion, Carl Fogarty, smashed the lap record, setting a mark of 42.5 seconds which stood for many years.

LIMITS

Although big bikes were raced at Aberdare until the Nineties, it was the smaller 125cc Grand Prix machines that

TOP: Davey Todd’s Supermoto skills came in handy in the pouring rain at the Welsh races.

CENTRE: A celebratory wheelie from Davey Todd in the Moto 3 race.

ABOVE LEFT: Davey Todd, Chris Burns and John Simpson finished first second and third in the Welsh Open race at Aberdare Park in 2021.

SEPTEMBER 2021

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 13

provided much of the spectacle on the narrow parkland circuit. Ian Lougher, Chris Palmer and Robert Dunlop thrilled the crowds with ultra close racing on a circuit which favours nimble handling and sharp acceleration over outright horsepower.

By the start of the new millennium, machines were restricted to Supersport 600cc spec as the event continued to attract leading road racers like former Welsh Open winners, Mark Buckley, Daley Mathison and Dan Cooper.

DRIVING FORCE

Aberdare boss, Derek Smith, is the driving force behind the Welsh event.

Hands on throughout this year’s race weekend, Smith refers to the park as his “back garden”.

“I was first invited to marshal here 26

years ago and that really started my journey.” Smith explained as he rolled up his sleeves to sort out bales and fencing in between calling the shots on the start line this year.

“In later years the Club ran into financial difficulties and I paid the debt off and took the event over as a social enterprise. My drive is just my passion for the sport and being able to put something back into the community.

This year’s event was quite low key due to the pandemic but the racing was by far the best we’ve had for many years.”

2021 ACTION

Dan Cooper, a six times winner of the Welsh Open, was a non starter at this year’s event but Aberdare regulars Joey Thompson, who was having his first run on a Wilson Craig Honda, Matthew

Aberdare race boss, Derek Smith.

Rees and current lap record holder, John Simpson, were on the grid alongside Davey Todd and Chris Burns.

It was the Wilson Craig Honda duo

TOP LEFT: Wilson Craig Racing duo Davey Todd and Chris Burns lead John Simpson past the duck pond.

TOP RIGHT: Dan Ingham races past the ducks on the Aberdare pond on his McKinstry Kawasaki.

ABOVE: The Lightweight field under the trees on the grid.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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ROAD RACING IRELAND | 15

who dominated proceedings on a weekend of torrential downpours that turned the paddock into a quagmire.

Todd survived a couple of minor spills to claim 14 heat and race wins, including victory in the feature event, after some close tussles with Burns.

Enjoying his first trip to Aberdare, Burns was a regular podium finisher as he posted the fastest lap of the weekend with an impressive 40.051 seconds lap.

Former Manx Grand Prix winner Simpson took victory in the Sound of Thunder Final as local rider, Paul “Potchy” Williams, dominated the Welsh Classic class with three wins from four races on his ZXR750. Dan Ingham impressed on his GSXR750, NC30 Honda and McKinstry Supertwin as another local favourite, Matthew Rees, shrugged off the pain of his Armoy crash injuries to claim a couple of heat wins before being ruled out of the feature race when his Kawasaki suffered electrical problems.

In the smaller 50cc and Streetstock

REMEMBERING

Mark Buckley’s father, Jimmy, was amongst the spectators at Aberdare this year. The Scottish rider, who lost his life in a crash at the North West 200 in 2012, had fallen in love with the Welsh event after twice winning the feature race.

“I will always come and support the event here.” Jimmy said.

“The Club named a section of the circuit after Mark and it is great that he is remembered in this way. I have very close ties with the organisers and always like to bring bikes and support any of the Scottish riders that we can get to come down. They put on a fantastic weekend with the racing and this year we had Mark’s son, Aaron, out for the first time in the parades.”

races, John Cooke took four wins and Joey Thompson, Alex Sinclair and Justin Collins also scored victories over the busy weekend of action.

WORDS BY JOHN McCOMISKY PHOTOGRAPHS BY CLIVE CHALLINOR, STEVE McDONALD AND LENNIE HARTLEY

TOP: Local man Matthew Rees takes the chequered flag.

CENTRE: A statue with some protective baling at the Victorian park circuit.

ABOVE LEFT: Rounding Aberdare’s duck pond. ABOVE RIGHT: Flame thrower! Michael Rees throws out some sparks at Aberdare.

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BSB

2021

DONINGTON CADWELL

SNETTERTON WORDS BY PHIL WAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID YEOMANS

After a busy few weeks of BSB action, RRI’s Phil Wain has all the news from the races at Donington, Cadwell and Snetterton.

LEE JOHNSTON ENJOYS MAIDEN SUPERSPORT WIN Irish eyes were smiling in the winner’s enclosure of the Supersport race at Snetterton as Fermanagh’s Lee Johnston, claimed his maiden victory in the British championship 600cc series.

The Ashcourt Racing Yamaha rider triumphed in Saturday’s Sprint race, taking the win by 0.682s with Dubliner, Jack Kennedy claiming third.

“To be fair, I should have won one before this season as I’ve had enough pace and the bike’s been good enough but maybe I wasn’t fit enough and it wasn’t until this weekend that everything was right on the day.” a delighted Johnston said.

“Winning at Snetterton was more of a relief than anything as I’ve got sick of people telling me I’m good enough.

Thankfully, I’ve got the job done so maybe now they’ll shut up!”

The 2019 Supersport TT winner had been knocking on the door of his maiden 600cc victory having already claimed two runner-up finishes and a brace of third places during this season’s campaign.

But the 32 year old has been battling a rare blood disorder that has sapped his strength and he now lies 44 points adrift of championship leader, Kennedy.

“It’s going to be hard to beat Jack for the title but I’m definitely in with a shout.”

The Ulsterman smiled.

“I could have done with a double at Snetterton but it’s nice to show we’re there or thereabouts every weekend.

Johnston was less happy with his 4th place finish in Sunday’s feature encounter as Kennedy took the win on his Hel Performance/Bournemouth Kawasaki after getting the better of fellow ZX6RR rider Ben Currie (Gearlink Kawasaki) as

the duo exchanged positions throughout the race.

“We’ve put a lot of work in to get it right and it’s nice when the effort is rewarded but I ended the weekend feeling frustrated as it just wasn’t the same on Sunday.”

Johnston explained.

“I was struggling massively for grip and going into the turns, the bike was backing in a lot more. The temperature was higher but not enough to make the bike as different as it was so I’m not sure if we got a dud tyre or something.”

Kennedy’s third win of the season means the Dubliner now leads Currie in the championship standings by seven points. The win came against the odds as it was clear Kennedy’s Kawasaki was down on power along the long straights.

He used superior corner speed to cancel out the disadvantage.

“We changed a few bits on the bike for Sunday’s race which meant I could push a bit harder into the corners,” Kennedy said.

“But I thought I’d still be lucky to come away with a podium. I put everything on the line and nearly crashed at every corner so I can’t believe I came away with the win.”

Aghadowey’s Eunan McGlinchey took fifth and ninth on the Gearlink Kawasaki in the two races as Donegal’s Rhys Irwin finished sixth in the Sprint race but crashed out of the feature event on the opening lap.

Both Kennedy and Johnston’s championship bid was rocked when rival Bradley Perie tried an over-ambitious move on the Appleyard Yamaha at McLeans during last month’s Donington round. Perie took out both Irish riders when he lost the front.

He crashed again at Cadwell’s opener.

Kennedy finished runner-up but the seesaw battle swung in Perie’s favour as the Irishman crashed out in almost the same spot the following day.

Whilst these two have been battling, Ben Currie has been quietly amassing points and now lies second in the series just 11 points behind Kennedy. Second overall to Kennedy in 2018, the Australian’s putting together a consistent challenge as the only rider to score points in every round.

TOP: Lee Johnston on his way to victory on the Ashcourt Racing Yamaha R6 at Snetterton.

CENTRE: He couldn’t believe his own eyes! Lee Johnston took his first British Supersport victory on the Ashcourt Racing Yamaha R6 at Snetterton.

ABOVE: Lee Johnston and Jack Kennedy on the Supersport podium at Snetterton. Johnston was the winner of the sprint race and Kenendy triumphed in the feature event.

18 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

SEPTEMBER 2021

WORLD’S FASTEST ROAD RACER ON THE DOUBLE AT CADWELL

Peter Hickman claimed a double victory for the first time in his BSB career on the FHO Racing BMW during August’s Cadwell Park round. Only a slide on the last lap of the final race denied Hickman a hat-trick at his home meeting as championship leader, Jason O’Halloran, took advantage of his rival’s mistake to claim victory on the McAms Yamaha.

Snetterton proved less successful for the world’s fastest road racer as he struggled home in two 7th place finishes and a lowly 10th as the McAms Yamaha pairing of O’Halloran and Tarran Mackenzie continued their domination of the 2021 series. The duo won three races each plus claimed a bagful of podium finishes over the Donington, Cadwell and Snetterton rounds to build what now looks like a winning position with O’Halloran leading his Scottish teammate by over 100 points in the standings. Alongside the Yamaha pairing, Tommy Bridewell on the Oxford Ducati and Vision Track Ducati’s Christian Iddon also booked their places in the Showdown’s top eight at Snetterton.

Despite his struggle to find the kind of consistency his rivals have enjoyed during the 2021 campaign, Peter Hickman has been displaying what can only be viewed as ominous BSB pace by his road rivals.

“I’ve got to be happy with two wins and a second.” the TT’s outright lap record holder said.

“A number of things have all improved and the combination has helped get me higher up the leaderboard and on a more regular basis.” Hickman explained.

“The bike’s better, the engine’s faster, the gearbox is stronger, and the wings help with the downforce. Plus I’ve lost weight!”

Although he has been caught out by tyre choices, Hickman also points to new Pirelli rubber as aiding his progress.

“The biggest thing for me though is having the SCX (soft) option tyre which we didn’t have last year.” Hickman explained.

“The tyres in 2020 were too hard for the UK circuits. This year’s SCX isn’t the qualifying tyre it once was and despite it being as soft as it is, we can use it in the races and they’re lasting for the entire duration. Everyone’s using it.”

Hickman doesn’t feel the absence of road racing from his 2021 itinerary has affected his BSB campaign.

“Flitting between the two has never bothered me.” he says.

“I’ve been on the front row of a BSB

race immediately after the TT, for example. I’m missing the TT and NW200 but I think we’d still be doing what we’re doing in BSB irrespective of the roads happening or not.”

TOP: Peter Hickman leaps Cadwell’s mountain en route to his first BSB double on the FHO BMW. ABOVE: BSB championship leader, Jason O’Halloran celebrates victory at Cadwell Park on the McAms Yamaha.

SEPTEMBER 2021

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 19

BSB

IRWIN BROTHERS BATTLE FOR BSB SHOWDOWN 2021

DONINGTON CADWELL

SNETTERTON Glenn Irwin put one foot firmly in the BSB Showdown during August at the Donington and Cadwell rounds despite suffering a dislocated shoulder. But hope turned to disappointment at Snetterton as the Honda star suffered a disastrous weekend after qualifying on pole.

As it did in 2020, the fickle Honda Fireblade had worked well at the Donington round. After finishing second in the opening race the Honda star was taken out by Rory Skinner at McLeans in the second encounter.

Despite the shoulder injury, the Ulsterman was back on track a couple of hours later and choosing intermediates produced another second place finish.

“I wasn’t sure if I’d pass the medical, but the medics did a great job.” he said.

“I felt fine on the bike other than feeling a bit sore when changing direction.”

Irwin was unable to replicate his podium success at Cadwell, as he recorded a 4th and two 6th place results.

Although his shoulder injury saw his challenge fade in all three races, chatter proved to be the main stumbling block.

ROUND-UP Cameron Dawson took first and second in the Junior Supersport races at Donington Park and won both races at Snetterton on the MSS Performance Kawasaki to extend his championship lead to 43 points.

James McManus (Completely Motorbikes/Affinity Kawasaki) was only 1.6s behind Dawson in the second race at Donington to claim his first podium of the season after finishing 4th in the opening encounter. The Randalstown rider failed to finish race one at Snetterton but took 6th in the second event.

Eugene McManus claimed his second podium of the season at Donington in the Pirelli National Junior Superstock class. After failing to score at Cadwell Park he finished 4th at Snetterton with Adam McLean in 14th.

Sam Laffins (Sam Laffins Racing/G&S Racing Kawasaki) was 6th in the wet at Cadwell and 8th at Donington but had

20 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

“The bike’s in a good place and has huge potential.” the ever positive Ulsterman reflected.

Irwin’s joy of claiming pole position at Snetterton was shortlived as he crashed out of the first race whilst leading and never recovered, slumping to 11th and 14th places in the subsequent races.

“We know we have to improve the second half of the races and today we tried something different with a hard tyre, which felt good and I felt like I was controlling the pace.” a dejected Irwin explained.

“Then I made a really silly mistake, simple as that. I braked a bit deeper and it was a schoolboy error.”

Although he remains in seventh overall in the title standings, the Co. Antrim man faces a fight to confirm his place in the top eight.

The odds of Glenn’s younger brother, Andrew, reaching this year’s Showdown also remain in the balance despite finishing on the podium at the Donington round on the Synetiq BMW. “The team have stuck behind me so it’s nice to reward them with a podium finish,” he said afterwards.

“It’s taken longer than I thought to adapt to the M1000RR as I can normally adapt quickly but the results have been coming.”

The Carrickfergus rider said he had made a step forward with his engine braking strategy at Donington and that enabled him to be competitive in all three races.

Glenn and Andrew Irwin share the BSB podium at Donington.

“I’ve been feeling more and more comfortable with the bike and being competitive in the dry races felt really good.” he said.

A stream of top ten finishes in the other Donington races plus similar results at Cadwell have bolstered his points tally but hopes of Irwin making the crucial top eight were dealt a blow at Snetterton when a technical issue forced him out of race one.

He finished 8th and 12th in Sunday’s races.

There was little joy for Irwin’s Synetiq BMW teammate, Danny Buchan at Donington, Cadwell or Snetterton.

Forced to sit out the Cadwell round after suffering concussion in a Donington crash, the Essex man struggled to 12th and 13th in the first two Snetterton races.

Worse was to follow when he crashed out of the final race, with teammate Irwin and Lee Jackson getting caught up in the melee.

to sit out Snetterton after a big qualifying crash.

Caolan Irwin finished 7th on the R&R Racing Yamaha at Donington and 16th at Snetterton after losing ten places on the final lap. Simon Reid failed to finish.

John McGuinness’s Ducati Tri-Options Cup campaign continued at Donington Park with 6th and 7th place finishes on the Blue Earth Construction Ducati. The 23-times TT winner then finished 6th at Cadwell and 4th and 10th at Snetterton.

Jamie Lyons (C&M Motors Ltd/Tooltec Racing Honda) took three top eight finishes at Donington Park plus a 7th and 9th at Cadwell to sit in 5th place in the Honda British Talent Cup title race

Richard Kerr took a pair of 12th places in the Pirelli National Superstock races at Donington Park before going on to finish 7th on the AMD Motorsport Honda at Cadwell. The Donegal rider was 12th at Snetterton.

Dean Harrison scored a career best 8th place finish in BSB on the Silicone Kawasaki during the final Donington race.

Dean Harrison slides off his Silicone Kawasaki at Cadwell.

Ian Hutchinson (Edwards 1902 Yamaha) recorded his best result of the season at Donington when he finished 5th in the second Superstock race. Davey Todd and Conor Cummins finished 15th and 22nd respectively on the Milenco Padgetts Hondas in Snetterton’s Superstock race.

Ben and Tom Birchall continued their dominance of this year’s British Sidecar Championship with double victories at Cadwell Park and Snetterton to make it 11 wins from 13 races for the ten-times TT winners and outright lap record holders.

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Clough resident, Pamela Shaw was stunned when she opened her local paper and saw her cat, Iris, dicing with death as the moggy ran across the track in front of Adrian Archibald’s CD Racing Honda at the Mid Antrim 150 in July 2000.

“I thought she was snoozing in her favourite seat.” the relieved owner said.

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HAILING FROM THE SAME CO. ANTRIM TOWN OF BALLYMONEY AS THE FAMOUS DUNLOP ROAD RACING FAMILY, ADRIAN ARCHIBALD ACHIEVED HUGE SUCCESS DURING A 20 YEAR CAREER IN THE SPORT BEFORE HE RETIRED EIGHT YEARS AGO. ALMOST NOTHING HAS BEEN HEARD FROM HIM SINCE BUT RRI’S GAVAN CALDWELL HAS TRACKED ARCHIE DOWN IN HIS NEW LIFE, FAR FROM THE SCREAM OF RACING ENGINES.

THE GREAT ESCAPE SEPTEMBER 2021

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 23

Adrian Archibald is enjoying his road racing retirement in the Co. Antrim countryside close to the famous Dark Hedges.

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As bikers rolled into Armoy for last month’s road races, Adrian Archibald was making breakfast for his guests at the B&B he runs with his wife Melanie just a few miles from the famous Dark Hedges.

Instead of making last minute preparations to his race bikes as he once did, the former Senior TT winner was preparing Ulster fries and brewing tea.

The 51 year old father of Aaron and Eva won all of road racing’s greatest prizes during a glittering career that saw him claim stunning victories over legends of the sport like John McGuinness, David Jefferies and fellow Ballymoney man, Joey Dunlop. In a career on ce en a major influ spanning two decades those s of his David Wood, ar ye rly ea e ring th man ey achievements included a Formula on Adrchibald du m lly on as the Ba 1997. career, looks One and two Senior TT victories, s TT debut in hi g rin du onda refuels his H four Ulster Grand Prix wins and a NW200 success alongside 59 Irish national road race triumphs. That tally is all the more impressive considering the Ballymoney man maintained his day job as a joiner throughout his racing years.

The quiet and modest Ulsterman is also the rarest of road racers, a rider who reached the pinnacle of the world’s most dangerous sport and retired almost entirely unscathed.

BEGINNINGS

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e es winning th bald celebrat rbike race pe su Adrian Archi a g in et 2003, compl mate, Senior TT in h of his team ing the deat t. en ev double follow e s at th David Jefferie

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Growing up in north Antrim, the heartland of Irish road racing, the young Archibald was surrounded by folk who had an interest in motorbikes.

“Dad had bikes at home so I would do some messing about on them.”

Archibald recalls. He attended local races as a youngster and made trips with his parents to the British Grand Prix before acquiring his own steed, a Yamaha RD 50.

Steeped in the success of local heroes, Joey, Jim and Robert Dunlop, ‘Archie’, as he would become affectionately known to road race fans, watched his idols compete at the North West 200 and Dundrod’s Ulster Grand Prix each year.

“I started to go to the races with my mates who had bikes and we would camp out when we went to the Ulster Grand Prix.” he says.

There were also some close shaves on road bikes.

“I was involved in a bad bike smash near Ballymoney when a car came straight out onto the road without stopping.” Archibald remembers.

“My mate rode straight into it but I missed it and went through

a hedge. He broke his leg but it could have been much worse. My parents were becoming concerned about me.”

Serving an apprenticeship as a joiner, the 19 year old moved to London to work.

“I wasn’t too far away from Brands Hatch and I enjoyed the British championship races, watching the likes of Carl Fogarty, Simon Crafar and Jamie Whitham.” he recalls.

On his return to Ballymoney in 1992, the 23 year old decided to try his hand at racing himself.

“A couple of mates of mine, Gerald Stirling and Paul Black, had started racing on the short circuits when I was in London.” he explains.

“I made my debut at Nutts Corner in the Clubman’s class that year.”

After winning the 250cc-400cc championship in 1993 the Ballymoney rider made his move to the roads the following season.

VICTORY AT FIRST ATTEMPT

“I had moved up to the 600cc national championship and I entered the Cookstown 100 on the old Sherrygroom circuit.”

Archibald remembers.

“To my surprise I won the 600cc support race even after crashing out with Norman Gordon. You were allowed to restart back then so I jumped back on again and won my first road race!”

After honing his between the hedges trade in Ireland, the 26 year old decided it was time to have his first crack at the Isle of Man’s Mountain course and he entered the Manx Grand Prix in 1995, claiming a runnerup finish in the 600cc class and a 6th in the Senior.

“By 1996 and 1997 I knew that I could run with the top boys but there was no real pressure to get results.” he says.

“Racing was just for pure fun.”

It was also close and ferocious competition with riders like James Courtney, Bob Jackson, Richard Britton, Derek Young and the Dunlop brothers on the grid.

“I enjoyed the short circuits just as much as the roads, mainly because I could run at the front.” he reflects.

“The Regal championship was very significant during that era of our sport, both for the tracks and the roads. Racing on the short circuits took a big dive when Davy Wood passed away as he was the guy who arranged a lot of sponsorship for clubs, teams and riders.”

Wood also played a pivotal role in Archibald’s TT debut in 1997, acquiring a tuned engine from John Harris for the Ballymoney man’s 600cc Honda which produced a 7th place finish.

JOEY DUNLOP

Archie also forged a strong relationship with fellow Ballymoney resident, Joey Dunlop, during these years.

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“I was very friendly with Joey and we got on well together as we were very similar in our ways.” Archibald says.

“Both of us were passionate about racing and not too bothered with the glamour that goes with it when you are doing well. But I didn’t mind doing the TV and radio interviews as it was a part of racing that just had to be done.”

One of the pair’s closest battles on the roads came in the 1999 Supersport TT. “Joey wasn’t giving me an inch and I only just beat him for 4th place.” Archibald recalls.

He also emulated his hero later that year by winning the Irish Motorcyclist of the Year award, a feat he would repeat again four years later.

Receiving financial support from his employer, Nigel Henry, Archibald notched up a lot of wins on the Irish National scene with ex-racer- turned-sponsor, Chris Dowds and then the Red Bull Honda squad during this period. By the turn of the new millennium Archibald was maturing into one of the sport’s most promising talents during a difficult period for Irish road racing.

“2000 and 2001 were tough seasons

after Joey, Gary Dynes, Andrew McLean and Eddie Sinton were killed and then foot and mouth disease saw the TT and NW200 cancelled.” he recalls.

Archibald continued to hone his skills in the 2001 MRO championship at Silverstone, Snetterton and Castle Combe, picking up some good results. He also claimed his first victory at Scarborough during 2001

JOINING TAS

Victories in the Production 1000cc race at the 2000 Ulster Grand Prix plus Supersport and Superbike wins at Dundrod the following season brought the Ballymoney racer to the fore and in 2003 he was snapped up by the TAS Suzuki team.

Becoming David Jefferies teammate in the Moneymore based squad heralded the high point of Archibald’s career.

Jefferies had enjoyed a hattrick of trebles over the previous three TTs and Archibald came into the squad as the Yorkshireman’s understudy.

Arriving at the North West in peak condition after following the strict training regime of Joe Barr, the Ballymoney

man outshone his more accomplished teammate by claiming his first win on the 8.9 mile Triangle circuit after a titanic battle with Ryan Farquhar in the Production 1000cc class.

That victory made up for the disappointment the Ballymoney rider had suffered at the north coast event the previous year when V&M Yamaha’s Iain Duffus had been declared the winner of the feature superbike race despite the timing clocks recording a dead heat between the Scottish rider and Archibald.

Arriving on the Isle of Man on the crest of a wave after his North West success, elation soon turned to sorrow for Archibald and his TAS Suzuki squad as David Jefferies lost his life in a crash during practice week.

Displaying remarkable strength of character and leadership, the Ulsterman summoned all of his courage to ride his GSXR1000 Suzuki to victory in both the Formula One and Senior TT races.

“David ‘s death was a big blow for the TAS Suzuki team but after his accident his parents wanted me to race on.” Archibald says.

“I had to put every thought out of my

TOP: Adrian Archibald skims the hedges on his Red Bull Honda at Quarry Bends during the 2002 Ulster Grand Prix.

ABOVE LEFT: Adrian Archibald pictured with John McGuinness and Ian Lougher after winning the Formula One TT in 2003.

ABOVE RIGHT: Adrian Archibald congratulates Cameron Donald on winning the Superbike TT in 2008 with runner-up Bruce Anstey.

The Aussie had replaced Archibald in the Moneymore based squad.

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RIGHT: Adrian Archibald says this 1999 Junior (600cc) TT race was his closest battle with Joey Dunlop as Ronnie Smith follows in the wheeltracks of the Ballymoney men.

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ROAD RACING IRELAND | 27

mind to win the race and afterwards I dedicated my victory to DJ. There were no celebrations but thankfully in 2004 I returned to the TT with TAS and won the Senior TT again.”

ARMOUR

That tragic 2003 season would define Adrian Archibald’s TT career. Digging deep to overcome tragedy becomes part of a road racer’s armour.

“When you are racing you cannot be sentimental.” Archibald says.

“Many times I have raced on a Saturday, attended a funeral on a

Wednesday and then gone racing again the following Saturday.”

Having his family around him was a vital part of the Ballymoney man’s support network.

“The paddock was a very close-knit community and my wife Melanie played a significant part in my success.” Archibald says.

“She supported me behind the scenes and made sure I had everything I needed.”

As a rider who ran the No 13 plate, Archibald was never superstitious.

“I was never into lucky charms or going to the fairy bridge to get a dose of luck.” he

smiles as he recalls a moment when luck famously deserted him on the Mountain course.

“In 2005 I placed a lucky charm inside my boot and all was looking good as I was leading the Superstock TT until I ran out of fuel on the last lap when I was over a mile in the lead. So much for the lucky charm!”

The 2005 season also saw the Ballymoney man pay a visit to Macau on an AIM Yamaha but he wasn’t impressed by the Chinese street circuit which he felt was very dangerous.

“Racing was always fun for me.” he reflects.

TOP: Sporting the Zero plate on his TAS Suzuki, Adrian Archibald jumps Ballacrye on his way to victory in the Senior TT in 2003.

ABOVE LEFT: This photograph was taken just before the fateful Thursday practice session when David Jefferies lost his life in a crash at Crosby.

The Yorkshireman was sharing a joke in the TAS Suzuki awning with teammate Adrian Archibald and team bosses, Philip and Hector Neill.

ABOVE RIGHT: Adrian Archibald and his wife, Melanie in their Co. Antrim guest house.

28 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

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“I never had any big ambitions to win this or that race. The better you got on in racing, the more it ruined the sheer fun you had when you first started.”

Things changed when the big teams came calling and the pressure to win increased.

At the start there was great craic between the teams and riders and after a day’s racing you would go to the pub for even more craic.” Archibald smiles.

“I remember racing with Richard Britton at Darley Moor and I’ve been told I gave Richard a lift home to our hotel in a shopping trolley after we enjoyed a night out together!”

CHANGING DIRECTION

Apart from a brief dalliance with Sam Finlay’s squad in 2006, Archibald’s relationship with TAS endured until 2007. Although there would be no more international race wins, there were still plenty of podium finishes.

“At the end of that season I decided it was time to build up a small team by myself and it was like starting all over again on a Suzuki 1000cc.” Archibald recalls.

“I still enjoyed my racing and my results were not too bad. As a private entry I was third in the 2008 Superbike TT and took 4th in the 2009 Senior TT.” The 2008 result was particularly poignant as the two men he shared the rostrum of the Superbike race with were former TAS teammate, Bruce Anstey, who finished runner-up to Archie’s replacement, Cameron Donald.

In 2011 Archibald joined the KMR Kawasaki squad of old foe, Ryan Farquhar on one of the Dungannon man’s ER6 Supertwins but the clock was ticking. Two years later the 43 year old finally called time on a brilliant career.

“Running a race team was very expensive and that was the main reason why I quit.” he explained.

Unlike so many who have been bitten by the road racing bug, Archie’s departure was final and complete. The Ballymoney man who once thrilled the crowds with his speed no longer attends race meetings. He doesn’t even watch the highlights on television.

“I still have all my racing memories but racing is not part of my life any more.” he explains.

Having suffered his fair share of crashes, including two major shunts at Skerries and the Mid Antrim, Archibald is thankful to have escaped largely unscathed from the fray.

“I enjoyed my career and am just thankful I could walk away from the sport with no serious injuries.” he says.

“My worst injury was a dislocated shoulder but I never broke a bone which is not too bad after 20 years of road racing.”

WORDS BY GAVAN CALDWELL PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN MCILWAINE, GAVAN CALDWELL AND STEPHEN DAVISON TOP: Adrian Archibald leaps his Red Bull Honda over Alexander’s Jump during his home race meeting, the Mid Antrim 150, in 2002.

ABOVE: Adrian Archibald ran his own race team after leaving the TAS squad in 2008, continuing to compete on the roads with a new generation of racers like Michael Dunlop at Walderstown and elsewhere.

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FIRST RUN IN 1927, THE CARROWDORE 100 WAS GRACED BY ALL THE GREATS OF IRISH ROAD RACING BEFORE IT’S DEMISE IN 2000. RRI’S HARRY HAVELIN RECALLS SOME OF THE GLORY DAYS OF THE CO. DOWN EVENT.

CARROWDORE 100: THE STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN

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Joey Dunlop (Castrol Honda) is chased by eventual winner, Alan Irwin (McAdoo Kawasaki) at the 1993 Carrowdore 100.

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P

romoted by the Belfast and District Motor Club, the Carrowdore 100 was traditionally the final Irish road race of the season, taking place on the first Saturday in September.

The event had its origins in a race titled the North Down 60 which was first held on April 25, 1925. Using a 5.3mile circuit at Carrowdore, that meeting was promoted by the Bangor-based North Down Motor Cycle Club which had been formed in 1921.

Dubbed “the first motor speed event held on the Ards Peninsula” it lasted just one year before the club folded.

In 1927 the event was revived by

Ireland’s oldest motorcycle club, the Belfast and District Motor Club which had been founded in 1906. The new race was initially called the Carrowdore 80 Mile Road Race but became the Carrowdore 100 in 1928 when the race distance was increased to 100 miles.

Among the many leading riders who took part in the early years of Carrowdore competition were Englishman Tim Hunt, Dubliner Stanley Woods and Ulstermen Paddy Walls and Fred Drummond.

In 1933, the weekly publication, Irish Motor News, reported that the Carrowdore 100 was “one of the best, if not the best, of the non-international road races in Ireland.”

CAR CRASH

On Saturday, September 5, 1936, a tragic accident occurred during the Ards TT motor car race which had serious repercussions for motorsport in County Down. A car driven by Belfast driver Jack Chambers went out of control in Newtownards and crashed, causing the deaths of eight spectators and injuries to many others. As a result of this accident, Down County Council banned the running of race events through built-up areas.

The Belfast and District Club switched their annual event to a 10-mile circuit in the Comber area of Co. Down for 1937.

TOP: A determined Tommy Robb exits Schoolhouse corner.

ABOVE: A starting line-up on Carrowdore Main Street including Billy Guthrie, Mickey Laverty and Jack Wilkin.

RIGHT: Phillip McCallen uses all the road to stay in front of Dave Leach during the 1991 Regal 600 race at the Carrowdore 100.

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The race was also held on this course in 1938 before plans to run the 1939 Carrowdore 100 on Saturday, September 23 were scuppered by the outbreak of World War 2 which brought the curtain down on activities for seven long years.

Revived in September 1946, the race returned to Carrowdore with an excellent line-up of 49 competitors. Among the riders who enjoyed wins at the event during the early post-war years were Artie Bell, Vic Willoughby (later a leading motorcycle journalist), Reg Armstrong, Louis Carter and Charlie Gray. By 1949 the organising club was confident enough to express the hope that the Carrowdore 100 could be upgraded to

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full international status within a year or two. It was a hope that went unfulfilled.

DUNDROD

For 1950 the race was transferred from Carrowdore to the new 7 mile Dundrod circuit. It was the first motorcycle race to be held at the track in the hills above Belfast.

Titled the Belfast and District 100, the race was run in wet

ABOVE: The fans get a closeup view of Mervyn Robinson over the Ballyboley jump.

LEFT: Ray McCullough graces the cover of the 1971 Carrowdore 100 programme.

weather but that didn’t hinder Dubliner Louis Carter from setting a fastest lap of 75.84 mph on his Norton.

For 1951 the race distance was increased to 200 miles and this time the conditions were fine and dry. The fastest rider of the day was Belfast man, Cromie McCandless

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 35

(Norton), who won the 500 c.c. class after setting a fastest lap of 83.70mph.

After two years at Dundrod, the event returned to Carrowdore in 1952, using the 10.5-mile CarrowdoreBallywalter circuit with the start/finish on Carrowdore’s main street.

From 1953 the starting point was

switched from the centre of the village to a straight section near Ballywalter at the request of the police. It was reported that “the road was narrower but the safety margin greater.”

A blunder in the details of the road closing order application resulted in the event not taking place at all in 1955.

WINNERS

Among the many riders who enjoyed success at Carrowdore during the Fifties were Malcolm Templeton, Austin Carson, Bob Ferguson, Charlie Salt, Wilfie Herron, Davy Andrews and Noel Orr. By 1960 the course record had increased to 91.49 mph, set by Liverpool rider Ralph Rensen (Norton) who had five race wins at Carrowdore between 1956 and 1960.

A new 5.5-mile circuit that ran via Carrowdore to Ballyboley, Cardy and Dunover was introduced in 1966 with the start/finish line returning to Carrowdore village.

The winners’ list of the Sixties included such illustrious names as Tommy Robb, Len Ireland, Ralph Bryans, Dick Creith, Ian McGregor, Brian Steenson, Cecil Crawford, Glasgow’s Denis Gallagher and Chester’s Bill Smith.

By the end of the decade the familiar British Norton, Matchless and AJS machines were being replaced by Italian Aermacchis and Japanese Yamahas as a new era dawned for motorcycle sport in Ireland.

MCCULLOUGH V DUNLOP

Queen’s University technician and Co. Down man, Ray McCullough, became

TOP: The late great Sam McClements flies through the air on his fateful last lap of the Carrowdore 100 in 1989.

ABOVE: Steven Cull in action at Carrowdore during the 80s.

36 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

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the new road racing star of the Seventies.

Between 1971 and 1981 McCullough won a total of 13 races at Carrowdore and held the absolute lap record at 104.82 mph, set on a 350 c.c. Yamaha in 1976.

McCullough’s great rival, Joey Dunlop, first appeared on the Carrowdore rostrum in 1975 after a 350cc/500 c.c. double. Between then and 1995 he had nine wins on the Ards Peninsula circuit despite missing the event for several years due to Formula One world championship commitments with Honda.

RAIN

Bad weather has had a detrimental effect on many road race events in recent years but it was also a recurring problem at Carrowdore during its final decades.

In 1979 the races were run in what newspapers reported were “the worst weather conditions for 20 years”. Six years later torrential rain forced the cancellation of the meeting altogether following serious flooding on parts of the course. Again in 1994, a heavy downpour saw the remainder of the meeting being

abandoned after just three races had been run.

LAP RECORDS

On dry days though the lap speeds were constantly increasing. Englishman Phil Carpenter (Yamaha) was the first rider to break through the 100 mph barrier in 1973. In 1981 Bangor’s Steven Cull (Suzuki) raised the bar to 106.58 mph on his way to victory in the 500cc race. Five years later Sam McClements (Suzuki) pushed the limit up again to 108.97 mph.

TOP LEFT: Joey Dunlop gets some advice from a couple of aspiring young mechanics in the Carrowdore paddock!

TOP RIGHT: Robert Dunlop gets ready to go racing at the 1986 Carrowdore 100.

BELOW: The crowd couldnt get much closer to the action as Johnny Rea and Steven Cull sped past at the 1989 Carrowdore 100.

38 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

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By 1990 the lap record had rocketed to 111.85 mph as Halifax rider, Dave Leach (Yamaha) battled with Phillip McCallen (Honda) during the 750cc race. The following year McCallen, again Hondamounted, improved that to 113.35 mph.

The 1997 race had been due to take place on Saturday, September 6, but was postponed to September 27 because of the funeral of Princess Diana. On the new race day James Courtney (Honda) set a speed of 113.558 mph, laying down a new absolute lap record that would never be bettered.

LAST DAYS

Concerns over the control of spectators in Carrowdore village had been raised

as far back as the 1930s and the issue reared its head again during the 1990s.

The organising club had given some consideration to seeking a new circuit because of this problem but those plans never came to fruition. Events were overtaken by a series of fatal accidents at Irish road race events during the 1999/2000 seasons which resulted in a task force being set up by the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland to carry out a comprehensive safety review of the circuits on both sides of the border.

Two of those fatalities had occurred at Carrowdore. In 1999 Waterford rider Tony Carey died when he crashed his Norton during practice and the following year Eddie Sinton died in a crash during the Regal 600 race.

TOP: Joey and Robert Dunlop in action during the 125cc race at the 1993 Carrowdore 100.

CENTRE: Joey Dunlop and Gary Dynes head back to the paddock after a race at the 1995 Carrowdore 100.

ABOVE: The start of the 600cc race at the 1991 Carrowdore 100: Brian Reid (19) Phillip McCallen (1), Leslie McMaster (3), Steven Cull (2) and Derek Young (6).

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Those deaths, plus concerns about the safety of spectators in the village, finally sealed the fate of the Co. Down venue.

As fans and riders departed Carrowdore on Saturday, September 2, 2000 in sombre mood after Sinton’s tragic death few would have realised they had witnessed the final running of a road race that enjoyed a history stretching all the way back to 1925.

Words by Harry Havelin Photographs by Maurice Montgomery, Gavan Caldwell, Rowland White, Harry Havelin, Jack McGrane, Jack Corry and Stephen Davison TOP RIGHT: Derek Young leads Alan Irwin at the 1995 Carrowdore 100. Young won the race by over seven seconds and went on to become Regal Champion in 1996 and 1997.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Gary Dynes and Denis McCullough battle it out in the 1999 Carrowdore 100 250cc race.

ABOVE RIGHT: Robert Dunlop has no time to stop for fuel in Carrowdore village on his way to winning the 125cc race at the final meeting in 2000.

ABOVE LEFT: Eddie Sinton in action at Carrowdore in 1998. Sinton’s death at the 2000 meeting would spell the end for racing at the Co Down circuit.

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WSBK 2021 WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

M A G N Y- C O U R S

REA’S 7TH TITLE BID HITS BOILING POINT The battle between Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea and Pata Yamaha’s Toprak Razgatlioglu for the 2021 World Superbike championship reached boiling point in France.

The pair had arrived at Magny Cours tied for the lead in the championship.

Despite setting fastest time in qualifying, the Northern Ireland rider, who is chasing his seventh consecutive title, was led home by 4.4 seconds by his Turkish rival in the opening race.

The pair then fought a wheel to wheel battle in the ten lap sprint event with Toprak again getting the verdict before Rea’s Kawasaki squad claimed the Yamaha rider had exceeded track limits during their titanic battle.

The protest was upheld by race officials and the Co. Antrim man was awarded the win with Toprak demoted to second. Pata Yamaha boss, Paul Denning was furious.

“If this is the way Kawasaki want to play, then maybe the sporting atmosphere will change a little bit.” he said.

The 2021 title race was already simmering as the WSBK circus arrived in

France. Rea has been under consistent pressure during 2021 from Razgatlioglu and Scott Redding on the factory Ducati. At Most in the Czech Republic the Ulsterman had claimed his 200th podium in the series but saw his points lead cut to just three after he suffered two race crashes.

At Navarra in Spain, another new WSBK venue, it was Scott Redding who reignited his title hopes with two wins as Razgatlioglu closed down Rea’s points advantage with victory in the third encounter, ensuring a tempestuous weekend of blistering action in France.

Magny Cours delivered and the

Turkish rider gave his response to being penalized in the sprint race by trouncing Rea in their final encounter of the weekend, winning by 2.9 seconds to open a seven point lead in the title standings over his Kawasaki rival.

Redding still clings on to third spot as a lack of consistency continues to hamper his championship challenge.

“I’m really happy.” Toprak beamed after his successful French weekend.

“My team did an incredible job. Every race we were able to improve the bike.

I am focused on every race and I am always focused on the win.”

Rea was complimentary about his rival’s performance.

“Toprak’s pace over the last three laps was incredible. It’s like going to school. He was so good in some areas and I was stronger in others. It is good information to take away to Barcelona.

I have to think about the long game, the war!”

But Kawasaki’s protest had denied the Pata Yamaha rider his first hat-trick and team boss Denning was intent on keeping the heat on his rivals as he suggested the Kawasaki squad had been unsporting.

“It’s disappointing because honestly, genuinely, it’s not something we would’ve done.” he claimed.

“When a rider has gained zero advantage and you’re talking about 5mm of the rear tyre just touching the green, something that race direction had seen themselves, checked from the live footage, decided there absolutely was not a problem because there was not any advantage and it wasn’t clear he was on the green. But after they received the protest, they had to use all the tools they have, and this includes the onboard footage from Jonathan’s bike. They were able to see that there was a small amount on the green.”

TOP: Rea claimed his 200th WSBK podium in the Czech Republic.

ABOVE LEFT: Despite the war of words over Kawasaki’s protest, Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu left Magny-Cours in France as friends after a weekend of stunning race action.

ABOVE RIGHT: Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) leads Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha) and Scott Redding (Aruba Ducati) at Magny-Cours in France.

42 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

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ARRIVING IN THE 2020 SERIES WITH A MASS OF MOTOGP EXPERIENCE AND A BSB CHAMPIONSHIP UNDER HIS BELT, SCOTT REDDING WAS FOCUSED ON KNOCKING JONATHAN REA OFF HIS WSBK PERCH. AFTER FAILING LAST YEAR, THE DUCATI STAR HAS RETURNED FOR A SECOND ATTEMPT AND THIS MONTH HE TELLS RRI’S MAURICE MONTGOMERY WHY HE IS CHANGING DIRECTION AS HE CHASES HIS DREAM OF BEING WORLD CHAMPION.

T

SCOTT REDDING

he past month of WSBK has been an up and down experience for Scott Redding.

The runner up to Jonathan Rea in last year’s WSBK championship got his 2021 title bid back on track with wins in the Czech Republic and Spain on the factory Ducati. The Englishman then announced he would be leaving the Aruba backed Italian squad to join the factory BMW team in 2022.

And if that wasn’t enough excitement for one month, the 28 year old also proposed to his girlfriend, Jacey Hayden on the Most podium!

But the former MotoGP rider was brought back down to earth with a bump at Magny Cours as he crashed out of the opening race before remounting to finish 12th. Despite finishing 5th in the sprint race and taking third in the last French encounter, Redding is now 72 points behind series leader, Razgatlioglu.

“I was wrestling that bike for 21 laps.”

Redding said.

“It’s not an easy track for the Ducati. I didn’t give up the fight. I’m completely 44 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

destroyed. It doesn’t matter. We got the podium and I’m really happy.”

The lack of consistency from round to round seems to have convinced the Englishman to jump ship from Ducati.

“A few things didn’t align with Ducati that I would have liked and for the future there’s more potential with BMW.” Redding, who will be replaced by Alvaro Bautista in the Ducati squad, explained.

“It is more of a personal thing. The team have been amazing and are supporting me the best they can but it’s just when I look further down the line it is the right move for my future.”

TOPSY TURVY

Like last year, 2021 has been an up and down season for Redding as his strong performances have been undermined by crashes and poor tyre choices.

“We got off to a good start then had a silly crash in Estoril.” he admits.

“When I look back I should have settled for second but at that point I was still so fixed on winning the championship and not giving Jonathan

any chance possible, I cracked and it lost me 20 points.”

The ship was steadied a little for the Ducati star when he claimed three 4th place finishes in Italy but more trouble was to follow.

“Donington was a disaster for me, crashing at the top of Craner and then choosing the wrong tyres.” Redding reflects as he admits there was another wrong tyre choice in the mixed weather conditions at Aragon.

“It’s been a little bit rocky to be honest.”

Victory at the Czech round in Most plus two wins and a runner-up finish in Assen helped Redding reduce the points gap to reigning champion, Rea and Yamaha’s Toprak Razgatlioglu.

Redding wasn’t happy with Razgatlioglu’s last lap move in their first Most encounter.

“I was pissed off with that.” he complained.

“It was a bit too aggressive for the safety of the track and a little bit naughty. It’s racing but it would have been a completely different story if we SEPTEMBER 2021

WSBK 2021 WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

INTERVIEW

own career has been spent in a more challenging race series.

“You would say that MotoGP is a higher level than World Superbikes and that’s why it is probably a bit more difficult.”

Despite that experience, Rea remained triumphant in 2020.

IT’S NOT OVER UNTIL IT’S OVER.

had both ended up on the ground. But there’s give and take on it so get over it and move on.”

Although his recent results have eased the pressure, Redding’s tyre struggles remain a constant source of frustration.

“In Assen I had the pace to win but struggled with the front, using a different tyre in every race.” he explained.

“It was only the last race that I managed to get the correct one but I was too worried about destroying the front and left it too late.”

PEDIGREE

like a roller coaster and I never give up.

I always give maximum effort on and off track because I want to win. If you don’t work hard and stay on your limit there’s no point bothering. It’s all in or not at all.”

Depriving Jonathan Rea of a seventh consecutive world title is now Redding’s primary aim but he says his desire to be the rider who finally knocks the Ulsterman off his WSBK pedestal isn’t personal.

“I get along with Jonathan although on track I want to beat him every bit as much as he wants to beat me.” he says, pointing out that he feels most of his

“It just wasn’t meant to be.” Redding reflects.

“Fair play to him. We raced head to head all year, kept it clean and I respect my rivals. As much as I hate them on track I want them to come home safe and I will congratulate them. I would hope if I had won the championship he would shake my hand.“ Despite the current points deficit, the 28 year old still retains hopes of claiming the title this season.

“I still want to win the championship.”

Redding says.

“Look what Jonathan did two years ago with Alvaro Bautista. He was miles behind and Alvaro just had to stay on the bike to win the championship but Jonathan won the championship. It’s not over until it’s over.”

WORDS BY MAURICE MONTGOMERY PHOTOGRAPHS BY WSBK

There can’t be any doubt that Redding has the pedigree to win the World Superbike championship. During a career that has seen him race everything from mini motos to MotoGP, the 28 year old has won 125cc Grand Prix races, finished runner-up in the 2013 Moto 2 series and stood on the podium in the premier class.

The Gloucester man returned to the UK racing scene after a disastrous 2018 season with the Gresini Aprilia team, claiming the BSB title with Paul Bird’s Ducati squad before making his move into WSBK. “I’ve had a wild career.” Redding smiles.

“To finish third in two MotoGP races, take wins in Moto2, finish second in the world championship and be the youngest winner in 125s, I’ve had a ball.”

“Aprilia destroyed me psychologically and I had to rebuild myself.” Redding explained.

“I went back to BSB and did what no-one has ever done before. It’s been TOP LEFT: Scott Redding on the Aruba Ducati.

TOP RIGHT: Scott Redding proposes to his girlfriend, Jacey Hayden, on the Most podium after winning in the Czech Republic.

ABOVE: Scott Redding (Aruba Ducati) leading the two men he will have to beat - Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha) - to win the 2021 WSBK title.

SEPTEMBER 2021

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 45

THE TEMPLE MOTORCYCLE CLUB CELEBRATED ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2021 BY HOSTING THE THIRD ROUND OF THE ULSTER SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP AT BISHOPSCOURT DURING AUGUST. A MONTH LATER THE USBK ACTION RETURNED TO KIRKISTOWN AS TWO FIRM SUPERBIKE FRIENDS WERE LOCKED IN BATTLE FOR THE BELFAST AND DISTRICT CLUB’S KING OF KIRKISTOWN CROWN.

46 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

ALISTAIR V ALASTAIR!

SEPTEMBER 2021

A

listair Kirk’s AKR/McCurry Motorsport BMW awning was a haven of peace and tranquility before the superbikes burst into action at Bishopscourt. Accompanied by a small team of helpers led by his wife, Judith and uncle, Jason, the 32 year old waited patiently to take on Alastair Seeley in the opening superbike race.

Former British champion Seeley has returned to domestic competition for 2021.

After posting the fastest lap during qualifying at Bishopscourt, Kirk aimed to provide strong resistance to the Carrick rider’s assault on the USBK title as the Dromara rider targets his own tilt at the championship.

MINI MOTOS

Kirk has come a long way since his first racing experience in 2004 on a Sammy Laffin owned mini moto.

“Sammy opened a mini moto track in Dromara and my job was cleaning the track.” the ever smiling Co. Down man recalls.

“I didn’t get paid but the deal was I could have as many laps around the course as I wanted for free. I must have done 100 a night!

When Sammy hosted a round of the Irish Mini Moto championship, I got a wild card entry, finished in the top three and that was the start!”

After winning the Irish mini moto championship, Kirk switched to an 125cc Aprilia before moving into the Supersport division where he first encountered Seeley. In 2008 he triumphed in the 600cc championship but Kirk feels he should have more title successes on his CV. “I’ve been the bridesmaid more times than I care to remember and there were a few that I should have sewn up.” he says.

“I remember on one occasion when a wet tyre was put on back to front at the final round in 2011 and I finished a couple of points off the championship. When does that ever happen?”

years before he returned I would have been happier but honestly, it’s brilliant. I get on well with him and we have history racing together in the 600s. He is a great lad and is still some pilot as you can see from his results.”

Kirk also feels the arrival of a three-time British champion and the North West 200’s most successful rider in the series has raised

the profile of the USBK championship.

“It lifts the whole status of the series when someone of his calibre is on the grid.” Kirk says.

“He pulls the whole field along and the times at the opening round at Kirkistown were unreal. That was the quickest I have ever gone round that place and it was still only good enough for third.”

CHIP VAN

In 2019 Kirk was locked in battle for the USBK title with Carl Phillips as the season entered its final round at St. Angelo.

“There was just a handful of points between Carl and myself.” he recalls.

“Then someone lost control of a bike and it went down the paddock, nearly wiping out a chip van and half a dozen people. They called it a day at the meeting and declared the championship with Carl Phillips as the winner.”

With a new M1000RR BMW superbike in his stable for 2021, Kirk might have hoped this would be his year to claim his first USBK title but the return of Alastair Seeley to the local short circuit scene has placed a major hurdle in his path.

“Gerard Kinghan retired and Carl Phillips hasn’t come back, so on paper it could have been my year.” Kirk smiles.

“Obviously if Alastair had left it a couple of LEFT: Kirk and Seeley may be USBK rivals but the pair are also the best of friends.

TOP: Ali Kirk (AKR Racing BMW) in action at Bishopscourt.

ABOVE: Alastair Seeley celebrates his King of Kirkistown victory with his family, Danni, Lewis and Olivia.

SEPTEMBER 2021

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 47

COOKSTOWN 100

A crash during the second round at Bishopscourt forced the 32 year old to miss two races. Adding insult to injury, his good friend Michael Sweeney moved ahead of him in the championship standings. The Skerries rider had previously played a major part in enticing Kirk to make his National road racing debut at Cookstown in 2017.

“Michael told me that once I would give the Cookstown a go I would be hooked and become a full-time road racer.” the Dromara rider explains.

“I raced there in 2017 and again in 2018 and I enjoyed it but it nearly scared the life out of me rather than give me a buzz.”

Despite two top ten finishes in the feature race, Kirk wasn’t tempted to make a permanent shift to the between the hedges scene.

“It just didn’t create the fire that I was expecting.” he says.

“I couldn’t see myself doing a full season on the roads. I’m a picker and chooser and some of the roads the boys race on, and fair play to them, you would maybe be safer going about them on my enduro bike.”

racer has no desire to compete in the British championships or even at Mondello Park.

“To be honest it’s down to getting the time off work and money.” the refrigeration engineer explains.

“The two days at the last Bishopscourt meeting cost £1500, between tyres and fuel, and I slipped off so you can multiply that by two.”

Kirk says those costs are always rising.

“It used to be you could get a good superstock bike for £10,000-£15,000 but the BMW M sport is standing me £30,000. I’m not complaining about the cost, it’s just a fact.”

The Dromara man has also been put off by seeing how other Irish racers have been affected when they failed to make a breakthrough on the British scene.

“I know too many great riders who were on top of their game here, went away and it nearly ruined them.” he says.

“Between bad luck and struggling to make it, they came home and retired.”

Sadly, the single make tyre rule that means only Dunlop rubber can be used in the Masters series at Mondello doesn’t work for Kirk or many other riders who do most of their racing north of the border on Pirellis.

NW200, UGP AND IRRC

MARRIED BLISS

Despite his misgivings about the Irish National scene, Kirk has competed at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix plus the Frohburg round of the International Road Racing championship in Germany.

Not a lover of the NW200 circuit, his best result on the north coast was 12th place in the 2017 Superstock race, but the Dromara man enjoyed the flowing nature of Dundrod’s high speed corners. In his Dundrod 150 challenge race debut in 2014, Kirk finished second to fellow newcomer, Peter Hickman.

“It’s a rider’s circuit and my favourite.” he smiles.

“I lapped at nearly 129mph in 2017 which isn’t bad for a part time road racer!”

HOME BIRD

Although he has been willing to spread his wings to the road scene, the Co. Down

“At the minute I enjoy racing here at home.” Kirk says.

“I love my bikes but I love so many other things like going away with Judith or my

mates and riding my enduro bike, so it suits me perfectly.”

Kirk’s wife plays a major part in the running of his race team and he credits her with providing a positive influence on his racing.

“I was worried when I got married it would take the speed off me but now I am more relaxed and even faster.” he smiles.

“That’s down to Judith.”

BISHOPSCOURT AND KIRKISTOWN USBK

Despite his wife’s support, Kirk failed to get the better of Seeley during either of the recent USBK meetings at Bishopscourt and Kirkistown.

In the first Bishopscourt race, the BMW rider led off the line but Seeley had his nose in front on the IFS Yamaha after a couple of laps, winning by 2.817 seconds with Dungannon’s Stephen McAdoo (Connolly’s Service Station Kawasaki) third.

“I was a bit cautious at turn two where I had crashed last time here and that’s where Alastair got past.” Kirk explained.

A torrential rain shower delayed the start of race two and it was Kirk who led the early laps before Seeley made it a double as he battled his way through from third with two laps to go. Jonny Campbell (155 Racing R1 Yamaha) completed the rostrum.

“I thought I had it sorted when I passed Seeley at Ringawaddy on lap two but he came from nowhere to repass me at the same corner a couple of laps from the finish.”

Kirk grimaced.

Seeley also dominated proceedings at Kirkistown. Only one shortened superbike race was run after Andy McAllister suffered leg injuries in a huge crash at Debtors that required the assistance of the NI Air Ambulance. Having qualified on pole, the Carrick rider won the re-started race to claim the ‘King of Kirkistown’ title from Kirk with Jason Lynn third on the JMC Roofing Suzuki.

“I was struggling with a front tyre that kept losing pressure but fair play to Alastair, he was flying.” Kirk admitted as he looks forward to renewing his battle with the Carrick rider at the Bishopscourt’s David Wood Trophy meeting on September 18.

TOP: Alistair Kirk (Kawasaki) leads Guy Martin during his Ulster Grand Prix debut in 2014.

ABOVE: Alistair Kirk finished runner up to Peter Hickman in the Dundrod 150 Challenge race during his Ulster Grand Prix debut in 2014.

48 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

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SEE THE RANGE IN ACTION!

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 49

ann craft to keep Scott Sw to use all of his race t race. por ers Alastair Seeley had Sup wn isto ce of Kirk at bay during the Prin

Darryl Tweed was bac k in action on the Mc Adoo Kawasaki at Kirkistown after his Armoy practice crash.

USBK ROUND UP SUPERSPORT BATTLES

Alastair Seeley suffered only his second defeat of his Supersport and Superbike 2021 campaigns during the second 600cc race at Bishopscourt. After winning the opening encounter on his Life Pass R6 Yamaha, the Carrickfergus rider had to play second fiddle to Gary McCoy in race two.

The Donaghmore man led from start to finish on the Mad Bros Suzuki, beating Seeley by almost five seconds.

“We made a slight change to the gearing for race two and put the hammer down off the line and managed to lead the race from start to finish.” McCoy smiled.

“I still can’t quite believe it.”

“The rear tyre warmer wasn’t plugged in and I had to heat the tyres for a

couple of laps.” Seeley claimed.

“By that time McCoy had checked out.”

At the Kirkistown round, Seeley had to break the Supersport lap record to add the Crown Prince title to his CV after holding off a strong challenge from Scott Swann on the IFS Yamaha with Michael Dunlop third on the MD Racing R6.

“We decided to come here and have a bit of fun rather than go to Snetterton.”

Swann, who competes in the British Supersport championship, explained.

“I got a good start in the 600 race and I knew Alastair would come back. He passed me down the back straight so I just sat behind him because the stuff you can learn from him is priceless. I was never close enough to make the pass.”

The win completed what Seeley described as a “perfect weekend”.

“We qualified on pole, took the race wins and set a new lap record.” the Carrick man smiled.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without a great team behind me.”

McADOO KAWASAKI RETURN

After sitting out the big bike races at Armoy to protect his injured arm, McAdoo Kawasaki’s Adam McLean was back in the superbike fray on his ZX10 at Bishopscourt, claiming two 5th place finishes.

McLean’s McAdoo teammate, Darryl Tweed, didn’t race at Armoy or Bishopscourt after crashing during practice for the Co. Antrim roads event but the Ballymoney man returned to action at Kirkistown. Tweed now has his sights set on the Cookstown 100.

BELOW: Alastair Seeley (134, IFS Yamaha) leads the superbike pack off the line at the start of King of Kirkistown race.

50 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

SEPTEMBER 2021

JORDAN SWITCH

Paul Jordan had his first outing on the Isle of Man- based Prez Racing’s R6 Yamaha at Bishopscourt after splitting with the Burrows/RK Racing squad after Armoy.

“It is a test to see what I think of the bike and just see what materialises.” the Magherafelt rider said after finishing 5th in the opening 600 race. Jordan didn’t ride at Kirkistown.

CUP EVENTS

David Ambrose and Damien Horgan were the Superbike Cup winners at Bishopscourt as Darryl Anderson held off Adam Crooks to take victory at Kirkistown. In the Supersport Cup events, Jamie Lyons and Jamie Collins shared the spoils at Bishopscourt as Liam Chawke won at Kirkistown.

SUPERTWINS

Dungannon’s Kevin Lavery claimed a Supertwin double as Ryan Fenton and

Mark Abraham shared the honours in the production class at Bishopscourt.

Fenton won the Supertwin race at Kirkistown with Abraham victorious in the Production event.

SUPERSPORT 300

Cameron Dawson won the opening race on the MSS Kawasaki before deciding to sit out the second event after heavy rain fell at Bishopscourt.

Moneymore’s Jack Ferris claimed the win. At Kirkistown Ajay Carey rode his KMR/Dawson Yamaha to a comfortable victory in the class while Ballymena’s Kai McClintock took the Studio 16 Kawasaki to victory in the Mid Antrim MotoOne class.

MOTO3/LIGHTWEIGHT

Kells rider Ross Moore rode Bob Wylie’s Honda to pole and two convincing wins in the Moto3 class at Bishopscourt. Despite poor starts, the Kells youngster set fastest laps to claim a double victory over British championship

regular, Rossi Dobson and he continued his winning ways at Kirkistown.

Mark Camblin (Honda) and Alvin Griffin ( Kawasaki) had wins apiece in the Lightweight Supersport class at Bishopscourt.

PRE-INJECTION

Dubliner Derek O’Donnell (600cc class) and Roslea’s Andrew Brady (1000cc) did the winning in the pre-injection races at both meetings.

CLASSIC

Andy Kildea, Alex Conroy, David McVicker, George Stinson, Nicky Lamb, Linton Irwin, Brian Mateer and Sam Kinkead were Classic race winners over both meetings.

WORDS BY MAURICE MONTGOMERY AND STEPHEN DAVISON PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAURICE MONTGOMERY, ROD NEILL AND STEPHEN DAVISON

TOP LEFT: Paul Jordan tested the Prez R6 Yamaha at Bishopscourt.

TOP RIGHT: Jonny Campbell (155, Yamaha) pipped Gary McCoy (13, Suzuki) to third place in the second Superbike race at Bishopscourt.

SEPTEMBER 2021

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 51

motoGP

2021

Espargaro had claimed his first pole position for the Repsol backed squad but it was the French Yamaha rider who dominated the race, leading 2019 British GP winner, Alex Rins (Suzuki) home by 2.66 seconds with Pol Espargaro’s brother, Aleix claiming third on the factory Aprilia.

Quartararo’s main championship rivals, Joan Mir, Johann Zarco and Francesco Bagnaia all suffered a nightmare weekend at Silverstone, finishing 9th, 11th and 14th respectively.

Behind them Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha) suffered the ignominy of finishing 18th in his last British Grand Prix appearance as his nemesis, Marc Marquez, crashed out on the opening lap after skittling Jorge Martin’s Ducati on his Repsol Honda.

Two 4th place finishes in the Austrian and British Grands Prix compensated for a disastrous 14th in the Styrian race for Sam Lowes as the British rider remains 4th in the Moto 2 standings, over 100 points behind series leader Remy Gardner.

LYONS ROARS TO VICTORY!

FABULOUS FABIO EDGES CLOSER TO 2021 MOTOGP WORLD TITLE 2021 MotoGP championship leader Fabio Quartararo reasserted his title challenge in stunning style with an emphatic victory in the British Grand Prix on the Monster Energy Yamaha.

Series leader Quartararo has now opened a massive 65 point lead in the championship standings after demolishing the opposition at Silverstone in August’s third Grand Prix race.

The Frenchman had finished third and seventh in the two previous races at Austria’s Red Bull Ring as Spain’s Jorge Martin claimed his and Pramac Ducati’s maiden Grand Prix win in the Styrian race ahead of reigning world champion Joan Mir on the Suzuki.

A week later Brad Binder was the victor at the same venue in the Austrian GP after heavy rain produced a chaotic finale to the race. The South African steered his slick shod

KTM to a brilliant win in the factory’s home race as most of the rest of the field opted to pit for full wet rubber during the closing laps.

“The biggest problem was no brakes.”

Binder explained.

“The carbon brakes were cold and as soon as the rear tyre cooled off I couldn’t open the throttle either. Somehow I made it round the track, and a couple of times I thought it was over but I kept it up straight. So happy, so happy this gamble paid off.”

Behind Binder, who had finished 4th the previous weekend, Italy’s Francesco Bagnaia took second on the factory Ducati with Jorge Martin claiming the final rostrum place to make it a great week at the Red Bull Ring for the Spanish rider.

After slumping to 7th in the second Austrian race, series leader Quartararo bounced back at Silverstone. Honda’s Pol

Omagh’s Jamie Lyons made it a British Grand Prix to remember as the 16 year old claimed his first Honda Talent Cup victory at Silverstone.

The C&M Motors Ltd/ Tooltec rider was the winner of a thrilling race one duel on Saturday with Microlise Cresswell’s, Casey O’Gorman. Lyons took the chequered flag by just 0.013 seconds and completed a memorable weekend by finishing second in Sunday’s second event behind O’Gorman.

“I have to be happy with a first and second at the British Grand Prix.” the Omagh teenager beamed.

“Being on the massive Silverstone circuit the race felt very long. In race one I rehearsed the moves a few times and made it work at Stowe at the end of the Hanger straight. I thought he was going to come back at me into the chicane but he didn’t and I managed to hold him off. It was some buzz to cross the line and win at the British Grand Prix and it felt like a proper podium standing up there where the GP riders would stand.”

Lyons has now closed the gap in the title race to 46 points from championship leader, Evan Bedford, with six races left.

PICTURES BY MAURICE MONTGOMERY

TOP: Fabio Quartararo celebrates winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on the Monster Energy Yamaha.

ABOVE: Jamie Lyons stands on the top step of the Silverstone podium after winning his first Honda British Talent Cup race from Casey O’Gorman and Carter Brown.

52 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

SEPTEMBER 2021

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The turbo bike wheelie competition was won by Damo Hirst with a 191.146mph wheelie and the normally aspirated class was won by Manx Grand Prix Senior Race winner Matt Stevenson with a 150.392mph wheelie.

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ROAD RACING IRELAND | 53

MARTIN HAGON INTERVIEW Motorcycling, speed and manufacturing runs in the Hagon family. Martin Hagon was a speedway, grasstrack and longtrack rider. His father was the famous speedway and drag racing competitor Alf Hagon.

In 1967 Alf was the first rider to break the 10-second ¼ mile sprint barrier in the UK. In 1968 he recorded the first 200mph run in the UK, hitting 206mph over a flying mile.

Sam Hagon now flies the racing flag for the Hagon family pursuing a successful career in Speedway, clinching the 2019 British 250cc Speedway Championship.

After initially establishing the company in 1958, Alf retired from racing to concentrate on business interests in the early 1970’s and the self-taught engineer began

manufacturing off-road competition frames, forks and other components, later developing into the production of the now famous Hagon shock absorbers. If you’ve been around classic bikes long enough you will either have heard of them, spotted the wee blue logo on many a twin shock set-up or indeed bought them yourself to replace standard equipment on your motorcycle.

The company has been running for over 60 years now and a quick search on their website reveals one of their first product catalogues, from the year 1971 which makes interesting reading and is worth checking out. In that year, the Old Grey Whistle Test was broadcast for the first time on BBC, Giacomo Agostini would claim his 10th World

Championship beating Mike Hailwood’s record, and Ray Mc Cullough won the 250cc World Championship round at Dundrod.

Buying parts in 1971, was through a postal service operating Cash On Delivery by return post. A complete 350 or 500cc Hagon JAP grasstracker would set you back £175, however my favourite line from the catalogue is in the Hagon Forks section. One set of Hagon Dragster forks were delivered to your door COD for £18, not bad. But the bragging rights for your mates were even better. The catalogue goes on to say, ‘Hagon Dragster forks, tested in excess of 200mph without brake anchor!’ It goes on to advise, ‘when fitting forks to frame, make sure the spindle bolt is tight’!

RRI caught up with Martin Hagon to ask a few questions about racing and engineering:

BEGINNINGS:

My dad was initially involved in the grass track side of things, he was still racing at the time and at that stage people were racing converted road bikes. He started making his own frames to compete in grasstracking for himself and when others inquired about buying them, he started making frames for other people and it progressed and got bigger from there. What he was looking for wasn’t really made at the time so he made it himself.

WAS RACING SUCCESS DOWN TO RIDING SKILL OR ENGINEERING? I think they are two very different things.

He was self-taught and from making the frames, you learn as you go along with

TOP: Alf Hagon.

Above: Martin, Alf and Sam Hagon.

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the engineering side of things. He was a very clever engineer and a very brilliant motorcycle rider really.

DID HIS SUCCESS INFLUENCE YOU TO GET INTO RACING AND ENGINEERING?

Yeah this is how lots of kids get involved.

We were always going to race meetings and have done all my life. I started to ride at the age of eight and he had finished riding by then. It continued then with me riding and he put a lot of work into that. I continued racing until 1997 and then started to focus on the business.

WHAT’S THE MOST ENJOYABLE ASPECT OF THE BUSINESS:

I think dealing with the general public and the positive feedback we get from customers at shows. We do a lot of monoshock conversions where we lower the seat height for riders whose bikes are too tall for them. We get a lot of feedback saying this has totally transformed bikes for them.

Manufacturers have to cater for such a wide range of riders in height and weight, where we are specifically building them for customer weight and use, we can build it for you if you are 60kg or 140kg. This is critical for the set-up of suspension on a motorcycle.

HAS TECHNOLOGY HELPED DEVELOP THE COMPANY?

Not really, manufacturing techniques and machining etc mean we can get things out a bit more quickly now, but still a rider’s weight is the most critical aspect of the build and we can do that.

CURRENT RACING INVOLVEMENT:

We supply a lot of the classic stuff for racing, we don’t do any race teams as such as we provide a direct replacement for shocks at a competitive rate and price.

We do mainly the classic racing and twin shock series. For example at the minute the CB500 Cup requires riders to use our shocks because it is an affordable series and they use our product as an affordable option to keep costs down.

ADVICE FOR RRI READERS:

A lot of suspension setup comes down to personal preference to a certain degree.

You can have the same bikes with two riders who are the same weight and they might want two different set-ups just because they like the feel of how it is. If you are taller, you might want a bit more preload to raise the height of the seat, if you’re shorter we can reduce it. Just call us up and have a chat on the phone.

Sam Hagon racing for Mildenhall Speedway at Leicester.

Mono Shocks • Built to suit your rider weight & riding style • 2 year guarantee • Fully re-buildable • Stainless 304L damper body • Billet machined mounts • 18mm piston rod • Made In England

£325.00

Sam started his racing career at City of Industry in California.

SEPTEMBER 2021

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www.hagon-shocks.co.uk Tel: 020 8502 6222 ROAD RACING IRELAND | 55

TEN MINUTES WITH

As co-ordinator of the Dunlop Masters championship and the man who looks after media for Mondello Park, Fergus Brennan is the face of motorcycle racing at the County Kildare circuit. .

FERGUS BRENNAN was a photo of a Formula 2 car from the 1970s at the Nurburgring, in the air over one off the jumps. I was absolutely fascinated with it and I think that’s where my interest started from.

DATE OF BIRTH

1st November 1962

HOMETOWN:

Kill, Co. Kildare

DID YOU EVER COMPETE?

I competed in cars and in rallycross. I drove in Formula Vee, a single seater car class that is very strictly controlled.

They are all built with components

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST INVOLVEMENT IN MOTORSPORT?

I started to marshal at 15 even though you were supposed to be 18! I have been coming to Mondello Park since I was a child and when I saw the jobs the marshals did I just wanted to get involved. That was in 1977 and the first few jobs that I was given kept me off the track but I got more involved as time went on.

WAS THERE MOTORSPORT IN YOUR FAMILY?

No and no-one in my family could understand my love for the sport. I put it down to my dad being a printer as he used to get calendars from Agfa, the colour film company. He brought one home and put it up on the wall. There

ABOVE: Fergus Brennan competeing in a car race at Phoenix Park, Dublin.

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from a Volkswagen. I also competed in rallycross and although I didn’t compete in a race, I actually had a go as a passenger in a sidecar as well.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DUNLOP MASTERS SERIES TO BIKE RACING AT MONDELLO PARK?

The bikes produce much more interest than the cars with the number of competitors being higher, especially in recent years. Spectator numbers have always been slightly bigger for bikes as well and we have realised the potential for bikes to grow probably bigger than cars.

A lot of it comes from the fact that cars are not that accessible whereas a guy can easily go from riding his road bike on track days into racing. The interest in racing also feeds into Mondello Park’s Track Day’s which are a large part of Mondello Park’s business.

HOW DO TRACK DAY PRICES COMPARE BETWEEN MONDELLO AND OTHER TRACKS IN IRELAND?

I have no idea what they charge at Kirkistown or how much track time riders get, for example. All I can say is that all tracks have constraints to work under with their various running costs and every track is different. It is hard to compare two.

DO YOU THINK THAT THE RIDERS ARE BEING DENIED THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE IN AN IRISH SUPERBIKE SHORT CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIP BY THE SINGLE MAKE TYRE RULE THAT THE MASTERS SERIES OPERATES UNDER AT MONDELLO AND DO YOU THINK THAT IT IS FEASIBLE TO HAVE AN IRISH CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE FUTURE?

It isn’t possible to answer that question without getting into the politics of the sport. The Masters and the national championship started to diverge because we wanted to do certain things with the championship. We wanted it run as one entity with one organisation controlling what happens at each event and we would have found difficulty with the events going to circuits where the organisers did their own thing.

The only way we feel that a national championship could return would be for all events to be run under the same format by roughly the same people north and south.

Look at the way world motorsport is being run. There is nowhere that I know of where one championship is run by a number of different clubs who come in with their own ideas on how to do it.

The only way forward is for a managed championship that hopefully one day will cross the border.

YOU DID HAVE ROUNDS OF THE MASTERS IN BISHOPSCOURT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS?

Yes, and we loved going there. It worked for a couple of years but again, I don’t want to get into the politics of it.

What I will say is that the emergence of the Ulster Superbike Championship changed the landscape and made it more difficult to get dates on which we could race in the Ulster Centre.

GOING FORWARD WITH MONDELLO PARK, CAN YOU SEE A BSB MEETING COMING BACK HERE? No, I can’t see that happening.

The BSB is controlled by a central organization which is focussed on their own sponsors and events.

Since the BSB has been here with us it has become massive. Most of the tracks they go to now are controlled by Jonathan Palmer’s MSV, which is also heavily involved in the BSB, so they have a lot of control. That control allows them to do what works best for the series and that has been a big factor in its growth.

For the BSB to come to Ireland or any other overseas venue, such as Assen, some of that control is lost and a lot of expense is added. In addition, many of the championship and team sponsors don’t operate in Ireland, so there is less benefit for them coming here. In recent

years the series has moved away from Mallory Park and Croft, so getting it to add a venue is going to involve an enormous amount of work and expense. Anyone who wants to host a BSB round will have no guarantee of recouping their investment, as Mondello Park found out the year the event was rained off.

DOES THE ABSENCE OF AN IRISH SHORT CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIP NOT SIMPLY MOTIVATE MORE IRISH RIDERS TO FOLLOW IN THE WHEELTRACKS OF RIDERS LIKE JONATHAN REA AND SIMPLY GO STRAIGHT TO BRITAIN WHERE THE COMPETITION IS MUCH STRONGER?

No I don’t think so, because I think there has always been a tendency for too many young riders to go to the BSB too early. Instead of becoming winners at home first, they head for the BSB with no preparation for the levels of competition that they will face.

When you are learning your trade it does not matter what the title or the series is, whether that’s the Masters, USBK or National Championship, it’s all experience and the riders who have done best when they went to the BSB have all been race winners at home before they made the move.

THERE IS CURRENTLY A PLAN BEING DISCUSSED TO BRING A BSB ROUND TO BISHOPSCOURT. IF THAT SUCCEEDS WHERE WILL THAT LEAVE MONDELLO PARK? What happens at Bishopscourt with BSB will not effect Mondello Park directly as the circuit has no plans to try and bring the BSB back to Kildare.

If Bishopscourt secures a BSB event, it can only be good for the sport as it will raise awareness across the whole Island.

WORDS BY JACK CORRY PICTURES BY JACK CORRY, ROD NEILL AND STEPHEN DAVISON

TOP: Fergus Brennan interviews Gerard Kinghan after the Randalstown rider won the Norman Brown Memorial Trophy in 2017.

ABOVE: Cody Nally and Conor Parkhill receive their awards from Fergus Brennan at the Adelaide Motorbike awards in 2015.

SEPTEMBER 2021

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 57

KEVIN TURNS THE ‘KEYES’ ON DUNLOP

U

sing all of his British championship experience, County Offaly’s Kevin Keyes defeated road racing hero, Michael Dunlop, in Mondello’s Supersport Pro races.

The 19 times TT winner, fresh from winning five races at Armoy, was using the Co. Kildare event as a warm-up for the Cookstown 100 on his MD Racing Yamaha R6.

Confused by a new starting light procedure that has been installed at Mondello since his last visit, Dunlop was caught out when the lights changed.

Languishing in sixth place, the Ballymoney man made a good recovery to work his way up to second but Keyes Kawasaki ZX6 was too far up the road to catch. Keyes performance was all the more impressive as he was nursing an injured right ankle following a cycling incident during training in the run-up to the race weekend.

“That was a special victory in my career.” Keyes smiled.

Dunlop avenged the defeat in Sunday morning’s second encounter, sticking to his Edenderry rival’s back wheel for the entire race before diving up the

inside at the final corner to win the drag race to the line.

“He is a good goer.” Dunlop smiled. “A very tidy wee rider, very smooth.”

With a win each, Sunday evening’s final race was billed as a Supersport showdown with Dunlop getting the better of Keyes as the Kawasaki rider emulated the Ballymoney man’s tactics from their previous encounter. Only 0.013 seconds separated the pair in a dramatic photo finish with Keyes getting the verdict.

“This is an amazing feeling, it was a hard-fought race,” the delighted Offaly man beamed. ”Michael was my childhood hero and to beat him twice is unbelievable. It was a serious pace in that last race. He closed me out in the final corner but I said there is no way he is having this and I just hoped for the best in the run to the finish.”

Keyes weekend was topped off in fine style when it was confirmed that he is to return to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship paddock with G&S Racing, racing in the National Superstock 600cc races.

TOP: Keven Keyes keeps his ZX6 Kawasaki ahead of Michael Dunlop’s MD Racing R6 Yamaha at Mondello.

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SHEILS SLENDER DUNLOP MASTERS LEAD W ith just six races remaining in the Dunlop Masters Irish Superbike championship, Derek Sheils holds a narrow three-point advantage over Mondello specialist Richie Ryan after Ryan took two wins to Sheils’ sole victory at the August round.

Although it was the first time during 2021 that Sheils finished all three races on his Macau Roadhouse BMW, the Dubliner admitted he had struggled with tyre preservation. It has been a regular issue for the veteran road racer who lost out to Yamaha mounted Ryan in the first and third races.

Former championship leader, Michael Sweeney, has dropped to third place on the MJR BMW. Thomas O’Grady continues to impress, taking runner up finishes to claim 4th place in the series, just a single point behind Sweeney.

Emmet O’Grady was full of praise for his mechanics who rebuilt his Honda Fireblade after getting caught up in a first corner melee during the opening race. Northern Ireland’s Luke Johnston, the winner in June’s opening clash,

crashed out of race two and failed to start the final race on his BMW.

MONDELLO ROUND UP

Evan O’Grady continues to lead the Superbike Cup category but Shane Connolly has now won six races in a row.

The Cavan rider sat out the opening race weekend in June but seems unstoppable in the race to championship glory.

Scott McRory won the opening Supersport Cup race on Saturday before Jamie Collins scored back-to-back victories on Sunday.

Michael Sweeney’s domination of the Supertwin class during 2021 came to an end on Saturday after a fuel pump issue sidelined the Skerries rider and allowed Kevin Baker to claim his first win in the class. Sweeney was back in front in Sunday morning’s race but another mechanical issue in race three gave Baker his double.

Garreth Morrell took his first Production Twin win of the season while Darragh

Crean was on top for races two and three.

Lee Hara took two wins in the Moto One class while Reuben Sherman-Boyd topped the timesheets in the third race of the weekend.

Stephen Tobin has been dominant in the Moto 400 category and has now won all nine rounds contested so far this year.

Michael Prendergast dominated the Classic Superbike class taking all three wins.

Reece Coyne is the major force in Junior Supersport and has now won seven of the nine 2021 races.

The meeting attracted Pre-Injection 1000 runners for the first time this season as Kenneth O’Gorman took all three wins. Ian Prendergast won the 600cc races, taking his season tally to six in a row.

The returning Dylan Lynch and Aaron Galligan won the opening two sidecar races before being denied at the line by Mark Codd and Liam Gordon in the final race.

WORDS BY SEAN MORIARITY PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOE CONNOLLY

BELOW: Michael Sweeney (65, MJR BMW) gets the holeshot in the Dunlop Masters third Superbike encounter at Mondello but it was Richie Ryan (83, Yamaha) who took the win.

SEPTEMBER 2021

ROAD RACING IRELAND | 59

A

SEARCHING FOR THE NEXT J REA IRISH MINI GP SERIES

ugust’s Dunlop Masters meeting at Mondello Park incorporated a round of the new Mini GP class, a series initiated by the FIM, the world’s governing body of bike sport, aimed at attracting youngsters into two wheeled competition.

All of the competitors were mounted on Italian-built Ohvale mini bikes supplied by the world’s fastest road racer and Ohvale distributor, Peter Hickman. Two of the six Irish rounds have already been run and the top three finishers in the championship will join 33 other youngsters from all over the world in a showdown in Valencia in November.

“There are 12 countries involved in this project.” Daire Lowe, Ireland’s FIM delegate, explained.

“We see this as a real stepping stone for young riders. The age limit is 14.”

OPPORTUNITY TO PROGRESS

Amongst the runners at Mondello was Jack Burrrows, the 11 year old son of former road racer-cum-team boss, John Burrows. A veteran of the Irish Mini Bike championship and junior kart racing, Jack was the winner of the opening race at Mondello.

“This is my first time here.” the Dungannon youngster smiled.

“19 years ago my dad took part in his first race at Mondello so it’s great to follow him and also start with a win. I know that I started late in this championship but I will be taking in all the remaining rounds.

I hope this will be an opportunity to progress on two wheels.”

Jack’s Dad had tried to offer the benefit of his vast racing experience to his son but his track walk turned out to be around the wrong circuit layout!

“While you always want your own kid to win, you have to remember that there are other mothers and fathers in the paddock as well.” John said.

“I am tremendously proud of Jack’s performance considering we only got the bike last week and he has never even been to Mondello, never mind raced here.”

With three years to go before Jack reaches the age limit, he has plenty of time to learn his racing trade.

“I will maybe try to go to Moto 3 at the MCUI events and would hope to obtain a wild card in the British Talent Cup.” he said.

Wicklow’s Josh O’ Brien has already reached 14, progressing from grasstrack events to competing on tarmac on a 125cc Aprilia before he entered the new international minibike series.

REFINING THE SKILLS

Josh’s father, Robbie, is well aware of the costs of bike racing but feels the Mini GP class offers youngsters an opportunity to progress. “They can learn their craft on the smaller bikes.” he said.

“It’s cheaper and affordable and has great potential for bigger and better things in the future. Josh has the dream to end up in BSB or possibly further. This class is there for him to hopefully move on.”

There have been a number of recent fatalities involving young riders, leading to calls for age limits to be imposed on more powerful machinery. Does Robbie have concerns about his son’s safety?

“My daughter races horses and I got injuries when I was racing myself.” he said.

“While motocross is a great starter I think tarmac can bring less injuries because it refines the skills.”

OVERDUE

Brian Hamilton, the son of well known Northern Irish race sponsor, Davy Hamilton, is currently leading the Irish Mini GP series.

“We just have to look at the way our riders are progressing at all levels in BSB and World Superbikes.” Davy says.

“The kids are learning so quickly and they are growing up looking at the likes of Rossi, Marquez and, of course, Jonathan Rea. You only have to look at the riding in the Moto 3 world championship where you have 30 riders battling for a win.”

Hamilton feels the introduction of the new youth series is long overdue.

“The kids of their age that are riding in Europe are competitive from a very early age as they have competition like this in their own country.” he explained.

“If I am lucky enough to qualify for Valencia I will try my best to see what I can do as it is an opportunity that I don’t want to miss.” his son, Brian, said.

“I want to go forward on the tracks as I have no intention to progress on to the roads.”

Shane Whearty’s sons, Max and Finnan, have a lot of experience competing on the smaller machines in Ireland and the UK. “I am enjoying this class as it is very competitive which is good for all of the riders.” 12 year old Finnan said.

“I am having some great battles with Brian and Josh and now we have Jack Burrows in the class we will have to be on our toes if we want to progress to Valencia. This is a dream of mine so it is down to me to grasp this opportunity and move on.”

WORDS BY JACK CORRY PICTURES BY JACK CORRY AND JOE CONNOLLY

TOP: Jack Burrows leads Brian Hamilton and Josh O’Brien in the opening Mini GP series race at Mondello.

ABOVE: Mini GP Series race winner at Mondello, Josh O’Brien (centre) with runner up Brian Hamilton (left) and third placed Jack Burrows.

60 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

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I have to admit I not only watched the Monster Energy, British Moto GP race, but also the highlights, it was that good!

Fabio Quartararo fought for and gained the lead and held it, but Alex Rhins chased just as hard for a finish in 2nd place, and Aleix Espargaro’s Aprilia holding 3rd place from Jack Millar got just as much attention from the commentators. The Aprilia success in moving from two to four stroke engines saw 3rd place almost like a win, as they progressed and developed for several years to make that ‘victory.’

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62 | ROAD RACING IRELAND

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FINAL

FRAME

As he went down, Deignan became entangled with Wauter’s MV.

“I was absolutely gutted because I had dropped two places but as we came out of Wheeler’s I got the slipstream back on Stefan Wauter’s MV Augusta. I followed Stefan into Tournagrough but he missed a gear on the down shift and I clipped his rear tyre with my front wheel and crashed.”

“On the run from Jordan’s Cross up to Wheeler’s, two bikes passed me using my slipstream.” he recalls.

But take a closer look and it is obvious all is not as it should be. The rider in the orange jacket is Stephen Deignan, a Dundrod newcomer.

Take a quick glance at this picture from the Ulster Grand Prix in 2018 and you might think a rider is simply getting a lift back to the paddock after stopping out on the course, something that happens regularly in a road race.

PHOTOGRAPH BY STEVE MCDONALD

“I count myself lucky that I got away with that though.”

“Stefan was fine and walked away but I ended up with torn muscles and ligament damage above my right knee which took two years to heal.” he says.

Photographer Steve McDonald was on hand to capture the madness of the moment that ended with a trip to hospital for Deignan.

“Because I was tangled up on his bike that meant I crashed twice!” Deignan smiles.

Wauter didn’t know what was happening until the sudden arrival of his new passenger saw him also lose control.

“I ended up wedged by my pelvis in between his rear wheel and seat unit!” he recalls.

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