BOASTING world-class riders from all corners of the globe and thousands of fans each year, the Armoy Road Races is set to return to the County Antrim village this summer, running from 26th – 27th July.
Today (Wednesday 19th June), members of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club (AMRRC) welcomed this year’s sponsors to the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae to officially launch the event.
Title sponsor of the Race of Legends, Trevor Kane, owner of the Bayview Hotel welcomed road racers and invited guests, which included the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ciaran McQuillan. Attendees heard from Chairman and Clerk of Course, William Munnis as he outlined this year’s racing schedule and paid tribute to all those who work to ensure the success of the Armoy Road Races.
Invited guests also had an opportunity to meet road racers Dominic Herbertson, Jeremy McWilliams, Ryan Whitehall and Neil Kernohan, who were in attendance.
Trevor Kane, Bayview Hotel with road racers (LtoR) Dominic Herbertson, Jeremy McWilliams, Neil Kernohan and Ryan Whitehall.
Speaking about the event, Club Chairman and Clerk of Course, William Munnis commented:
“The Armoy Road Races is currently in its 15th year and what a decade and a half it has been.
“As a club we are honoured to see it grow to the hugely successful event that it is today, attracting riders and fans from all corners of the globe and we expect this year to be no different.
“Race entries are closing on Monday 24th June and alongside the strong representation of home-grown talent, we’re also seeing riders from as far away as Germany and France, who will be vying for the top spot.”
Turning his attention to this year’s sponsors, William continued:
“I’ve said it numerous times before, but we are truly indebted to each and every one of our sponsors who kindly support the event every year – without them, it simply wouldn’t be feasible. We are very lucky to have the support of a number of local businesses and individuals who clearly love the sport just as much as we do.
“Sincere thanks to our sponsors, Hilton Car Sales, Ian Hickinson, James McKillop, Raymond Hodges and TT Racing, BDS Motorcycles, the Diamond Bar, the Mermaid Club, MJF Builders, Causeway Geotech, Fay Stewart, Taggart’s Barn, Park Electrical Services, Brap Moto and the Bayview Hotel. We’re also welcoming new sponsors, AP Louden and John M Paterson Ltd on board this year.”
Meanwhile, road racer Dominic Herbertson, who has competed at Armoy for the last number of years, said after the launch:
“The Armoy Road Races is something I look forward to year on year as it has become one of the most prestigious competitions in the Irish road racing calendar.
“This year, I will be riding for Burrows Engineering /RK Racing and competing in the Open, Supersport and Race of Legends class. If the last few years are anything to go by, the competition will be incredibly tough but, I’m up for the challenge and will be doing all I can to be standing on a podium or two.”
Road racers confirmed for this year include TAS Racing’s Davey Todd on his TT wining bike, Jamie Coward with KTS supported by local man Stanley Stewart Racing. Derek Shiels, Mike Sweeney are also scheduled to race alongside Mike Browne on an Aprilia bike – the first time such a bike will be at Armoy.
Title Sponsor and Bayview Hotel owner, Trevor Kane:
“I’m delighted to have been associated with the Armoy Road Races since its inception. The Bayview Hotel has a strong affinity with this tremendous sport, and I look forward to July, some good dry weather and safe and exciting road racing.”
This year, Bike Week runs from Sunday 21st July with the races taking place on Friday 26th July and Saturday 27th July 2024 culminating in the Bayview Hotel ‘Race of Legends.’ The Armoy Road Races are part funded by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
For more information on Armoy Road Races, visit armoyroadraces.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on X @ArmoyRoadRaces.