Jonathan Rea named Irish Motorcyclist of the Year for third year in a row

Jonathan Rea has lifted yet another trophy as he was named Irish Motorcyclist of the Year at last night’s Cornmarket Bike Awards.

The three time back-to-back World Superbike Champion took home the Joey Dunlop trophy for the third time in the row, becoming only the second rider ever to do so – the other was Dunlop himself. Rea has now won the award five times having previously been given it in 2007 and 2008. It comes after he placed second in BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year in December.

It was a successful night for the Reas at the annual awards – held once again at the Ramada in Belfast – as TT winner Jonathan Rea Snr was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Kawasaki stalwart and Jonny Rea Jnr’s crew chief Pere Riba was also presented with an Outstanding Achievement award.

The presentations were kicked off with a Special Recognition Award for the Enkalon Motorcycle Club – the group who originally founded the Bike Awards – who are due to step away from motorcycle racing after over 40 years of service. The club were presented their award by Eugene Laverty.

Glenn Irwin won two awards including the Greenlight TV Special Recognition Award. The BSB rider won at both the North West 200 and Macau Grand Prix in 2017 and was given the award for entertaining on the track. He also picked up the award for Race of the Year after the North West 200 Superbike race was voted the best by fans. It was a thrilling battle between Irwin, Seeley – who was also there to receive the award – and Ian Hutchinson. Graeme Irwin was also victorious as he won Off Road Rider of the Year.

2017 Irish and Ulster Supertwin, Supersport, and Superbike Champion Derek McGee picked up the award for National Road Racer of the Year after a highly successful year on the roads. Peter Hickman – whose 2017 road racing results included a hat-trick of victories at the Ulster Grand Prix – was named International Road Racer of the Year.

Philip McCallen was on hand to present his sponsored award to the Young Rider of the Year Richard Kerr. Kerr finished fourth in this year’s Motostar British Championship just six points off third place. Cornmarket’s founder Sam Geddis received the Services to Motorcycling Award.

Last year’s British Supersport champion Keith Farmer won the award for Best Rider on British Short Circuits. Jason Lynn, who was recently named Young Rider of the Year at the Masters Superbike Championship awards at the end of last year, picked up the award for Short Circuit Rider of the Year after winning the Masters Supersport championship. Tyco BMW were named Team of the Year.

 

 

 

Jonathan Rea named Irish Motorcyclist of the Year

World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea was last night named Irish Motorcyclist of the Year. He was presented with the Joey Dunlop Trophy for the third time at the annual Cornmarket Enkalon Motorbike Awards, having previously taken the honours at the 2007 and 2008 events.

The annual award ceremony took place at the Ramada Plaza in Belfast and brought together many high profile names in the world of motorcycle racing.

While Rea took the main award other Northern Irish riders were also successful. William Dunlop – who was unbeaten in the Supersport class in last year’s National road races – was named National Road Racer of the Year while Lee Johnston picked up an Outstanding Achievement Award for his work with F13k Cancer. British Superstock champion Josh Ellott was named Best Rider on UK and Irish Circuits with Andy Reid collecting the award for Race of the Year.

There were posthumous awards for Owen McNally – who was inducted into the Hall of Fame – and Dr John Hinds. Injured rider Jamie Hamilton presented an award to Dr Janet Acheson for the late Dr Hinds for his services to motorbike racing. Kevin Keyes was named Young Rider of the Year.

Elsewhere Sidecarcross duo Neil Campbell and Ross Graham received the UK Off Road Award while Motocross team Hitachi KTM UK won Team of the Year. Ian Hutchinson was awarded Internatonal Road Racer of the Year following his return to form this season, including three wins at the Isle of Man TT.

Michael Dunlop named 2014 Adelaide Irish Motorcyclist of the Year

Michael Dunlop has been named the Irish Motorcyclist of the Year at the 2014 Adelaide Awards at the Ramada in Belfast.

Dunlop beat off competition from Alistair Seeley, Jonathan Rea, 2013 winner Eugene Laverty, Michael Laverty, Glenn Irwin and Jack Kennedy who were all voted into the final seven shortlist via a public vote. It is the first time he has won the Enkalon Joey Dunlop Trophy, previously won by his dad Robert Dunlop and uncle Joey Dunlop. The 11-time TT winner – including four wins in 2014 and the first for BMW in 75 years – also picked up the award for International Road Racer of the Year.

There were a number of other awards handed out on the night with many stars of track and road in attendance. The Red Bull Young Rider of the Year award was given to Andy Reid, who last year raced 600 Superstock. Richard McNeill was given the Institute of Advanced Motorists Outstanding Achievement award while Bishopscourt owner Jim O’Brien was awarded the RPS Group Racing Services to Motorcycling. Lee Johnston – who has enjoyed a successful year on the roads – was awarded the Greenlight TV Special Recognition award. John Burrows Racing picked up Team of the Year while Seeley was named Black Horse Best Rider on UK and Ireland Circuits. Despite missing out on the main award, Rea was awarded the Black Horse Short Circuit Rider of the Year.

National Road Racer of the Year was Michael Sweeney while Tom Herron – who won the Enkalon trophy back in 1978 – was inducted into the Belleek Hall of Fame. Sunday Life Off Road Rider of the Year was Mark McLernon.

Michael Dunlop didn’t enjoy all the glory, however, as brother William picked up an award as well. The A McLean Bookmakers Race of the Year – which was voted for by the public – was awarded to William following his scintillating duel with Michael in the first Superbike race at the North West 200. William went on to win the race – his first International Superbike victory.