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.

 

 

 

Three for Peter Hickman at Ulster Grand Prix as Dean Harrison sets new lap record

Peter Hickman has come away from the 2017 Ulster Grand Prix as Man of the Meeting after taking three victories. It was Dean Harrison, however, who set a new lap record of 134.614mph – beating the record of 134.089mph set by Ian Hutchinson in 2016.

Hickman signified he was the man to beat in practice when he secured pole position for the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport races. He then went on to win the Dundrod 150 Superbike race although Harrison was not far behind.

First up was the Superstock race and Hickman opened his account with a 4.674 second victory over Harrison on his Smith’s BMW. Harrison and Dan Kneen were separated by just four hundredths of a second on the line, with Kneen taking a podium on his first International appearance for Tyco BMW. David Johnson finished in fourth ahead of Conor Cummins and Jamie Coward. Michael Dunlop was seventh, ahead of Ivan Lintin, Dan Cooper, and Daley Mathison.

Lee Johnston

Switching to his Trooper Beer Triumph, Hickman was victorious again – this time in the Supersport race. He battled with Bruce Anstey throughout the race with the winning margin just a tenth of a second. Lee Johnston was third on his return to racing following his crash at the Isle of Man TT. He was less than a second behind the leading duo. Harrison finished in fourth just ahead of William Dunlop who was riding with a wrist injury. Dunlop’s injury had led him to withdraw from the ‘big bike’ races but he put in a competitive performance for fifth ahead of his brother Michael. Cummins was seventh, Derek McGee eighth, Coward ninth and Adam McLean tenth.

There was a popular victory for Davy Morgan in the Ultra Lightweight/Lightweight race. He beat fellow paddock veteran Paul Owen by over four seconds with Callum Laidlaw coming home in third place. Race favourite Anstey retired after just a lap with Neil Kernohan also retiring. The two had stood on the top two steps of the podium in the corresponding Dundrod 150 race. David Howard and Paul Gartland were fourth and fifth respectively. In the Ultra Lightweight class Paul Robinson beat Christian Elkin and Joey Thompson. McLean was fourth and Gary Dunlop fifth.

It was Hickman and Anstey once again leading the charge in the Superbike race, with the pair switching positions throughout. It was eventually a last lap overtake which saw Anstey take the win – his 13th at Dundrod. Hickman was just two tenths behind with Harrison – along with the new lap record- in third. Kneen was once again just hundredths behind Harrison and only marginally ahead of Cummins at the chequered flag. Sheils came home in sixth place ahead of Johnson and Coward. Sam West and Mathison rounded out the top ten finishers.

The fifth race of the day – the second Supersport race – brought out the first red flag of the day following an incident. When it was restarted it proved to be another close affair with the resulting podium the same as in the first Supersport race. Hickman beat Anstey and Johnston with the margin between the top four just over a second. M Dunlop was fourth ahead of Paul Jordan, Coward, Elkin, Cooper and Cowton. Thompson finished in tenth place.

There was another new lap record, this time in the Supertwin class with Ivan Lintin winning. His 120.402mph lap beat the previous Supertwin lap record of 118.735mph. It was yet another narrow margin of victory as he beat Cooper by just two hundredths of a second. There was a podium for McLean who has impressed on the roads this year. Sheils racked up another top five finish in fourth with Elkin fifth and James Cowton sixth. Jonathan Perry and Paul Jordan were seventh and eighth respectively, ahead of Xavier Denis and Maria Costello.

Kneen leads Harrison

The final race of the day – and the meeting – was the second Superbike race which promised to be another thriller. Unfortunately Hickman and Anstey were forced to retire – Hickman’s engine blew while Anstey retired to the pits – leaving Harrison, Kneen, Cummins and M Dunlop to battle it out. In the end the top three were separated by just three tenths of a second after an exhilarating race. Harrison and Kneen touched as Harrison sent a move up the inside but both continued and eventually Harrison was victorious. Kneen was second with Cummins coming home third. M Dunlop ended the day with a fourth place ahead of Sheils, Johnson and Coward. Sam West was eighth ahead of Lintin and Michael Sweeney.

 

Joey Thompson and Peter Hickman among Dundrod 150 race winners

Joey Thompson and Peter Hickman were among the race winners at this year’s Dundrod 150.

Thompson secured pole position for the Dundrod 150 National on his debut and went on to win following a three lap race. The race was red flagged and eventually declared a result, with Thompson being joined on the podium by fellow newcomers Davey Todd and Jonathan Perry.

Josh Daley was fourth – just over a second off a podium – ahead of Christian Schmitz, Michael Weldon, Glenn Walker and Kris Duncan. David Howard and Owen Graves rounded out the top ten finishers.

The race was red flagged following an incident involving two riders – later revealed to be brothers Rob and Jamie Hodson. Jamie sadly lost his life in hospital.

Bruce Anstey romped to an impressive victory in the Lightweight class, beating Neil Kernohan by over 38 seconds. Davy Morgan was third ahead of Callum Laidlaw and Paul Owen. In the same race Paul Robinson won the Ultra Lightweight class beating Christian Elkin and Adam McLean. His advantage over Elkin at the line was just half a second.

The Challenge race was cancelled following two red flag incidents – one involving Gavin Lupton who is in a stable but critical condition in hospital.

In the Superbike race it was Peter Hickman – who had dominated the practice sessions and secured pole position for Saturday’s Superstock, Superbike and Supersport races – who was victorious. Dean Harrison finished just over a second further back in second ahead of Anstey. Anstey and Dan Kneen – who finished fourth – were separated by mere hundredths of a second on the line. Michael Dunlop was fifth ahead of Lee Johnston, Derek Sheils, David Johnson, Daley Mathison, and Daniel Cooper.

134mph lap for Ian Hutchinson on way to Ulster Grand Prix ‘Man of the Meeting’

Ian Hutchinson was named Man of the Meeting at this year’s Ulster Grand Prix after four wins. He broke the lap record and in doing so became the world’s fastest road racer, beating Bruce Anstey’s six year record when he completed a 134.089mph lap.

Gary Johnson stepped in to replace injured Lee Johnston

Win number one came in the opening race of the day – Superstock – where he beat Michael Dunlop and Dan Kneen. Backmarkers came into play in the final few laps and Hutchinson crossed the line with a two tenth advantage over Dunlop. Behind Kneen was Dean Harrison who finished just ahead of Conor Cummins. Last minute Lee Johnston replacement Gary Johnson came home in sixth place with Derek Sheils seventh, Steve Mercer eighth and Jamie Coward ninth. Bruce Anstey had an understated start to the day finishing in tenth place and 42 seconds off the race winner.

Anstey took victory in the first of two Supersport races, beating Hutchinson by just eight tenths. Cummins was third – securing a podium after fourth in the first race – ahead of Harrison and Kneen. William Dunlop finished in sixth ahead of Peter Hickman – who retired from the first race – and Derek McGee. Christian Elkin was ninth and Dan Cooper was tenth. There was a brief shower before the start of the race but conditions quickly improved. Anstey pulled away at the front but was reeled in by the end.

Following their battle in Thursday’s Lightweight race, Neil Kernohan was once again victorious over Davy Morgan. The gap was 17 seconds this time after a close hundredths of a second win on Thursday. Darryl Tweed finished in third ahead of Stephen Morrison and Paul Gartland. In the Ultralightweight class Elkin took a commanding 20 seconds win over Sam Wilson, with Paul Robinson in third. Gary Dunlop finished in fourth ahead of Nigel Moore.

Hutchinson took victory in the feature Ulster Grand Prix superbike race by just two tenths of a second over Anstey. Michael Dunlop had to settle for third ahead of Cummins and Harrison. Hickman suffered another disappointment retiring from the race after running in third place.

Hutchinson took the lead when it counted

In the second Supersport race it was William Dunlop who led most of the way but lost out in the end, just before the Quarries. Hutchinson took his third win of the day by just a tenth of a second. Hickman finished in third, half a second down, ahead of Anstey, Cummins, Harrison and Johnson. Elkin was eighth, Cooper ninth and Paul Jordan. Patricia Fernandez finished in 27th place and became the fastest ever woman at a road race with a 118.261mph lap.

At the North West 200 Cooper got caught up in Ryan Farquhar’s accident, leaving him injured and not riding to his full potential at the Isle of Man TT. At the Ulster Grand Prix he finally took his first International victory, winning the Supertwins race from Sheils and James Cowton. It was another close race like at Armoy, with the top six separated by just two seconds. Jordan and Adam McLean were fourth and fifth respectively.

In the final Superbike race of the day it was once again between Hutchinson and Anstey – thrilling the fans on the RCV – with Michael Dunlop once again third. The race was red flagged following a highside by Dominic Herbertson – rider was OK – after the riders had completed six laps. Hutchinson completed a 134mph lap on his final tour, becoming the world’s fastest road racer. Cummins finished fourth ahead of Harrison, Kneen, Hickman, Johnson, Mercer and Sheils.

 

2016: Ulster Grand Prix – Wednesday 10th August Practice

Top 5 results from the first practice sessions at this year’s Dundrod 150 and  Ulster Grand Prix

Dundrod 150

Lightweight (250/400/Moto 450)

1. Lee Johnston (250) – 4:16.500 – 103.875mph
2. Neil Kernohan (250)- 4:21.862 – +5.362 – 101.748mph
3. Olie Linsdell (250) – 4:24.248 – +7.748 – 100.829mph
4. Paul Owen (250) – 4:25.371 – +8.871 – 100.403mph
5. Paul Robinson (250) – 4:31.431 – +14.931 – 98.161mph

Ultralightweight (Moto 3/125)

1. Christian Elkin (Moto 3) – 4:25.953 – 100.183mph
2. Derek McGee (125) – 4:34.967 – +9.014 – 96.899mph
3. Adam McLean (125) – 4:37.208 – +11.255 – 96.115mph
4. Sam Wilson (125) – 4:37.281 – +11.328 – 96.090mph
5. Paul Jordan (125) – 4:38.209 – +12.256 – 95.770mph

• Full Lightweight and Ultralightweight Practice Results

Lee Johnston came off his bike during this practice session and was taken to hospital. He was confirmed to have broken his collarbone, therefore he is ruled out of action for the remainder of the event. Gary Johnson is on his way to ride Johnston’s bikes.

Dundrod 150 National/Challenge

1. Dean Campbell – 4:02.577 – 109.837mph
2. Adam McLean – 4:02.878 – +0.301 – 109.701mph
3. David Jackson – 4:03.370 – +0.793 – 109.479mph
4. Glenn Walker – 4:03.545 – +0.968 – 109.401mph
5. Graham Kennedy – 4:06.183 – +3.606 – 108.228mph

• Full Dundrod 150 National/Challenge Practice Results

Dundrod 150 Superbike

1. Derek Sheils – 3:47.347 – 117.195mph
2. Conor Cummins – 3:47.853 – +0.506 – 116.935mph
3. Michael Dunlop – 3:48.994 – +1.647 – 116.352mph
4. Dan Kneen – 3:49.251 – +1.894 – 116.227mph
5. William Dunlop – 3:50.702 – +3.355 – 115.491mph

• Full Dundrod 150 Superbike Practice Results

Ulster Grand Prix

Supertwins

1. Derek McGee -4:06.459 – 108.107mph
2. Daniel Cooper – 4:09.357 – +2.898 – 106.851mph
3. Michael Sweeney – 4:11.462 – +5.003 – 105.956mph
4. Derek Sheils – 4:12.088 – +5.629 – 105.693mph
5. Paul Jordan – 4:12.753 – +6.294 – 105.415mph

• Full Ulster Grand Prix Supertwins Practice Results 

Supersport

1. Michael Dunlop – 3:46.214 – 117.782mph
2. Bruce Anstey – 3:47.503 – +1.289 – 117.115mph
3. Derek McGee – 3:49.054 – +2.840 – 116.322mph
4. Dan Kneen – 3:49.066 – +2.852 – 116.316mph
5. Dean Harrison – 3:50.686 – +4.472 – 115.499mph

• Full Ulster Grand Prix Supersport Practice Results 

Superbike

Results to follow

 

 

2016: Ulster Grand Prix Preview

The competition on the roads this year has been fast and close, and this year’s Ulster Grand Prix will be no different.

Some of the world’s fastest road racers will take on the world’s fastest road race this week as the action heads to Dundrod. The event has a brand new title sponsor in MCE as well as the introduction of Superpole to look forward to.

Road Closures

• Wednesday 10.00am – 9.30pm
• Thursday 10.00am – 9.30pm
• Saturday 9.30am – 8.30pm

Last year only one race was ran during Thursday’s Dundrod 150 race meet due to a number of lengthy delays. Road closures have extended by two hours on Wednesday for further practice, with an extra half an hour on Thursday. This means more practice can be held on the Wednesday, allowing more race time on Thursday.

Race Schedule and Sponsors

Dundrod 150 – Thursday

1. Plant Lubrication NI Dundrod 150 National
2. Moira Bakery Ultraweight/Lightweight
3. DGH Services Dundrod 150 Challenge
4. Topaz Airport Road Service Station Dundrod 150 Superbike
5. SOS Restoration Supertwins

Ulster Grand Prix – Saturday

1. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Superstock
2. Centra Whitemountain Service Station Supersport
3. Ulster Speed Promotions National Ultralightweight/Lightweight
4. McKinstry Skip Hire/James Jamieson Construction Superbike
5. Barron Transport Services Supersport
6. Maxwell Freight Services Supertwins
7. Around a Pound Superbike

Riders

Last year’s Man of the Meeting Lee Johnston will be back in action, hoping to repeat his three victories from last year – or even add to that tally. Lap record holder – at 133.977mph –  Bruce Anstey will also be racing. He has stood on the podium at every Ulster Grand Prix since his debut in 2002 – a corresponding record to the one he holds at the Isle of Man TT. He had had the same record at the North West 200 but failed to get a podium this year for the first time. Anstey is also the most successful current rider with 11 Ulster Grand Prix wins.

William Dunlop has seven wins at the Ulster Grand Prix and comes to this year’s event off the back of a strong showing at Armoy. Two Supersport wins and two podiums in the Superbike class saw him named Man of the Meeting.

Michael Dunlop has six Ulster Grand Prix wins and was on electrifying form at this year’s Isle of Man TT as well as taking a Superbike win at the North West 200. He won both Superbike races in Armoy, so will definitely be one to watch this week. The Ballymoney man almost broke the 134mph barrier at the TT so could he be the one to go faster still on the Dundrod circuit?

The spotlight will undoubtedly be on the battle between Dunlop and Ian Hutchinson as the two battled at the TT. Hutchinson took wins at the North West 200 and will be a favourite to repeat that feat this week. Peter Hickman secured his first ever International road race victory at last year’s Ulster Grand Prix, winning the second Superbike race. He has been impressing since his road racing debut.

Dean Harrison, Dan Kneen, and Conor Cummins are other riders to look out for. Derek Sheils and Derek McGee have both been race winners in the Irish Nationals this year and will be in action at Dundrod. Gary Dunlop will be making his debut at the course running dad Joey’s iconic yellow helmet and number 3 plate on a 125. Adam McLean who has impressed on the National circuit in the Lightweight classes will also be racing, making his Dundrod debut.

Steve Mercer and Jamie Coward will be racing for RC Express after both their riders – Ivan Lintin and Alan Bonner – were ruled out through injury. David Johnson will be riding Wilson Craig machinery.

 

2016: Isle of Man TT Round-Up

The 2016 Isle of Man TT is one that will not be forgotten in a hurry. Conditions were ideal on the Island meaning lap records were smashed – both unofficially in practice and officially during the race.

Michael Dunlop completed the first sub 17 minute lap of the Mountain course and a lap of 133.962mph! The Ulster Grand Prix can sleep easy for now, however, as the world’s fastest road race title still belongs to them as Dunlop narrowly missed their fastest lap which stands at 133.977mph.

It was a TT that saw Ian Hutchinson and Dunlop go head-to-head as the pair battled for supremacy.

It was 1-0 to Dunlop following the first race. The pair had been swapping fast lap times during practice week – Dunlop in the Superbike class and Hutchinson blitzing the field on his Superstock. Dunlop won the opening Superbike race – even completing a 133.393mph lap from a standing start – with nearly a 20 second advantage over Hutchinson. John McGuinness completed the podium on his 20th anniversary of racing at the TT.

Then it was advantage Hutchinson for a few races. The most successful man in the Supersport class at the TT continued his form from last year by winning both races in the class again this year. The first one saw him cruise to a 14 second victory over Dunlop, although the Ballymoney man was later disqualified. Dean Harrison was then awarded second – 38 seconds down on the leader – with James Hillier in third. It was the same trio in the winner’s enclosure following the Superstock race with Hutchinson victorious once again.

The second Supersport race win saw Hutchinson draw level with Mike Hailwood in terms of TT victories – both riders on 14. He this time beat Dunlop by 17.5 seconds with Harrison again on the podium.

On Wednesday Ivan Lintin became a two time TT winner after another Lightweight win. It was a battle between himself and Hillier, the latter of the pair leading the race for the first lap and a half. The eventual winning margin for Lintin was just over 12 seconds with Hillier in second. The battle for third was close fought with any one of Gary Johnson, Martin Jessopp and Stefano Bonetti possible podium finishers. A slow stop compromised Johnson and it was Jessopp who got his first ever TT podium. Bonetti finished a career best fifth at the TT – his previous best having been 12th.

Bruce Anstey – who was riding with an injury following an off in practice – continued his TT podium record by securing victory in the TT Zero race. He has had at least one podium at every TT since his debut in 2002. Just seven riders started TT Zero with five finishers. Anstey beat William Dunlop – also injured from a practice accident – and Daley Mathison, another first time podium finisher. Race favourite John McGuinness was fourth ahead of Allann Venter.

In the Sidecar class the partnerships of John Holden and Andrew Winkle, and Ben and Tom Birchall were both successful. Holden and Winkle won the first Sidecar race although it had been the Birchall’s race to lose before they unfortunately retired on the last lap. Brothers Peter and Alan Founds both finished on the podium in the first race with their respective passengers of Jevan Walmsley and Aki Aalto. There was success for the Birchall pairing in race two, however, as they made it to the end and won.  They beat Holden and Winkle, with Tim Reeves and Patrick Farrance joining them on the podium.

After all that it was time for the big one – the Senior TT. It was advantage Dunlop all the way as he stormed to victory. The lead was nearly two seconds at Glen Helen on the first lap and while it fluctuated throughout the race it ultimately grew. It was McGuinness’ team who pulled out all the stops in the pits, but it was not enough to do anything to stop Dunlop who won by 31 seconds in the end. Hutchinson was second with McGuinness in third. Harrison was just outside the top three, finishing fourth, ahead of Anstey, Conor Cummins, Michael Rutter, Lee Johnston, James Hillier and Ivan Lintin who completed the top ten.

It wasn’t a week without sadness as four competitors lost their lives at this year’s TT. Sidecar riders Dwight Beare and Ian Bell died following incidents in race one and two respectively. Beare’s passenger Benjamin Binns has been transferred to Liverpool hospital with leg injuries. Bell’s passenger – and son – Carl Bell was reported to be uninjured.

Paul Shoesmith – a team owner and racer – lost his life during a practice lap following racing on the first Saturday. He was posthumously awarded the ‘Spirit of the TT’ award which was presented to his family.  Andrew Soar also died following an incident in the Senior TT.  Thoughts remain with the families and friends of those we have lost.

Hutchinson wrapped up the Joey Dunlop Championship, while Dan Hegarty won the Privateers, and Holden and Winkle the Sidecars.

Not even a week after the dust settled at the Isle of Man TT, many riders will be in action this weekend at the Kells Road Races in Ireland and the Cock O’The North at Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough.

Michael Dunlop storms to Senior TT victory

Michael Dunlop blew his competition out of the water with a storming ride in this year’s Senior TT.

Having won the opening Superbike race at this year’s Isle of Man TT – with a record breaking lap of 133.393mph from a standing start – Dunlop was untouchable in the Senior. He raced to a very comfortable 31 second victory, breaking his own lap record and lapping at 133.962mph.

Going into the race all eyes were on the Dunlop v Ian Hutchinson battle. While Dunlop won the first Superbike race, Hutchinson won the Supersport and Superstock races during Monday’s racing. It was Hutchinson again who won the second Supersport race with Dunlop finishing second.

Dunlop got away well at the start of the Senior, immediately signalling his intent and leading by 1.8 seconds at Glen Helen. The gap fluctuated throughout the first lap – rising to as high as 3.5 seconds at Ballaugh but dropping to 2.8 at the end of the lap. The first round of pit-stops came at the end of lap two, when Dunlop had nearly a 1o second lead over Hutchinson. It was third placed John McGuinness who was fastest in the pits, however, giving him the advantage on the road.

The gap continued to rise and by the end of the third lap it was 11 seconds. It dropped slightly at the end of lap four to ten seconds before rising to 14 seconds on lap five and ending up at 31 seconds at the end of the race.

It was win number 13 at the TT for Dunlop and his 133.962mph was just fractions off beating the fastest ever lap at the Ulster Grand Prix – the world’s fastest road race. Hutchinson rounded off a successful week with a comfortable second with McGuinness completing the podium.

Dean Harrison is another rider who enjoyed a successful week and he finished in fourth place with Bruce Anstey fifth and Conor Cummins sixth. Rounding out the top ten were Michael Rutter, Lee Johnston, James Hillier, and Ivan Lintin. Mike Booth was once again the leading newcomer home, finishing in 29th just behind experienced rider Davy Morgan.

Peter Hickman initially held a podium position before retiring on the second lap. Other retirements from the race included Brian McCormack, Gary Johnson, David Johnson, Ryan Kneen and Hudson Kennaugh. William Dunlop and Steve Mercer also failed to finish the race.

The ACU released a statement after the race to sadly confirm that competitor Andrew Soar had been killed following an incident in the race. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

Ulster Grand Prix sign new title sponsor deal

The Ulster Grand Prix will have a new title sponsor this year in the form of MCE Insurance.

Metzeler were the previous title sponsors

The motorcycle insurance company – which has sponsored the British Superbike Championship for nearly a decade – has signed a three year deal to become the title sponsor at the Ulster Grand Prix, starting this year. Metzeler tyres had previously been the title sponsor of the event.

“We are truly excited to make this major announcement which marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Ulster Grand Prix,” Clerk of the Course Noel Johnston revealed. “We’ve seen and been impressed by the support MCE Insurance has offered the BSB in the past eight years. This is a company that understands bikes and the mentality of both bikers and bike fans, making it a fantastic fit for us. We believe [this] will allow us to really build our profile as the world’s fastest road race across the UK, Ireland and beyond.”

“For us, MCE’s decision to commit to a three year deal is a clear demonstration of confidence in the strength of our event,” Johnston continued. “[It] undoubtedly offers some of the most thrilling racing seen anywhere on the roads, and its ability to offer significant exposure and value to its partners. It goes without saying that there would be no event without the support of our stakeholders, and this is an opportunity for us to thank MCE for getting involved, as well as organisations such as Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Tourism NI and the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club, plus a wide range of private sector sponsors for their ongoing support.”

Lee Johnston in the pit-lane at last year’s event

Race organisers recently announced the introduction of a Superpole qualifying session for the Superbike class at this year’s event.  “We are working hard behind the scenes to deliver another spectacular week of racing this August,” Johnston concluded. “I don’t think the fans will be disappointed.”

For MCE it is a deal which they have been interested in for a while. “We are incredibly proud to finally release the news that we will be the title sponsor for the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix,” CEO Julian Edwards said. “We have been interested in sponsoring a road racing event over in Ireland ever since we began offering insurance for Irish bikers back in 2014. When the opportunity at the Ulster came up it was one we just couldn’t refuse! With such an incredible history, the event truly is a jewel in the road racing calendar.”

“We intend to bring all our experience gained over nearly a decade of sponsoring MCE BSB and very much look forward to working with the Ulster Grand Prix team,” Edwards continued. “Racing is in our blood here at MCE and this is a very exciting new chapter for us.”

 

Ulster Grand Prix race week will take place from 8th until 13th August 2016.

 

 

Bruce Anstey’s North West 200 podium run comes to an end

Bruce Anstey’s unique podium record has come to an end following this year’s North West 200.

Making his debut in 2002 and winning a race, Anstey has stood on the podium at every North West 200 since then. He has corresponding records at the Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix which are still ongoing but his North West streak has come to an end.

The Kiwi was running in a podium position in Saturday’s Superbike race but he came off his bike at Church, thankfully without injury. During that race he was also clocked at 209mph through the speedtrap – a record speed. He certainly looked like he would be on for a podium but when the second Superstock and feature Superbike race were cancelled he lost out the opportunity.

Bruce Anstey’s North West 200 record

• 2002: Winner in Production class
• 2003: Third in Supersport Race 2
• 2004: Winner in Supersport Race 1; Winner in Production class
• 2005: Third in Supersport Race 1; Second in Superstock; Winner in North West 200 Feature Race
• 2006: Third in Supersport Race 1; Winner in Supersport Race 2; Winner in Superstock Race; Second in Superbike Race 1
• 2007: Winner in Supersport Race 1; Winner in Supersport Race 2; Winner in Superstock Race; Second in Superbike Race 1
• 2008: Second in Superstock Race
• 2009: Second in Supersport Race; Second in Superbike Race
• 2010: Third in Supersport Race 2
• 2011: Third in Supersport Race
• 2012: Second in Supersport Race
• 2013: Second in Superstock Race; Second in Supersport Race
• 2014: Winner in Supersport Race
• 2015: Third in Superbike Race

He was even on the podium when just one race ran in 2011 due to a number of factors. It was by far my favourite record on the roads and I hope he can go on to the TT and Ulster Grand Prix and extend his records there!