By The Skerries Road Races, celebrating it’s 70th anniversary, has attracted a wide ranging top quality entry list.
Superbike:
Irish road race superbike championship leader Derek Sheils, goes into Skerries, confident of repeating his 2015 open and grand final successes.
Piloting Cookstown BE Racing’s GSX-R 1000 Suzuki, the rider who moved up a level around the Mountain Course at TT 2016, is amongst pure road racing’s most in form riders.
Photo by Rod Neill
He will be hard to beat, same notion applies to Michael Sweeney.
The twice junior Manx Grand Prix winner, is perhaps noted by some as more of a super twins/supersport specialist.
In recent years the Martin Jones Racing rider, has been a regular front runner in the superbike encounters at all national meetings, expect no different at Skerries, this weekend.
Derek McGee on the Noel Williamson Racing S1000RR BMW, has been chipping away this season, as he gels more and more with his BMW Motorrad mount.
He’s another potential winner, whilst Seamus Elliott on his own teams ZX10R Kawasaki, is more than capable of springing a surprise or two.
Additional ones to watch include Davy Morgan, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Paul Jordan, Logan Racing’s Neil Kernohan, John Walsh, Thomas Maxwell and Michal Dokoupil.
Plus could we see a certain Michael Dunlop, in action?
Supersport:
Anticipated leading contenders, in what’s set to be an enthralling feature supersport race include YZF R6 Yamaha mounted Derek McGee and Michael Sweeney.
Both riders have the proven prowess on 600 machinery, to emerge victorious, same applies to rising star Paul Jordan on the B&W Racing CBR 600 Honda.
Derek Sheils, Cookstown BE Racing CBR 600 Honda, may not be considered a 600 specialist, don’t be surprised though if he finishes right at the front of the field.
Michal Dokoupil off the back of an excellent TT 2016 campaign and Seamus Elliott, are both definite podium contenders.
Added quality to the entry overall is boosted by rising stars Darryl Tweed, Dean Campbell, Thomas Maxwell and Logan Racing’s Neil Kernohan.
Super Twins:
Strong favourites for super twins success include Paul Jordan, B&W Racing ER6 Kawasaki.
The rising roads star, has impressed many this year with his performances at Tandragee, Cookstown and Kells.
It wouldn’t surprise anyone in the know, if Paul secures super twins victory at Skerries.
Michal Dokoupil on the RT+E Racing ER6 Kawasaki will also start a prime favourite for race victory.
Adam McLean tipped by many to in the future, become a multiple international road race winner, could well prove the ace in the pack.
Don’t discount either Michael Sweeney and Andy Farrell from securing podium finishes.
Round Up:
Alongside the open, supersport, super twin and grand final races, there is also in prospect at Skerries top draw 125/Moto 3, 250, 400, senior support, junior support and classic races.
Entries to watch out for include Joey’s Bar Racing duo Sam Wilson and Derek McGee, plus Gary Dunlop on the William Dunlop Racing RS125 Honda.
Photo by Rod Neill
A meeting, that usually has great weather (fingers crossed!) has over the years seen many of the world’s best road racers involved in many a classic battle around the hugely popular Skerries circuit.
In my opinion, there’s no doubt that if Michael Dunlop competes at Skerries, it would add an additional enterprising factor to the two day meeting.
We’ve seen so far this year at the national road races, great races, up and coming stars breaking onto the scene and the cream as usual rise to the top.
Expect as stated above, similar at Skerries, but also don’t be surprised if we see series of surprise results, across all classes.
Words by Stevie Rial
