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We’ve had Moto GP, World Superbikes, British Superbikes, World Endurance, Thundersport, No Limits, IRRC events during 2021 but we’ve not had the unique spectacle that is Irish Road Racing.
Well this will all change this weekend as the Armoy Road Races returns for the first time in two years.
The opening Irish roads meeting of 2021 has attracted a truly world class, star studied entry list that mixes TT winners, International roads victors, up coming stars, improving roads exponents and ambitious newcomers.
Aiming for an unprecedented ninth successive ‘Race of Legends’ victory, focus and some is certain to be heaped upon 19 times TT winner Michael Dunlop.
Re-linking up with TAS Racing (Synetiq BMW) for his opening pure roads salvo of the 2020’s, he goes into Armoy bike fit, race fit having tackled thus far this year National Superstock 1000, Ulster Superbike Championship events plus the world famous Daytona 200.
Always one for proving the impossible is possible, could he give BMW’s new M1000RR mount maiden roads triumphs? You’d be hard pressed not to back the Ballymoney rider but the competition is fierce.
In fine form at the latest Mondello Park meeting, the 1000cc specialist could well be the biggest threat to ending Dunlop’s ‘Race of Legends’ dominance.,/p>
Runner-up in 2019, there’s no doubt that if everything clicks together, he finds the purple patch with his trusty Roadhouse Macau BMW, then we could have a new ‘Race of Legends’ winner.
Others considered strong contenders for 1000cc successes include Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship leader Michael Sweeney, Mullingar’s Derek McGee and Bob Smith Spring Cup runner-up at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough Davey Todd.
Wilson Craig Racing’s Todd is more than likely to lead the Honda challenge whilst Suzuki’s top presence is anticipated to come from BE Racing In Conjunction with Richardson Kelly Racing’s Paul Jordan & Michael Browne.
Further depth to the Superbike, Supersport, Race of Legends entry lists is provided by McAdoo Kawasaki’s Adam McLean & Darryl Tweed, 1000cc Irish roads debutant Joe Thompson (NP Motorcycles BMW).
Neil Kernohan, Davy Morgan, Dominic Herbertson (Cowton Racing), Andy Farrell, Richard Charlton, Ben Rea, David McConnachy, B&W Racing supported Matt Rees and ones to watch in the Supersport races, Joe Loughlin and Thomas Maxwell.
Notable Armoy newcomers include 23rd fastest racer in TT history Phil Crowe, Nigel Rea, the Isle of Wight’s Ryan Whitehall, Rad Hughes, Mike Mace and ex Moto GP competitor Chris Burns (Wilson Craig Racing).
All the racers mentioned will add their own distinct vibe to the eagerly awaited four stroke races around the flowing, technical, respected, much loved Armoy course.
The next upcoming part of Road Racing News preview series for the ‘Race of Legends’ focuses around the always ultra competitive Super Twins class.
Photo’s by Tommy Vennard, Rod Neill
Words by Stevie Rial
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