By One of the great emerging talents of the Irish roads scene, showcased by his performances at the Around A Pound Tandragee 100 and KDM Hire Cookstown 100, is Joe Loughlin.
Having caught the eye of many last year, in the Super Twins race at the Ulster Grand Prix, 2017 has seen Joe delve into national roads action for the first time, competing in the Junior Support/Senior Support classes.
Photo by Tommy Vennard
A double race winner at both Tandragee and Cookstown, Joe stated that he expected to be competitive aboard the G2-Tech ER6 Kawasaki, but that between the hedges action on 600 machinery, with the Crossan Motorcycles backed Yamaha has been a totally new experience.
He said:
“I knew I was fit for my Super Twin and the fast corners at road racing, but the 600 was new to me and the jumps were just like learning motocross at 100 mph.”
When asked if there is a rider, he has looked up to on the roads, Joe stated his admiration for 14 times TT winner, Ian Hutchinson.
“The rider I have the most respect for in racing is Ian Hutchinson. He puts 110 percent into his training and calculated approach to his racing.”
Looking towards the rest of the season, the rising roads star stated that one his main aims, to is lap in excess of 120 mph around the famous Dundrod circuit, home of the Ulster Grand Prix.
For every road racer, it’s an ambition to compete around the most famous road racing circuit in the world, the Mountain Course.
Photo by Rod Neill
With his now proven roads credentials, it was interesting to gain Joe’s view about whether in the future, he would move into competition on the magical Manx roads.
Joe stated:
“It’s just a matter of when, not if. I’m an apprentice plumber so time off college/work and money are the only issues. And would they let me round it!.”
Joe’s next upcoming roads meeting, is the Skerries 100 on the 30th June, as he targets more stand out Junior Support and Senior Support results.
Words by Stevie Rial
