By Joining on the KDM Hire Cookstown 100 entry list, the likes of Derek Sheils, McAdoo Kawasaki’s James Cowton/Adam McLean, Derek McGee and ECTA Racing’s Mike Norbury, proven international roads front runners William Dunlop and Guy Martin are both confirmed to compete at the opening Irish roads meeting of 2018.
Machines wise, both could not competing on mounts that couldn’t be more different. Ballymoney’s Dunlop will jockey the Temple Golf Club YZF R1M/ YZF R6 Yamaha’s in the Open, Supersport and feature races.
Photo by Baylon McCaughey
Working this year alongside respected racing Team Manager Tim Martin, the four times North West 200 race winner has the proven credentials, allied to race winning experience at Cookstown, to in late April prove extremely hard to beat in the 600cc and 1000cc encounters.
Whilst fans favourite Martin who’s also recently been confirmed for the Around A Pound Tandragee 100, is set to pilot his in house made BSA in the yesteryear Classic race.
After a tough stint with the works Honda Racing squad, and then the chat of whether he would compete on the roads again, it’s fair to say the news in recent years of his participation at Tandragee and now Cookstown, has surprised some.
At the same time, tackling the Classic encounters at two of Irish road racing’s most popular events, presents a fresh new challenge to the former Pikes Peak champion, who thrives on new challenges in and out of motorcycle racing.
The inclusion of Martin and Temple Golf Club Racing’s Dunlop to the entry, undoubtedly adds to the excitement for the 2018 KDM Hire Cookstown 100.
Reminder competition at the opening Irish roads event of 2018, begins on the 27th of April, with a full day of practice/qualifying action, before the lengthy race schedule takes centre stage.
Words by Stevie Rial
