By With over 200 entries, including a works Honda, international road race winners, determined rising stars and high profile newcomers, the stage is set for a compelling KDM Hire Cookstown 100.
Having had what can only be described as a character building Tandragee 100, on his Irish roads return, Guy Martin will be hoping for a change in fortunes this weekend at Cookstown.
Piloting as at Tandragee and at Oliver’s Mount, the Superstock Honda Racing machine, expect him to be more competitive in the Open and Grand Final races.
Will he be able to push though reigning Irish road race Superbike champion, Derek Sheils?
Photo by Rod Neill
In my opinion the Cookstown BE Racing rider starts a warm favourite for success in the premier races at Cookstown.
Going into competition around the Orritor Circuit in great form, following a dominant Open race victory at Tandragee, Derek will also prove in my opinion a factor in the Supersport and Super Twin classes.
Runner away Supersport winner at Tandragee, Derek McGee, was in fine form last weekend. A proven pace setter at Northern Ireland’s oldest roads meeting, he’s an undoubted contender for success a plenty, this weekend.
Photo by Rod Neill
Same applies to William Dunlop, who only this week, confirmed his Cookstown entry.
Set to pilot a Superstock spec YZF R1M Yamaha which will carry new title backing from the Temple Golf Club, he looked at home, last Saturday aboard his new loaned mount.
An anticipated factor in the Open and Grand Final encounters, William is expected by many to prove to one to beat in the 600 class, with the IC Racing/Caffrey International backed YZF R6 Yamaha.
Photo by Rod Neill
Additional potential podium finishers in the premier classes include Michael Sweeney (Martin Jones Racing), Paul Jordan (Site Sealants B&W Racing/Evolution Camping BMW) Brian McCormack and McAdoo Kawasaki’s James Cowton.
Expect James as well to contend for Super Twin honours, whilst the likes of Davy Morgan, MSS/Hotties backed Adam McLean, Andy Farrell, Michal Dokoupil, Brad Vicars, David Lumsden, Matt Rees and WH Racing’s Dominic Herbertson are all capable of springing a surprise or two.
Standout entrants within the 125/Moto 3 and 400 classes include Darryl Tweed, Sam Johnson, Joey’s Bar Racing’s Sam Wilson, Neil Kernohan, Seamus Elliott, Scott Miller and Gary Dunlop.
Ones to watch in the Senior Support/Junior Support classes include brief Duke Road Race Rankings leader after Tandragee, Joseph Loughlin, Oisin Watson, Manxman Jamie Williams and Michael Browne.
A vast array of classic machines will also take to Cookstown, piloted by the likes of Barry Davidson and Robert McCrum.
Adding extra diversity to the entry include overseas competitors, Veronika Hankocyova, Matthias Winklenjohann, Vassilios Takos and Taiwan’s Roger Chen.
Lots of attention will be on high profile newcomer Dan Cooper, who is more than capable of first class results a plenty with the Ruby Site Services CBR 600RR Honda and KW Electrical Services ER6 Kawasaki.
Grant Gaskell, a recent top six finisher on his debut at Oliver’s Mount, is another newcomer to watch, as he pilots his own teams ZX6R Kawasaki.
Close fought, first class roads action is an absolute guarantee this weekend, at the KDM Hire Cookstown 100.
Photo by Baylon McCaughey
Will the established names take the top spots across all classes? Can Guy Martin be more competitive? Will a newcomer wrap up a podium finish or two?
All these questions and 100’s more will be answered, very, very soon.
Words by Stevie Rial
