By Road Racing News Cookstown 100 preview series about the first Irish roads event of the 2020’s, concludes today with a focus upon the 125/Moto 3, Junior Classic, Senior Classic races.
125/Moto 3:
The 12 strong 125/Moto 3 field which includes Supersport 300’s piloted by Linton Irwin and Mark Johnston is certain to produce close battles.
Ones to watch will include the highly respected Nigel Moore, Jamie O’Brien recent double winner at Dymokury Chris Meyer, Wexford’s Graham Kennedy and Wilson Craig Racing’s Steven Smith.
Photo courtesy of Baylon McCaughey
Unfortunately the Joey’s Bar MCC Racing team won’t be joining them at Cookstown. Prior to yesterday’s update stating their non participation, the worldwide popular outfit was set to run this week rising star, new team signing Michael Browne.
Commenting via Facebook about the team’s decision to pull out of the Cookstown 100, Joey’s Bar MCC Team Manager Gary Dunlop stated:
“No Cookstown for the Joeys Bar MCC team this year but we wish the Cookstown club and our rider Mike Browne all the best with their race weekend and hope they get as much support as possible.
All our focus is already on organising for the 2021 season which is obviously going to be very difficult with this pandemic.
If anyone would like to get involved with our team for next season, please get in touch so we can guarantee to continue our commitment to supporting the Moto3/125 class.”
Junior Classic/Senior Classic:
Yesteryear racing legends ready to contend for Junior Classic, Senior Classic honours include Ballymena’s Barry Davidson.
Eighth on the all time Irish road race winners list, three times Manx GP victor Davidson is true road racing royalty.
Photo by Baylon McCaughey
Anticipated to be in prime contention again for Classics victories, his machinery line-up for his latest Cookstown expedition are the 350 Dempster, Team Gimbert Honda steeds.
Aside from Davidson others expected to battle for podiums include Nigel Moore, Robert McCrum, Philip Shaw, Richard Ford, Freddie Stewart and current Irish Road Race Junior 250 Classics Champion Brian Mateer.
Photo by Tommy Vennard
Additional notable entrants include John Leigh Pemberton, Wattie Brown, Michael Sweeney piloting the 350 CSC Honda and making the longest trip out of all racers, Taiwan’s Roger Chen.
Words by Stevie Rial
