By Real road racing, Republic of Ireland style, is officially back!
Before mid-day 2026 CCs Unlimited Kells Road Races competition, got underway with newcomers practice circulations. Once practice stints wrapped up, it was qualifying time.
Isle of Wight ace Ryan Whitehall, Aidan Cleary respectively captured the Classic Superbike, Senior Support times sheet topping times.
Onto Open race qualifying and last-minute entrant Michael Sweeney held firm out front, swooping pole-position by 0.768 of a second, over fellow Irishman, Roadhouse Macau team’s Brian McCormack.
Behind Sweeney (1.15.081), McCormack (1.15.849), the in-form Marcus Simpson (1.16.180) kept tight proximity as did fourth quickest, Daracore Racing’s Kevin Keyes (1.16.488).
Afore-mentioned Classic SBK qualifying winner Ryan Whitehall was fifth fastest, only 0.159 in arrears to Keyes best time (1.16.488).
Rounding out the ten sprightliest qualifiers were Richard McLoughlin, TT 2026 Monster Energy People’s Challenger award recipient James Chawke, Andy Farrell, and Lee Hara.
Kells 2026 – Open Qualifying Result:
1 – Michael Sweeney – 1.15.081
2 – Brian McCormack – 1.15.849
3 – Marcus Simpson – 1.16.180
4 – Kevin Keyes – 1.16.488
5 – Ryan Whitehall – 1.16.647
6 – Darryl Anderson – 1.18.392
7 – Richard McLoughlin – 1.18.526
8 – James Chawke – 1.18.749
9 – Andy Farrell – 1.20.274
10 – Lee Hara – 1.21.694
11 – Caomhan Canny – 1.23.038
12 – Liam Chawke – 1.24.748
13 – Noel Carroll – 1.24.775
14 – Jonathan Gormley – 1.26.382
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
