By Armoy Road Races organisers the AMRRC (Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, have been toasting the successful running of the final Irish road race of 2023.
25 times TT winner Michael Dunlop dazzled throughout, wrapping up five race wins, a new Supersport lap record and an unprecedented 10th ‘Race of Legends’ victory.
Derek Sheils took the fastest racer of the meeting accolade whilst others to star last week included now 104 times Irish road race winner Barry Davidson, the Isle of Wight’s Ryan Whitehall, Moto 3 lap record holder Michael Browne and Support classes victor, Anthony O’Carroll.
Reflecting on the past weekend’s racing, Clerk of The Course, AMRRC Chairman William Munnis candidly stated:
“I’m absolutely delighted that both days ran as well as they did. You can prepare all you like but when it comes to road racing you are making instant decisions because of the weather, red flags, or any number of scenarios but I was very fortunate in that I had an experienced team around me to assist.
Extensive planning and preparation always help and I couldn’t have done any of it without my fellow directors or the members of the club.
Many gave their time voluntarily and freely and if people want to question the future of road racing, they should’ve been at Armoy at the weekend to see not only the standard of the racing and riders but the many, officials, marshals and volunteers who gave of their time, and operated extremely professional to ensure a proficiently run road race as well as keeping to the schedule, along with a good crowd of road racing fans supporting it.
The feedback has been just great and has come from every quarter of the road racing sector.
There were a few challenges though, first the weather, it tested us on Saturday but we were watching it carefully and without too many upsets to the running order of the races we just kept getting moving forward and managed to run all the races.”
He continued:
“Secondly, the bumper crowds not only in attendance but who showed their support by buying the programme packages before the races. Although they came from all corners of the UK, Ireland and beyond for the weekend it was clear that many locals, from Ballybogey to Bushmills and Ballycastle to Ballymena, all made a concerted effort to contribute.
In the spirit of giving, I’m delighted to announce that over £7k was raised for the races’ designated charity. the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, with title sponsor, Trevor Kane and the Bayview Hotel also providing teas, coffee and traybakes for a donation which saw a contribution of £970 to the overall total.
A big thank you to Trevor and the Bayview Hotel, as without him road racing and charities would all be the worst for it.”
“Two other groups I need to thank. The support from other key sponsors, has been just amazing, as always, the Mermaid Club, Diamond Bar, Hilton Car Sales, James McKillop, ian Hickinson & Co, Raymond Hodges and TT Racing, McNally & CO, MJF Construction.
Steadplan Sales, Fay Stewart, EMA Building and Civils, Roadside Garages, Causeway Geotech, Park Electrical Services, and Brap Moto, like to say a sincere thank you to each and every one.
Finally, congratulations to the Supporters Club on their selling and advice to all visiting spectators – I’m not sure they had a minute in our Armoy office but their contribution in both time and money is to be commended.
Our AGM is next month and once that takes place then we’ll be looking at 2024 and all that it entails.”
Quotes courtesy of Naked PR
Photo credit: Derek Wilson
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
