Armoy Road Races roar into action with 147 riders from around the world

Fan favourites and newcomers alike are set to compete at the Armoy Road Races tomorrow (Friday 25th July) and Saturday 26th July, with teams travelling from Finland, Austria, Germany and Canada, alongside local talent from Ballymena, Ballymoney and across Ireland.

Metzeler Supertwin podium finisher Rob Hodson and Finnish debutant Erno Kostamo join packed international line-up

The picturesque County Antrim village of Armoy is bracing for an adrenaline-fuelled weekend as 147 competitors prepare to battle it out in the 2025 Armoy Road Races, with riders travelling from Finland, Austria, Germany, Canada, and across Ireland.

The iconic three-mile course will come alive from today, Thursday 24th July, as teams set up ahead of practice and qualifying sessions on Friday, followed by a full day of racing action on Saturday.

William Munnis, Clerk of the Course for the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club (AMRRC), expressed his enthusiasm for what promises to be one of the standout events on the Irish road racing calendar.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the number and calibre of riders joining us this year,” William said.

“With returning favourites, newcomers and international teams set to take part, spectators can expect a great weekend of racing.”

This year’s line-up features over 20 newcomers, including English rider Rob Hodson, who claimed third place in the Metzeler Supertwin race at the Isle of Man TT last month, and Jonathan Perry of Gordon Huxley Racing, who placed in the top 20 in the Superbike race at the TT. Isle of Man native Joe Yeardsley will also make his Armoy debut, fresh from a Southern 100 podium finish.

A significant international contingent is led by Erno Kostamo of Finland, racing for RVS Motorsport. He will compete against top names including Mike Browne, who recently clinched a Supersport victory at the Southern 100, Jamie Coward, the 2023 “Man of the Meeting”, and Paul Jordan, who has celebrated wins at both the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT this season.

Fan favourites such as Michael Sweeney, Dominic Herbertson, Phil Crowe, and Conor Cummins are also set to return, bringing further excitement and experience to the field.

“We have over 20 newcomers this year with a third of them coming from the South,” added William. “There are a few races that are oversubscribed… we are probably going to have to run some B races too.”

Racing gets underway on Friday 25th July with roads closing at 10am for qualifying and two scheduled races: the Clyde Shanks Supertwins and Hilton Car Sales Supersport. Roads will reopen after the sessions before shutting again at 9am Saturday for a full day of racing, expected to conclude by 7.30pm.

“I’d like to encourage spectators to choose their vantage spot and get into position early and would ask them to stay off the road at all times for their own safety,” said William.

Spectators can still purchase programme packages from the Armoy office, which include a limited-edition lanyard and free car parking pass providing access to designated viewing areas.

The event is sponsored for the 16th consecutive year by the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae, which also sponsors the flagship Bayview Hotel Race of Legends. The Armoy Road Races are further supported by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Traffic advisory: plan ahead for road closures

Police have warned of significant traffic delays and diversions on both Friday and Saturday. Roads around Armoy will be closed:

• Friday 25th July: 10am–9.30pm

• Saturday 26th July: 9am–7.30pm

Local officers will be on site to assist. Police urge non-spectators to use alternative routes and remind the public to leave the racing to the professionals.

“Please get here safely,” a police spokesperson said.

Visit: www.armoyroadraces.com

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