Classic Bike favourites return for 2025 Armoy Road Races

Pictured is Sean Crawford, from MJF Builders, which is sponsoring the Pre ’73 Junior Classic race at the 2025 Armoy Road Races.

With just weeks to go until the engines roar once again in County Antrim, the organisers of the 2025 Armoy Road Races have confirmed the return of some of the event’s most iconic races: the Pre ’73 Junior Classic, Pre ’73 Senior Classic, and Classic Superbike classes.

Taking place in the village of Armoy on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 July, the highly anticipated road race event will feature a 14-race programme, culminating in the prestigious Bayview Hotel Race of Legends.

For the 16th year running, the Bayview Hotel remains the event’s title sponsor.

The return of these classic races is made possible through the ongoing support of local businesses, many of whom are long-time champions of the event.

Among them is MJF Builders, back as sponsor of the Pre ’73 Junior Classic Race, giving fans the chance to witness vintage motorbikes expertly handled around Armoy’s renowned three-mile circuit.

Pictured are Ann and Peter Louden from A&P Louden, which is joint sponsoring this year’s Pre ’73 Senior Classic Race. Ann and Peter are pictured alongside road racers, Paul Jordan, Jamie Coward, Neil Kernohan and Dominic Herbertson.

Sean Crawford of MJF Builders commented:

“We really enjoy being involved with the Armoy Road Races and the Pre ‘73 Junior Classic race is a must-see event for me. As big motorcycling fans, our sponsorship enables us to help support the races and gives us the opportunity to get up close to all the action.

“I look forward to the races all year round and I have no doubt that it will once again be a brilliant two days of racing with plenty of craic thrown in.”

The Pre ’73 Senior Classic Race will be jointly sponsored by A&P Louden, a local rock drilling services company, and Taggarts Barn. Meanwhile, ABO Energy is lending its support to this year’s Classic Superbike Race, ensuring the tradition of historic racing excellence continues.

Gary Louden, Managing Director of A&P Louden, added:

“We enjoyed our time at the Armoy Road Races so much last year that we just had to come back onboard again this year. Northern Ireland is famous for its road racing and over the years, the sport and indeed the Armoy Road Races, have gone from strength to strength.

“As a local company, we’re delighted to support such an iconic event that truly showcases the very best road racing talent, and all that the area has to offer.”

Nigel Taggart, from Taggart’s Barn, and his son are pictured alongside road racers, Dominic Herbertson, Jamie Coward, Neil Kernohan and Paul Jordan, and Chairman of AMRRC, Gareth McAuley. Taggarts Barn is joint sponsoring the Pre ’73 Senior Classic race.

Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club (AMRRC), Gareth McAuley, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, highlighting their enduring commitment to the success of the races.

“We are very grateful to MJF Builders, A&P Louden, Taggarts Barn and ABO Energy for their continued support of the Armoy Road Races,” he said. “A number of our sponsors are stalwarts of the event, having given support for many years, and for that, we are incredibly thankful.

“These classic races are very popular and they offer fans the chance to see just what the older bikes can do as the riders tackle the course. And there isn’t a noise quite like it when they are on the course.”

The Armoy Road Races are supported in part by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with this year’s event expected to draw thousands of fans from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Programme packages are currently available via the official website and include vehicle parking passes and a limited-edition lanyard, which grants access to exclusive vantage points around the circuit.

For full race information, updates, and ticket sales, visit www.armoyroadraces.com or follow AMRRC on Facebook.