Co Antrim fragrance brand backs one of Armoy’s biggest races for 2026

The Essence Vault is set to sponsor the Open Race at this year’s Armoy Road Races. Pictured at the firm’s headquarters in Randalstown are, from left, Neil Kernohan, road racer, Bill Kennedy MBE, AMRRC Director, Connor Martin, The Essence Vault Managing Director and William Munnis, AMRRC Clerk of Course. 

A fast-growing County Antrim business with a global customer base has signed up to support one of Northern Ireland’s best-known motorcycle road racing events, with The Essence Vault becoming a new sponsor of the 2026 Armoy Road Races.

The Randalstown-headquartered fragrance company has joined the event’s sponsorship line-up for the first time, backing this year’s Open Race – one of the most eagerly anticipated contests on the race programme.

Founded in 2019 by local entrepreneur Connor Martin, The Essence Vault has grown into a multi-million-pound fragrance brand, offering long-lasting fragrances inspired by leading designer scents at accessible prices. As part of The JAQ Group, the company now serves customers around the world while remaining rooted in County Antrim.

The new partnership provides another boost for the volunteer-run Armoy Road Races as organisers prepare for what they expect to be another highly competitive weekend of racing.

Supporting a flagship North Antrim event

Explaining the decision to support the event, owner Connor Martin said the sponsorship reflected the company’s commitment to giving back to the local community.

“Supporting our local community underpins everything we do here at The Essence Vault. That’s why we jumped at the opportunity to become involved with such an iconic event like the 2026 Armoy Road Races which is run by volunteers and is at the heart of the North Antrim community,” he said.

“Northern Ireland has become synonymous with road racing over the years and we’re proud to play a role in helping that legacy continue. I’m really looking forward to July and can’t wait to see who comes out on top.”

The Open Race has developed a reputation as one of the highlights of the Armoy Road Races weekend, regularly attracting some of the sport’s leading competitors.

Last year, Cork rider Mike Browne claimed victory after crossing the finish line ahead of Michael Sweeney and Paul Jordan in a fiercely contested race.

Strong entry expected for 2026

With entries already described as strong, organisers believe this year’s Open Race could once again provide one of the standout spectacles of the meeting.

Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club (AMRRC) Chairman Gareth McAuley said fans could expect another thrilling contest.

“The Open Race is one of the weekend’s must-see races. It historically brings plenty of speed, thrills and excitement for the fans,” he said.

“We’re just a few weeks out from the big weekend and given the number and calibre of entries this year, it’s looking like we’re in for one of the best Armoy Road Races yet.”

Now entering its 17th year, the Armoy Road Races have become a major fixture on Northern Ireland’s road racing calendar, attracting competitors and spectators from across the UK and Ireland.

Mr McAuley said the continued success of the event depends on both its dedicated volunteers and loyal sponsors.

“The event is currently in its 17th year – which is hard to believe – but the longevity of this race meeting is largely down to the hard work of our Club volunteers and indeed, the support we receive from our generous sponsors. Many of whom are as passionate about the sport as we are.

“We say it time and time again, but the assistance of our sponsors simply cannot be understated. We’re very grateful to them all and are delighted that The Essence Vault has come on board for this year’s races – a big thank you to the team.”

Hospitality and spectator packages available

The Armoy Road Races are supported in part by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and will culminate in the prestigious Bayview Hotel Race of Legends.

VIP corporate hospitality packages are available through the Armoy Road Races website, priced at £140 per person, with tables of 10 also available. More information can be found at https://amrrc.com/product/vip-hospitality-package/ or by emailing jackie@naked-pr.com.

Programme packages are also on sale through www.armoyroadraces.com. Each package includes a vehicle parking pass and a limited-edition event lanyard, giving spectators access to selected vantage points around the circuit. Further information is available on the website or by searching for “AMRRC” on Facebook.

With a new local sponsor on board, strong rider entries already confirmed and preparations entering their final stages, organisers are building towards another showcase weekend that promises to celebrate both North Antrim’s rich road racing heritage and the volunteers who continue to make the event possible.