Full throttle for Armoy Road Races 2025

Pictured at the launch of the Armoy Road Races, hosted at the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae is owner and title sponsor, Trevor Kane, centre, foreground, alongside road racers, Dominic Herbertson, Neil Kernohan, Jamie Coward and Paul Jordan.

The highly anticipated Armoy Road Races 2025 have officially roared into gear following a successful launch event at the Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae on Wednesday 18 June.

With thousands of fans expected and a packed schedule of 14 races, the event is once again poised to be a highlight of the international road racing calendar.

Organised by the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club (AMMRC), the launch welcomed racing stars including Jamie Coward, Paul Jordan, Dominic Herbertson, and Neil Kernohan, as well as Scott Racing’s team manager Trevor Scott.

For the first time in the event’s history, the launch was streamed live on the Club’s Facebook page, hosted by BBC Sport’s Stephen Watson.

Passion and pride at the core

Chairman of the AMMRC, Gareth McAuley, praised the riders and the loyal fanbase, stating:

“Northern Ireland is synonymous with road racing, and we have an immense amount of talent right here on our doorstep. As a Club, it makes us very proud to be able to bring world-class riders to the event every year and to see how passionate the fans are, travelling from all parts of the world, near and far, to attend the races.”

He added:

“The Armoy Road Races is currently in its 16th year and on behalf of the Club, we’re so honoured to see it grow into the world-class event it is today.”

International and local stars gear up

The 2025 line-up includes Dominic Herbertson, fresh from a podium finish in the Supertwin race at the Isle of Man TT, and Jamie Coward, last year’s ‘Man of the Meeting’ who secured multiple podiums. Paul Jordan, after his recent North West 200 win and TT podium, is also gearing up for another fierce outing at Armoy.

Local road racing favourite Neil Kernohan will again compete on home ground.

“We have received a number of strong entries so far, many of which are fan favourites,” Gareth continued.

“Alongside a good representation of local talent, we’re also seeing riders from Germany, France, and Italy, who will be vying for the top spot in July.”

Racing schedule and fan information

With 14 races scheduled across Friday 25 and Saturday 26 July, including the iconic Bayview Hotel ‘Race of Legends’, organisers promise an unforgettable weekend of racing action.

Programmes and car parking passes are currently on sale, and entries close on Friday 20 June. Gareth encouraged early purchases, stating:

“This includes a free car parking pass and a limited-edition lanyard which enables spectators to enter vantage points around the course that are situated on private land and will give great views of the riders in action.”

Grateful thanks to sponsors

The event’s continued success is bolstered by strong community and business support. Gareth offered sincere thanks to long-standing and new sponsors alike, including Ducati Antrim (formerly Millsport Motorcycles), N. McFarlane Tarmac Contractor, Clyde Shanks, Hilton Car Sales, and the Bayview Hotel.

“We’ve said it time and time again, but we really couldn’t run this iconic event without the support of our sponsors, so we are truly indebted to them,” Gareth said.

Title sponsor and Bayview Hotel owner Trevor Kane reflected on the enduring appeal of the event:

“We have been involved with the Armoy Road Races since its inception and that’s something I’m very proud of. It’s such an iconic event that draws a huge number of visitors and thus economic boost to the locality. As a fan of road racing, I’m personally really looking forward to a great two days of road racing in July.”

Final call for rider entries

Clerk of the Course William Munnis made a final call to riders:

“With only a few days left for riders to confirm their entries, we are asking everyone to get yourself in gear and submit that entry!”

Event details

• Bike Week: Begins Sunday 20 July 2025

• Race Days: Friday 25 & Saturday 26 July 2025

• Location: Armoy, County Antrim

• Race of Legends: Culminates the weekend on Saturday

• Part-Funded By: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

For more information or to purchase official programmes, visit the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club’s Facebook page or website.