Hilton Car Sales backs Armoy Road Races for seventh straight year as countdown begins to July spectacle
- Love Ballymena
- 6 minutes ago
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Hilton Car Sales, based in Ballymena, is returning as sponsor of the Next Generation Supersport 1 race. Pictured are, from left, William Munnis, AMRRC Clerk of Course, Conor Cummins, road racer and Andy Hilton, owner of Hilton Car Sales.
One of the biggest names in local road racing sponsorship is returning to the grid for another year, with Hilton Car Sales confirming its support for the Armoy Road Races for a seventh consecutive year.
The Ballymena-based quality used car retailer has once again pledged backing for the popular Next Generation Supersport 1 class, as preparations continue for one of the highlights of the Irish road racing calendar.
The 2026 Armoy Road Races will take place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July, with hundreds of riders, teams and supporters expected to descend on the County Antrim village for two days of high-speed action on the famous course.
Friday night racing returns to centre stage
Friday evening racing has become a major attraction of the Armoy event and the Hilton Car Sales-sponsored Next Generation Supersport 1 race is expected to once again provide some of the closest and most competitive action of the weekend.
Last year’s race produced one of the standout contests of the meeting, with Mike Browne taking victory aboard the Russell Racing Yamaha.
Behind him, the battle for the remaining podium places went right to the chequered flag as Paul Jordan, Michael Sweeney, Conor Cummins and Jamie Coward fought for position in one of the most fiercely contested races of the event.
Sweeney and Jordan eventually secured second and third place respectively after an intense battle around the challenging Armoy circuit.
With many of the world’s leading road racers expected to return this summer, organisers are anticipating another highly competitive field in the Next Generation Supersport 1 category.
Long-standing support for local road racing
Hilton Car Sales owner Andy Hilton said the annual event remains one of the highlights of the racing season.
“The Armoy Road Races is something we look forward to year on year and that’s testament to the hard work and dedication of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club volunteers, who work tirelessly to host such an enjoyable and memorable event,” he said.
“I’m a huge road racing fan and am really looking forward to this year’s event and to seeing who comes out on top for the Next Generation Supersport 1 race.
“It’s always a very thrilling and exciting race and I’m sure this year will be no different.”
Preparations underway for biggest event yet
Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club chairman Gareth McAuley said planning and preparations for this year’s races are already well advanced.
“We’re delighted to welcome Hilton Car Sales back on board this year,” he said.
“Andy has been a long-standing supporter of the Armoy Road Races and his support — alongside our other sponsors — means a lot to us as a club.
“Over the years, Armoy has grown to become one of the key events in the Irish road racing calendar and that’s in no small part due to the generosity of our sponsors whose support enables us to attract some of the sport’s top names, as well as fans from around the world.”
Mr McAuley said the Next Generation Supersport 1 race continues to play an important role in showcasing emerging talent within the sport.
“The Next Generation Supersport Race 1 class is always an exciting one that enables us to showcase and foster the future talent of our sport. We’re expecting to see strong competition and very quick lap times.
“Currently, our volunteers are working hard in preparation for this summer’s event to make it the biggest and best one yet.”
Road racing boost for the local economy
The Armoy Road Races have grown significantly in recent years, attracting visitors from across Northern Ireland, Ireland and further afield, delivering an important economic boost for local businesses, accommodation providers and hospitality venues during race weekend.
Part funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the event will once again culminate in the prestigious Bayview Hotel Race of Legends, one of the most eagerly anticipated races on the road racing calendar.
VIP corporate hospitality packages are available through the Armoy Road Races website at:
Hospitality packages can also be purchased by contacting NAKEDPR via email at:
Programme packages are also available and include a vehicle parking pass together with a limited-edition event lanyard, giving spectators access to designated vantage points around the circuit.
Further information is available at:
Updates can also be found by searching for “AMRRC” on Facebook.
With just weeks to go until engines fire into life once again around the famous Armoy circuit, organisers are hoping the combination of elite riders, passionate supporters and continued sponsor backing will make the 2026 event the biggest and most memorable yet.