Police have advised motorists to expect delays this weekend as the much-anticipated annual Armoy Road Races returns to the North Antrim roads.
Races will take place tomorrow (Friday 29
July) between 11am and 9pm, and on Saturday (30 July) between 9am and 9.30pm.
A police spokesperson commented:
“There will be disruption to traffic during this time, with diversions in place for all motorists. If you can seek an alternative route to avoid delays in the area, please do so.
“If you are heading to the Armoy Road Races this weekend, please make sure you get here safely and get home safely. This will be a popular event in the racing calendar, attracting many spectators to the beautiful North Coast.
“A lot of planning has gone into making this event both enjoyable and safe, and while organisers have done all they can in keeping road racers safe, we are asking you to keep yourself safe – particularly when leaving the event in the evening!
“We will be out and about on the roads tomorrow and Saturday and look forward to seeing visitors in the area – be sure to say hello.
Remember, please keep the road racing to the professionals and be aware of the traffic diversions in place. Let’s all enjoy the event and keep ourselves and others safe!“
Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club said it is all set for a good weekend of road racing and the Bayview Hotel Race of Legends 2022.
With practice and qualifying racing followed by two races on Friday, then a thirteen-race programme on Saturday, the Club is looking forward to a great event.
Commenting ahead of the weekend, Bill Kennedy MBE, Chairman and Clerk of the Course said:
“The set-up is nearly complete, and we couldn’t have done it without the many volunteers – so thank you. There are a few final preparations this week and then everything should fall into place for the weekend’s racing.
“We’ve already announced the many quality road riders that will be arriving this week to participate in the best national road race there is, so we know that if we get the weather, we are definitely going to have one great event.
“One small surprise on Saturday is that we’ll have a Sidecar demonstration lap. TT Sidecar champions, the Birchall brothers, along with Seamus Killough (known as Scoobie) and his teammate, Robert Semple, will take to the 3.03 mile circuit at lunchtime and show us a little of modern sidecar racing.”
The Mansfield brothers have dominated the TT Sidecar race since 2015, and with 12 TT victories Ben is the second most successful TT driver while younger brother Tom is the most successful TT passenger.
Bill continued:
“The brothers are the ‘poster boys’ of modern Sidecar racing and I’m sure they will have many more successful years at the TT so I know that the fans of Armoy Road Races will show them theirappreciation of their great achievements come Saturday.
“This year we are closing the roads an hour earlier, so with that in mind, I’m asking spectators to get in to position early and choose their spot. If they want to move around the course, they are enough walkways internally to the course, to do that. We would ask them to stay off the road at all times. We will be turning practices and races around quickly in order to maximise the time.
“To date we’ve had tremendous support, from the title sponsor, Trevor Kane at the Bayview Hotel to each and every sponsor, to those advertising in the programme and, of course, the many volunteers and Club members – the help has been tremendous. Road racing needs everyone’s support. So, I ask you, if you haven’t already bought a programme package, you can still buy one and collect it on or before Friday 29th July.
“There’s more info on our website and on the Saturday, you can still buy a programme as you enter Armoy. The Club has worked hard this year, and after a challenging few years, it’s really important that people understand that an event as this, just does not happen overnight.
“Each and every member gives their time freely, every penny is invested into these races ensuring that we have the best, and as safe as possible but ultimately, it’s to ensure that this sport continues.”
“We are expecting good numbers and the village was busy with yesterday’s Bike run and there are a few other activities during the week too. As always, it’ll be tremendous to see the folk that have travelled just to be part of the week and Armoy Road Races.
“So, I’m putting one last call out to everyone to come and support the Armoy Road Races and the Club, I believe that there will be two very good days of road racing.”