Star riders confirmed as Armoy Road Races prepare for biggest weekend of racing

Close racing between Michael Sweeney and Conor Cummins during the Race of Legends at Armoy in 2025. (Photo by Rod Neill/Pacemaker Press)

The Armoy Road Races will welcome some of the biggest names in international road racing this weekend, with organisers confirming a star-studded rider line-up ahead of two days of action on County Antrim’s famous circuit.

Racing takes place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July, with competitors from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England and the Isle of Man set to battle for honours, culminating in Saturday’s prestigious Bayview Hotel Race of Legends.

Strong field promises competitive weekend

Among the headline names is experienced Nottingham rider Richard Cooper, who arrives with multiple British championship titles and North West 200 podium finishes to his name. Riding for Alastair Russell’s team, Cooper is expected to be among the favourites across several classes.

Joining him is team-mate Mike Browne, last year’s winner of the Bayview Hotel Race of Legends, who returns looking to defend one of the meeting’s most coveted victories.

Mike Browne (Russell Racing) won the Open Superbike at Armoy in 2025. (Photo by Rod Neill/Pacemaker Press)

The Isle of Man will also be strongly represented by TT veteran Conor Cummins, whose wealth of Mountain Course experience makes him one of the sport’s best-known competitors. Fellow Manx riders Marcus Simpson and Joe Yeardsley are also entered, with Yeardsley arriving in Armoy after claiming his maiden Supersport victory at this year’s Southern 100.

Ireland’s challenge includes Skerries rider Michael Sweeney, alongside Derek McGee, a former Irish national road racing Man of the Meeting who now competes with Burrows Engineering/RK Racing.

Also returning is reigning Armoy Man of the Meeting Paul Jordan, who arrives in impressive form after joining the exclusive 130mph Club at this year’s Isle of Man TT and securing Supertwin victories at the Southern 100.

The international entry is completed by Dominic Herbertson, Sam West and Nathan Harrison, all regular competitors at leading road racing events including the Isle of Man TT.

More than 40 newcomers expected

Winners at Armoy road races, Paul Jordan and Mike Browne share a joke on the podium at last year’s event. (Picture by Stephen Davison)

Organisers say the depth of this year’s entry reflects the growing reputation of the Armoy Road Races on the international calendar.

Clerk of the Course William Munnis said the club is preparing for one of its busiest meetings yet.

“We’re delighted with the number and calibre of riders joining us this year,” he said. “With returning favourites, newcomers and international teams set to take part, spectators can expect a great weekend of racing.

“We have over 40 newcomers this year, and we have a few races that are oversubscribed but as a Club we are really keen to ensure that everyone gets some track time – we are going to run some B races too.

“Friday will be interesting, it always is, but if we get it right, Saturday should take care of itself.”

Long-term sponsor looks ahead to another classic

Trevor Kane, owner of the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae and title sponsor of the feature race, said it has been rewarding to watch the event grow since its revival in 2009.

“We’ve been supporting the Armoy Road Races since their inception in 2009, and it has been a privilege to watch the event grow to become one of the most popular road racing events on this island.

“The calibre of riders this year, as with previous years, is exceptional. I’m looking forward to watching some of the sport’s best talent going head-to-head for a spot on the podium this weekend.”

The meeting gets underway on Friday 24 July, before a full programme of racing on Saturday 25 July, ending with the Bayview Hotel Race of Legends.

Programme packages, which include vehicle parking and access to spectator vantage points around the circuit, remain available ahead of the event.

For spectators, the confirmed entry list points to another highly competitive weekend, with established stars, local favourites and emerging talent all chasing victory on one of Northern Ireland’s best-known road racing circuits.