Suzuki's return to the MotoGP grid could come this year, with some wildcard race appearances, according to team manager David Brivio. Sport Rider magazine, has the scoop.
http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_14010_suzuki_motogp_team_confirms_test_in_austin/
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Argentina's MotoGP circuit receives FIM homologation
Circuito Termas de Rio Hondo has been homologated for racing by the FIM and Dorna Sports. Here are the details.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Termas%20Rio%20Hondo%20homologation
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Termas%20Rio%20Hondo%20homologation
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
MotoGP news and notes
Some of the latest news from MotoGP before the 2014 season begins.
Abraham Eager To Sample New Honda
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Abraham+eager+to+sample+new+Honda
Edwards and Herrin preview 2014 with COTA
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Edwards+and+Herrin+preview+2014+with+COTA
*Note: Josh Herrin moves from AMA Superbike, to Moto 2, and is one of only three U.S. based riders in the world championship this year, along with Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden.
Smith: 'I'll take this opportunity with both hands'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Smith+I+will+take+this+opportunity+with+both+hands
Abraham Eager To Sample New Honda
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Abraham+eager+to+sample+new+Honda
Edwards and Herrin preview 2014 with COTA
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Edwards+and+Herrin+preview+2014+with+COTA
*Note: Josh Herrin moves from AMA Superbike, to Moto 2, and is one of only three U.S. based riders in the world championship this year, along with Colin Edwards and Nicky Hayden.
Smith: 'I'll take this opportunity with both hands'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Smith+I+will+take+this+opportunity+with+both+hands
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Camier sure personnel consistency will help
After racing in FIM World Superbike for a number of years, as well as stints in British Supersport and British Superbike, Leon Camier will take a flying leap and race in MotoGP this year.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rookie+Camier+sure+personnel+consistency+will+help
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Rookie+Camier+sure+personnel+consistency+will+help
Monday, January 27, 2014
Lorenzo the Lawnmower: MotoGP testing resumes soon
To wet your appetite for the 2014 MotoGP season, here's a slow motion video of Jorge Lorenzo. Check it out by clicking the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZEbQg1e_Bs&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZEbQg1e_Bs&feature=player_embedded
Thursday, January 23, 2014
MOTOGP: Lorenzo, Rossi On Hand To Unveil 2014 YZR-M1 Livery
The new MotoGP livery for Yamaha in 2014 on their bikes to be ridden, once again, by Jorge Lorenzo, and Valentino Rossi.
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-lorenzo-rossi-on-hand-to-unveil-2014-yzr-m1-livery/
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-lorenzo-rossi-on-hand-to-unveil-2014-yzr-m1-livery/
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
GP Star Danny Webb confirms Debut at Isle of Man TT
Well known and proven 125cc and Moto 3 racer Danny Webb, will make his debut in the Isle of Man TT this year and on the motorcycle road racing circuit. Webb seems to be fully committed to running on the TT circuit for the long haul and will race with the team owned and operated by former racer and current team owner for KMR Kawasaki, Ryan Farquhar.
http://www.crash.net/road-racing/news/199632/1/danny-webb-to-make-isle-of-man-tt-debut.html
http://www.crash.net/road-racing/news/199632/1/danny-webb-to-make-isle-of-man-tt-debut.html
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Tech3 workshop damaged in floods
Tech3 Monster Energy Yamaha has some extra work to do to assess the damage to their workshop located on France's southern coast, before they continue prepping for the upcoming season with their riders in MotoGP (Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro), and Moto 2 (Marcel Schrotter and Alex Marinelarena).
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Tech3+workshop+damaged+in+floods
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Tech3+workshop+damaged+in+floods
Monday, January 20, 2014
Aprilia experiments with WSBK EVO class in Portugal
Aprilia will continue racing in World Superbike, even with new rules set to take effect this season. Here's the story from Sport Rider magazine.
http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_14040_aprilia_experiments_with_wsbk_evo_class/
http://www.sportrider.com/news/146_14040_aprilia_experiments_with_wsbk_evo_class/
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Bike Road Racing Series round 5: Armoy
We have reached Armoy, Northern Ireland, for the fifth race of the 2013 Bike Road Racing Series. It's the Armoy Race of Legends, (the River Ridge Recycling Armoy Road Race).
The 2012 version of this event was run in the wet, and it was a crazy one. Guy Martin and Conor Cummins are two riders who are ones to watch at this event. These are shorter races than on some of the other Irish road circuits the Bike Road Racing Series runs on. First up, it's time for the 125cc race. There is a Moto 3 bike (a 350cc machine) in the field. It is bike #8 ridden by Christian Elkin. Sam Dunlop is on pole, and carrying the onboard camera.
The race was scheduled for eight laps. It's been reduced to seven. One bike is smoking heavily as we await the flag. We're ready to race. Go! The first wave of bikes is off and running. Christian Elkin slots in behind Sam Dunlop. So, it's Sam Dunlop, Christian Elkin, and Nigel Moore, the top three, from the start of this one. The second wave prepares for takeoff. Ian McKillan on bike #15 is off into the lead of this group. Sean Leonard on bike #34 is in pursuit. More new riders in this race. Every race on this tour, sees new entries.
Dunlop takes a tight line, fending off Elkin's challenge. Nigel Moore's bike is still belching smoke from the exhaust. The bikes go through a series of tight bends. No track map was shown. So, this circuit has corner names. But, not sure what they are, at least right now. They run through Church Bends. As they fly over the undulations on the back part of this track, it's Sam Dunlop still in the race lead. Dunlop was third fastest in qualifying, half a second behind Christian Elkin.
Sam Dunlop is being overtaken by Christian Elkin, right now. He's getting down to business, and wants the lead of this race. Sam Dunlop says, "oh no you don't, sunshine", and comes back on the inside. Dunlop takes the lead into the first chicane. Elkin passes Dunlop another time as other riders, among them, Paul Robinson on his Aprilia, file through. Sam Wilson on bike #56 is already on the verge of being lapped. Rene Los, on bike #84, follows... a newcomer to the series.
Sam Dunlop is doing his best to catch Christian Elkin. Sam Dunlop passes Daley Mathison for second spot. This race is already in the rear view mirror, everybody. Christian Elkin, wins it. Dunlop beats Wilson to the line with Mathison next, followed home by Paul Jordan.
#8 Christian Elkin Honda Moto 3
1. #8 Christian Elkin Honda Moto 3
2. #33 Sam Dunlop Honda 125
3. #56 Sam Wilson Honda 125
4. #104 Daley Mathison Honda 125
5. #61 Paul Jordan Honda 125
Coming up, it's the Mermaid Club Junior Support Race, presented by Armoy Homes. This race sees a battle between Super Twin bikes, and a handful of 250cc machines. Conor Biean, Mark Hanna, and Shane Egan, share the front row. It's go time! They're away! Conor Behan gets the hole shot down into the chicane. The second wave starts their race, and will catch up to the rest of the field shortly.
They head into Robbo's corner for the first time. Hanna and Egan follow, with Gavin Lupton, next. Here comes the second wave. Hanna and Behan run 1-2, and are instantly embroiled in a scrap for the lead. Hanna's got a bad case of tire chatter. Unreal. Anyone who has even ridden a bicycle, knows how the nasty tire oscillation feels. John Cahill on bike #11 is at the tail end of one of the groups of bikes. Behan and Hanna are battling into the chicane to start another lap.
These two have broken away from the rest of the pack. Neil Kenohan on bike #109 (a 250cc machine) is running in mid pack. William Harra and Tommy Henry are right behind. Many local riders are certainly in this race at Armoy. There are names we don't often see, in this event. Hanna and Biean are working lapped traffic at the moment. Hanna pops a wheelie over one of the jumps. The KMR Kawasaki is running pretty smoothly at the moment.
Hanna leads, and he wins it, by a tenth of a second.
#36 Mark Hanna Kawasaki 650
The top five:
1. #36 Mark Hanna Kawasaki 650
2. #72 Connor Behan Kawasaki 650
3. #101 Shane Egan Suzuki 650
4. #9 Gavin Lupton Suzuki 650
5. #74 Tommy Henry Honda 250
Coming up, it's the Moyle District Council 600 Supersport race.
Michael Dunlop is on pole. William Dunlop and Guy Martin are second and third, with a second row of Jamie Hamilton, Michael Pearson, and Derek McGee. It's go! Once again, Michael Dunlop did not get the hole shot on the start of this one. Jamie Hamilton has had a great start. Guy Martin leads this race through the first corner. Somebody runs on, blowing through the chicane. William Dunlop is pursuing his cousin Michael.
Jamie Hamilton has made it to second spot, trying his best to get around Guy Martin. Martin has the line a the moment. Conor Cummins ran straight through the chicane, on bike #10. William Dunlop is trying to get by Jamie Hamilton. Can he do it? Guy Martin is going like the clappers at the front right now. He's flying. The bikes run through the most spectacular section at Armoy... the jumps. Guy Martin had this same race strategy last time out in the Southern 100 on the Isle of Man. William Dunlop is struggling to pass Jamie Hamilton right now.
Dunlop makes the pass for second, stick. The top four are breaking away from everybody else. The track here at Armoy is very bumpy. Dunlop is making his move on Martin. This is the longest straightaway on the circuit, and yes, it's still very bumpy. Dunlop, Martin, Dunlop... the top three. Derek Sheils on the #82 Murray Racing Honda is running in fourth or fifth place. Jamie Hamilton continues to run in fourth spot. Conor Cummins doesn't shortcut the chicane this lap. But, he's still down the order somewhat.
The Dunlop's are practically racing at their home circuit, in their own backyard, here at Armoy. Michael Dunlop rises out of the seat! Loose bike! He saves it! That was scary. William Dunlop (Michael's brother) is pulling away from everyone else. Conor Cummins on the Yamaha, is battling with Michael Pearson and Derek McGee. William Dunlop continues to lead. In the 2012 race, there were showers and sunshine. So far, it's been sunny all the way through this one.
Michael Dunlop has closed right up on Guy Martin. This could be the battle of the race, for second spot. Derek Sheils gets passed in Roberts corner. Michael Dunlop passes Guy Martin! They've been battling since last season in 2012. Payback time, it looks like. Dunlop is going for it. Martin beat him last time at the Southern 100 on a Superbike, and also did win the 600 race at Cookstown. Jamie Hamilton runs fourth. Hamilton runs from the chicane to McCorkin's corner. He's a Super Twin specialist. But, he's coming up the ranks on the 600cc bikes, too.
Through Dean's Rise and into Robbo's corner. Then, it's one to Atchison's Leap. Can William Dunlop beat his brother for the win in this race? Guy Martin is third, making his way by slower traffic. William Dunlop looks like a shoe in for the win in this one. Guy Martin runs through the chicane. It is hardly used, and it's treacherous. When it was run in the wet in 2012, the surface was like marble. One of the races for this weekend, may have been cancelled. As of now, it looks like William Dunlop is going to win this thing, though.
Derek Sheils has done a great job in this race even though he's more comfortable riding a 1000cc machine, than a 600cc one. Dunlop is still working lapped traffic. Derek Costello is one rider he easily passes. Michael Dunlop is still pushing, and I don't have to tell you... hard. He's closed the gap. Does he have enough time? This is the final lap of the race. Michael Dunlop is gaining groud on his cousin. Meanwhile, Jamie Hamilton is closing up on Guy Martin. This should be interesting, if not a little dodgy.
Guy Martin has probably already settled for third spot. William Dunlop wins it, by 6/10ths of a second!
#6 William Dunlop Yamaha
So, here are the results of the Supersport race.
1. #6 William Dunlop Yamaha
2. #3 Michael Dunlop Honda
3. #4 Guy Martin Suzuki
4. #44 Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki
5. #86 Derek McGee Yamaha
Drama after the checkers. Michael Pearson runs into the back of lapped rider Derek Costello's motorcycle, sending them both tumbling down the small bank beside the track. Both riders walk away, but Pearson has a damaged wrist. The next race on the docket is the Ballymoney Borough Council Junior Classic. This race is for 250cc and 350cc motorcycles. Go! Barry Davidson on the #40 Honda takes the race lead from the get go.
In second it's Shawn Leonard. There are three waves of bike starting this race, so, it's a big field. Barry Davidson leads Sean Leonard into Robbo's Corner. Doug Shaw on the #76 Suzuki 250 is right in there. This race, is really for classic bikes, from the 1970s and '80s. Brian Allen leads away the second wave on bike #27. Freddie Stewart on bike #2 is in this wave. Honda's are well represented in this large field of motorcycles. We watch a battle between Bill Smith on the Ducati #302, the #43 of Alex McVicker, on a 250cc Honda, and we see Barry Davidson increasing his lead.
Both of them ride 350cc Honda's. In third place, there's a three way battle. Allan Brew, and Philip Shaw are nose to tail. Kevin Strowger is third, on corrected time, having come out of the third wave. Davidson and Leonard continue to battle. Billy Lyle is also giving his #4 Honda 350 a good ride. We now see Tim Stevenson on the #211 Honda 350 in a dice with the aforementioned Freddie Stewart. Barry Davidson has indeed increased his lead.
Davy Hastings on another 350cc Honda is in the mix as well. He runs fifth, on corrected time. Stevenson and Stewart are just inside the top ten coming from the second wave. This is the final lap of the vintage race. Barry Davidson has a comfortable lead. Kevin Strowger remains third. Barry Davidson wins the 250cc/350cc race.
#40 Barry Davidson Honda 350
1. #40 Barry Davidson Honda 350
2. #34 Sean Leonard Honda 350
3. #19 Kevin Strowger Suzuki 250
4. #8 Allan Brew Aermacchi 340
5. #36 Davy Hastings Honda 350
Up next, it's back to the big boys and the big toys. This is the SGS International Superbike race. Michael Dunlop, Derek Sheils, and Guy Martin are on the front row for this one. William Dunlop will start on the second row of the grid. Jamie Hamilton and Conor Cummins, alongside. Derek McGee, Davy Morgan, and Michael Sweeney are on the next row.
Go! At the start, Guy Martin gets the jump, but Michael Dunlop tries making a move. Derek Sheils, William Dunlop and Jamie Hamilton, follow. This race is quite a bit closer for the Superbikes than it was for the Supersport machines earlier. Michael Sweeney passes Conor Cummins on the outside, forcing Cummins to take evasive action. Guy Martin leads, riding the same motorcycle he used to win the Southern 100 on the Isle of Man. Going onboard with Jamie Hamilton, and Conor Cummins, fans get the sense of what those jumps actually look like to the riders.
The front wheel of the bike lifts right off the racing surface and then, sets itself back down. The bikes approach Billarney Cross. Guy Martin is pulling out a gap over Michael Dunlop at this moment. Davy Morgan sweeps past Conor Cummins. At this point, Michael Dunlop is faster than Guy Martin, on the road. Dunlop is coming in a hurry. Martin has had to roll off the throttle to avoid zinging his rear tire and getting the bike loose.
It's game over for the rider of bike #115, as he has taken a spill. He'll be OK. Damien Haran is the rider. Yellow flags warn the riders of the proximity of Haran's stricken motorcycle. William Dunlop has clear track ahead of him at this moment. They head back to Robbo's corner one more time. Conor Cummins is sixth. Fans, there is more action to come for the Superbikes. The Armoy Race of Legends. Stay tuned for that one, later in this race report.
These blokes are getting airborne going around corners! That's unreal! True athlete's, these motorcycle racers. Jamie Hamilton and Conor Cummins battle for fifth place. Cummins cannot quite make the pass on Hamilton over those amazing jumps at the back of the circuit. Make a move into the left hand kink at the bottom of the hill. Martin and Dunlop are negotiating that spot, as we speak. These two break away from Derek Sheils. He's got something wrong with the rear wheel as it goes light under braking. Hopefully he can control his motorcycle, without crashing.
Michael Dunlop has better drive out of the corner. Can he pass Martin down the straight? Not quite. There's nothing in it down the straight. They go into the chicane. No problem. Meanwhile, Jamie Hamilton is overtaken for fifth and Conor Cummins makes the pass. Dunlop and Martin are racing for the win in this first of two Superbike races. Martin flies over the jump, again. William Dunlop, meanwhile, remains behind Derek Sheils. Sheils is on a Superstock bike, while Dunlop, is on a Superbike. There are differences between the two.
Martin still leads going back through the Armoy Homes chicane. William Dunlop is struggling to get close to Derek Sheils at the moment. Conor Cummins is still fifth, lapping around a second or so behind Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop. Dunlop makes a pass on Martin! OK. This is going to go down to the wire. Martin won't give up easily. These two are sliding around going back into the chicane. Can Martin respond to Dunlop's pace?
Dunlop is quicker as he and Martin both negotiate lapped bikes. Martin passes the lapped bike #75 of Peter Hymans and Hymans, running his own race, was unaware of Guy Martin's presence. Michael Dunlop moves on to the last lap and he's got a decent cushion over Martin, and will win this race. Will there be a change for third? Michael Dunlop, meanwhile, will win another. Jamie Hamilton will get sixth. He's also racing in 600s and Super Twins. Those races coming, later on.
Dunlop wins it!
#3 Michael Dunlop Honda
Here's the top five.
1. #3 Michael Dunlop Honda
2. #4 Guy Martin Suzuki
3. #82 Derek Sheils Kawasaki
4. #6 William Dunlop Yamaha
5. #10 Conor Cummins Yamaha
Coming up next, we have six more races to cover. So, hold on tight, folks. Pull on helmets and riding gloves, and get ready for more sideways, knee dragging, and balance defying two wheel antics from the Bike Road Racing Series and their cadre of star motorcyclists.
Michael Dunlop is running three bikes. A 250cc, 600cc and a 1000cc Superbike. The first race on day two is the G&G Ross Quarries/Armoy Supporters Club, Senior Classic. This race is for 500cc, and 750cc motorcycles, with a lone 950cc bike, also joining the party. No class discrepancies here. Whoever wins this one, is the overall winner. Go! The favorite in this race is #101 Robert McCrum. He rides a Norton Weslake 950cc machine.
Martin Lyon is second, on the #50 bike, which in contrast, is a 500cc motorcycle. The second wave, has just three bikes. John Jones on bike #88 leads. He rides a Seeley Matchless. The #11 Triumph ridden by John Scott, is moving up the order. Mark McGaw is riding another Seeley Weslake, #167. Right now, it's Robert McCrum leading, and Allan Brew is bringing up the rear of the first wave on his 500cc Seely. McCrum leads over John Scott and Martin Lyons. Richard Ford is fourth, on his Norton 750cc machine.
Allan Brew is now ahead of Billy Lyle on his #4 500cc Honda. McCrum is sailing off into the distance. John Scott holds second. Richard Ford has gotten around Martin Lyons. Gary Jamison is back there on the #5 500cc Honda. John Scott's Triumph is puffing blue smoke every so often. Robert McCrum is going to have an easy win in this race coming to Kennedy's corner. He is the winner.
#101 Robert McCrum Norton 950
Here's the top five places.
1. #101 Robert McCrum Norton 950
2. #12 Richard Ford Norton 750
3. #11 John Scott Triumph 950
4. #167 Mark McGaw Seeley 750
5. #8 Allan Brew Seeley 496
Coming next, it's the Centra 250cc Grand Prix. This should be a good one.
William Dunlop has pole for this one. Davey Morgan will be his biggest rival here. At the start, there are several riders who get off the grid well. Warch not only for Dunlop and Morgan, but also for Seamus Elliott, Davey Mathison, and Paul Robinson. Michael Sweeney takes the race lead. Sam Wilson also has a decent start, as the second wave takes off. Sam Dunlop is in this group. Sam, is William Dunlop's cousin. Kevin Strowger leads the second wave.
There are truly some heavy hitters in this field. Sam Wilson takes the race lead through the sweeper. They fly over Dunlop's Leap. They run over the hills and into an awkward left hand turn, coming up. William Dunlop is pressing Sam Wilson at this moment. Michael Sweeney holds third place. Sam Wilson's fairing on his bike, that deflects the wind over the top of his helmet, is loose, flapping in the breeze. William Dunlop slides into the lead, bounding over the curbs.
Bike #171 of Raymond Hodges is behind this group. No change in the order. It's Dunlop, Wilson, and Sweeney, 1-2-3. Davy Morgan seems to have dropped back. Top five = Dunlop, Sweeney, Wilson, Elliott, and Morgan. Paul Robinson is also in contention on his Honda. William Dunlop gaps the field, but the true dust up is for second and third. On the final lap of this race, William Dunlop has two slower bikes to contend with, but, he'll easily win the 250cc Grand Prix.
Sam Wilson, Michael Sweeney, and Seamus Elliott, battle for second, but Dunlop knows he's the winner.
#6 William Dunlop Honda 250
Here's the top five.
1. #6 William Dunlop Honda
2, #36 Sam Wilson Honda
3. #65 Michael Sweeney Honda
4. #97 Seamus Elliott Honda
5. #104 Daley Matthison Honda
Coming up is a combination race. This one, for 400cc and 450cc motorcycles. So, there will likely be only one winner. These two classes are represented by Diamond Bar for the 400s and J.W. Hickinson Moto for the 450s, as sponsors for the race. The bulk of the field is 400cc machines, with four 450cc bikes tossed in. They're away, and bike #96 Andy Farrell, leads. But, there's trouble off the grid for Seamus Elliott on #97 who we also saw finish fourth in the 250cc race that was just run.
Elliott does restart his 450cc motorcycle and continue in the race. Elliott is hopping mad about that start, and will just have to cool down and make up time, as the second wave is ready to get underway. Ian Simpson on the #87 motorcycle leads the second wave. Dave Walsh and Brian Locklin, follow. In replay, we see that Seamus Elliott, did manage to restart his motorcycle, and get going again. Andy Farrell is indeed the race leader right now.
Right now, the battle is between Andy Farrell and Gavin Lupton, for the race lead. Bike #18 of Vic Allan is in the second wave, and he could very well be the leader on corrected time. It's still Andy Farrell leading, with Gavin Lupton second. Mark Shiels and Derek Wilkie battle for third, but they are a ways behind the leading duo. Darren Duncan on bike #5 is also running a decent race. Allan is not on pace with the leaders, though. So, he'll fall behind.
Andy Farrell and company are coming up to put a lap on the #57 bike of Yvonne Montgomery. Lupton is all over Farrell, like a rash. He won't get away. This is a close race between Mark Shields and Derek Wilkie. Vic Allen is still running consistently, even though he's in the second wave. This is the final lap of the race, but there's no change. It's Farrell over Lupton. Seamus Elliott is top 450 as Andy Farrell, wins. Vic Allan, comes home third.
#96 Andy Farrell Kawasaki 400
1. #96 Andy Farrell Kawasaki 400
2. #9 Gavin Lupton Honda 400
3. #18 Vic Allan Kawasaki 400
4. #77 Mark Shiels Kawasaki 400
5. #38 Derek Wilkie Kawasaki 400
Next up is another Senior Support Race, presented by Armoy Construction and Park Electrical Services. This is a combination of two Supersport classes, really, with a mix of 600cc and 750cc bikes. Colin Behan will start from pole on bike #72. Shane Egan and Mark Hanna start alongside. Time to race. The 600/750 race is on! Behan takes the lead going into the chicane for the first time. Egan is third as the fourth place rider gets on the grass.
It could have been rider, James Kelly. Now for the second wave. John Harra leads John Cahill. Noel Carroll is also in this fight on bike #92. Here comes the third and final wave. Good start for #32 Aaron Boyd. Conor Behan leads on the Kawasaki through Church Bends. They come down from Dunlop's Leap, over the undulations. This race is a stormer already as Mark Hanna goes for the lead, and takes it. He has taken over from Connor Behan at the front.
Derek Wilkie is giving his Triumph Daytona 675 a good run. Shane Egan is still second, with Gavin Lupton, third. Mark Hanna is now second, passing Connor Behan. This race has flown by. It's already the final lap. Shane Egan leads Mark Hanna and Connor Behan. Triumph, Suzuki, Kawasaki, the top three bikes. Paddy Cullivin on bike #1 goes around Brandon Merrigan on bike #70. Behan looks to be the new race leader. Gavin Lupton was also in the battle, but he'll need to settle for fourth place.
Connor Behan only just wins this one! Mark Hanna and Shane Egan, second and third. Phew! We'll have to catch our breath after that one, folks. That was close!
#72 Connor Behan Kawasaki 636
1. #72 Connor Behan Kawasaki 636
2. #36 Mark Hanna Triumph 675
3. #101 Shane Egan Suzuki 750
4. #9 Gavin Lupton Suzuki 750
5. #5 Thomas Maxwell Honda 600
Next up is the race for the Super Twins.
Jamie Hamilton is confident he can run at the front. Former MotoGP rider Jeremy McWilliams is not sure how the race will go, as this track at Armoy is different from others he's used to running on in the Irish road racing championship. He says, "I can tell you, getting used to the jumps, has been difficult." Jamie Hamilton has dominated this category through most of the 2013 season. Yes, we are in 2014, but going back to last year for some of these races, folks.
Let's see how this one shapes up. It's time for the Roadside Garages, Vauxhall Super Twin race! Go! Hamilton gets a good start. McWilliams is now third. But, in the lead, it's bike #65. Have to see who the rider is on that one. We do not know who the rider is, though. The second wave is ready. Shawn Anderson does a wheelie off the starting grid, as w go onboard with Nigel Moore on bike #10. He's riding a Kawasaki, which is what most of these 650cc motorcycles are.
Moore is known for riding the two stroke 250cc bikes, and now, sees a new challenge riding a Super Twin. They come to the Robbo's hairpin for the first time. Jamie Hamilton leads. Michael Sweeney is on one of the other top bikes. That's bike #65. Davey Morgan, on another Kawasaki is also in the field. Now, Jeremy McWilliams has come up to second and is right behind Jamie Hamilton. Michael Sweeney is now in third.
Uh oh. Sweeneyh is in trouble. He's got his hand in the air telling other riders to pass on the racing line, while he moves over. Nigel Moore is leading the second wave right now. Hamilton and McWilliams still run 1-2. You haven't missed anything at the front. Unlike the Northwest 200 which is an international road race, Armoy, is a national event. McWillaims is content to run second right now. Nigel Moore is still running on the pace in the second group.
McWilliams is giving Hamilton a run for his money as we watch action back in the pack. We watch Derek Costello on bike #73 and Maria Costello on bike #84. Remember, McWilliams used to be a MotoGP rider. So, he has run against Valentino Rossi, and some of the best motorcycle racers in the business, on the world's stage. Now he's showing his stuff against some of the best riders that Ireland has to offer. McWilliams gets good speed going through the first chicane at the end of the straightaway.
Ian Morrell and Davey Morgan have a battle of their own going on down the order. Hamilton seems to make some wide turns, or, it could be the picture with the onboard camera that makes it a bit confusing to the eyes of yours truly. Sean Anderson and Maria Costello are in a decent scrap for position, too. This one is for the latter half of the top ten places. Seven laps are on the books for this race. Hamilton continues out in front.
Morgan continues ahead of Morrell in that battle. Jeremy McWilliams is still pressuring Jamie Hamilton. The two have not been separate this whole race. They will duke it out for the victory. The Morrell/Morgan battle continues for sixth place and those two are lapping at the same speed as Nigel Moore (the former 250cc rider) who leads the second group. Nothing's changed up front, chaps. This is still the lead battle. Mark Hanna on motorcycle #136 is a lap down.
Hamilton slides on the back wheel, but keeps speed up into Robbo's corner. McWilliams is not giving up. He's showing his presence, letting Hamilton know, "hey dude, I'm behind you." Nigel Moore is still consistent and could get a top six finish out of this race. Hamilton wiggles the bike out of Church corner. He's not the first and won't be the last to do that. These guys know how to handle loose motorcycles. Mark Hanna has Williams Davison right behind him, as they are in a fight for position on the road.
Hamilton and McWilliams still are not giving an inch, but the lapped bike of Philip Dreaden (#151) could pose a problem. Dreaden does the right thing, moving over, letting the leaders by. Davey Morgan has now caught up with the #19 bike of Gavin Lupton. No change at the front, but Hamilton is still fighting the motorcycle in places. McWilliams says "I'm not done yet. I've still got a trick up my sleeve." More lapped traffic. This might get ugly. Hamilton has another backmarker to dispense with. McWilliams is like a shark, smelling blood of it's prey. He knows he can reel in the leader.
Hamilton almost loses it going around the lapped bike! McWilliams gains. Hamilton goes for the racing line coming into Church and the slower rider has no idea that he's there. That's the difference between the pros and the amateurs. The amateurs, sometimes, are too slow. Hamilton must have thought, "OK Sunday rider... let me by!" Don't be surprised if the lap record falls by the end of this one. William Davison will get on the podium. But who will win?
It's the final lap. McWilliams is charging. He wants this. Will he surprise Hamilton at the finish? More lapped traffic ahead. Will Hamilton get balked into Robbo's corner? More Sunday riders getting in the way. More battling as Gavin Lupton wants around Andy Farrell further down in the top five. These two are 30 seconds behind the lead. McWilliams is still on the attack. Hamilton negotiates another lapped bike. McWilliams has options to make a move. He can slipstream, or, he can try to outdo Hamilton on the brakes.
Here they come. This is for all the marbles in the Super Twins. McWilliams loses his line, drifting out to the curbs. He could fall back a few inches. Hamilton has this one in the bag. He wins it, over McWilliams. McWilliams shows off at the end, leaning his bike in towards Hamilton saying, "get ya next time, dude!"
#44 Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki
The top five:
1. #44 Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki 650
2. #99 Jeremy McWilliams Kawasaki 650
3. #150 William Davison Suzuki 650
4. #19 Gavin Lupton Suzuki 650
5. #96 Andy Farrell Kawasaki 650
Hamilton, in his winner's interview said he talked with McWilliams after the race, and McWilliams admitted that even as a veteran motorcycle racer, he's learned a lot from racing with Hamilton and having these close battles. McWilliams says he's amazed at how hard you have to push to do well in these races, and does admit that this kind of racing is a lot of fun, too.
Up next, it's the big kahuna. It's the Armoy Race of Legends, for all the marbles. Who will win? Find out in the upcoming paragraphs.
Guy Martin and Derek Sheils both expect good results in this race. Martin is relaxed, and confident. Jamie Hamilton is also in this. Let's go, folks. It's the Superbike feature at Armoy! Green light! Derek Sheils may have jumped the start. The marshals will have to review the video on that one. Sheils leads, with Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop second and third. But, not for long. Martin is off the road! He overshoots the chicane and will caboose on the field here. Bad luck for Martin already in this one. He'll have to claw his way back.
Conor Cummins is battling Jamie Hamilton for position as we watch the second wave get the green light. Robin Wilson on bike #122 leads that pack. The battle ensues between Hamilton and Cummins at the sharp end. William Dunlop on the #6 Yamaha is also a contender. Sheils and Dunlop run 1-2. We don't know if Sheils will get a penalty. Cummins is flying after Hamilton over the jumps. Michael Dunlop takes the lead. It's Dunlop, Sheils, Dunlop 1-2-3, breaking away from the pack. How close do you like it? Guy Martin is still languishing.
He's got time to make up ground. But, he'll have to book it. Lap one, done and dusted. Sheils holds off William Dunlop while his cousin is leading. Michael Dunlop has the advantage. Conor Cummins still wants by Jamie Hamilton. Dunlop looks on the inside. Sheils slams the door, saying, "no way!" Guy Martin is carving his way through this field. Martin passes Michael Sweeney. Davey Morgan will be his next target. Shooting fish in a barrel. Martin is going for it.
William Dunlop better pour on the steam if he wants to have a ding dong battle with his brother. Hamilton wants by Derek McGee, a lapped rider. William Dunlop passes for second and makes it stick. Sheils is now third. Cummins passes Hamilton. Sheils is still right behind William Dunlop. Cummins passes McGee. But, Derek McGee says "oh no you don't", and passes right back. McGee is quicker than yours truly gave him credit for. It could be game over for Conor Cummins. He's slowing on the road.
Guy Martin is catching Jamie Hamilton. Catching is one thing. Passing is another. Guy Martin is sixth now. He has to pass Hamilton and McGee to get into contention. For Cummins, it's game over. He'll have to try again at Armoy this season in 2014. Michael Dunlop leads. But, he's still pushing hard. Derek McGee is hung out to dry by Hamilton and Martin back into turn one. William Dunlop is still second. Michael Dunlop, is cruising.
Martin is passing Hamilton. Both the Kawasaki and the Suzuki are prepped by teams in Northern Ireland. Martin makes the pass. This race is eight laps. But, Martin better keep moving before he runs out of time. Martin is moving, he's on a record breaking pace. He still needs to fly if he wants a podium. Guy Martin is fourth, but he's still behind. He's going to have to pull a really special trick out of his hat if he wants to win this thing.
During this same weekend, Michael Dunlop's team mates, ran at the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance motorcycle race you read highlights about earlier in the year. Dunlop is running laps in the 1:42 range. Likewise for William Dunlop, running a 1:42.9. Guy Martin, too, is in that same time bracket. It's the last lap for Michael Dunlop in the Armoy Race of Legends. Will Dunlop break the lap record? Well, he's already broken the record. He's flying!
Conor Cummins will have to wait for the next round to show his stuff. Davey Morgan and Michael Sweeney will finish seventh and eighth respectively, in this race. William Dunlop will get a second place out of this one. Jamie Hamilton has also had a good race. But, Michael Dunlop is going to win. He's established a new lap record for the Armoy circuit. Plus, he set a lap record in the 600 Supersport class. Michael Dunlop wins the Armoy Race of Legends!
#3 Michael Dunlop Honda
1. #3 Michael Dunlop Honda
2. #6 William Dunlop Yamaha
3. #82 Derek Sheils Kawasaki
4. #4 Guy Martin Suzuki
5. #44 Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki
Michael Dunlop runs a new lap record speed at Armoy of 106.81 miles an hour. The next race is the Ulster Grand Prix to be run in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Stay tuned for a race report. So long for now.
The 2012 version of this event was run in the wet, and it was a crazy one. Guy Martin and Conor Cummins are two riders who are ones to watch at this event. These are shorter races than on some of the other Irish road circuits the Bike Road Racing Series runs on. First up, it's time for the 125cc race. There is a Moto 3 bike (a 350cc machine) in the field. It is bike #8 ridden by Christian Elkin. Sam Dunlop is on pole, and carrying the onboard camera.
The race was scheduled for eight laps. It's been reduced to seven. One bike is smoking heavily as we await the flag. We're ready to race. Go! The first wave of bikes is off and running. Christian Elkin slots in behind Sam Dunlop. So, it's Sam Dunlop, Christian Elkin, and Nigel Moore, the top three, from the start of this one. The second wave prepares for takeoff. Ian McKillan on bike #15 is off into the lead of this group. Sean Leonard on bike #34 is in pursuit. More new riders in this race. Every race on this tour, sees new entries.
Dunlop takes a tight line, fending off Elkin's challenge. Nigel Moore's bike is still belching smoke from the exhaust. The bikes go through a series of tight bends. No track map was shown. So, this circuit has corner names. But, not sure what they are, at least right now. They run through Church Bends. As they fly over the undulations on the back part of this track, it's Sam Dunlop still in the race lead. Dunlop was third fastest in qualifying, half a second behind Christian Elkin.
Sam Dunlop is being overtaken by Christian Elkin, right now. He's getting down to business, and wants the lead of this race. Sam Dunlop says, "oh no you don't, sunshine", and comes back on the inside. Dunlop takes the lead into the first chicane. Elkin passes Dunlop another time as other riders, among them, Paul Robinson on his Aprilia, file through. Sam Wilson on bike #56 is already on the verge of being lapped. Rene Los, on bike #84, follows... a newcomer to the series.
Sam Dunlop is doing his best to catch Christian Elkin. Sam Dunlop passes Daley Mathison for second spot. This race is already in the rear view mirror, everybody. Christian Elkin, wins it. Dunlop beats Wilson to the line with Mathison next, followed home by Paul Jordan.
#8 Christian Elkin Honda Moto 3
1. #8 Christian Elkin Honda Moto 3
2. #33 Sam Dunlop Honda 125
3. #56 Sam Wilson Honda 125
4. #104 Daley Mathison Honda 125
5. #61 Paul Jordan Honda 125
Coming up, it's the Mermaid Club Junior Support Race, presented by Armoy Homes. This race sees a battle between Super Twin bikes, and a handful of 250cc machines. Conor Biean, Mark Hanna, and Shane Egan, share the front row. It's go time! They're away! Conor Behan gets the hole shot down into the chicane. The second wave starts their race, and will catch up to the rest of the field shortly.
They head into Robbo's corner for the first time. Hanna and Egan follow, with Gavin Lupton, next. Here comes the second wave. Hanna and Behan run 1-2, and are instantly embroiled in a scrap for the lead. Hanna's got a bad case of tire chatter. Unreal. Anyone who has even ridden a bicycle, knows how the nasty tire oscillation feels. John Cahill on bike #11 is at the tail end of one of the groups of bikes. Behan and Hanna are battling into the chicane to start another lap.
These two have broken away from the rest of the pack. Neil Kenohan on bike #109 (a 250cc machine) is running in mid pack. William Harra and Tommy Henry are right behind. Many local riders are certainly in this race at Armoy. There are names we don't often see, in this event. Hanna and Biean are working lapped traffic at the moment. Hanna pops a wheelie over one of the jumps. The KMR Kawasaki is running pretty smoothly at the moment.
Hanna leads, and he wins it, by a tenth of a second.
#36 Mark Hanna Kawasaki 650
The top five:
1. #36 Mark Hanna Kawasaki 650
2. #72 Connor Behan Kawasaki 650
3. #101 Shane Egan Suzuki 650
4. #9 Gavin Lupton Suzuki 650
5. #74 Tommy Henry Honda 250
Coming up, it's the Moyle District Council 600 Supersport race.
Michael Dunlop is on pole. William Dunlop and Guy Martin are second and third, with a second row of Jamie Hamilton, Michael Pearson, and Derek McGee. It's go! Once again, Michael Dunlop did not get the hole shot on the start of this one. Jamie Hamilton has had a great start. Guy Martin leads this race through the first corner. Somebody runs on, blowing through the chicane. William Dunlop is pursuing his cousin Michael.
Jamie Hamilton has made it to second spot, trying his best to get around Guy Martin. Martin has the line a the moment. Conor Cummins ran straight through the chicane, on bike #10. William Dunlop is trying to get by Jamie Hamilton. Can he do it? Guy Martin is going like the clappers at the front right now. He's flying. The bikes run through the most spectacular section at Armoy... the jumps. Guy Martin had this same race strategy last time out in the Southern 100 on the Isle of Man. William Dunlop is struggling to pass Jamie Hamilton right now.
Dunlop makes the pass for second, stick. The top four are breaking away from everybody else. The track here at Armoy is very bumpy. Dunlop is making his move on Martin. This is the longest straightaway on the circuit, and yes, it's still very bumpy. Dunlop, Martin, Dunlop... the top three. Derek Sheils on the #82 Murray Racing Honda is running in fourth or fifth place. Jamie Hamilton continues to run in fourth spot. Conor Cummins doesn't shortcut the chicane this lap. But, he's still down the order somewhat.
The Dunlop's are practically racing at their home circuit, in their own backyard, here at Armoy. Michael Dunlop rises out of the seat! Loose bike! He saves it! That was scary. William Dunlop (Michael's brother) is pulling away from everyone else. Conor Cummins on the Yamaha, is battling with Michael Pearson and Derek McGee. William Dunlop continues to lead. In the 2012 race, there were showers and sunshine. So far, it's been sunny all the way through this one.
Michael Dunlop has closed right up on Guy Martin. This could be the battle of the race, for second spot. Derek Sheils gets passed in Roberts corner. Michael Dunlop passes Guy Martin! They've been battling since last season in 2012. Payback time, it looks like. Dunlop is going for it. Martin beat him last time at the Southern 100 on a Superbike, and also did win the 600 race at Cookstown. Jamie Hamilton runs fourth. Hamilton runs from the chicane to McCorkin's corner. He's a Super Twin specialist. But, he's coming up the ranks on the 600cc bikes, too.
Through Dean's Rise and into Robbo's corner. Then, it's one to Atchison's Leap. Can William Dunlop beat his brother for the win in this race? Guy Martin is third, making his way by slower traffic. William Dunlop looks like a shoe in for the win in this one. Guy Martin runs through the chicane. It is hardly used, and it's treacherous. When it was run in the wet in 2012, the surface was like marble. One of the races for this weekend, may have been cancelled. As of now, it looks like William Dunlop is going to win this thing, though.
Derek Sheils has done a great job in this race even though he's more comfortable riding a 1000cc machine, than a 600cc one. Dunlop is still working lapped traffic. Derek Costello is one rider he easily passes. Michael Dunlop is still pushing, and I don't have to tell you... hard. He's closed the gap. Does he have enough time? This is the final lap of the race. Michael Dunlop is gaining groud on his cousin. Meanwhile, Jamie Hamilton is closing up on Guy Martin. This should be interesting, if not a little dodgy.
Guy Martin has probably already settled for third spot. William Dunlop wins it, by 6/10ths of a second!
#6 William Dunlop Yamaha
So, here are the results of the Supersport race.
1. #6 William Dunlop Yamaha
2. #3 Michael Dunlop Honda
3. #4 Guy Martin Suzuki
4. #44 Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki
5. #86 Derek McGee Yamaha
Drama after the checkers. Michael Pearson runs into the back of lapped rider Derek Costello's motorcycle, sending them both tumbling down the small bank beside the track. Both riders walk away, but Pearson has a damaged wrist. The next race on the docket is the Ballymoney Borough Council Junior Classic. This race is for 250cc and 350cc motorcycles. Go! Barry Davidson on the #40 Honda takes the race lead from the get go.
In second it's Shawn Leonard. There are three waves of bike starting this race, so, it's a big field. Barry Davidson leads Sean Leonard into Robbo's Corner. Doug Shaw on the #76 Suzuki 250 is right in there. This race, is really for classic bikes, from the 1970s and '80s. Brian Allen leads away the second wave on bike #27. Freddie Stewart on bike #2 is in this wave. Honda's are well represented in this large field of motorcycles. We watch a battle between Bill Smith on the Ducati #302, the #43 of Alex McVicker, on a 250cc Honda, and we see Barry Davidson increasing his lead.
Both of them ride 350cc Honda's. In third place, there's a three way battle. Allan Brew, and Philip Shaw are nose to tail. Kevin Strowger is third, on corrected time, having come out of the third wave. Davidson and Leonard continue to battle. Billy Lyle is also giving his #4 Honda 350 a good ride. We now see Tim Stevenson on the #211 Honda 350 in a dice with the aforementioned Freddie Stewart. Barry Davidson has indeed increased his lead.
Davy Hastings on another 350cc Honda is in the mix as well. He runs fifth, on corrected time. Stevenson and Stewart are just inside the top ten coming from the second wave. This is the final lap of the vintage race. Barry Davidson has a comfortable lead. Kevin Strowger remains third. Barry Davidson wins the 250cc/350cc race.
#40 Barry Davidson Honda 350
1. #40 Barry Davidson Honda 350
2. #34 Sean Leonard Honda 350
3. #19 Kevin Strowger Suzuki 250
4. #8 Allan Brew Aermacchi 340
5. #36 Davy Hastings Honda 350
Up next, it's back to the big boys and the big toys. This is the SGS International Superbike race. Michael Dunlop, Derek Sheils, and Guy Martin are on the front row for this one. William Dunlop will start on the second row of the grid. Jamie Hamilton and Conor Cummins, alongside. Derek McGee, Davy Morgan, and Michael Sweeney are on the next row.
Go! At the start, Guy Martin gets the jump, but Michael Dunlop tries making a move. Derek Sheils, William Dunlop and Jamie Hamilton, follow. This race is quite a bit closer for the Superbikes than it was for the Supersport machines earlier. Michael Sweeney passes Conor Cummins on the outside, forcing Cummins to take evasive action. Guy Martin leads, riding the same motorcycle he used to win the Southern 100 on the Isle of Man. Going onboard with Jamie Hamilton, and Conor Cummins, fans get the sense of what those jumps actually look like to the riders.
The front wheel of the bike lifts right off the racing surface and then, sets itself back down. The bikes approach Billarney Cross. Guy Martin is pulling out a gap over Michael Dunlop at this moment. Davy Morgan sweeps past Conor Cummins. At this point, Michael Dunlop is faster than Guy Martin, on the road. Dunlop is coming in a hurry. Martin has had to roll off the throttle to avoid zinging his rear tire and getting the bike loose.
It's game over for the rider of bike #115, as he has taken a spill. He'll be OK. Damien Haran is the rider. Yellow flags warn the riders of the proximity of Haran's stricken motorcycle. William Dunlop has clear track ahead of him at this moment. They head back to Robbo's corner one more time. Conor Cummins is sixth. Fans, there is more action to come for the Superbikes. The Armoy Race of Legends. Stay tuned for that one, later in this race report.
These blokes are getting airborne going around corners! That's unreal! True athlete's, these motorcycle racers. Jamie Hamilton and Conor Cummins battle for fifth place. Cummins cannot quite make the pass on Hamilton over those amazing jumps at the back of the circuit. Make a move into the left hand kink at the bottom of the hill. Martin and Dunlop are negotiating that spot, as we speak. These two break away from Derek Sheils. He's got something wrong with the rear wheel as it goes light under braking. Hopefully he can control his motorcycle, without crashing.
Michael Dunlop has better drive out of the corner. Can he pass Martin down the straight? Not quite. There's nothing in it down the straight. They go into the chicane. No problem. Meanwhile, Jamie Hamilton is overtaken for fifth and Conor Cummins makes the pass. Dunlop and Martin are racing for the win in this first of two Superbike races. Martin flies over the jump, again. William Dunlop, meanwhile, remains behind Derek Sheils. Sheils is on a Superstock bike, while Dunlop, is on a Superbike. There are differences between the two.
Martin still leads going back through the Armoy Homes chicane. William Dunlop is struggling to get close to Derek Sheils at the moment. Conor Cummins is still fifth, lapping around a second or so behind Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop. Dunlop makes a pass on Martin! OK. This is going to go down to the wire. Martin won't give up easily. These two are sliding around going back into the chicane. Can Martin respond to Dunlop's pace?
Dunlop is quicker as he and Martin both negotiate lapped bikes. Martin passes the lapped bike #75 of Peter Hymans and Hymans, running his own race, was unaware of Guy Martin's presence. Michael Dunlop moves on to the last lap and he's got a decent cushion over Martin, and will win this race. Will there be a change for third? Michael Dunlop, meanwhile, will win another. Jamie Hamilton will get sixth. He's also racing in 600s and Super Twins. Those races coming, later on.
Dunlop wins it!
#3 Michael Dunlop Honda
Here's the top five.
1. #3 Michael Dunlop Honda
2. #4 Guy Martin Suzuki
3. #82 Derek Sheils Kawasaki
4. #6 William Dunlop Yamaha
5. #10 Conor Cummins Yamaha
Coming up next, we have six more races to cover. So, hold on tight, folks. Pull on helmets and riding gloves, and get ready for more sideways, knee dragging, and balance defying two wheel antics from the Bike Road Racing Series and their cadre of star motorcyclists.
Michael Dunlop is running three bikes. A 250cc, 600cc and a 1000cc Superbike. The first race on day two is the G&G Ross Quarries/Armoy Supporters Club, Senior Classic. This race is for 500cc, and 750cc motorcycles, with a lone 950cc bike, also joining the party. No class discrepancies here. Whoever wins this one, is the overall winner. Go! The favorite in this race is #101 Robert McCrum. He rides a Norton Weslake 950cc machine.
Martin Lyon is second, on the #50 bike, which in contrast, is a 500cc motorcycle. The second wave, has just three bikes. John Jones on bike #88 leads. He rides a Seeley Matchless. The #11 Triumph ridden by John Scott, is moving up the order. Mark McGaw is riding another Seeley Weslake, #167. Right now, it's Robert McCrum leading, and Allan Brew is bringing up the rear of the first wave on his 500cc Seely. McCrum leads over John Scott and Martin Lyons. Richard Ford is fourth, on his Norton 750cc machine.
Allan Brew is now ahead of Billy Lyle on his #4 500cc Honda. McCrum is sailing off into the distance. John Scott holds second. Richard Ford has gotten around Martin Lyons. Gary Jamison is back there on the #5 500cc Honda. John Scott's Triumph is puffing blue smoke every so often. Robert McCrum is going to have an easy win in this race coming to Kennedy's corner. He is the winner.
#101 Robert McCrum Norton 950
Here's the top five places.
1. #101 Robert McCrum Norton 950
2. #12 Richard Ford Norton 750
3. #11 John Scott Triumph 950
4. #167 Mark McGaw Seeley 750
5. #8 Allan Brew Seeley 496
Coming next, it's the Centra 250cc Grand Prix. This should be a good one.
William Dunlop has pole for this one. Davey Morgan will be his biggest rival here. At the start, there are several riders who get off the grid well. Warch not only for Dunlop and Morgan, but also for Seamus Elliott, Davey Mathison, and Paul Robinson. Michael Sweeney takes the race lead. Sam Wilson also has a decent start, as the second wave takes off. Sam Dunlop is in this group. Sam, is William Dunlop's cousin. Kevin Strowger leads the second wave.
There are truly some heavy hitters in this field. Sam Wilson takes the race lead through the sweeper. They fly over Dunlop's Leap. They run over the hills and into an awkward left hand turn, coming up. William Dunlop is pressing Sam Wilson at this moment. Michael Sweeney holds third place. Sam Wilson's fairing on his bike, that deflects the wind over the top of his helmet, is loose, flapping in the breeze. William Dunlop slides into the lead, bounding over the curbs.
Bike #171 of Raymond Hodges is behind this group. No change in the order. It's Dunlop, Wilson, and Sweeney, 1-2-3. Davy Morgan seems to have dropped back. Top five = Dunlop, Sweeney, Wilson, Elliott, and Morgan. Paul Robinson is also in contention on his Honda. William Dunlop gaps the field, but the true dust up is for second and third. On the final lap of this race, William Dunlop has two slower bikes to contend with, but, he'll easily win the 250cc Grand Prix.
Sam Wilson, Michael Sweeney, and Seamus Elliott, battle for second, but Dunlop knows he's the winner.
#6 William Dunlop Honda 250
Here's the top five.
1. #6 William Dunlop Honda
2, #36 Sam Wilson Honda
3. #65 Michael Sweeney Honda
4. #97 Seamus Elliott Honda
5. #104 Daley Matthison Honda
Coming up is a combination race. This one, for 400cc and 450cc motorcycles. So, there will likely be only one winner. These two classes are represented by Diamond Bar for the 400s and J.W. Hickinson Moto for the 450s, as sponsors for the race. The bulk of the field is 400cc machines, with four 450cc bikes tossed in. They're away, and bike #96 Andy Farrell, leads. But, there's trouble off the grid for Seamus Elliott on #97 who we also saw finish fourth in the 250cc race that was just run.
Elliott does restart his 450cc motorcycle and continue in the race. Elliott is hopping mad about that start, and will just have to cool down and make up time, as the second wave is ready to get underway. Ian Simpson on the #87 motorcycle leads the second wave. Dave Walsh and Brian Locklin, follow. In replay, we see that Seamus Elliott, did manage to restart his motorcycle, and get going again. Andy Farrell is indeed the race leader right now.
Right now, the battle is between Andy Farrell and Gavin Lupton, for the race lead. Bike #18 of Vic Allan is in the second wave, and he could very well be the leader on corrected time. It's still Andy Farrell leading, with Gavin Lupton second. Mark Shiels and Derek Wilkie battle for third, but they are a ways behind the leading duo. Darren Duncan on bike #5 is also running a decent race. Allan is not on pace with the leaders, though. So, he'll fall behind.
Andy Farrell and company are coming up to put a lap on the #57 bike of Yvonne Montgomery. Lupton is all over Farrell, like a rash. He won't get away. This is a close race between Mark Shields and Derek Wilkie. Vic Allen is still running consistently, even though he's in the second wave. This is the final lap of the race, but there's no change. It's Farrell over Lupton. Seamus Elliott is top 450 as Andy Farrell, wins. Vic Allan, comes home third.
#96 Andy Farrell Kawasaki 400
1. #96 Andy Farrell Kawasaki 400
2. #9 Gavin Lupton Honda 400
3. #18 Vic Allan Kawasaki 400
4. #77 Mark Shiels Kawasaki 400
5. #38 Derek Wilkie Kawasaki 400
Next up is another Senior Support Race, presented by Armoy Construction and Park Electrical Services. This is a combination of two Supersport classes, really, with a mix of 600cc and 750cc bikes. Colin Behan will start from pole on bike #72. Shane Egan and Mark Hanna start alongside. Time to race. The 600/750 race is on! Behan takes the lead going into the chicane for the first time. Egan is third as the fourth place rider gets on the grass.
It could have been rider, James Kelly. Now for the second wave. John Harra leads John Cahill. Noel Carroll is also in this fight on bike #92. Here comes the third and final wave. Good start for #32 Aaron Boyd. Conor Behan leads on the Kawasaki through Church Bends. They come down from Dunlop's Leap, over the undulations. This race is a stormer already as Mark Hanna goes for the lead, and takes it. He has taken over from Connor Behan at the front.
Derek Wilkie is giving his Triumph Daytona 675 a good run. Shane Egan is still second, with Gavin Lupton, third. Mark Hanna is now second, passing Connor Behan. This race has flown by. It's already the final lap. Shane Egan leads Mark Hanna and Connor Behan. Triumph, Suzuki, Kawasaki, the top three bikes. Paddy Cullivin on bike #1 goes around Brandon Merrigan on bike #70. Behan looks to be the new race leader. Gavin Lupton was also in the battle, but he'll need to settle for fourth place.
Connor Behan only just wins this one! Mark Hanna and Shane Egan, second and third. Phew! We'll have to catch our breath after that one, folks. That was close!
#72 Connor Behan Kawasaki 636
1. #72 Connor Behan Kawasaki 636
2. #36 Mark Hanna Triumph 675
3. #101 Shane Egan Suzuki 750
4. #9 Gavin Lupton Suzuki 750
5. #5 Thomas Maxwell Honda 600
Next up is the race for the Super Twins.
Jamie Hamilton is confident he can run at the front. Former MotoGP rider Jeremy McWilliams is not sure how the race will go, as this track at Armoy is different from others he's used to running on in the Irish road racing championship. He says, "I can tell you, getting used to the jumps, has been difficult." Jamie Hamilton has dominated this category through most of the 2013 season. Yes, we are in 2014, but going back to last year for some of these races, folks.
Let's see how this one shapes up. It's time for the Roadside Garages, Vauxhall Super Twin race! Go! Hamilton gets a good start. McWilliams is now third. But, in the lead, it's bike #65. Have to see who the rider is on that one. We do not know who the rider is, though. The second wave is ready. Shawn Anderson does a wheelie off the starting grid, as w go onboard with Nigel Moore on bike #10. He's riding a Kawasaki, which is what most of these 650cc motorcycles are.
Moore is known for riding the two stroke 250cc bikes, and now, sees a new challenge riding a Super Twin. They come to the Robbo's hairpin for the first time. Jamie Hamilton leads. Michael Sweeney is on one of the other top bikes. That's bike #65. Davey Morgan, on another Kawasaki is also in the field. Now, Jeremy McWilliams has come up to second and is right behind Jamie Hamilton. Michael Sweeney is now in third.
Uh oh. Sweeneyh is in trouble. He's got his hand in the air telling other riders to pass on the racing line, while he moves over. Nigel Moore is leading the second wave right now. Hamilton and McWilliams still run 1-2. You haven't missed anything at the front. Unlike the Northwest 200 which is an international road race, Armoy, is a national event. McWillaims is content to run second right now. Nigel Moore is still running on the pace in the second group.
McWilliams is giving Hamilton a run for his money as we watch action back in the pack. We watch Derek Costello on bike #73 and Maria Costello on bike #84. Remember, McWilliams used to be a MotoGP rider. So, he has run against Valentino Rossi, and some of the best motorcycle racers in the business, on the world's stage. Now he's showing his stuff against some of the best riders that Ireland has to offer. McWilliams gets good speed going through the first chicane at the end of the straightaway.
Ian Morrell and Davey Morgan have a battle of their own going on down the order. Hamilton seems to make some wide turns, or, it could be the picture with the onboard camera that makes it a bit confusing to the eyes of yours truly. Sean Anderson and Maria Costello are in a decent scrap for position, too. This one is for the latter half of the top ten places. Seven laps are on the books for this race. Hamilton continues out in front.
Morgan continues ahead of Morrell in that battle. Jeremy McWilliams is still pressuring Jamie Hamilton. The two have not been separate this whole race. They will duke it out for the victory. The Morrell/Morgan battle continues for sixth place and those two are lapping at the same speed as Nigel Moore (the former 250cc rider) who leads the second group. Nothing's changed up front, chaps. This is still the lead battle. Mark Hanna on motorcycle #136 is a lap down.
Hamilton slides on the back wheel, but keeps speed up into Robbo's corner. McWilliams is not giving up. He's showing his presence, letting Hamilton know, "hey dude, I'm behind you." Nigel Moore is still consistent and could get a top six finish out of this race. Hamilton wiggles the bike out of Church corner. He's not the first and won't be the last to do that. These guys know how to handle loose motorcycles. Mark Hanna has Williams Davison right behind him, as they are in a fight for position on the road.
Hamilton and McWilliams still are not giving an inch, but the lapped bike of Philip Dreaden (#151) could pose a problem. Dreaden does the right thing, moving over, letting the leaders by. Davey Morgan has now caught up with the #19 bike of Gavin Lupton. No change at the front, but Hamilton is still fighting the motorcycle in places. McWilliams says "I'm not done yet. I've still got a trick up my sleeve." More lapped traffic. This might get ugly. Hamilton has another backmarker to dispense with. McWilliams is like a shark, smelling blood of it's prey. He knows he can reel in the leader.
Hamilton almost loses it going around the lapped bike! McWilliams gains. Hamilton goes for the racing line coming into Church and the slower rider has no idea that he's there. That's the difference between the pros and the amateurs. The amateurs, sometimes, are too slow. Hamilton must have thought, "OK Sunday rider... let me by!" Don't be surprised if the lap record falls by the end of this one. William Davison will get on the podium. But who will win?
It's the final lap. McWilliams is charging. He wants this. Will he surprise Hamilton at the finish? More lapped traffic ahead. Will Hamilton get balked into Robbo's corner? More Sunday riders getting in the way. More battling as Gavin Lupton wants around Andy Farrell further down in the top five. These two are 30 seconds behind the lead. McWilliams is still on the attack. Hamilton negotiates another lapped bike. McWilliams has options to make a move. He can slipstream, or, he can try to outdo Hamilton on the brakes.
Here they come. This is for all the marbles in the Super Twins. McWilliams loses his line, drifting out to the curbs. He could fall back a few inches. Hamilton has this one in the bag. He wins it, over McWilliams. McWilliams shows off at the end, leaning his bike in towards Hamilton saying, "get ya next time, dude!"
#44 Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki
The top five:
1. #44 Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki 650
2. #99 Jeremy McWilliams Kawasaki 650
3. #150 William Davison Suzuki 650
4. #19 Gavin Lupton Suzuki 650
5. #96 Andy Farrell Kawasaki 650
Hamilton, in his winner's interview said he talked with McWilliams after the race, and McWilliams admitted that even as a veteran motorcycle racer, he's learned a lot from racing with Hamilton and having these close battles. McWilliams says he's amazed at how hard you have to push to do well in these races, and does admit that this kind of racing is a lot of fun, too.
Up next, it's the big kahuna. It's the Armoy Race of Legends, for all the marbles. Who will win? Find out in the upcoming paragraphs.
Guy Martin and Derek Sheils both expect good results in this race. Martin is relaxed, and confident. Jamie Hamilton is also in this. Let's go, folks. It's the Superbike feature at Armoy! Green light! Derek Sheils may have jumped the start. The marshals will have to review the video on that one. Sheils leads, with Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop second and third. But, not for long. Martin is off the road! He overshoots the chicane and will caboose on the field here. Bad luck for Martin already in this one. He'll have to claw his way back.
Conor Cummins is battling Jamie Hamilton for position as we watch the second wave get the green light. Robin Wilson on bike #122 leads that pack. The battle ensues between Hamilton and Cummins at the sharp end. William Dunlop on the #6 Yamaha is also a contender. Sheils and Dunlop run 1-2. We don't know if Sheils will get a penalty. Cummins is flying after Hamilton over the jumps. Michael Dunlop takes the lead. It's Dunlop, Sheils, Dunlop 1-2-3, breaking away from the pack. How close do you like it? Guy Martin is still languishing.
He's got time to make up ground. But, he'll have to book it. Lap one, done and dusted. Sheils holds off William Dunlop while his cousin is leading. Michael Dunlop has the advantage. Conor Cummins still wants by Jamie Hamilton. Dunlop looks on the inside. Sheils slams the door, saying, "no way!" Guy Martin is carving his way through this field. Martin passes Michael Sweeney. Davey Morgan will be his next target. Shooting fish in a barrel. Martin is going for it.
William Dunlop better pour on the steam if he wants to have a ding dong battle with his brother. Hamilton wants by Derek McGee, a lapped rider. William Dunlop passes for second and makes it stick. Sheils is now third. Cummins passes Hamilton. Sheils is still right behind William Dunlop. Cummins passes McGee. But, Derek McGee says "oh no you don't", and passes right back. McGee is quicker than yours truly gave him credit for. It could be game over for Conor Cummins. He's slowing on the road.
Guy Martin is catching Jamie Hamilton. Catching is one thing. Passing is another. Guy Martin is sixth now. He has to pass Hamilton and McGee to get into contention. For Cummins, it's game over. He'll have to try again at Armoy this season in 2014. Michael Dunlop leads. But, he's still pushing hard. Derek McGee is hung out to dry by Hamilton and Martin back into turn one. William Dunlop is still second. Michael Dunlop, is cruising.
Martin is passing Hamilton. Both the Kawasaki and the Suzuki are prepped by teams in Northern Ireland. Martin makes the pass. This race is eight laps. But, Martin better keep moving before he runs out of time. Martin is moving, he's on a record breaking pace. He still needs to fly if he wants a podium. Guy Martin is fourth, but he's still behind. He's going to have to pull a really special trick out of his hat if he wants to win this thing.
During this same weekend, Michael Dunlop's team mates, ran at the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance motorcycle race you read highlights about earlier in the year. Dunlop is running laps in the 1:42 range. Likewise for William Dunlop, running a 1:42.9. Guy Martin, too, is in that same time bracket. It's the last lap for Michael Dunlop in the Armoy Race of Legends. Will Dunlop break the lap record? Well, he's already broken the record. He's flying!
Conor Cummins will have to wait for the next round to show his stuff. Davey Morgan and Michael Sweeney will finish seventh and eighth respectively, in this race. William Dunlop will get a second place out of this one. Jamie Hamilton has also had a good race. But, Michael Dunlop is going to win. He's established a new lap record for the Armoy circuit. Plus, he set a lap record in the 600 Supersport class. Michael Dunlop wins the Armoy Race of Legends!
#3 Michael Dunlop Honda
1. #3 Michael Dunlop Honda
2. #6 William Dunlop Yamaha
3. #82 Derek Sheils Kawasaki
4. #4 Guy Martin Suzuki
5. #44 Jamie Hamilton Kawasaki
Michael Dunlop runs a new lap record speed at Armoy of 106.81 miles an hour. The next race is the Ulster Grand Prix to be run in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Stay tuned for a race report. So long for now.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
MotoGP: Riders And Teams Revving Up For Preseason Testing
This story is somewhat late. But, it's still relevant. Preseason testing for the 2014 MotoGP season, is coming up.
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-riders-and-teams-revving-up-for-preseason-testing/
http://msn.foxsports.com/speed/motogp/motogp-riders-and-teams-revving-up-for-preseason-testing/
Saturday, January 11, 2014
MotoGP news stories
Ducati denies they are switching to Open class motorcycles for MotoGP. This is just one of the stories in a MotoGP news briefing. Click the link, and scroll through the stories.
http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media
http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media
Thursday, January 9, 2014
AMA Pro Road Racing Releases 2014 Schedule
Five race weekends are scheduled for AMA Pro Road Racing this year, with the possibility, of a sixth one being added, soon.
http://www.cyclenews.com/646/22777/Racing-Article/AMA-Pro-Road-Racing-Releases-2014-Schedule.aspx
The schedule is in the article. But, here's what it looks like.
Race 1: 3-13/3-15 Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, FL
Race 2: 5-30/6-1 Road America Elkhart Lake, WI
Race 3: 6-21/6-22 Barber Motorsports Park Birmingham, AL
Race 4: 7-19/7-20 Mid Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, OH
Race 5: 9-13/9-14 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ
http://www.cyclenews.com/646/22777/Racing-Article/AMA-Pro-Road-Racing-Releases-2014-Schedule.aspx
The schedule is in the article. But, here's what it looks like.
Race 1: 3-13/3-15 Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, FL
Race 2: 5-30/6-1 Road America Elkhart Lake, WI
Race 3: 6-21/6-22 Barber Motorsports Park Birmingham, AL
Race 4: 7-19/7-20 Mid Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, OH
Race 5: 9-13/9-14 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, NJ
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Steve Parrish
Check out former motorcycle racer, one time big rig truck racer, MotoGP commentator, and all around funnyman, Steve Parrish.
http://www.steveparrishracing.com/
http://www.steveparrishracing.com/
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
best save on a motorcycle, ever!
Watch Colin Edwards in 2008, crashing, and saving the bike at the same time! This is jaw dropping.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Di Meglio confirmed For Avintia Racing MotoGP ride
Mike Di Meglio, graduates from Moto 2 and steps up to MotoGP this year, with Avintia Racing. Here are the details.
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Avintia+Racing+with+Mike+Di+Meglio+in+2014
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2014/Avintia+Racing+with+Mike+Di+Meglio+in+2014
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Guy Martin racing a Manx Norton motorcycle
Click on the link and check this out. Bike Road Racing Series star Guy Martin races a Manx Norton at the Boxing Day Cemetery Circuit race at Wanganui in New Zealand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y55i_bWdIB8&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y55i_bWdIB8&feature=youtu.be
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Alex Lowes confirmed at Crescent Suzuki WSB
This was announced months ago. But it is now confirmed that British Superbike champion Alex Lowes, will race alongside Eugene Laverty at Crescent Suzuki in FIM World Superbike this year.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/mcn/sport/sportresults/world-superbikes/2014/jANUARY/jan0213-lowes-confirmed-at-crescent
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/mcn/sport/sportresults/world-superbikes/2014/jANUARY/jan0213-lowes-confirmed-at-crescent
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
A Day With Josh Hayes And His Graves Yamaha YZF-R1 | Thor's Hammer
Check this out. Too cool!
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_1302_a_day_with_josh_hayes_and_his_graves_yamaha_yzf_r1/
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_1302_a_day_with_josh_hayes_and_his_graves_yamaha_yzf_r1/
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