No Marshals No Race! - We need you!

It's well known fact, across all forms of Motorsport that Marshals are essential to every meeting.

Radio marshals, flag marshals and others all perform a vital role in any motorsport event and Motorcycling is no different.Every year more and more are needed to fulfill meetings across Ireland so the drive to recruit new volunteers is important.

If you fancy moving from the spectators confined space to the exclusivity of marshal zones or would like to get more involved in Motorsport, now's your chance as the annual training days are scheduled for next month in Mondello. See the details below, or message us here for any details.

Marshal training days @ Mondello Park
March 9th & 10th
The Motorsport Marshals Association will be holding training days in Mondello Park on March 9th & 10th. We cover both car and bike racing and are looking for Marshals to join the team. Saturday will be out on circuit marshaling the licence assessment day for new bike racers, if you've never marshalled before you will be put out with experienced Marshals who will explain the role of Marshals and you will get to experience what's involved in marshaling on a live circuit.Sunday will be in the classroom. We will cover flags and their meaning, incident handling for cars and bikes and go through all you need to know about marshaling a race event.All are welcome to attend either or both days.Sign on for Saturday is @ 8.30 in the marshal room above the bar.Sign on for Sunday is @ 9.30 in the marshal room above the bar.

Jonathan Rea wins 4-in-a-row at Cornmarket awards. Trophies for Farmer, Kennedy, McGlinchey and Team 109

It was a star studded line up in the Crown Plaza Belfast last night for the prestigious Cornmarket Irish Motorcyclist of the Year awards.

It was no surprise that the winner was to be 4 times World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea and sweet irony that it was also his 4^th time collecting the trophy beating Joey Dunlop’s record of 3 Cornmarket awards.

It was fitting that 2^nd place didn’t go to one individual given the performance so, with the same points, BSB Superstock 1000 winner Keith Farmer and BSB Supersport champion Jack Kennedy both collected the accolade. Keith Farmer will compete in the Bennett’s British Superbike Championship this year for Tyco BMW while Jack Kennedy will be defending his title on the Team Appleyard Macadam Yamaha R6.

The Belfast Telegraph Irish Road Racer of the year went to back to back triple championship winner Derek McGee. As well was taking a 2^nd place in the 2018 Lightweight Isle of Man TT, McGee retained his Superbike, Supersport and Supertwin titles from 2017.

After an exemplary first season in British Junior Supersport, Eunan McGlinchey secured the inaugural championship and that earned him the Kawasaki Young Rider of the Year trophy. Despite strong competition all season, the Team 109 riders’ composure, skill and determination shone through. Eunan ups the ante in 2019 and will compete in the Pirelli National Superstock 600cc championship under the well established Team 109 banner along with full backing of Kawasaki UK. One to watch for the future.

If Eunans’ success was worth an award then, it had to be complimented by recognition of Team 109 who deservedly collected the JWA Team of the Year award. Since its inception the teams’ managers Paul Tobin and David Hurley worked tirelessly to find talented Irish riders and have them mentored by already established riders, like Team 109 ambassador Glenn Irwin, in their pursuit of titles. Examples of such success are Eunan, Scott Swann (British Talent Cup) and Kevin Keyes (Pirelli National Superstock).

Sadly a posthumous award was made to the family of William Dunlop who was inducted to the RPS Group Hall of Fame. William’s partner, Janine, and mother, Louise received the award on the night.

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Words Andy Quinn

Images courtesy of James McCann, Tom O’Hanlon and Andy Quinn

Full award results below

Cornmarket Irish Motorcyclist of the Year: Jonathan Rea

IFS International Road Racer of the Year: Peter Hickman

Belfast Telegraph National Road Racer of the Year: Derek McGee

Kawasaki Young Rider of the Year: Eunan McGlinchey

JWA Team of the Year: Team 109 Kawasaki

Cornmarket Outstanding Achievement Award: Keith Farmer

Phillip McCallen Motorcycles Short Circuit Rider of the Year (Irish Circuits): Gerard Kinghan

RPS Group Hall of Fame: William Dunlop

Greenlight Television Special Recognition Award: McAdoo Racing

Black Horse Short Circuit Rider of the Year (GB Circuits): Jack Kennedy

A. McLean Bookmakers Race of the Year: North West 200, Supertwins Race 2

Belleek Off-Road Rider of the Year: Martin Barr

NI Air Ambulance Services to Motorcycling: Valerie Crichton

Entry Form MCI Newcomers Assessment Day March 9th 2019

Please find entry form for MCI Newcomers Assessment Day March 9th 2019 attached for download:

Entry Form MCI Newcomers Assessment Day March 9th 2019

Leinster Motor Club Flag and Anti Doping seminar 29/12/18

Leinster motor club will hold the annual meeting for membership and stamping of licence forms in Mondello Park at 12 noon on 29th December 2018.

Any queries ring Sheila Logan or Karie Grant.

IMC Snowflake Showdown - Round 2 - Race Report

'Our First Winter Day'

With the wind blowing and rain before race morning began, riders where truly showing support and determination to race on such a cold day. Addition of some new members and some returning faces from our summer championship decided to join us again to race at round two. This lead to some excitement throughout spectating.

BMW Autoparts Junior Gearbox competitors were the first of the grid to race. Due to the wind factor, we hoped this didn’t affect their aspects of racing. Although the kids where thriving to get on track and give their all in the race. Autoparts Junior Gearbox 125cc consistent rider Robert Ronan gave two very strong races gaining two seconds on podium, and overall winner. 140cc rider Jack Ferris yet again gained the overall win.

AJM Car Sales Senior Open class gave us a nail biting two races with Irish Supersport Pro Race Winner Kia McGreevy gaining the overall win. Kia battled with brother BSB rider Korie McGreevy in race one, although Korie had no luck in race two with chain coming off. In second overall was Jordan McCord who also gave two consistent races battling to gain first position in race two.

Ernie Coates Motorcycles Senior Stock 140cc class displayed a fantastic battle on track, between Kyle Cross and Richard McFarland. Both trying to gain podium position. Overall winner of the class was gained by Kyle Cross, displaying strong two races. Not far behind was second overall Richard McFarland.

SB Pitbikes sponsor of the Vets 140cc class showed three determined racers. Nigel Robinson smoothly gaining overall winner, as Graham Ronan and Malcolm Robinson battled throughout both races, fighting for second position. Graham Ronan fought back hard and gained second overall.

Misano Moto Mini GP showed yet again Richard McFarland battling at the front with Ajay Carey and Rossi Dobson. Ajay Carey push up front gaining first overall.

Discount Beds Stock 140cc Group 2 sponsor welcomed some new faces within this group. Consistent at the front of both races and winning overall was new comer Gary Wilson. As the spectators cheered on Sam McFarland fighting his way forward in race one making it a close call to near first position. Race two saw Sam Farland starting off again with a good start, although into the early laps he had an accident, were he was treated, and race had to be restarted. Sam had to be taken to Ulster Hospital for further examination. Michael Thompson also stayed up front finishing third overall.

Temple Tree Services Mini Moto Competitors didn’t have a great race one due two riders Ruben Sherman-Boyd & Leon Scott hitting bike failure. Giving Buster Boyd winning position in race one. Race two lead to Ruben Sherman-Boyd a DNS, although Leon Scott fought back and obtained first position in race two. Overall winner achieved by Buster Boyd.

IMC wish Sam McFarland a speedy recovery.

Photos courtesy of: 

Baylon McCaughey
Two Brothers Photography
Roy Adams Photography  

Krystle Black

Enlightened Promotions

Dunlop Masters Pro rider upgrades

2019 Rider grading changes

Any rider not mentioned in the grading changes will retain the grade that they raced with in 2018.

In addition to the above, the championship organizers reserve the right to add new entrants to the series to whichever class they deem appropriate and to upgrade additional riders once the season commences if necessary.

Any rider switching from Superbike to Supersport or vice versa will retain their grading as per the below list except in exceptional circumstances. In a case where a rider due for upgrade in Supersport swaps to Superbike they may be given a one season exemption from upgrade. All grading decisions shown here apply to Masters races only and can be appealed before the start of the 2019 season.

SUPERBIKE

Chris Campbell

Michael Prendergast

Gary O’Brien

Jamie O’Keefe

Keelim Ryan

SUPERSPORT

Kevin Baker

Eoin Collins

Wayne Sheehan

Images courtesy Mondello Park and Johnny Sweeney