The ever popular North Monaghan
Road Races make a welcome return to the road race calendar
for 2006, after a two year absence. Thanks to the hard
working organising club, one of the country’s
most progressive events is back with a top quality entry
headed by the likes of Martin Finnegan, Raymond Porter,
Darran Lindsay, Ryan Farquhar, Adrian Archibald and
Robert Dunlop plus around 60 circuit newcomers!
Monaghan provides Ireland’s road racers with
a final run out before the Ulster Grand Prix, and the
full grids in nearly ever class, prove how important
an event this is seen as being.
Race 1 – Junior Support Race
Sponsored by Winston Scott Coal Merchant
Two guys who have really set this class alight this
year with Stephen O’Brien on his ex Davy Morgan
250cc Honda, and Leo Fitzgerald on his 650cc SV Suzuki
battling it out at the front each weekend. Who will
run out winner this time is anyone’s guess, but
there will be others to contend with including Gareth
Costello, RJ Woolsey, George Thompson, and Declan Lynch
plus countless others. Look out for local Roy Scott
who could well spring a surprise.
Race 2 - Junior Classic Race
Sponsored by Kelly Brothers PVC Windows
Adrian Elwood would appear to be the man to beat in
this class, but in recent races, the up and coming Ed
Manley has certainly been giving Elwood a hard time,
as has George Stinson. Other riders to watch for include
Freddie Stewart, and Gerry O Sullivan. In the 250cc
category Club Chairman Yarno Holland heads the entry
list.
Race 3 - Senior Support Race A
Sponsored by the Squealing Pig
Race 9 - Senior Support Race B
Sponsored by HPE Sales Monaghan
This year’s championship chase has seen three
men lead the pack on a regular occasion, those being,
present championship leader, Wayne Kirwin local rider
Andrew Brady and the ever improving Kevin Fitzpatrick.
Another local rider who could go well is the organising
clubs PR man David Irvine plus the likes of Wayne Kennedy,
Olly O’Connor, Mickey Fitzpatrick and Craig Gibson.
Race 4 – 125cc Race
Sponsored by the Coach House and Olde Bar
The Dunlop Dynasty head the way in the 125cc class
with father Robert enjoying a fabulous season whilst
sons Michael and William and nephew Samuel improve each
week. Darran Lindsay (if he enters), Marc Curtin, Nigel
Moore, Jeff Shaw, Adrian Coleman, Darren Burns and Trevor
Ritchie should all feature well and keep an eye out
for one of the most improved riders this season, Elle
Forrest.
Race 5 – Open Race
Sponsored by Coote Concrete Products
Race 10 – The Grand Final
Sponsored by the Four Seasons Hotel and Leisure Club
Martin Finnegan proved he is bang on form with a dominant
display at the recent Mid Antrim event, and he is the
man to beat here in the Superbike class. Ray Porter
will be reunited with the DMRR Honda after a weeks absence
and will hope to push Finnegan all the way though, whilst
the TAS Suzuki pairing of Ryan Farquhar and Adrian Archibald
are both in the process of re-building their careers
after recent problems. John Burrows has had a consistent
season, and he is the best of the rest along with the
likes of Paul Cranston, Davy Morgan, Damien Mulleady,
Roger Maher, Victor Gilmore, John Walsh and James Redpath.
Race 6 – 250cc Race
Sponsored by ILN IRL Ltd
Darran Lindsay is the man to beat in the 250cc class,
but he has a history with this circuit, and it may be
that he chooses not to take part. In his absence William
Dunlop looks the form man, although Barry Davidson was
back to his best at the Mid Antrim. Davy Morgan hopes
to be back in contention after missing the last few
rounds with mechanical problems, whilst Darren Burns,
Yarno Holland, John Burrows and the impressive Andrew
Courtney could all feature in the shake up for a podium
finish.
Race 7 – 600cc Race
Sponsored by Lindsay Burney Plant Sales
This class is likely to be the closest of the day,
with Ray Porter, Darran Lindsay, Ryan Farquhar and Martin
Finnegan having all won in the middle capacity class
this year. Lindsay is not a definite starter, but the
other three are and any one of them could take the honours.
John Burrows, Roger Maher, William Dunlop, Adrian Archibald,
Davy Morgan, Victor Gilmore and the rest will be snapping
at their heels though, whilst Damien Mulleady will also
hope to be in amongst it, if he secures a replacement
machine after suffering serious mechanical problems
last weekend at Clough.
Race – 8 Senior Classic Race
Sponsored by Northern Standard
Robert McCrum suffered serious leg injuries in an
accident at Cookstown last year, but against all the
odds, has fought back, not only to race, but also to
feature in the winners circle in this class on a regular
basis! With recent wins at Skerries, and Faugheen Mark
Morgan certainly won’t let him have it so easy,
whilst Phillip Riddall, Adrian Elwood, Billy Lyle and
John Scott will also be in contention.
It’s great to see Monaghan back on the calendar
and we wish them the best of luck for a trouble free
weekends racing. There is likely to be a massive crowd
at Monaghan as there is every weekend in Ireland, but
if you are one of the unlucky ones who can’t make
it, we will be reporting live and direct from trackside
with all the news and results on race day.
Roads close on Saturday the 12th of August for practicing
at 1.30pm and again on Sunday at 11.00am for a full
race schedule.
Wishing all riders and officials the best of luck for
a safe and enjoyable weekends racing. |
