Health check for national roadraces & roadracing in general

[Saintfieldr6]

I thought a lot about whether or not to post this thread at all while I was driving back up from the Bush yesterday. In the end, I have decided that this is a forum for discussing our sport and these are only my observations so feel free to tell me that you see things very differently. In fact, I hope you do.
Before going any further let me say a few things. Firstly, I love road racing. I first went to the Temple 100 with my Dad and Grandad some times around late 80's/early 90's. They also took me to the NW200 and UGP around the same time and that's where my love for the sport comes from. As soon as I got my driving test, I started investigating the other national roadraces and the rest is history. I have now been going to them all for the past decade. Secondly, the volunteers who devote so much time and effort into organising meetings do a sterling job and without them and the riders and supporters, our sport (or at least the national roadraces) would have died out before now. I make the following observations sharing the desire to see our sport survive and prosper and wonder if others see it the same way or see it totally differently.

1. Rider Entrants - seems to be worryingly low (no doubt a reflection of the economic times);
2. Race Meetings - events cancelled this year (again economic times accepted) but I just hope they get back up and running straight away;
3. Spectator Numbers - they seem to fluctuate a lot and in my eyes appear to be dropping at national roadraces although a good sunny day obviously makes a difference and Cookstown always seems to get a big crowd perhaps as everyone has been waiting all winter for it or maybe just because it is a smaller track.
4 Age profile - this was the thing that struck me today - our sport seems to depend disproportionately highly on men in the 60-75 age bracket (and I don't know what we would do without these men and the women who also help out). Is this just inevitable because younger men have family commitments etc or is roadracing losing its appeal to those under 40? (For the record, I write this as a married 28 yr old with no kids yet) It is worrying that the number of people taking up motorcycling in UK has dropped significantly with the new test but maybe this is not relevant. Jamie Hamilton and Shaun Anderson are exceptions to the apparent lack of young riders taking up the sport.
5. Publicity/Media attention - we don't get any or nowhere near enough positive attention save for the Newsletter and exceptions like this site and other sites funded by individual roadrace fans. Yes, the NW200 gets a lot of publicity but I don't even think it is roadracing that gets publicised it is more the glitz and celeb nonsense that I think adds nothing to our sport.

Please treat the above in the spirit in which it is meant - they are only my observations, and like I said, I hope you see things very differently.

[sinti]

Iv thought a lot along the similar lines as this. Im also 28 without kids. Until recently id never have missed a Northern Ireland national race and I'd go a good few Southern races too. Haven't been to a Southern one for ages and now struggle to motivate myself for some Northern ones. I just couldnt force myself to attend the Mid Antrim last week (in fact the only reason I could come up with to maybe attend was to support the club as I felt bad as it was obvious the crowd would be rubbish and they were already struggling after last year) and went to the bush yesterday as the girlfriend was working and I wasn't a million miles away)

I came on here after yesterday and everyone talked about how good the racing was at Bush. That seems to be completely different from my perspective and anyone I spoke to there. I don't know how many times I heard the words "procession" and "its not as good as it used to be".
I thought about this and questioned why the Bush is actually run (and i mean no disrespect to the organisers who do their best) because yesterday was the 7th Bush and its never really caught the imagination. In fact the only Bush I enjoyed was the one 2 or 3 years ago when there was no Ryan or Micheal and Morgan won the superbikes.
Is it run for riders? Well not many ever seem to turn up. Do those who do race do so because they are really up for it or feel obliged to support the club?
Is it for the spectators? Yesterdays crowd was pretty rubbish, there was no buzz and those there did seem really quite bored.
I know Ryan can only beat those put in front of him but whilst watching at lowertown dip I saw him in 31 racing laps. Of those 31 he lead 30 of them and the vast majority were by a long distance too. Racing down the field was decent at times but with such small grids it tended to become spread out too.
Also it wouldnt have hurt them to have put more than one article to read in the whole 100 page program. That one article was about dead riders (and wasnt even factually accurate) yes I know we need to remember these great riders but how about something more positive too?

Whether the die hards on here like to admit it or not, you need close racing at the front. You need the big names. You dont wanna know the days results before you even leave to go to the races. If you had Ryan, both Dunlops, Guy, Archibald, Pearson, McCormack etc there yesterday you would have had a much bigger crowd and much better racing. I dont see how anyone can argue this.

The question about whether national racing is dying isn't a clear cut yes or no. Certain events are definitely dying but others are still thriving. For some races the interest from riders isn't there and without the riders you wont get press coverage and you wont get significant crowd numbers. This is particularly noticeable for the Mid Antrim and Bush. I just dont see how these races can ever recover. Theres just no buzz or excitement at these meetings.

On the other hand, Cookstown always has a great buzz, big crowds, big entry, good racing. It helps that its first race of season and everyone is dead keen to get stuck back in. Also by default people go home from Cookstown having had a great day and it will encourage them to come back for more of the same next year.
Tandragee is the same but to a slightly lesser degree.

And then there is Armoy, no one has anything bad to say about Armoy. It has everything, the entry, the circuit, the crowds, the buzz and for the first time this year the tv coverage. It goes from strength to strength. Its everything I fell in love with road racing about 10-15 years ago. After the internationals it the one that really excites me and I def wouldn't miss.

In conclusion, I love road racing, I want to see it flourish, but certain events do nothing to promote it in a positive light. Im sorry but I really do feel less is more sometimes.

[ajohinne]

I think if both mid-antrim and bush races where on diffent date it may help as both riders and many many fan have been away at tt for 2weeks so rides bikes need refreshed and fan need to save money so a date change may help. Both meetings are well run as the last 2 weekends have shown .

[Saintfieldr6]

Sinti - interesting to read your observations. I am not sure I share your views about the need to have big names present to have a good meeting but then again, I am sure it helps attract numbers and that is really my main concern - if roadracing brings in big numbers to spectate then it is almost guaranteed to result in leading to large numbers of riders, organisers, team owners and supporters for the sport in the future. I don't see that happening at the minute.
Ajohinne - I think your points are spot on.

[raymy]

I agree that the Nationals aren't attracting the the 'big' name riders and crowd numbers are certainly down. This last 2 weekends for Mid Antrim and Bush the weather forecast has been rubbish but both last Saturday's and yesterday's weather were not bad at all. I'm now in the minority of spectators who will go to a race meeting no matter what the weather is like and also it doesn't matter to me if the so called top riders are there or not.

Another thing that would help Clubs organising the National road races here in the North is having legislation in place the charge an admission fee. Think about it - on average there are spectator numbers of on average 8 to 10,000 attending the nationals. If a Club can charge an admission fee of at least £5 each there's money in the bank to help ease the cost of running a race and also maybe reducing a rider's race entry fee for each meeting they attend, therefore they are able to able more races AND there would be better prize money available. Riders nowadays have to pick what meetings they can afford. In my opinion NO rider should have to pay to race, this is where us the spectator should be doing more to help ease the costs on the clubs.

[nailer]

I agree totally with Saintfieldr6 and co i all so have a love for real road racing since the 80"s and yes they were the days but things and times change. I have taken images of these heroes over the years and go to the TT each year for my buzz or fix each year to get any way near what was. A few points of my own if i may keeping with the line that it is only my opinion for what it is worth.

I agree with most of the points made but i would like to make a point or two or even three if it helps to keep this thread going and we might even progress some what.

Regarding media coverage i think some clubs have only themselves to blame in fact the governing body the M.C.U.I have to take a large part to blame .. let me put a few questions out there.
1.Who looks after press releases for the clubs running the races.
2.Who is the pro officer for the governing body does he/she have a budget for pr photographs to be done prior to the event to promote same, images from the event to be sent on to media outlets, they may not make the nationals but the provisionals would not say no to a free picture of locals attending the race a local rider would be a bonus.
3.Results from the races should also accompany this a interview or two would not go amiss to be sent out to build up the hype of event.
4.Feel free to request your local paper or the nationals to cover these events it has never been easier to do this if 8,000 to 10.000 race fans attend the meeting 5% of them to do this would make any sport editor take notice.
5.Believe me i have seen and heard it all before the last thirty years it is our sport that is unique to us if it is up to us the fans to protect and promote it let's do it if every one played a part imagine what could be achieved.

Yours Nailer.

[scrzz]

Aready replied to this but it got lost, I can't disagree with much said above.
My thoughts would be
Introduction of a reasonable priced compulsory admission charge
Better programs
Lower entry fees
A more co-ordinated approcach from clubs re. publicity and promotion.

"We" have to make more "big names" we cannot depend on the likes of dunlops, Pearson, Archibald, Martin, Cam Donald appear at every race, and we can't expect them to pull us out of hole all the time. Who outside the regualr spectators have heard of Ronnie Scott, Sam Wilson, Andy Farrell, Semaus Elliot, Alan Kenny, leaders in their respective championships, even less Rodney Patton, Noel Brennan, Robert Gordon lying in second places, how many have heard of Derek Shiels, second to Ryan Farquhar in both supersport and superbike championships, Tommy Henry who won the 250 at Mid Antrim. These are names "we" should be putting forward as the future "big names"

Clubs and the MCUI have to get together to promote events, why take out one ad in a publication, or leaflet and mention just one race, when all the races could be mentioned for the same price.

As for programs two articles is not really acceptable. Could some of the following not be included, report from last years race, report, results and championship postions from previous road race (time being available) explanation of different classes and points systems we know what they are but does the occasional spectator, results fromlast year, some clubs do and other do not, pen picutres of lesser known riders, small bit on on trophies, these are usally given out in memory of someone, but without telling us something about the person they are only names and not memories. Better programs, mean more sold and therefor more advertisers and a bigger income. Football clubs do this every fortnight, not just once a year and manage to find enough to fill them.

Publicity is very weak in some cases, webpages not updated for weeks before an event, little info for spectators, no reports on practice nights, it only takes a few minutes toupdate, Like it or not the general public gets most of its info from the internet, although I think some clubs may be lazy and expect or depend on others, such as contributors to this and other sites, to do their work.

Entry fees must be reduced if not done away with, it is rediculous that entertainers have to pay to entertain, this is why the public must pay.

And re. the weather, a roof put over Northern Ireland.

[Deswilkie]

Some good points about a great sport above. It's a shame but the truth that the bigger 'names' do pull a crowd in. True there are the die hard fans that'll visit as much as time and money will allow but for the folk that are travelling a good distance a few of the larger names battling out would be a greater draw for the fan that's sitting on the fence.

Charging a nominal entry fee would be a great idea in my opinion but it'd need to be small enough to not put people off. Even £5 for an adult and free for kids would be another channel for income and what's a fiver to the average person? a couple of pints? for a days racing. Excellent value.

It's an expensive hobby for most of the riders, one of my friends (Robbie Lyall) and I wanted to do the Cookstown, Tandragee, Mid Antrim, Bush, Armoy and maybe the Dundrod this year but at almost a grand a meeting for us (travelling from Scotland) it's just not feasible. We got the Cookstown and Tandragee but cash ran out so all I've got for the rest of the year is an entry on for Armoy but worse Robbie's had to sell both his bikes.

Now I do treat this as a hobby (it's great being able to race on closed off public roads, it's mental but such a high!) but Robbie for example won the ss400 Cookstown last year, got 3rd in the junior support and mid pack in the Supertwin race on a bike that he'd not sat on before the qualifying session this year. So there's riders with real potential that simply can't afford to continue so the free/subsidised entry would be a great thing for the sport.

I don't want to seem unappreciative as the racers are what most folk come out to see but without the marshals and many many free man-hours that are voluntarily given up for these events they wouldn't be run. The question still remains; how can we draw bigger crowds and support in addition to the demographic identified earlier?

[Baylon McCaughey]

Some very interesting points there, and i don tthink there is an easy soloution!
Deffo, reduced, if not no charge for entry fees, BUT where will that money come from?
Yes, we deffo need a leglsation to charge the public to watch,
as regards pr work etc, this is really up to the individual clubs, some clubs do their best, but they cannot determine what their local or national dailies or weekely papers will accept!
give you an example;
earlier this yr, i helped the Cookstown MCC with their pre race PR, Photo shoot was organized with main race sponsor etc, this, along with ALL Sponsor details, main riders/visiting riders/newcomers etc, along with the usual road closure time etc.
Some newspapers made use of it, and the Newsletter did likewise, but choose to use a photo of Guy Martin, instead of the Race sponsors photo!, i queried the reason for this, and was told, guy would be a big attraction (of which i dont disagree), but i said, without the race sponsors, we cant have a race, so i was promised that the pic would be used, ;;; but it never was!
Things like this are out of the clubs control
Re articles in raceprogrammes!
This is something i believe ALL race programmes must have, maybe its because, i enjoy reading this tye of thing myself, but, again, this is an individual choice for the club, and some may see this as valuable pages lost in advertising revenue!!
as for the Bush Programme, It was Me who wrote the article on our lost ones, i had ONE evening to write this!!,( in fact, as i am typing this, I am actually in the process of doing another wee article for a race programme, which i was asked to do ;;; at lunch time to day!!, and when for??? First thing in the morning!!) i am NOT a journalist, i am just someone who loves the sport, and tries to help where and whenever i can, so I apologise for the inacuracies.
As for the clubs, yes, i do agree, that some ( maybe them all!) fail to update/send out a race report or whatever, but lets realize something here, All the aforementioned, is VOLUNTARY!, people trying their best, and probably with very little help.
As most of the posts here are under names unknown to me, I ask, how many of yous are actually involved in helping any club, in any way to promote/help run events?
Road Racing is going through a hard time financially, it prob takes 80/90k to put a national event over, and thats a lot of dough!, it has to come from somewhere, so spectators need to pay.
Positive PR !, reading last saturdays Newsletter , it deffo didnt print a pretty picture as regards the weather prospects for sat, and that it rained all fri night!!, funny, the track dried out very well on fri night!, and on sat, a new lap record was set!
Was the newsletters motor cycle correspondent at the event?
gotta go, we article to be done to night, no doubt, this post will recieve more comments,a nd if helps the sport, then, Brilliant!
ps, ALL my programme articles/photos/club pr, etc are VOLUNTARY as well
Baylon

The H2 Engineering Bush Road Races

This weekend will see the seventh running of the Bush road races, under the auspices of the Dungannon and District MCC.

Like fellow clubs, the recession has hit hard, and for both organizers and competitors alike, both are finding it extremely hard to make ends meet, but such is the desire and love for the sport, somehow, we all manage to get it together and make it happen, and this weekend should be no different.

With the entry list including local TT Winner, and Man of the Meeting last year, Ryan Farquhar, along with fellow locals, Johnny Burrows, circuit residents, paul Cranston and Nigel Moore but to mention a few.

Throw in the likes of Derek Sheilds, Davy Morgan, Stephen McKnight and Michael Sweeney etc, and it certainly promises to be an exciting days racing.
Here the Tyrone Couriers motor cycle correspondent brings to you a preview of what we can expect to see over the next few days, along with the latest gossip.

Course Prep.

Each night, the club will be on track, as there always is a lot of hard work to be done to prepare the circuit for racing at the weekend. Unfortunately, the club, like many around the country, rely on a faithful band of helpers to do this work, It is ALL voluntary, and if you are reading this, and is free any night this week, head up to the circuit, you will find the hard working members, and they will certainly be glad of any help whatsoever.

On Wednesday ( to night) night, there will be a Classic bike run, which will start at the Ballynakelly Working Mens club house, signing on will take place from 6.30pm, with the actual run starting at 7.15pm.

For the paid runners, there will be a BBQ at the end of the run.

Please note, that this run is Not a Race!!. The Police will be there to assist in the safe running of the run, but also to ensure that, road traffic laws are adhered to.





Moving on to race weekend, and the action starts on Friday afternoon, when the roads close at 4.00pm, this will be immediately followed by the Circuit Newcomers practice, where no less than 18 circuit newcomers will have their first impressions of the Bush circuit, which comprises of many variations, making it quite a physical track to ride on, which classifies itself as a real road race circuit.

Friday 22nd is Practice Day, and Please Note, that the roads will be closed from 4.00pm, and opening no later than 9.30pm
The first practice will be for the Circuit newcomers only, they will get their compulsory five laps in order to familiarise themselves with the circuit. Amongst the 18 newcomers are Richard McLoughlin, Damian Horan, Tommy Henry, Noel Brennan, Aaron Hatch, Davie Hastings and Tommy Heaphy.
NEWCOMERS, Please Note, Newcomers Bus will leave paddock at one o clock. , there will also be a riders Breifing before practice starts,( and also on race morning again). It is very important, that ALL Competitors attend these briefings, it is quite possible, that there may be a roll call, and failure to attend, could mean disqualification from the meeting!

Each class will then have a five lap timed practice, and depending on time constraints, the Grand Final practice may be decided on the Open class times..




Following this, each class will get a five lap timed session (weather permitting), which will determine the grids for the following days races.

Order of Practice will be; Supertwins, 250/350 classic, 400 Support, 600 supersport, 750 support, Open class, 250 junior and 400 supersport classes, 351/1000 classic, 125gp/Moto 450, Rider recovery will only be if needed, and at the discretion of the Clerk of the Course.

Race day, roads will close at 10.00am, and the first race of the day will be the 8 lap Horta Soils/CRL Supertwins race.

Ryan Farquhar is the odds on favourite for this class, , however never rule out the likes of Burrows, Sweeney , William Davison and Morgan , Julian Kirk is the only other local in this class.

Next up will be the Peoples Classic Race, this novel idea, is where fans have chipped in to cover the costs of the race!!, Manx Man Allan Brew will be hoping his aermacchi has the legs over the Hondas of Freddie Stewart, Keith Costello, Davie Hastings and evergreen Denis Gallagher, in the 250 lass, watch out for Richard Ford and Philip Shaw, locals in this race include Trevor Stewart and Billy Lyle.

The supersport races at the IOM TT produced some of the closest racing, and wouldn’t be great if it were to continue here, as we go to press, Neither of the Dunlops have entered as yet, but Don’t be surprised if you see Michael on the grid!. Ryan Farquhar was in great form at the TT, Johnny Burrows may well be on board Yamaha machinery here, Stephen McKnight has never hidden the fact that the Bush circuit would be amongst his favourite circuits, and can never be ruled out of a podium placing, Stephen McIlvenna, Paul Cranston, Micko Sweeney, Davy Morgan, Willaim Davison and Shaun Anderson are all worthy of top six placings, however dark horse here is Derek Sheilds!. Others to watch out for include, Craig Shirlaw, Ivan Shanley, and Alan Kenny, locals to watch out for, Julian Kirk and Trevor Ferguson.

The junior support is oversubscribed!, so there will be a few disappointed riders!, who will win?, davy Black is the odds on favourite, Ronnie Scott has the expiroence, but riders such as Rodney Patton and Aaron Hatch could well spring a surprise. Visiting riders include Vic Allan, Richard Ford, Alaistair Bayley, and Neil Vicars,. Roy Scott on the Knipe Yamaha, Julian Kirk will be keeping the local flag flying.



The open race, along with the Grand Final (race 7), have practically the same entry list, so, again, If Ryan Farquhar does go ahead and ride here, he will obviously start as favourite, Johnny Burrows has produced some good performances here on the BE Racing/H2 Engineering Suzuki, davy Morgan was a winner here a few yrs ago, Derek Sheilds has proved he can beat the top guys,, the ingredients are there for an exciting race. Paul Cranston and Trevor Ferguson are the other locals in action.

The senior support is another class that has produced full grids, Noel Brennan leads the championship, however Damian Horan is a late entry, Damian having got his machine re built following his get off at Tandragee, both riders are newcomers to the circuit, however, last years winner, Alan Kenny is back in action again, having to miss the Tandragee, sue to unforeseen circumstances, Alan will be out to recoup lost points in the championship stakes.

George Scott proved there is nothing to beat experience, as he proved at Tandragee, Richard McLoughlin is another one to watch as is Rodney Patton. Julian Kirk, will again be in action, and no doubt, one of the busiest riders of the day!

The 250 and 400 classes have been combined, but will be as seprate classes, davy Morgan should be the one to watch in the quarter litre class, Seamus Elliot, will be hoping for a much safer outing this year, following his high speed spill in last years race, Elliot has the ability to be on the podium as has Tommy Henry.

In the 400 class, Roy Scott will be looking to give his local sponsors a bit of glory, but he will have to contend with champion, Paul Maguire, Alaistair Bayley, and the visiting Scots, Vic Allan and Craig Shirlaw. Yvonne Montgomery os the only female competitor here, and will ride a 400 kawasaki.

The second Classic race, will be for the larger capacity machines, 500 and 1000. Heading the 500s will be Freddie Stewart, with Allan Brew and Gary Jamieson and Roy Phipps. In the 100 class, John Scott is the odds on favourite, but Richard Ford could have other ideas!. Dave Brough will be on board the Stewart Honda,

The final race of the day, the 125 and moto 450 race, Unfortunately, in the past, this class has been made a mockery of!, both clases should be let of together, at least for the benefit of the race fans if nothing else!

Can anyone stop Farquhar?, Paddy McColgan has been consistent, and Trvor Ferguson is worthy of a podium finish.

In the 125 class, Sam Dunlop goes well here at the Bush, as does seamus Elliot and Adi Coleman. Surprize winner at Tandragee, Paul Robinson is out to win this championship,so he wont be taking any prisoners, Barry davison could well be out on the Moto2 machine, can he give it a historic road race win?, Craig Gibson will be on board Peter Simpsons Honda, and one cannot forget local hero, the quiet and unassuming Nigel Moore, who just lets his results do the talking!,Newcomer to the roads is former clubmans rider, Sam Wilson, he has turned in some excellent performances in recent races, and could well be a dark horse for this event.

So theer you have it, a Breif run down on whos who in each race, I repeat, Please BUY a race programme, if you want to want to see road racing survive, you MUST purchase a race programme, DON’T let your felloe spectator ask for info, tell him/her to go and Buy a programme!.

Wishing the organizing Club and Riders a safe and successful weekend.


Obey Marshalls
When you attend a race meeting, you cannot fail to see the race Marshalls, they will be kitted out in either Orange or Blue overalls!, These guys (and Ladies) are there for YOUR Benefit!. They, like the race officials, have a very important role to play, in the safety of the race meeting. They have been trained , so in case of an accident, or whatever may arise, they are there to help.
They do have a lot to put up with, with quite a lot of the Public, so Please, OBEY the Marshalls. No Marshalls = No Racing!!

Race Programme.
When you purchase the programme, not only are you helping to offset the massive costs of the event,
It contains the Full Entry list for all the races, along with some excellent articles, and of course, many photos, past and present.
The organizing club Appeal to EVERYONE to Purchase a Race Programme, as this is really their only means of income.
At last weeks Bush road races Press launch in the CohannonInn, one of the talking points on the night, was the high costs of the running of the event. Not many will believe this, BUT; Please read, and take in what you read!
The running costs for the Bush road races, will easily be approx ninety thousand pounds!!, crippling insurance premiums along with other costs, which we, the ordinary public do not see, make up the bulk of the high charges to the club.
It must ALSO be noticed, that the Riders HAVE to pay to Entertain You, Yes, All competitors who are on the grid, have paid an entry fee for YOUR days entertainment!!, And, lets be honest here, How many times have you PAID to watch a road race meeting?

The Unfortunate thing is, that come Saturday, there will be many so called Race Enthuasists, who will begrudge the Purchase of a race programme, and will probably ignore the Donation buckets!!

Quite Frankly, the sport can do without those irresponsible persons!.
Think about it, if you really want, you could have a whole weekends entertainment, watching the best Road Racers in action; for nothing!!, Now is that helping the sport??
Ask your selves, Should the Riders HAVE to Pay to Entertain?

I personally long for the day, when there is a Leglisation in place, that will ensure that everyone will have to pay their way in!
The Biggest problem with ALL road races, is that we have to educate the Spectator to PAY for this entertainment!.
Please, if you are going to the race this weekend, Pay a fiver into the “ I Support the Bush Road Races” Bucket, its only a voluntary subscription!, AND buy a race programme, by doing this, you are going a big way, not only to help the club with their costs, but also, helping to ensure that Road racing continues!, and you have ALL the necessary details regarding the days races, along with some good articles to read, etc.





Tyrone Couriers correspondent, Baylon McCaughey caught up with a few riders, just to see what attracts them to the Bush road races;

Warren Reeve



A former rival of mine in the early nineties, Newtownards rider, Warren Reeve, whom I used to race with in the ss400 class, since then Warren moved across the water tot the mainland, where he continued racing, a few years ago, he and his family returned to NI, But this time to Co Tyrone!, a couple of years ago, Warren tried his hand at road racing!, and since then has been bitten by the bug!.



“The Bush Road Race is getting closer and my excitement is growing! Last year we went to the meeting hoping to compete in the 125 class.
Practice was wet and I had an absolutely fantastic time out on the bike and really took to the circuit and even though it was un-timed, I wanted to learn it going as fast as I could.
The following day was full of nerves as usual for myself and the team.
As we got ready for our race the bike stalled and took ages to restart.. eventually after about 5 or 10 minutes she fired up just before we were called to the line. Off we went for our warm up lap and all seemed well and I was ready and looking forward to the race.
With having no points in the standings I was placed at the back of the group, which as a new comer suited me.

Despite making the worst possible start, I got half way round loosing speed and noticed the temperature rising up n up! Causing me to retire from the race.

Hopefully this year, I will get to complete the full race distance”







Shaun Anderson

One of the up and coming stars of road racing is Banbridges Shaun Anderson, Shaun, who has just returned from the Isle of Man TT races, where he impressed on his TT debut..

What were his thoughts on the Bush races?

“It is not very often that you can be at the inception of a road race, but I was privileged to attend the Bush road races in their inaugural year of 2006, it almost seems impossible to consider that being just another face in the hedge at the time I would go on to compete in this event. From the off “the bush” has attracted some big name stars, these include the likes of; Cameron Donald and Conor Cummins, not to mention the local talent of Ryan Farquhar, John Burrows and Paul Cranston etc.

The circuit itself has a very unique character; it is a true national road race, from the fast roller coaster that you ride as you exit the village over Spademill jump heading for Killyman, to the super tight and twisty bends of the Coash esses. The track then opens up for the fast and flowing parts which bring you back round to the dead stop Corrainy corner and the quick squirt to the start/finish line. It is probably true that the nature of the track lends itself to the smaller bikes with the outright lap record standing to a 600cc machine, with a bike with good handling outweighing the speed advantage of any of the larger machines.

I myself have tasted some success at the Bush with a tightly fought second place to the late Stephen Larkin in the senior support race of 2010. Knowing the physical toll the Bush can have on man and machine it is always that bit sweeter to achieve a good result knowing that you have had to work extra hard to achieve it. It is for that reason that I return to the Bush each year knowing the challenge it provides, and in that constant search for a better result.

It is on that note that I wish the Club, Sponsors, Medics and competitors a safe days racing “

Keep an eye out for Shaun in both the 600 and 1000 classes.



Yvonne Monygomery

In what is a male dominated sport, Yvonne Montgomery has been pretty often the only female competitor, but this has never stood in her way, in fact, it is probably those that finish behind here feel the worst!.

Yvonne has raced at the Bush in the past, and speaking to the Courier, she said;

“This year, I am competing on my ZXR400 in the 400cc Supersport Class and in the Senior Support with my GSXR600. The wee 400 is a big change from the Vee Twin 650 which I’ve ridden for the last 4 seasons. It certainly takes a bit of getting used to wringing the neck out of it, but I am really enjoying it. The Bush Road Race has improved enormously since its beginning in 2006 with extensive road surfacing and major safety improvements. The circuit is great for spectator viewing with the tight twisty circuit providing very close and exciting racing. Hopefully we will have a dry meeting with everyone going home with a smile and happy memories of another successful Bush Road Race. “





Damian Horan (Newcomer)

· “I am really looking forward to racing the Bush for the first time as it seems to be a good technical track and the meeting has always been well run. I always remember the excitement with which my good friend Padraig Campbell described to me his first outing at Bush his eyes open wide as he relived his race on a 400 he has just built.
My season got off to a good start with a second place in Cookstown in the senior support race but didn't go so well the next week in Tandragee.I qualified on pole position and led the race from the start but on the second lap I high sided on the fast left hander before the bomb hole and that was the end of my race . My injuries were mostly soft tissue and bangs and bruises and the bike took a hard knock but is mostly back together and will be on song for the Bush.I have to thank The medical team especially Dr Fred Mcsorley and Dr John Hines who were brilliant and to the marshals who looked after me especially Seamus and Mary Holland. No doubt, I am looking forward to meeting the club organizers, who I have been told are a great bunch of enthuasists”





Timmy Turtle

Local road racer, Timmy Turtle decided after the Manx Grand Prix in 2010, that he was finished with the sport, lack of finance been the mainstay of his decision. He had a brief run at Tandragee in 2011, but hasn’t raced since.

But as we all know, road racing is something else, no other sport in the world gives you the adrenaline rush that we all crave for, and yes, you’ve guessed it, Timmys back!!

“ To be honest Baylon, I just cant keep away! But as I speak, I have been let down!, I had a an arrangement in place, but this has fallen through, so I am in a race against the clock to find a good 600 machine for this weekends race. “

This is indeed a major blow for the Newmills rider, who has finished second in the Senior Support in 2009, and took a 5th in the supertwins in 2010, so lets hope that Timmy gets sorted for the weekend.





Craig Shirlaw (Scotland)

· Road racing is traditional in Ireland, and quite often we get riders from across the water to sample the racing between the hedges, one such rider is Craig Shirlaw from Aberdeen, who made his road race debut here at the Bush a few years ago, he was quite noticeable on that occasion, and caused quite a stir when he arrived with his machine with his unique Sit up and Beg style machine, similar to what Wayne Gardner made famous in the 90s! Since then, Craig has been a familiar face on the road race scene, what was his views on the Bush road races?

· “The Bush races were my first ever road race, and Boy did I fall in love with it!, It’s a very physical circuit, with some good jumps, all being well, I am bringing my supertwin, 400 and 600 with me this year, so I am looking forward to a good run out.

· The organizers are always very friendly and it always has a good atmosphere, and that’s what keeps me coming back!. Fingers crossed for a dry meeting, or we will have call on the tractor boys for a pull out again!”

·



Grandstand Viewing

There will be a few Grandstands put up to help spectators viewing , the return of the Grandstand at McKees cross rds, will no doubt be a popular one with the spectators.

After the race, there will be a Race Dance in the Ballynakelly Working Mens Club, doors open at 9.00pm, and Music is provided by Margaret, this will of course be a great way to wind down from the tow days of hard work and racing, along with the good crack reminicising about the days racing etc, and at the same time, helping the club with their running costs.





Race Sponsors;

Main Sponsor; H2 Engineering

Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council


, Horta Soils(supertwins)



The Peoples Race (classic)

Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council Supersport Race

CR Print 201cc – 400cc Junior Support Race

Greiner Packaging Bush Open Superbike Race

Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council 401cc – 750cc Senior Support

H2 Engineering Superbike Grand Final Race

– Emerald Road Racing 250cc/400cc Supersport Junior

– Cohannon Inn & Auto Lodge 351cc – 1000cc Senior Classic Race

–
Gerard McHugh & Son Crane Hire Moto3 / Moto 450cc Race


DON’T FORGET
FOR THE BEST IN REPORTS AND PHOTOS FROM THE H2 Engineering Bush Road Races , BE SURE TO GET NEXT WEEKS TYRONE COURIER

For more information on this year’s races visit the clubs official website at www.bushroadraces.com

Or Find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/bushroadraces/
As for PR in the local race area, I am copying my Bush Race Preview

[Baylon McCaughey]

also at the weekend, we had mondello, knockhill, which quite a few locals travel to, and a British championship moto cross at Desertmartin, which had a twenty quid admission fee!!!