Build up begins for Armoy Road Races

By Q Radio News

The build-up is underway for the Armoy road races.

A full week of activities are planned for the north Antrim village culminating with a feast of motorcyle racing on Friday July 26th and Saturday July 27th.

Last year’s bike week was a great success with a record number of visitors throughout the week at the various events based in the Armoy village before the races took place.

(Kevin McAuley chats with Bill Kennedy and Mick Colgan from Armoy Road Races)

William Munnis, Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, explains, “Bike week and its activities are very much an integral part of the Armoy Road Races. It is one for all of the community as well as those visiting from afar. We have realised that people come not just for the practice day and race day but for the whole week.

“They love the buzz; the old bikes and car displays as well as some good old craic and fun. Last year we had a truck show for the first year and it was very successful so it’s back. There are prizes awarded for Best Tractor Unit, Best Working Unit and Best in Show. The Trucks then leave Armoy at 1.30pm for a quick run into Ballycastle taking in some of the Armoy Circuit.

“There is also entertainment with a bit of country and western music and a line dancing display; throw in a few stalls including food and ice cream and you’ve the ingredients for a great family day out.

“Sunday, 21st July, sees the very popular Ride Out and Barbecue. They are heading via Cloughmills and Broughshane to Larne and then back up our beautiful County Antrim coastline and through the Glens for a quick stop at Morellis in Ballycastle for an ice cream and then homeward bound to Armoy for a barbeque.

“Sunday night at 6pm sees our church service, which is led by Reverend C Easton and takes place in St Patrick’s Church Hall. Everyone is welcome. This is an important part of our week and allows us a moment of reflection and prayer for the week ahead.”

To commemorate Frank Kennedy 40th Anniversary Classic Races at this year’s event there is an exhibition of memorabilia and display of photographs recording events over the years and the career of ‘Big Frank’ Kennedy and the Armoy Armada in St Olcan’s Hall, Armoy. The exhibition will run on Sunday, Monday through to Thursday.

Tuesday sees a Car Boot and Auto Jumble Sale from 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm. Wednesday sees the Ballymoney Old Vehicle Club gathering from 5.00 pm, where there will be all types of classic, rare and collectable cars.

Thursday sees O’Kane Motors, Armoy, welcoming the Coleraine Motorcycle Club and the Japanese Vintage Club put on a display of bikes from our racing past. Bikes will be on show outside Tilly Molloy’s in Armoy village from 7.00 pm.

William continued; “As you can see there is plenty to do and see throughout the week on the run up to the Armoy Road Races. Many of us might just take a bit of respite from the setting up the course but on Thursday sure why not come along for a night of craic and music in the paddock marquee. There will be dancing until late!

“Of note, the roads are closed on Friday 26th July from 12.30pm to allow for race practice and grid qualification. And depending upon timings the Supersport 1 Race and Senior Support 1 Race will be run after practice, around 6.30pm, early Friday evening. The roads are scheduled to reopen no later than 9.30pm.

“Then it’s the big race day on Saturday with roads closed from 10am. There are 10 races including the ‘Frank Kennedy 40th Anniversary Classic Races culminating in the feature race, the Bayview Hotel Race of Legends. Roads reopen no later than 7.30pm.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all those concerned. As you can tell there are many working parts to the whole week and as such, there has been a lot of people making sure it happens. I can’t quite believe it’s upon us, but we are just about ready – so come to Armoy and enjoy what our races and village has to offer.”

All information including timings and relevant costs can be found at armoyroadraces.com.

The Armoy Road Races are part funded by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Tourism Northern Ireland.

Please support the Armoy Road Races by buying a programme. They are available from the AMRRC office and the Petrol Station in Armoy from Thursday 18th July 2019 and cost £15.00 or €18.