Ryan Farquhar

Racing
21

Turnaround Time For Eugene <A title=PDF href=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1131” target=_blank onclick=“window.open(‘http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1131’,‘win2’,‘status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=640,height=480,directories=no,location=no’); return false;”><IMG alt=PDF src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/templates/rt_versatility_iii/images/pdf_button.png” onload=resizeThis(this) align=middle border=0 name=PDF> <A title=Print href=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1131&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=170” target=_blank onclick=“window.open(‘http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1131&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=170’,‘win2’,‘status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=640,height=480,directories=no,location=no’); return false;”><IMG alt=Print src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/templates/rt_versatility_iii/images/printButton.png” onload=resizeThis(this) align=middle border=0 name=Print> <A title=E-mail href=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform&id=1131&itemid=170” target=_blank onclick=“window.open(‘http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform&id=1131&itemid=170’,‘win2’,‘status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=400,height=250,directories=no,location=no’); return false;”><IMG alt=E-mail src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/templates/rt_versatility_iii/images/emailButton.png” onload=resizeThis(this) align=middle border=0 name=E-mail> Written by Administrator <IMG title=eugene20101.jpg height=255 alt=eugene20101.jpg src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/content/view/1131/170/images/stories/eugene20101.jpg” width=370 onload=resizeThis(this)>PARKALGAR HONDA goes to the fourth round of the World Supersport Championship at Assen in Holland fully aware it has not performed to its own high expectations at the last two rounds and a turnaround in results is needed for Eugene Laverty and Miguel Praia.
The race takes place at 1330 CET on Sunday April 25th. On Friday and Saturday there are practice and qualifying sessions.

Simon Buckmaster, Parkalgar Honda Team Manager: “The fact is we are coming off two frustrating rounds that have not delivered the points we expect or deserve. Eugene has scored two pole positions but that has not resulted in race success. He has the bike and the ability to beat anyone and as a team Parkalgar Honda will be doing everything to get back to winning ways at Assen with him. Miguel has shown promise this season and he has another opportunity this weekend to score his best ever result – we expect that from him when he takes to the track and Parkalgar Honda is doing everything it can to help him achieve it. It is turnaround time for Parkalgar Honda.”

Miguel: “I am receiving physiotherapy twice a day to work on the wrist and ankle injuries I received in my qualifying crash at Valencia. I am not 100 per cent fit as I would like to be but I will not let it hold me back when I get on track. I will give maximum effort and really want to get a points scoring finish at Assen which is something I have never achieved before. I am coming back and my Parkalgar Honda team has worked hard to support me and deserves a good result.”

Eugene: “I didn’t expect to win at Assen in 2009 but we came away with top honours. I went for it then and I’ll be doing the same this weekend for a repeat performance. Assen suits the Parkalgar Honda and I enjoy it. A new corner on the back straight should make the track faster and I like that as well. I want and need to bounce back from the last two rounds with a win.”

p gossip

22

Cameron Donald returns to Ireland for the first time in 3 years to contest the 2010 Cookstown 100<IMG height=300 src=“http://bikeracenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Cameron-Donald-to-race-the-Cookstown-100-213x300.jpg” width=213 onload=resizeThis(this)>Relentless by TAS Suzuki will make their pure road racing debut this weekend at the 2010 season curtain-raiser – the Cookstown 100. It will be the first time in three years that Aussie sensation Cameron Donald has sampled ‘between the hedges’ action on the local scene in Ireland, but the Melbourne lad is looking forward to getting back to basics.

“I only live about a mile from the circuit here in Cookstown, so this is a home race for me and something I’m pretty excited about,” explained Donald. “It’s been three years since I last rode a national road race, so we will be using it for logical testing time on the Relentless Suzuki GSX–R1000 Superbike and GSX–R600 Supersport machines, and if we can claim some top results that’ll be a bonus.

“It really was a last minute decision so I’m not putting too much pressure on myself, with the Relentless International North West 200 only three weeks away. It’s always good to be racing the bikes and not just testing them, and some time on the roads will do me no harm at all.”

Team manager Philip Neill is also delighted to be supporting his local event stating: “We have had a decent pre-season build up this year with both Cameron and Bruce, taking in Spanish testing and a few races over Easter in Northern Ireland. Cameron and I had looked at the Cookstown idea a few weeks ago, even though we only made the decision at the eleventh hour.

“Cameron is a rider who thrives on confidence so a few more racing miles under his belt will do him no harm. I will stress, we are not going to Cookstown primarily for results but to further develop our bikes for the North West 200 and the TT, and as Cameron says, any result will be a bonus. We are just looking to see if we can learn anything and if we do that, then the decision to race at Cookstown will be justified.

“It’s my local race and Cameron is local to Cookstown when he’s racing in the UK and Ireland, so if we’re to do just one national event this year, I’m glad that it’s on our local circuit.”

Cookstown practice takes place on Friday April 23 with roads closing at 2.30pm. On Race Day Saturday [April 24] roads close at 10am with a 16-race programme scheduled.

brn

23

any ideas where i can watch live on the net?

24

Re:Cookstown pratice Results Unofficial

Superbike Practice

1 = Ryan Farquhar (KMR Kawasaki)
2 = Cameron Donald (Relentless Suzuki by TAS)
3 = Michael Pearson (Morrell Kawasaki)
4 = Michael Dunlop (Robinson Concrete Honda)
5 = Adrian Archibald (AMA Suzuki)

Supersport 600 Practice

1 = Ryan Farquhar (KMR Kawasaki)
2 = William Dunlop (CD Racing Yamaha)
3 = Michael Dunlop (Street Sweep Yamaha)
4 = Michael Pearson (Carryduff Forklifts Kawasaki)
5 = Cameron Donald (Relentless Suzuki by Tas)

25

Five Starts Five Wins ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go21aXxgW8s

26

He doesn’t reply.

Very enigmatic.

:doze:

27

The small road races arent live any where, you can watch the Cookstown races on ni bbc1 3/5/10 22:00 , The NW200 will b live on the net on may 15

28

Farquhar dominates at Cookstown

The Ryan Farquhar steam roller showed no signs of slowing down at the weekend when the KMR Kawasaki rider dominated the racing at Saturday’s Cookstown 100 road races taking no less than 5 race wins. Hot on the heels of his eight wins at Oliver’s Mount, Farquhar won all five of the races he started around the 2.1-mile Orritor circuit, the first time anyone has won 5 Irish National road races in one day, including the feature Superbike race.

Ryan opened his account with a hard fought win in the 125cc race where, riding his KX450F, he managed to get the better of William Dunlop on the final lap for his first win of the day. Next up was the Open race where, with a brilliant start, Ryan was never headed and with a lead of 8 seconds at half race distance, he was able to ease off in the closing stages for a comfortbale victory. The Supersport 600cc race was another close encounter with Ryan and Michael Dunlop never more than half a second apart during the entire race but, when it mattered most, Ryan was in front and he duly completed his hat trick with another fine win.

The 10-lap feature Cookstown 100 race was Ryan’s fourth race of the day and he led the field round at the end of the first lap although he was being pushed hard by Cameron Donald. The dicing duo left the field behind and with a new lap record Donald closed right on to the back wheel of Ryan but he wasn’t to be bettered and set an absolute lap record on lap 8 to edge away. With two perfect last laps, Ryan was able to control the race and he took a superb win from Donald by 1.1 seconds, creating some more history later when he won the Super Twins race for his fifth win of the day.

To make it a perfect day for KMR Kawasaki, fellow team member Darren Hughes also won his two races to make it seven from seven for the team.

Talking afterwards, a delighted Ryan said: “It’s been a fantatsic day and a really good weekend for the whole team. In the 125cc race I was down on speed to William, as I knew I would be, but I rode the wheels off the bike and when he hesitated going by a backmarker I saw an opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. The wee bike is awesome and we’re already proving people wrong with what we can do - to get a road race win on what is essentially a motocross bike is awesome and these bikes could well be the future so I’d expect to see more and more of them on the grid in the years to come.”

“In the first Superbike race I got a great start and couldn’t quite believe the gap I pulled out - I thought they’d all pulled in or something - so just rode to my pit board but the feature race was a lot harder. Cameron was out on his Superbike and I could hear him behind me all the time but I just concentrated on being on the right line all the time and with the bike working superbly, I was able to set the absolute lap record and pull away from him. It’s a real testament to the Dunlop tyres too as I’ve used just one set for the practice and racing at both Scarborough and Cookstown - and there’s still some life in them!”

“Finally, there was the Super Twins race and I began by putting on a bit of a show for the crowd but I thought that might have ended in disaster so I got my head down again and rode hard until the end. With Darren winning also, we’ve taken 7 wins between us, which must be some kind of record too so with the success at Scarborough as well, I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season. It would be nice to sweep the board at the North West and TT but that’s probably a bitt too much to ask! We’ll continue to work hard though and see what happens, you never know…!”

Ryan now has a three-week break before the International North West 200, the meeting taking place from May 11-15

p gossip

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Maria made her debut at the Cookstown 100 this weekend, the opening round of the Irish Road Race season, on the CMS Honda RVF400

Costello will be competing at a selection of Irish Road Races throughout the season alongside her team mate Davy Morgan as part of the 2010 CSC Team.
Maria arrived at the Orritor Circuit, County Tyrone on Thursday evening with just enough daylight to complete some laps on a scooter and a couple in a car with a fellow racer.
Friday: Once the lap on the newcomers bus was completed practice commenced on Friday afternoon in dry and sunny conditions. Her first five laps were done in controlled conditions in the ‘newcomers un-timed’ session. A further two timed sessions followed and Maria found another two seconds faster in the later session. However Maria’s overall performance had been hindered by the bike over heating and losing power at the end of each session. Despite this problem she had still achieved her goal of qualifying in the ‘A Race’ which she realised with a lap time of 1 min 41.5 seconds.
With the over heating issues it was essential for the engine to be replaced with the spare, recently re-freshed by tuner Tony Holmes, once practice had concluded. Costello’s sponsor and mechanics worked late in to the evening to ensure she would have a machine on which she could secure a finish on the following day.
Saturday: Racers and fans alike were pleased to be greeted by yet another dry and sunny day, albeit slightly cooler, for race day of the season opener. With the new engine installed Costello was allowed one lap during the warm up for the 125 race to ensure all was as it should be for her one and only race of the day in the combined 250GP / 400SS Race.
As she lined up on the grid her CSC Team mechanic Maurice Hogg gave the bike a final check over and Maria some final words of advice before the flag dropped and Maria was away with the pack down the fast top gear straight and in to the heavy breaking zone of the first corner.
Still learning the course with each lap Maria’s confidence was boosted by the fact that she could easily maintain the same pace as her rivals and during the race she improved her laps times by over 4.5 seconds. It was only when a couple of slower riders were encountered that her lack of knowledge of the course meant that she lost touch with the two front runners. Once past them she set about catching and passing the 400 in front. She did so on the final lap, out-braking him at the McAdoo Bends which was a feat in itself as the brakes were fading fast due to the deteriorating front brake master cylinder. Maria crossed the finish line in 3rd place in the 400 class, lapping the course in a commendable 1 min 37.9 seconds.
Maria Costello: “I’m really pleased with my lap times and the fact that we got a finish on the RVF400. I’m getting a real taste for these Irish road races and the Irish hospitality is always second to none. My sponsor Tony Morris brought two of his friends along one of which used to work for Honda in Grand Prix. I don’t think they expected to get their hands dirty but they worked alongside my mechanic Tim McGivern and did a great job of swapping engines. The weekend wouldn’t have been possible without my personal sponsor Tony Morris, mechanic Tim McGivern, Steve, Simon, Maurice Hogg and the CSC Team. Thank you to all my sponsors and supporters for the amazing support and for keeping me on track.
brn

30

Good on yer son :wink:

You are the LB NI correspondant! Hehe
Keep it coming.

31

Donald back on track at Cookstown road race

After a ten-month hiatus through injury, Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider Cameron Donald made a successful return to racing at Saturday’s Cookstown 100 – dispelling any doubt that the double TT winner would return to competitive racing.

With a brace of second places on his GSX–R1000 in the Superbike races and a steady fourth-placed finish in the Supersport race on his GSX–R600, Donald was more than happy with his first appearance back on the national scene in three years.

He said: “I’m very happy. Of course I never race to finish second, but we did say today was all about feeling our way back in and progressing with the Superbike; we have achieved both of those goals so I’m going home a happy man.

"The difference between national road racing and the international stuff is like chalk and cheese – it really shocked me in that first race.

“I have never been ultra-successful here at Cookstown with its stop/start nature, preferring the fast and flowing circuits, but I did take Ryan Farquhar all the way in that last Superbike race.

"He’s the man on form and I won’t take that away from him, but I sat back and watched for a few laps and did think I’d the measure of him.

"Unfortunately I made a small mistake coming onto the last lap and those 50 yards made the difference between winning and finishing second. It’s been a good day.”

Relentless by TAS team boss Philip Neill added: “I don’t mean this in a bad way, but I’m glad it’s over.

"I wasn’t fully confident it was the correct decision to race at Cookstown, especially being a last minute decision while the boys were in the middle of building bikes for the NW200 and TT, but it worked out fine.

"Cameron really got his head dialled back into racing here today and it was very pleasing to see how comfortable he looked on the bike.

“Fair play to Ryan Farquhar, he’s a tough man to beat on the national scene, but Cameron is more than happy with his return and we leant a lot more about our GSX–R1000 Superbike over the weekend.

"We also made positive progress with the very latest Pirelli tyres that we will be running at the TT and Cameron got a chance to try out the very latest range of KBC helmets that he will be wearing this season.”

mcn

32

Cheers m8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylsaCKQm5Co

33

thanks geeza will look foward to that

34

The 2010 North West 200 Set for Star Line-up in all Races

This year’s Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse is set to hit the starting grid on May 15th with a more streamlined, stylish, and high velocity event designed to satisfy riders and their teams as well as appealing to new visitor audiences from both home and abroad.
A six race programme, range of top quality riders, revamped practice sessions, new DCAL and Sport Northern Ireland funded safety provisions at Mather’s Cross and Station Corner, a fresh approach to newcomers and a brand new NITB backed Rider Business and Communications Centre all aim to create enhanced conditions, improved rider safety and a smoothly managed event for all competitors and team managers.
A new marketing campaign supported by NITB using the strapline “It’s easier than ever to enjoy the action!” aims to build for the future by demonstrating in 5 easy steps how travel and accommodation packages can be booked online through www.northwest200.org and pre, post and during the racing spectators can keep up to speed with race news by utilising the NW200’s dedicated website as well as sharing their views on Facebook and tweeting online by following the North West on Twitter.
Visitors from outside Northern Ireland are also encouraged to check out other parts of the region through the NW200’s ‘Stay a While’ campaign which this year boasts five new itineraries and offers a total of 10 suggested routes to tempt spectators to take a look at Northern Ireland’s extensive tourism offer before or after Race Day. Whilst new additions to the Race Week Festival programme include Belfast’s Continental Christmas Market with a summer make-over located at the Metropole in Portrush.
Race Director Mervyn Whyte MBE and his team are slotting the final pieces of the North West 200 jigsaw into place as they gear up for Race Week and organisers Coleraine & District Motor Club Ltd were once again honoured to attend a special Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure hosted final media conference at Parliament Buildings, Stormont with Sports Minister Nelson McCausland. Key guests included HM Plant Honda rider John MGuinness from Morecambe in Lancashire and newcomer Gary Mason of MSS Colchester Kawasaki, Mayor of Coleraine Cllr Sandy Gilkinson, PSNI BikeSafe co-ordinators, volunteers, representatives from title and associate sponsors Relentless and Black Horse, race and ancillary sponsors and NW200 Supporters’ Club members.
This year’s 6 race entry programme features over 350 entries representing 120 riders and features a star quality line-up including GB and international names John McGuinness, Steve Plater, Bruce Anstey, Michael Rutter, Guy Martin, Cameron Donald, Stuart Easton, Conor Cummins, Ian Hutchinson, Gary Johnston and Ian Lougher pitting their skills against local high fliers such as Cookstown 100 winner Ryan Farquhar, Stephen Thompson, William and Michael Dunlop
and Adrian Archibald. Sole female rider in this year’s race is Northampton girl Maria Costello who will compete in the Clinton Supersport and Ballymoney Borough Council Supersport races. Riders from further afield include Oregon’s Jimmy Moore, French riders Fabrice Miguet and Franz Schwarz, Argentinian Walter Cordoba, Sandor Bitter from Hungary and Italian duo Alessandro La Macchia and Stefano Bonnetti. The Antipodes is represented by Paul Dobbs alongside high profile regulars Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald. Other European names include Renzo Van der Donckt from Belgium and Dutch riders S Fokkema Savelkouls and Ray Hutchinson.
Practice Sessions and Newcomers
Evening practice is retained for Tuesday 11th May but in a first for the North West roads close for Thursday’s session at 9.30am and re-open at 3pm. During the first practice evening newcomers will ride behind the experienced North West competitors. During both practice sessions classes will all be run separately and riders in each of the four sessions will undertake 60 to 75 minutes practice. (see Editors Notes). On Tuesday evening the first two laps of each of the four sessions will be untimed allowing newcomers to gain knowledge of the course and regular competitors to familiarise themselves with the new chicane at Mather’s Cross. Timings will begin on the 3rd lap of each of the four sessions on Tuesday. Thursday daytime practice will follow the same format as previous years.
Yoko and Greenline NW200 Superbike Races
Both Superbike races have attracted the cream of road racing with over 60 entries each. Top stars include MSS Colchester Kawasaki newcomer Gary Mason, TAS Suzuki trio Anstey, Seeley and Donald, Superbike lap record holder Steve Plater and John McGuinness from HM Plant Honda. Michael Rutter will represent Ridermotorcycles.com Ducati, Oregon based Jimmy Moore rides for East Coast Racing and also on the starting grid are local aces the Dunlop brothers, Adrian Archibald as well as Ryan Farquhar and Stephen Thompson both riding for MSS Colchester Kawasaki.
Clinton Enterprises and Ballymoney Borough Supersport Races
The ever popular Supersport races have also generated over 60 entries each and feature the NW200’s only female competitor Maria Costello riding for CSC Racing. Lap record holder Steve Plater will compete under the Padgetts of Batley banner alongside John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson whilst Ian Lougher will represent Black Horse Kawasaki. Riding the McAdoo Kawasaki Racing/Gortreagh Printing is Manx man Conor Cummins and joining him on the grid is Kermington rider Guy Martin, Gary Johnston and local stars Ryan Farquhar, Alastair Seeley, William and Michael Dunlop.
McKendry Fabrications Ltd 125cc Race
Race number three on the programme, the McKendry Fabrications Ltd 125cc race features almost 30 entries including William Dunlop, Sam Dunlop, Renzo Van der Donckt, Paul Robinson and James Ford.
CP Hire Ltd Superstock Race
The CP Hire backed Superstock raced has attracted 71 entries including lap record holder Guy Martin, John McGuinness riding for Padgetts of Batley, HM Plant Honda rider Steve Plater, newcomer Gary Mason, Michael Rutter, Jimmy Moore from East Coast Racing, Oregon, Gary Johnston, Stuart Easton, Relentless by TAS Suzuki trio Anstey, Seeley and Donald and Maria Costello. Local stars lining the grid include Denver Robb, the Dunlop brothers, Ryan Farquhar, Ian Lougher, Stephen Thompson and Davy Morgan.
Race & Practice order:

Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse Race Programme
Race 1 – Yoko Superbike Race 1 (5 Laps)
Race 2 – Clinton Enterprises 600cc Supersport Race 1 (5 Laps)
Race 3 –McKendry Fabrications Ltd 125cc (4 Laps)
Race 4 – CP Hire Ltd Superstock Race (5 Laps)
Race 5 – Greenline NW200 Superbike Race 2 (6 Laps)
Race 6 – Ballymoney Borough Council 600cc Supersport Race 2 (5 Laps)
Race Format for Practice Sessions
Tuesday 11th May – roads close 5pm and re-open at 9.30pm
Ist Session: 125cc
2nd Session: Superbike
3rd Session: 600 Supersport
4th Session: Superstock
Thursday 13th May – roads close 9.30am and re-open 3pm
1st Session: Superstock bikes
2nd session: Supersport 600
3rd Session; Superbikes
4th Session: 125cc
brn

35

NW200 safety improvements

By MCN Sportsdesk -
TT & road races
28 April 2010 17:03

This year’s North West 200 on May 15 will feature two major changes to the 8.9mile road course to improve safety.
Organisers of the ReIentless International North West 200 unveiled a new chicane at Mather’s Cross and improvements at Station Corner.
The new purpose-built chicane at Mather’s Cross has been introduced to slow down competitors at the entrance to the corner.
Race Director Mervyn Whyte said: “The new chicane will reduce speeds at Mather’s Cross, initial drawings and plans having been created following consultation with the riders.
"The chicane is located on right side entrance to Mather’s Cross and the area to the left has been cleared of any hedging with the chicane area free of any obstructions.”
Further changes are currently being carried out at Station Corner, another high-speed area on the course.
On the exit of the corner on the left hand side it is planned to pipe the large drain and fill up the ground over an 80-metre distance. A new socketed fence is to be installed the full length of the corner.
“These upgrades are part of the North West’s ongoing policy on safety improvement and we continually work hard year on year to make the course as safe as possible for competitors and spectators.” said Whyte.
“I believe these improvements are significant. We have had excellent feedback from both riders and team managers.
Sport Northern Ireland have been has contributed £35,000 to ensure safety works have been completed ahead of this year’s races. Eamonn McCartan, Chief Executive of Sport Northern Ireland, stated: “We view the safety of participants and spectators at the NW 200 as of the utmost importance.
"While the event obviously centres on the racing, it is vital that measures are taken to improve the safety of all concerned
mcn

36

Live Moto GP 2DAY EUROSPORT2 10:40 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF3vAyXYmgQ

37

Ulster Grand Prix Under Threat <A title=PDF href=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1148” target=_blank onclick=“window.open(‘http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1148’,‘win2’,‘status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=640,height=480,directories=no,location=no’); return false;”><IMG alt=PDF src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/templates/rt_versatility_iii/images/pdf_button.png” onload=resizeThis(this) align=middle border=0 name=PDF> <A title=Print href=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1148&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=169” target=_blank onclick=“window.open(‘http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1148&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=169’,‘win2’,‘status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=640,height=480,directories=no,location=no’); return false;”><IMG alt=Print src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/templates/rt_versatility_iii/images/printButton.png” onload=resizeThis(this) align=middle border=0 name=Print> <A title=E-mail href=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform&id=1148&itemid=169” target=_blank onclick=“window.open(‘http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform&id=1148&itemid=169’,‘win2’,‘status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=400,height=250,directories=no,location=no’); return false;”><IMG alt=E-mail src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/templates/rt_versatility_iii/images/emailButton.png” onload=resizeThis(this) align=middle border=0 name=E-mail> <IMG title=ulstergp.jpg height=142 alt=ulstergp.jpg src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/content/view/1148/169/images/stories/ulstergp.jpg” width=226 onload=resizeThis(this)>THE Ulster Grand Prix is under serious threat this year as much needed and promised funding hasn’t materialised.

Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course, said. “Last year the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (MCUI)(UC) informed us that the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure (DCAL) had earmarked £50,000 for essential maintenance and safety improvements to the paddock at Dundrod.

“We were given guarantees and assurances by a number of people regarding this money, and hence carried out the necessary work.

“For a number of months we’ve been trying to retrieve this money via the Two and Four-wheel Motorsport Steering Group. The Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club has been made aware that the North West 200 (NW 200) was given the same assurances for £100K. We believe that they now have received said monies.

“The bottom line is that we currently cannot see a way forward. The Club is personally out of pocket to the tune of £50K. We wouldn’t have spent the money without the assurances that we received. This money is vital to the running of the UGP and we need it now to ensure that there is another year of great road racing at Dundrod.

“The Ulster Grand Prix can take place this year, but only if this issue is addressed as a matter of urgency.”

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The First Ever Indoor Show Dedicated to Pure Road Racing <A title=PDF href=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1142” target=_blank onclick=“window.open(‘http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1142’,‘win2’,‘status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=640,height=480,directories=no,location=no’); return false;”><IMG alt=PDF src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/templates/rt_versatility_iii/images/pdf_button.png” onload=resizeThis(this) align=middle border=0 name=PDF> <A title=Print href=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1142&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=169” target=_blank onclick=“window.open(‘http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1142&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=169’,‘win2’,‘status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=640,height=480,directories=no,location=no’); return false;”><IMG alt=Print src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/templates/rt_versatility_iii/images/printButton.png” onload=resizeThis(this) align=middle border=0 name=Print> <A title=E-mail href=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform&id=1142&itemid=169” target=_blank onclick=“window.open(‘http://www.paddockgossip.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform&id=1142&itemid=169’,‘win2’,‘status=no,toolbar=no,scrollbars=yes,titlebar=no,menubar=no,resizable=yes,width=400,height=250,directories=no,location=no’); return false;”><IMG alt=E-mail src=“http://www.paddockgossip.com/templates/rt_versatility_iii/images/emailButton.png” onload=resizeThis(this) align=middle border=0 name=E-mail> The first ever Indoor Show Dedicated to Pure Road Racing will take place in Kells on Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th October 2010. This is a great opportunity to Show Case our Sport.

Thanks to Peter Gallagher of McKeon Motors Kells (who also sponsor the Medical Car for the MCI Team), for giving us the use of the fabulous Showrooms in Kells. This is a modern two story state of the art showroom which can easily hold 100 cars. McKeons have kindly offered the premises FREE OF CHARGE to the Road Race Fraternity.

The opportunity is there for all Road Race Clubs to set up their stand totally free of charge for the weekend to promote and showcase their event to the public. It is also an opportunity for Riders and Teams with Sponsors to set up again FREE OF CHARGE and promote themselves and meet the fans .

The MCI Medical Team will put on some demonstrations throughout the weekend, the facility will be there for clubs to show TV footage or DVDs of their event , sell merchandise, trade stands normally associated with Road Racing are also welcome.

We hope that Road Race Photographers will set up a Display of the History of Road Racing.

A top class line up of Road Racers will be interviewed throughout the weekend by George McCann which will give the fans an opportunity to meet their heroes without the pressure on them of racing.

The aim is to have over 100 genuine Race Bikes on Display for the fans.

Admission for the Public is totally FREE all we ask is that if you can please give a donation to the Medical Team.

So get in early and book your spot.

Already Kells , Armoy, UGP, The MCI Medical Team, Road Racing Ireland , Davy Morgan, Amelia from JDs have booked their space.

It is hoped that all Road Race Clubs in Ireland, Isle of Man, Scarborough will avail of this brilliant opportunity.

Remember it is absolutely Free , so no excuse, the opportunity is there for you to promote your club, event, rider, sponsor, magazine, newspaper.

LETS SHOWCASE THE SPORT WE LOVE

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ROBERT DUNLOP RIDE OUT 2nd MAY

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Annual Across Ireland & Friends of R.Dunlop wish to invite you on The Robert Dunlop Ride Out.
This run will take place on Sunday 2nd-May-2010 from The City North Hotel (Just off M1, Between Balbriggan & Drogheda) and proceed north to Ballymoney to visit the resting place of Robert Dunlop.
Robert Dunlop brother of Joey made his road race debut at the 1979 Temple 100,The Cookstown 100 is where his first win came in the 1985 250cc race riding an ECM.A winner on the course at his first attempt, Robert from Ballymoney, won the 1983 Newcomers 350cc Manx Grand Prix. In 1989 he scored his first TT win in the 125cc Class with a new lap record at 103.02mph and managed a total of 14 podium finishes (5 Wins) at the TT, Along with 15 Nw 200 Victories and 9 Ulster Grand Prix victories.He won the Macau Grand Prix in 1989 on a Honda RC30 and on the 8th February 2005 he was the first person to be elected to the Irish Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Sadly on the 15th of May 2008 Robert lost his life at the NW200 during the 250cc qualifying session.Annual Across Ireland and Friends of Robert Dunlop would like you to Join us in the ride out to help raise funds to erect the Robert Dunlop Memorial Garden which is to be built in Ballymoney (Council have donated the plot of land) alongside the Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden. To honor this legend of Road Racing, there will be a minimal Donation of €20 per rider for the ride out which will go directly to The Robert Dunlop Memorial Garden Sculpture Fund.
We will have two (2) Meeting Points enroute to Ballymoney, (1) The City North Hotel, just off the M1 (Junction 7) Northbound between Balbriggan & Drogheda on 2nd-May-10. Sign in between 9am and 10am, where the Ride Out will leave at 10.30 Sharp. We will proceed North to Newry ,where we will meet up with other Riders, Racing Fans, & Supporters at our second meeting point (2) The Carrickdale Hotel, (Carpark on Left hand side Heading North) Sign in between 9.30am and 10.30am, with pull out at 11.00am (together with first group).
From there will proceed in a group to Ballymoney to visit the grave of Robert and show our respects, after that we will proceed to the spot where Robert Dunlop’s Memorial Garden & Sculpture will be erected, for some Refreshments and Pictures, together with some of Roberts close family and friends (including William & Michael). This Ride out is going to be a fun filled day, Fully Marshaled and riding as one Large group (Michael Dunlop will be Riding with the Group Also). This is a social gathering and not a race and we would like to see all bikers looking for an enjoyable way to pass a Sunday afternoon to join in on the fun.
We would like to invite all motorcycle/biking enthusiasts to come along and support us for this special Ride Out in memory of a True Legend and Gentleman ‘ROBERT DUNLOP’.
For More Information:
Web: www.annualacrossireland.com Email: [email protected]

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Two more wins for Ryan Farquhar 650cc Supertwins @ Kirkistown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6Cqff0tnwM