JOEY DUNLOP: EXTRAORDINARY PRIVATE COLLECTION
One of the world’s most exclusive private motorcycling collections goes on display from today at the award-winning Ulster Folk & Transport Museum in Holywood, outside Belfast.
“King of the Roads” - the definitive Joey Dunlop collection which celebrates the life and times of the most loved motorcycling sportsman in the history of road racing contains the famous trademark yellow Arai helmet as well as ten sets of racing leathers. Among the clothing is a suit worn by Joey Dunlop in the early 70s as he started out in the sport.
National Museums Northern Ireland’s Road Transport Curator Mark Kennedy says the collection is particularly important because of the position Joey Dunlop commanded in the world of motorcycle road racing.
“We are particularly grateful to the Dunlop family for allowing us to display the collection which means so much to them personally.
“Thanks to the generosity of the family, fans will be able to get very close to the memorabilia and share a moment of intimacy with the man so many thousands admired all over the world,” says Mr Kennedy.
The collection also includes three motorcycles, Joey Dunlop’s ceremonial Manx Sword and OBE. It also contains the first trophy he won as a racer – the mid-Antrim 150 in 1972.
Joey Dunlop’s commitment to helping the poor and underprivileged is also recorded. He frequently used his race transporter van on lone humanitarian missions to Romania, Bosnia and Albania brining food and medical supplies to orphanages.
A photographic exhibition also highlights moments before, during and after races in Joey Dunlop’s career which spanned over three decades.
The Joey Dunlop exhibition remains on display until mid-September.
Conor Making Good Progress
McAdoo Kawasaki Racing's Conor Cummins is now making good progress after his Isle of Man Senior TT crash.
After a very frustrating week in Nobles Hospital, Conrod was finally moved to Royal Liverpool Hospital for specialist surgery which he underwent on Thursday. The 11 hour operation fully repaired the damage to his back which is now complete and nature itself will finish the job for Conrod. Some work was also done on his injured left knee, but this will require further surgery to fully repair the damage at a later date. Conor is due to undergo another operation on Tuesday 29th June to repair the fractures in is upper left arm, which is not as badly damaged as first feared.
All things considered, the big man is in good spirits and is keen to undergo all the necessary treatment in order to return to training as soon as possible. He's hungry to regain full fitness and will have no problem in putting in the necessary hours in the gym with physio Isla Scott, who has been a real help to Conor over the past weeks. Many thanks again to all the people who sent cards and good wishes to Conor at this time - it is very much appreciated by Conrod, his family and the McAdoo Kawasaki team.
Michael Pearson Skerries
Michael Pearson: "Well the results really mean nothing today especially after what has happened. The Morrell Kawasaki Superstock bike is causing my arms to pump up, and this is what happened in race one. On the Carryduff Forklifts 600 Kawasaki its not just so bad, and I was able to get a good race with Adrian Archibald and in doing so, set my fastest lap around Skerries and personal best result. We made a few changes with the gearing on the 600 for the Grand Finale, and I know that I could have went faster, but unfortunalty, the event was brought to an end after the incident on the first lap. Its off to Scarborough for me next weekend, and then my first visit to the Southern 100 the following week, so plenty to be done".
McAdoo Kawasaki Racing 2010
After a terrific 2009, Conor has put pen to paper on a new deal to continue racing for McAdoo Kawasaki on the open roads, as well as signing for the Black Horse Kawasaki Superstock team to compete at BSB level.
Conrod’s impressive year included two TT podiums, becoming only the third rider in history to record an official 130+mph TT lap, an outright lap record at the Southern 100, a world record lap of 133.28mph at Dundrod where he won two Superbike races, and most recently, runner-up at the Macau GP, pushing Stuart Easton all the way to the flag.
Conor commented “I’m extremely pleased to continue riding for the McAdoo Kawasaki Racing team – we’ve had an awesome season together and hopefully, 2010 will be better again. I love the Kawasaki Ninja bikes and McAdoo Kawasaki are the official Kawasaki UK Road Racing team again for 2010, so it’s great for me. I’m also chuffed to be competing full time next year on the Kawasaki’s as I’ve also signed to race British Superstock for Black Horse Kawasaki, the official Kawasaki UK Superstock team. It couldn’t be better really, roll on 2010!!”
Team owner, Winston McAdoo is equally pleased: “It’s terrific news for us to have signed Conor again for 2010. We’ve always believed the lad is a top class rider and I’d like to think we played our part in proving that this season. He really is at the top of his game, and at just 23 years of age, the most exciting rider in road racing, bar none. We’ll be working hard over the winter to give him what he needs to win. The Kawasaki ZX-6R and ZX-10R are extremely competitive bikes and with the help of our engine tuners Race Techniques and Cosworth, we hope to further unleash the potential of the Ninja bikes for 2010. There’s no reason why we can’t build on our success of this season and perhaps, take it a step further.”
Pearson Links Up With BikeBitsNI
Denver Robb will run his own team in 2010, he has purchased a k10 suzuki from Crescent suzuiki, he will also race his 250, and like many others, is hoping that the nw200 organizers keep the 250 class, which i understand is in danger of getting the chop!(either it or the 125s!)
KNOCKHILL GEARS UP FOR A BUSY 2010
Knockhill Racing Circuit, Scotland's National Motorsport Centre, is continuing its investment programme in the venue and in the events being hosted. This promises to make 2010 a vintage year for bike sport.
WINTER TESTING: Special rates for half and full-day winter testing have been established, including full use of the brand new pit lane garage complex. Please contact Gemma (gemma@knockhill.co.uk) or Gordon (gordons@knockhill.co.uk) for availability and rates. Ideal for bike development or rider assessment sessions, and as previously used by the leading Honda and Yamaha BSB teams. (You can also check details at http://www.knockhill.com/corporate/corporate-venue-hire.php).
EVENTS: In addition to the BSB meeting on 23rd - 25th July, the circuit is in negotiation to host its first ever world championship event for sidecars on 14th - 15th August. In addition, the North East Motorcycle Racing Club will venture north of the border on 3rd - 4th July, and the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club will host a two-day British Classic Race Meeting on 12th - 13th June - another Knockhill first!
VENUE: A six-figure sum continues to be invested with the completion of the pit lane garage complex, improved drainage, the purchase of additional air fencing and the enhancement of gravel traps, making Knockhill one of the safest circuits in the UK.
TRACK DAYS: Bike track days will recommence in March, with regular dates from April onwards including full-day, half-day and evening options. The circuit can also be hired for bike track bookings - popular with dealerships and clubs; again contact Gemma or Gordon for details. Prices range from £1700 + VAT for a private hire, and from £55 for individuals.
BIKE SCHOOLS: The formats of the ever-popular Niall Mackenzie Superbike Schools and the Newcomers Bike Track Experiences have been improved for 2010. Whether you are a newcomer, an old hand at track days or a racer, there are coaching options for you. Go to http://www.knockhill.com/trackdays/bike-trackdays.php or call 01383 720044 and ask for details. Courses start in April and range in price from £119 for newcomers to £219 for the Niall Mackenzie School.
For more information on activities at Knockhill, call 01383 723337 or go to www.knockhill.com.
Knockhill Racing Circuit, Scotland's National Motorsport Centre, is continuing its investment programme in the venue and in the events being hosted. This promises to make 2010 a vintage year for bike sport.
WINTER TESTING: Special rates for half and full-day winter testing have been established, including full use of the brand new pit lane garage complex. Please contact Gemma (gemma@knockhill.co.uk) or Gordon (gordons@knockhill.co.uk) for availability and rates. Ideal for bike development or rider assessment sessions, and as previously used by the leading Honda and Yamaha BSB teams. (You can also check details at http://www.knockhill.com/corporate/corporate-venue-hire.php).
EVENTS: In addition to the BSB meeting on 23rd - 25th July, the circuit is in negotiation to host its first ever world championship event for sidecars on 14th - 15th August. In addition, the North East Motorcycle Racing Club will venture north of the border on 3rd - 4th July, and the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club will host a two-day British Classic Race Meeting on 12th - 13th June - another Knockhill first!
VENUE: A six-figure sum continues to be invested with the completion of the pit lane garage complex, improved drainage, the purchase of additional air fencing and the enhancement of gravel traps, making Knockhill one of the safest circuits in the UK.
TRACK DAYS: Bike track days will recommence in March, with regular dates from April onwards including full-day, half-day and evening options. The circuit can also be hired for bike track bookings - popular with dealerships and clubs; again contact Gemma or Gordon for details. Prices range from £1700 + VAT for a private hire, and from £55 for individuals.
BIKE SCHOOLS: The formats of the ever-popular Niall Mackenzie Superbike Schools and the Newcomers Bike Track Experiences have been improved for 2010. Whether you are a newcomer, an old hand at track days or a racer, there are coaching options for you. Go to http://www.knockhill.com/trackdays/bike-trackdays.php or call 01383 720044 and ask for details. Courses start in April and range in price from £119 for newcomers to £219 for the Niall Mackenzie School.
For more information on activities at Knockhill, call 01383 723337 or go to www.knockhill.com.
The 2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup - More stars to be made
The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup looks to its fourth season in 2010 with 15 nations represented in the provisional entry list of 25 riders. The number of races for the coming season has been increased to 10 so the riders get more opportunity to develop their skills and prove themselves in front of the Grand Prix fans, teams and media.
There are more double race weekends so that the Rookies will perform both on the same day as the MotoGP race in Jerez, Assen, Sachsenring and Brno and on the preceding day of MotoGP qualifying in Jerez, Mugello, Assen, Sachsenring, Brno and Misano.
With an ever increasing fan base and TV coverage the series goes from strength to strength. The 2009 Cup winner Jakub Kornfeil received his FIM award from the Federation President Mr. Vito Ippolito at the final MotoGP round in Valencia where he was racing in the 125GP class and the 16 year old Czech is due to start next season as a full time Grand Prix rider.
"It is what I have been working for. I knew that winning the Rookies Cup would be my best chance of having a full time Grand Prix ride. So now I have a very good opportunity in Grand Prix as a Red Bull athlete and I know that I still have a lot of learning to do but I want to be racing in the top twenty and get some points if I can," said Kornfeil.
The Cup winner is not the only one to be launched into a professional career from this year's Rookie Cup; runner-up 17 year old Norwegian Sturla Fagerhaug is also hoping to compete in the 125 GP class. Third placed Florian Marino, the 16 year old Frenchman, steps across to the European 600 Superstock Series as a full time member of the prestigious Ten Kate Team.
"I have a great chance in a great team and I have to thank everyone in the Rookies Cup for helping me so much to progress as a rider, especially Gustl who taught me how to win," said Marino recalling Rider Coach Gustl Auinger's words to him in Donington after a string of top 6 finishes. Three weeks later he won in Brno.
With those men added to the list of the Rookies Alumni already in GP racing like 2007 Cup winner Johann Zarco, and the runners-up from 2007 and 2008; Lorenzo Savadori and Luis Salom, it is easy to see how well the Cup has proved itself the development ground for teenagers with great ambitions.
To see a compilation of the action that produced this year's winners go to the video section of the website http://www.redbullrookiescup.com/videos.php. Those in the Alpe-Adria region have been watching the special 7 episode TV series "Young Guns Rising" on the Rookies Cup on Servus TV. The series will be made available in English to broadcasters around the world. A different and equally special Rookies series "Ride Fast. Live Young." started on the Web TV site http://www.VBS.tv on November 20th with the first of 8 episodes. The web casts feature the three US riders and the other top Rookies. Both the series show a blend of track action and behind the scenes insight.
Next season the Cup will again be broadcast live on the Rookies Cup Website http://www.redbullrookiescup.com and can be viewed on and increasing number of TV stations around the world. With the men in front of him having graduated the way is clear for 16 year old Californian Jake Gagne, 4th in 2009, to complete is incredible transformation from motocrosser to winning international road racer in just 3 seasons by taking the 2010 Rookies Cup. He will be fiercely opposed by another 14 riders who remain in the Cup from this season and the 10 Rookies brought in new from this year's Selection Process.
The Selection Process for the 2011 Rookies Cup will be opened in the Spring of 2010 and the Cup starts with race one in Jerez on May 1st. With the standard of riding in the Cup improving from year to year the Selection Committee will be looking for riders who are very successful in their national championships around the world to be invited to the Selection Event.
Provisional Entry List
3 Deni Cudic AUT
5 Philipp Oettl GER
7 Alejandro Pardo ITA
16 Joshua Hook AUS
17 Antonio Chiari BRA
18 James Flitcroft GBR
20 Mathew Scholtz RSA
22 Daniel Ruiz ESP
23 Niccolo Antonelli ITA
24 Harry Stafford GBR
27 Alessio Cappella ITA/NGR
32 Jacob Gagne USA
34 Xavier Pinsach ESP
41 Brad Binder RSA
46 Daijiro Hiura JPN
47 Tomas Vavrous CZE
52 Danny Kent GBR
57 Brody Nowlan AUS
61 Arthur Sissis AUS
66 Florian Alt GER
72 Alexander Kristiansson SWE
74 Kevin Calia ITA
77 Taylor Mackenzie GBR
95 Xavier Figueras ESP
98 Alan Techer FRA
Provisional Calendar
Pre Season Test April 12th, 13th & 15th Valencia - Spain
Races 1 & 2 May 1st & 2nd Jerez - Spain
Race 3 June 5th Mugello - Italy
Races 4 & 5 June 25th & 26th Assen - Netherlands
Races 6 & 7 July 17th & 18th Sachsenring - Germany
Races 8 & 9 August 14th & 15th Brno - Czech Republic
Race 10 September 4th Misano - Republic of San Marino
Martin Joins Wilson Craig Team
Wilson Craig Racing Team is very pleased to have secured Guy Martin
as their rider for the 2010 season.
This establishes an old relationship with Guy because the very first
bike Wilson sponsored back in 2005 was ridden by him Wilson Craig
Racing is a small team only established Feb 2008 and has already has
had success at national and international level.
Wilson has gathered some of the best people in the business to build
and work on the development of his bikes. Guy has every confidence
in these people and has been blown away by their commitment to Wilson
Craig Racing.
Guy has described joining the team as going back to basics. He wants
to muck in with the boys,work on the bikes, even make the tea, We
believe that Guy is one of the best riders of this era. He believes
that our bikes are among the best on the grid, so there is no doubt
that we can GO BIG and have a great 2010 season.
Dungannon's Ryan Farquhar will again spearhead Kawasaki's assault on the International and National road races in 2010, with the 33-year old joining forces with MSS Colchester Kawasaki for his Superbike campaign. Ryan will use a specially prepared Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Superbike to race in the Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and Ulster GP road races whilst he will also continue with his own KMR Kawasaki's in the Supersport and Superstock divisions. The Superbike will run in identical colours to the MSS Colchester Kawasaki British Superbike team whilst the 600cc and Superstock machines will again be in Ryan's familiar black and orange livery.
Double TT winner Farquhar has recently been voted Irish Motorcyclist of the Year after a season that has seen him top the prestigious Duke Road Race rankings and surpass Joey Dunlop’s amazing total of 119 Irish national race wins. Ryan took 61 race wins and seven road race championships during a busy 2009 race season.
MSS Colchester Kawasaki will create a dedicated Superbike, similar in specification to their British Superbike machines but set-up to cope for with the unique demands of the long distance road circuits.
The new partnership was announced at this week’s International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC on the Kawasaki stand, alongside new signings for the World Superbike squad.
Ryan Farquhar commented, “I’m really excited about this opportunity, I’ve seen the speed of the MSS bikes during British Superbike this year and the team have been doing really well. Nick Morgan has been doing my engines for many years and it’s great to be supported by the team and Kawasaki UK, I can’t wait. With the MSS Colchester Kawasaki Superbike and my own KMR team, it promises to be another great season.”
MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Owner, Nick Morgan said : ‘We’re very pleased to be able to announce a full road racing programme with Ryan at the forefront. Ryan had a very strong year on the roads and we had a great leap forward in BSB, so it could all come together for a great season.”
Michael Johnstone, Kawasaki Motor UK Sales and Marketing Manager added, “This is an impressive partnership, our official Kawasaki Motors UK Superbike team and one of the most successful road racers of all time. We look forward to seeing how Ryan performs using the very latest Ninja machinery
Phil Wain
A Presentation Made
On the night of the 26 November 2009, some members of the Gsmcc presented Gary Cahoon the new Webmaster for their site a trophy. This trophy is for appreciation of the workings of maintaining and updating this site. Gary in return thanked the members for this beautiful trophy for which he will treasure for his lifetime.
Multiple Isle of Man TT winner Ian Lougher will ride Kawasaki machinery in 2010, it has been confirmed.
The Ulster-based Welshman has been selected to run Kawasaki’s official British Superstock entry under the Team Blackhorse Kawasaki banner.
Lougher himself will ride at the TT, as well as other major road racing events, using both the Ninja ZX-6R and ZX-10R machinery in Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes.
The team will be completed by two further ride in the Junior Superstock class, under Lougher’s experienced and watchful eye as part of the British Superbike Championship calendar.
And in the 1000cc Superstock category, Kawasaki Motors UK’s new official team in the class plans to mount a concerted assault in search of championship honours.
Using Kawasaki’s well proven and powerful Ninja machinery as the basis for the team’s championship challenge, Lougher is relishing this chance to further increase his experience of team management.
He said:‘Kawasaki have a long association with Blackhorse and the Ninjas are great machines for the Superstock and other classes. The base packages have already proved themselves admirably and now it’s down to me and the team to turn this potential into even more Kawasaki podiums.’
With potential rider negotiations at an advanced stage, the prospect of success is something that KMUK’s Racing Coordinator Ross Burridge relishes.
He said ‘Ian is as competitive as ever and understands every aspect of racing on roads and closed circuits. I am sure he and his teammates will make Team Blackhorse Kawasaki one of the most competitive outfits in the paddock.’
MAR-TRAIN ANNOUNCES 2010 PLANS
Mar-Train Racing is pleased to confirm that Greyabbey man Kirk Jamison will be joining
James Dickson in the Irish Superbike team for 2010.The team will be challenging on two
fronts next year with James in the Superbike class and Kirk in Supersport on the newly
acquired Raceways 600 Yamaha.
Kirk is no stranger to the Mar-Train team and we have already built a good relationship
with him and the Jim Angus Contracts Team, whom he will remain with for the Super
bike class.
Kirk Jamison said:
“I am honestly over the moon to have been offered this opportunity and fully intend to
make the most of it. Mar-train are a fantastic team whom I have experienced working
with first hand. I cannot wait to get started on what I am sure will be an enjoyable and
successful partnership with both the team and my new team-mate, James. Tim and Sonya
are two genuine people whose commitment to their race team is unquestionable; the R6
Yamaha I will be competing on is proven at British Championship level and is
unquestionably the most competitive bike I will ever have ridden.”
James Dickson
“I am thrilled to be staying with Mar-Train Racing for 2010 and am looking forward to
working alongside Kirk. We have both been given a great opportunity and I intend to be
at the sharp end of the championship next year.”
Mar-Train is also planning an assault on the three International Road Races next year,
which obviously includes our TT debut. Neither James nor Kirk will be diversifying from
their Short Circuit Campaigns, details of who will campaign these events for Mar-Train
will be announced later in the year.
DONALD & ANSTEY RE-SIGN FOR 2010
Northern Ireland based TAS Racing is pleased to announce that both antipodean road racing stars, Cameron Donald and Bruce Anstey, will be retained for the 2010 international road racing season.
Managed by father and son pairing, Hector and Philip Neill, Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing is already in the planning process for 2010 with their Superbike machinery nearing completion. The team's official race schedule will be announced in the coming weeks, but an early season series of tests have already been pencilled in for February 2010.
Both Donald and Anstey will major their 2010 season’s on the international road races, but will also compete in a number of hand-picked British Superstock rounds and local events, to improve their chances of adding to the team’s long list of international road racing achievements.
Philip Neill – Team Principal
"As per normal, there were lots of rumours suggesting we would change riders for 2010, or that Bruce and Cameron would change teams. I am prepared to admit, that although we had podium finishes in all three international road races and a North West 200 race win with Alastair in 2009, it was a little short of what is expected from TAS Racing.
"As the most successful international road racing team in recent years, with 15 Isle of Man TT, 12 North West 200 and 11 Ulster Grand Prix victories, we set a very high standard for ourselves.
"Although we did consider other options for 2010, along with our partners Suzuki and Relentless, my Father and I always had the desire to remain with the same riders for the international races next season.
"I would like to take this opportunity to welcome both riders back for our next assault on the international road racing scene. It will be Bruce’s eighth with TAS Racing and Cameron's third; and in closing I’d also like to thank our long-standing partners for their continued support.”
Pearson Goes Green
Ballygowan rider Michael Pearson will spearhead the 2010 Irish and Ulster Road Race Championships with a double Kawasaki assault, with the 32 year old Co-Down rider having a 1000cc and Supersport 600 Kawasaki at his disposal.
Pearson will be equipped with the ex Ryan Farquhar 2009 ZX10 Kawasaki that took the Dungannon rider to the Irish Superbike Road Race Championship this year, with the machine being supplied by Aghadowey building contractor Ivan Morrell.
A new Supersport 600 Kawasaki which will be race prepared by Nick Morgan of MSS Kawasaki, is being added to the Pearson stable with this machine being supplied by Pearson's long time sponsor, Davy Greer of Carryduff Forklifts.
Michael Pearson: " I am delighted to have my machines for 2010 sorted out at this early stage, and now I just need to try and attract Sponsorship to run both machines. I am indebted to Ivan Morrell who has purchased the ex Ryan Farquhar Kawasaki Superbike for me to ride in 2010, with the machine being ridden under the Morrell Racing banner. Davy Greer and I have decided to go with a 600 Kawasaki in the Supersport class in 2010, as I will be having one of the new 600 Kawasaki's fully tuned by MSS Kawasaki, and run in the Carryduff Forklifts livery. I have never ridden Kawasaki's in the past so it is a whole new ball game for the Team. I tested on the ex Ryan Farquhar Superbike at Kirkistown last week, and I was very impressed with the bike on how she handled and the power compared to my old R1 Yamaha was like chalk and cheese, so I am very excited about next season on this machine".
Willis Marshall: (Manager) "This is very good news for Michael. To have machinery sorted out at this early stage means that we can work on trying to attract sponsorship, which is proving very difficult at the moment, but I intend to work hard at that over the coming months. Its very good to have Ivan Morrell onboard for next year, with Ivan having a wealth of experience working with the Kawasaki Superbike. Nick Morgan will be kitting out the 600 for DGM (Davy Greer Motorsport) Kawasaki, and we all know the pedigree that Nick brings with his Team. I have worked with MSS Kawasaki in the past with PJ O'Kane, so I know that he will supply the goods to our requirements".
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