Armoy Road Races see Michael Dunlop top feature Superbike race
Road Racing at Armoy saw Michael Dunlop clinch three titles and Derek McGee two titles. Spectators from far and wide including Canada, Italy and Norway, along with the home grown fans, were delighted with a superb day’s racing despite the intermittent rain.
It was local Ballymoney man, Michael Dunlop, who thrilled the spectators as he won the Roadside Kia Race of Legends by 12.6 secs ahead of brother William Dunlop followed by Michael Sweeney in addition to the Torquetronix Superbike Open and Bayview Hotel Supersport races.
Held in trying conditions for both the organisers and the competitors, the Hawk Suzuki rider saved his best to last, with a start to finish victory in the feature race of meeting.
Armoy Road Race – Race of Legends 2017
- Michael Dunlop – Suzuki
- William Dunlop – Yamaha +12.655
- Michael Sweeney – BMW +13.080
The event was also round 16 of the Duke Road Race Rankings Championship 2017. Five top-six placings including two podiums saw James Cowton once again close the margin between himself and Duke Rankings leader Dean Harrison, now down to 187 points. Mullingar’s Derek McGee moves up three places into third, with Michael Dunlop now fourth a climb of four positions, just 100 points adrift of third place.
Top Newcomer of this season, to date is Castleblayney’s Joe Loughlin who moves into eighth place from tenth having taken a double victory, a second place, plus two fastest laps, putting 44 points ahead of another up and coming rider, Joe Thompson from Selby, who achieved three sixth and a seventh spot to leave him in seventh place in the rankings.
Duke Road Race Rankings Championship 2017 Rankings
- Dean Harrison 1728
- James Cowton 1541
- Derek McGee 1222
- Michael Dunlop 1120
- Jamie Coward 1060
- Ivan Lintin 999
- Joe Thompson 989
- Joe Loughlin 945
- Derek Sheils 851
- Daley Mathison 757
Mullingar rider, Derek McGee, was declared Man of the Meeting after winning Friday’s First4Printing Supersport race in addition to taking second place in the Bayview Hotel Supersport, Torquetronix Superbike and fourth place in the Roadside Kia Race of Legends. He also won the Clyde Shanks Supertwin race.
Newcomer Joseph Loughlin from Castleblayney, won Support Man of the Meeting, after winning Armoy Homes/JW Hickinson Junior Support and the Michelin Tyre PLC Senior Support Race.
Bill Kennedy MBE, Clerk of the Course
“There is no doubt that this year’s event had its challenges, the weather to name one, but I’m very happy that it has been a great meeting. Spectators, sponsors and riders seem to have had a great day if the feedback on social media and the chat late on Saturday night is anything to go by. There were very few red flags over the two days and everyone left Armoy safe and sound, although a bit muddy. Bike Week was great and I’m delighted with the support that the Club got over this period. This event is a year long undertaking and there is an awful lot of organisation, so on behalf of the Club, I’d like to thank the officials, marshals and the many volunteers. The support from our key sponsors, this year was just amazing, and to those who took an advertisement in our programme, sponsored a bale or a grandstand, thank you for your contribution. To our main sponsor Roadside Kia and many race sponsors, First4Printing, Mermaid Club, Armoy Homes, Molly’s Restaurant and Bar, Bayview Hotel, Fay Stewart, Torquetronix, JW Hickinson & Co, Diamond Bar, Clyde Shanks, Bathshack, Michelin Tyre PLC, Park Electrical Services and Armoy Construction, I’d like to say a sincere thank you to each and everyone.”
