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Road Racers 4 U |
By Jackie Henry |
Sunflower Trophy Races
Bishopscourt race circuit 17th/18th Oct 2009
The Sunflower Trophy Races saw the close of the racing season once again. Saturday saw the practice and qualifying for the racing on Sunday. There was a lot of fog on the route down to the circuit in Downpatrick but thankfully it had all lifted when we arrived. Saturday was a brilliant day as the sun shined all day and there were some very fast times. There were one or two accidents in practice but not too seriously. From a photographers point of view practice days seem to be the best days to get your photographs.
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Ryan celebrates his achievement. (Photos by JH)
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Well as usual the weather changed from the Saturday and we had light rain and damp conditions for most of the day although that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the big crowd who turned up for the last race day of the season, bikers will come from far and near to see good races. This event like all the rest is well run and it takes a lot of time and effort to organise, so a big thanks must go out to ALL the event organisers up and down the length of the country for without them these meetings would not take place. A special mention for those who take all the flack at the race meetings, remember that we are ALL there trying to do our part to promote this great sport of ours and respect works both ways. There has been some good changes this year for the better and if we work together from the top of the organising to the bottom we can iron out all our concerns.
The main race of the day, the Sunflower Trophy Race, saw Ian Lowry on a TAS Rentless Suzuki take the honours followed by Marshall Neill on a Wilson Craig Honda and third place went to Jack Kennedy on a TAG Honda.
The setup of the day’s racing is in two halves with six races before dinner time and a repeat in the same order after dinner except that the Sunflower kicks us off after dinner time.
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Richard McNeill.
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The racing got underway with Ian Lowry winning the first Superbike race of the day closely followed by Carrickfergus man Alastair Seeley and Marshall Neill third. The second Superbike race was won by Alastair Seeley with Michael Laverty second and once again Marshall Neill third.
Supertwins were next out and they were won both times by Mark Johnston and second was the same rider Mark Glasgow, but there was a change for third with David Craig and Lee Hill sharing these places.
Supersport got underway with Marshall Neill winning the first race and finishing second in the second race, as you will see he had a great days racing. In the first race Lee Johnston was followed by Jeremy McWilliams, Jack Kennedy finished third in the other race.
125cc, the wee screamers, had their usual great battles with Mark Lunney taking a first and a forth in the two races, Drew Jamison won the second race easy and was second in the first race, so well done, (send me your details). Paul Robinson was third in the first race and Nigel Percy second in the second race and third in the second race went to Robert English.
Sidecars had two races as well, there was plenty of entries for these races and they did not disappoint as they slid around the track, it can be very hairy if you are the passenger.
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Drew Jamison (19).
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250cc/400cc, these races run together and Mark Lunney win both bringing his wins for the day to three, second place went in both races to Chris McAloran with Denver Robb and Thomas Lawlor third respectfully in the 250cc class. The 400cc saw the same 1, 2, 3 with Emmet O'Grady from the south winning both races followed by Northern Ireland racer Joe Phillips and another racer from the south, Joseph Loughlin, taking third on both occasions.
Many thanks to all who helped me out over the year, and contrary to what it said in the local press I was not in Prague - I wish.
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Alastair Seeley.
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Jeremy McWilliams.
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| Lee Johnston (13) from McWilliams (99). |
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Mark Johnston.
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Jack Kennedy.
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On Sunday, I was speaking to Yvonne Montgomery one of the girl racers who really enjoys the thrill of competing with the guys, she in not the only girl road/circuit racer. So, I was asking her does she get sponsorship or help with the finances but she was telling me that she finances herself and in these times it can be a big drain on the pocket. She shares with Richard Nesbitt the facilities at the meetings and he also goes it alone. Yvonne is quite shy and that is why she would not approach anybody for sponsorship, so, this is why I'm writing this article to see if this drums up some support for her and Richard.
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Yvonne in action.
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Yvonne in action.
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| Richard Nesbitt. |
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