
Road racing set to return to Republic of Ireland
Motorcycle road racing is set to return to the Republic of Ireland in 2025 after a recently set up organisation said it has secured insurance to run several races.The RRAI (Road Racing Alliance Ireland), which includes a number of road racing clubs, split from the governing body of the sport in the Republic - Motorcycling Ireland - last October.The new body released a statement on Facebook on Tuesday, explaining that the Walderstown, Faugheen 50 and Athea road races would return this year.No road races have been held in the Republic of Ireland since 2022 because of difficulty in obtaining suitable insurance."After what seems like an eternity since the last motorcycle races took to the roads here in the Southern Centre, the RRAI are pleased to announce that the organisation has in fact secured an insurance policy to cover several events for 2025," the statement explained."Ever since the Road Race Clubs took the unenviable decision to leave Motorcycling Ireland last October, diligent work was undertaken by the Clubs to work together under the RRAI umbrella and leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of securing a policy that will result in our sport returning to where it belongs, among the hedges and roads in the Republic."The statement added that a "positive" future for the sport was envisaged, that other events for 2025 were being explored."The work undertaken by the RRAI and the clubs had resulted in an insurance policy that covers road races here in the South, and while there is significant work ahead, we feel that it is wholly achievable.""At present we can confirm that several road races will take place in 2025, Walderstown, the Faugheen 50 and the return of Athea in Co Limerick, however we are exploring other events for 2025, and we will update you all in due course with the confirmed dates."In Northern Ireland, the Cookstown 100, North West 200, Tandragee 100 and the Armoy road races form the road racing calendar for 2025.
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BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Dunlop and Booth receive MBEs in King's Birthday Honours
Michael Dunlop and Neil Booth have spoken of their immense pride after being awarded MBEs in the King's Birthday 36, is regarded as a road racing great as the record holder for the most number of wins and podiums at the Isle of Man TT, making it 33 victories just last Ballymoney man comes from a family synonymous with motorcycling and tragedy, with his father Robert, brother William and uncle Joey all tragically passing away while pursuing the sport they has remained committed to racing as, in addition to his exploits on the Isle of Man, he has enjoyed success at the North West 200, claiming his first victory just days after his father's death in 2008 when topping the podium in the 250cc most recent outing at the North West saw him secure a hat-trick of wins to bring his tally to eight overall and further cement his legacy in the now follows in the footsteps of his uncle Joey, who was also made an MBE in 1986 before being presented with an OBE 10 years later."This is a wonderful honour for me and for my family," he said."I am proud to represent Northern Ireland sport, and motorcycling in this country."Our team has had another brilliant year, with a hat trick at the NW200, and smashing into the record books again at the Isle of Man TT."To be the not just the most successful rider in the history of the TT, but also to have the record number of podiums and to have won on the biggest number of manufacturers is extremely special."I am humbled to be awarded this honour from the Palace." 'This award is for the entire sport' - Booth County Antrim bowler Booth has spoken of his "delight", having been awarded an highly-decorated 57-year-old enjoyed a remarkable career on the green and has since brought that expertise into his role as coach of the Irish men's team which opens its 2025 Mainstream International Programme with a test match away to Bowls Jersey over the will go there with an added spring in his step after news of his recognition was made public on Friday and he admits he was a little shocked when first contacted."I saw the letter outside the door with 'Cabinet Office' on the front and started to think I was going to be extradited, but I was delighted when I opened it up," he said."I can't imagine what the whole occasion will be like, but I'm really looking forward to it. We'll make a weekend out of it but I imagine I'll be pretty nervous."Booth recently collected the High Performance Coaching Award at the Sport NI Sportmaker ceremony at Titanic Belfast and this will sit alongside a host of medals and honours collected down through the Portglenone man is a three-time medallist at the World Championships which includes gold in the fours back in 2004 when the Championships were held in is also in possession of four Commonwealth Games medals, including gold from the 1998 edition in Kuala Lumpur and bronze in Manchester 2002 - both in the fours - while taking silver medals in the triples in the Melbourne Games of 2006 and again in Glasgow a coach, he helped guide Northern Ireland's men to the men's fours title at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, with Gary Kelly taking silver in the men's 2020, he completed a charity challenge when playing bowls in 52 clubs throughout Ireland to raise awareness of mental health issues, which underlined his commitment to help awarding of an MBE is the crowning glory and Booth reflected on a superb career, but insists he will accept the award on behalf of the entire sport."I've probably played at that high level from he late 80s, early 90s, all the way through to 2014," he added."Since then, the coaching role has gone really well and the men's team is second in the world at the minute, which is exceptional. I'm just delighted as this says a lot about the sport in general. It's come on leaps and bounds over here, so this is an award for the entire sport, as much as it is for myself."


Belfast Telegraph
31-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
14-time Isle of Man TT winner begins recovery from horror crash
The 38-year-old came off his 8TEN Racing BMW Superstock machine at Kerrowmoar on Friday evening around 10 minutes into the session, resulting in a red flag. Hickman sustained chest, back, shoulder and facial injuries in the spill, which happened close to where he crashed while leading last year's Senior race at Ginger Hall. Kerrowmoar, a left-hand bend, comes soon after the Ginger Hall section, with riders estimated to be taking the corner at around 100mph. In an official statement yesterday, Hickman was reported to be 'comfortable' in Noble's Hospital, where he was taken by air ambulance from the scene of the crash. 'Peter Hickman, bike number 10, came off at Kerrowmoar on the opening lap of the third qualifying session of TT 2025,' said the official condition update. 'He was reported as conscious and stable, and taken via AirMed to Noble's Hospital where he is currently being treated for chest, back, shoulder, and facial injuries.' The Burton-on-Trent rider is one of the biggest names at the TT and drew level with legendary TT legend Mike Hailwood's tally of 14 victories in 2024, when he won the Superbike race. However, it was his only win at the event 12 months ago, with the victory coming after Northern Ireland's Michael Dunlop lost a 25-second lead when he had to stop and adjust the visor on his helmet, which hadn't been correctly fastened during his second pit stop. Hickman finished as the runner-up to Davey Todd in the Superstock race last year and claimed two second places in the Supertwin races behind Dunlop. The 136mph outright lap record-holder was outside of the podium places in the Supersport races in what was an unusually average TT by Hickman's lofty standards. He was aiming to make amends this year with his new 8TEN Racing BMW team, which he set up with co-owner Todd after they split from Faye Ho's FHO Racing BMW squad. Hickman's unfortunate crash will also deprive fans of the chance to see him go head-to-head with record 29-time TT winner Dunlop after recent controversy at the North West 200. Hickman was fuming after Dunlop did not receive a penalty when he failed to stop at the Magherabuoy chicane when they both overshot. Hickman also did not stop but veered over to the stop box and made an attempt to put his foot down. He later said he should have received a penalty but was left stewing after Dunlop won the race, catching and passing Todd on the final lap. Hickman refused to take his place on the podium afterwards and said he had 'probably' ridden in his last race at the North West 200. With Hickman out of the TT, Todd will now be carrying 8TEN Racing's hopes on his shoulders as he goes up against Dunlop and Honda Racing contender Dean Harrison, who has been impressive across the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes in qualifying. English rider Tom Weeden also suffered injuries in a crash on Friday during qualifying after coming off at the Glen Helen section. A statement said he was being treated for back, leg and ankle injuries. 'Tom Weeden, bike number 33, came off at Glen Helen,' said the TT organisers. 'He was taken to Noble's Hospital via AirMed where he is currently being treated for back, leg and ankle injuries. 'The Isle of Man TT Races send their best wishes to both Peter and Tom, and thank the Marshals and the MRMS medical team for their continued diligence and professionalism.'


Belfast Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Rain thwarts first day of practice at Isle of Man TT with more forecast for later in the week
Further rain is expected on the island on Tuesday, but Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson is confident the weather will change for the better on Wednesday, issuing a 'positive' update for the remainder of practice week. Roads are scheduled to close this evening for practice but it could be tomorrow before Michael Dunlop and his fellow TT contenders complete their first laps of the 2025 event in anger. Thompson said high pressure was set to bring improved weather from Wednesday. 'We had to take the decision to cancel the rest of today's schedule, which was going to be a free practice for all the solos and Sidecars,' said Thompson. 'We gave it a go this morning and obviously we were aware there was going to be a weather front coming in, but we were expecting that weather front to come in slightly later. 'We got the newcomers' lap out of the way for both solos and Sidecars but unfortunately the rain came in earlier than expected. 'There is another weather front coming in on Tuesday evening so we're going to take that as it comes and try to get all the sessions out, but if not, we're looking good for Wednesday, and the rest of the week is looking much more positive. 'We've got a ridge of high pressure coming in on Wednesday for a couple of days, so we'll try tomorrow but if not, then we're going to go on Wednesday evening.' The first Supersport and Sidecar races are scheduled to take place on Saturday but further disruption to practice and qualifying could potentially see the start of racing pushed back. Ulsterman Dunlop is gunning for a landmark 30th TT win after becoming the most successful rider in the history of the event in 2024, when the 36-year-old won four races to overtake his uncle Joey's 24-year-old record of 26 wins. Dunlop is poised on 29 victories and arrived at the TT on the back of a confidence-inspiring treble at the North West 200 earlier this month.