Latest news with #UlsterGrandPrix
Belfast Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Richard Cooper reveals why he won't race for anyone else but Ryan Farquhar at the North West 200
Dungannon man Farquhar was a driving force behind the rise of Supertwin racing and is a former winner in the category at the North West, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix. A Kawasaki guru, he has prepared the machinery that Cooper has ridden to victory in all four of his Supertwin victories. There are newer next generation bikes such as the Yamaha and Aprilia to choose from, but Cooper hasn't considered riding for anyone else. 'I really enjoy riding for Ryan, he puts 100 per cent effort into the bikes, nothing more, nothing less, and I really like that,' said Cooper, who qualified in pole position for Saturday's two Supertwin races. 'For that reason, I've no reason to go and ride elsewhere. I feel we want to achieve the same goal and he gives me the best machinery possible that he can build. 'These bikes are built in his garage, at his home in his own workshop; everything is made by himself and I really like that kind of thing, so hopefully I can repay him with some wins.' Cooper was beaten twice in 2024 by Peter Hickman on his Swan Yamaha, who returns on the same machine and is among the chief contenders. Adam McLean, second fastest in qualifying — 0.7s behind Cooper — is another leading exponent on the Flitwick Yamaha, as is former podium finisher Paul Jordan on the Jackson Racing Aprilia. The evergreen Jeremy McWilliams has switched to an Aprilia this year in the J McC Racing colours and cannot be dismissed as a possible winner. 'I think Hicky (Peter Hickman) is always going to be a dark horse, he beat me last year,' Cooper said. 'Adam McLean on his new Yamaha R7 (is in the mix) and you can never count out Jeremy McWilliams, can you?' Michael Sweeney from Skerries in Co Dublin had a strong run in qualifying on his MSR Aprilia and along with Jamie Coward (KTS Racing/Stanley Stewart Kawasaki) is among the main protagonists.
Belfast Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Joey Dunlop exhibition unveiled to celebrate renowned motorcyclist's legacy 25 years after his death
The Ballymoney Museum will showcase unique memorabilia from the sporting icon, including picks from some of his 26 Isle of Man TT wins, with many directly on loan from the Dunlop family archives. Dunlop, dubbed 'King of the Roads', was born in the Co Antrim town in 1952 and quickly rose to prominence after clinching his first major motorcycling victory at the age of 23. He would go on to cement himself as one of Northern Ireland's most successful sporting figures, achieving five Formula One World Championships, 13 North West 200 victories and 24 Ulster Grand Prix triumphs. Among his honours include an MBE in 1986 and an OBE ten years later for his humanitarian work with children in eastern Europe. In July of 2000, after more than 31 years of dominating the racing scene, Dunlop would tragically pass away after an accident during a competition in Tallinn, Estonia. Around 50,000 mourners from all backgrounds gathered at Garryduff Presbyterian Church for his funeral outside his hometown. The new Joey 25 exhibition will include rare photographers, racing leathers and trophies among the items on display. Motorcycle fans may take a particular interest in the display featuring the gloves Dunlop wore when he lost the tip of his left-hand ring finger during a crash at the 1998 Tandragee 100 race meeting. Interactive displays and original restored bikes will also be showcased at the event. Dunlop's wife, Linda Dunlop, will launch the event, which she said was a 'beautiful way to honour his life'. 'Joey's memory lives on through the love and support of his fans and our community,' Linda explained. 'This Joey 25 exhibition is a beautiful way to honour his life and we're grateful to Ballymoney Museum staff and the council for making it happen.' Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Ciarán McQuillan will join the Dunlop family in kickstarting the exhibition. He revered Dunlop as 'not just a sporting legend, but a beloved figure who put Ballymoney on the world stage'. 'We are deeply honoured to host this exhibition in Joey's hometown,' said Mr McQuillan. 'This exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to his achievements and the profound impact he continues to have on our community and beyond.' The Joey 25 exhibition is part of a series of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of Joey's passing. Museum officer Jamie Austin said: 'Thank you to Linda and the Dunlop family for sharing their cherished items with us for this iconic exhibition. 'I would also like to thank William McComb and Ian Waddell, who have loaned bikes that Joey rode for the exhibition, in addition to Clifford Stewart, who has also kindly loaned bikes to the museum which will be showcased as part of a display on the history of motorbike racing. 'The museums team is very much looking forward to showing members of the public this exhibition and the legacy that Joey has left for us all.' The exhibition will run from Tuesday, May 6, to Saturday, August 30, from 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
BBC News
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
New BBC film, Ride or Die, explores how faith, grief and the risk of fatality push a diverse cast of racers to the limit
Each May, around 100 motorcycle road racers from across the world make a sporting pilgrimage to Northern Ireland to take part in the iconic North West 200. To outsiders, racing on closed public roads at speeds in excess of 200mph might be hard to understand. For many of those who do it, it's an all-consuming passion – providing a sense of purpose, community and fulfilment. For some religious faith plays an important, but often hidden, role in the lives of many of those involved. But for others faith in themselves, an undying love for the sport, and a belief in plain good luck is what fuels them. Road racing is part of who they are. And it's something that informs how they think about the risks associated with a sport they love but which is often dangerous and sometimes fatal. A new BBC film, Ride Or Die, a DoubleBand Films production for BBC Northern Ireland and BBC One, explores how faith, grief and the risk of fatality push a diverse cast of racers to the limit in the weeks leading up to one of the world's fastest road races. Ride or Die features Lee Johnston, a five-time winner at the North West 200. The Northern Ireland racer, now living in Huddersfield, had a near fatal accident at the race in 2023. On a journey of recovery to compete in the 2024 race, he is in a race of his own to be ready. A trailblazer in the world of road racing, Maria Costello MBE, is one of only a handful of women in the sport. Having raced for 30 years, Maria explains that it was often in defiance of her mum's wishes that she raced. However she is now in a different place. Having recently lost her mum to cancer, Maria is determined to get back racing for the first time since her loss – noting that racing gives her something that she needs. The film, commissioned as part of the BBC's Hot House commissioning initiative with support from Northern Ireland Screen, gets behind the visors to find out where the riders find their strength, and rationale, to deal with the risks. Is it better to live a life doing what you dream of, even if it's so inherently dangerous? And what, do they believe, will keep them safe from harm while threading their way between walls and trees on country roads– faith in their ability or faith in religion? Those taking part are supported by family – who are there to help, count down the laps and to worry. The film hears how they watch from behind the barriers as their loved ones push the limits - some praying while hoping for their safe return. Others have had to look to their faith when the worst happens. The film hears the very personal journey of the family of Jamie Hodson from Wigan. Jamie was killed racing at the Ulster Grand Prix. His brother, Rob, recalls how he was involved in the accident while Jamie's parents tell how they both grew stronger in their faith afterwards. Kevin Keyes, from County Offaly in the Republic of Ireland is an accomplished circuit racer but is competing in the much more dangerous sport of road racing for the first time. With his family worried about his new venture, how will his beliefs and his own experiences of loss, and his family's strong faith, help him on his journey. Through the work of retired Presbyterian Minister Reverend John Kirkpatrick, the film also explores the relationship between some of those in road racing and the Christian faith. As a race chaplain for more than 30 years, Reverend Kirkpatrick has officiated at the funerals of several riders who have lost their lives at the races. He fosters a sense of community in the paddock while examining the conflict between the sanctity of life and a sport that involves great risk. Ride or Die is also part of the BBC's Faith and Hope season returning for 2025 with content across Network TV and Radio alongside bespoke programming on BBC Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Local Radio. Watch Ride or Die on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 22:40 on Wednesday 9th April KM2
BBC News
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Joey Dunlop celebration will be 'unique'
Joey Dunlop's former Honda team-mate Phillip McCallen says the distinguished line-up of riders and collection of machinery gathered for a special celebration of the legendary motorcyclist's racing career on 24 May will make it a "unique" legacy of the much revered motorcycling icon will be honoured at a special event in his hometown of Ballymoney to mark 25 years since his passing in a racing incident in Dunlop's achievements were 26 wins at the Isle of Man TT, five Formula One World Championships, 24 Ulster Grand Prix victories and 13 North West 200 those taking part in the "Joey 25" celebration will be multiple World Superbike champions Jonathan Rea and Carl Fogarty, McCallen, ex-grand prix riders Ron Haslam, Jeremy McWilliams and Eugene Laverty, British champions Leon Haslam and Adrian Coates, North West 200 stars Glenn Irwin and Alastair Seeley, plus double Formula Two world champion Brian TT winner McCallen told BBC Sport NI it would be "an honour' to take part in the event."This is unique. There's nobody else could bring a collection of riders like this together. They were all friends of Joey Dunlop and they all respected him."We were team-mates for a lot of years. We had some serious competition between each other but we were still friends."He was the sort of guy you could have a tough, tough race with but respect each other." 'I looked up to him and wanted to ride like him' The afternoon will feature the largest-ever display of Joey's motorcycles while on the evening of 24 May the iconic machines will roar to life as a star-studded line-up rides them in a closed-road parade through Ballymoney's town centre."Joey's career spanned a lot of years and there's no other rider in the world I think would have had this many bikes," added McCallen."A lot of the bikes have been restored and a lot of the bikes are original. There are some replicas out there but this collection of bikes is unique."Among the decorated road racers who will participate in the event are Ryan Farquhar, Michael Rutter, Adrian Archibald and Ian Simpson and Bruce Anstey, who conveys something of Joey's international appeal."He was pretty much my all-time hero," reflected New Zealander Anstey, a 12-time TT winner now resident in county Antrim."I grew up watching him. We used to get the old videotapes in the 1980s in New Zealand and we enjoyed watching him. To ride one of his bikes is a big privilege to me. "I had the privilege of standing next to him in the podium after the 250cc race in 2000. I was too scared to talk to him then. I couldn't understand a word he said either as well. I just really looked up to him and wanted to ride like him." 'As well thought of as ever' Dunlop's son Gary added that the event held in memory of his late father will be "very special"."This is the 25th year and it's going to be the last event of its kind in our lifetime. We're really excited that it's happening."It's 25 years down the line and it's testament to his loyal fanbase that he is as well thought of as ever and it's humbling to see it."There are a lot of big names and it's nice to see people like Jonathan Rea and Carl Fogarty coming to Ballymoney, a wee town that's off the beaten track. It's good for the town."
