ULSTER GRAND PRIX 2001 - Report and Results

600cc RaceIan Lougher

It is estimated that over 50,000 people turned out to see the 72nd Ulster Grand Prix, on the famous Dundrod circuit. We witnessed the highs and lows of our sport during the first International Road Race of the year due to the foot and mouth epidemic. The day's events were headed by a new initiative by Billy Nutt and the Coleraine Club, in that of a Newcomers race. The race was a four-way battle between Richard Quayle, Gary Jess, Bruce Anstey and Seamus Greene, with them crossing the line in that order. All four riders as newcomers to the UGP all lapped at over 120mph.

The man that was on fire during the day was Ian Lougher, when he won the first Open race and Production race. He also finished second to Robert Dunlop in the 125cc class who is yet to be beaten on the roads this season.

The 600cc race saw the highs and lows of the sport. It was a truly thrilling spectacle to watch as Archibald, Lougher and Jefferies all fought for the top spot. Sadly at the final chicane on the last lap Lougher clipped the kerb on the way out and lost control of the bike, Lougher was thrown clear, but unfortunately the machine hit a flag marshall, causing fatal injuries. On behalf of everyone I would like to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of the marshall. With proceeding halted for a while, is was Archibald that was given the victory.

In the main race of the day the weather had closed in and the track was wet and slippery, with a lot of competitors failing to finish. It was Archibald that took victory in the Stannifer-Snoddons UGP race, with David Jefferies taking second, and Ryan Farquhar in third. In the 250/350cc Classic race Colin Rodgers took a comfortable win. There was to be a 500-1000cc Classic race, but due to time restrictions the race was cancelled.



RACE RESULTS



Lisburn Borough Council Open National Newcomers Race

Position
Rider
Machine
1
Richard Quayle
Mark Johns Honda RC 45
2
Gary Jess
Beacon Security Yamaha R7
3
Bruce Anstey
CR Racing Yamaha R1
4
Seamus Greene
Investasure Suzuki 1000
5
Martin Finnegan
Team Ireland Suzuki 1000
6
Keith Stewart
Yamaha R1
7
Mark Parrett
Wilson & Collins 750 Kawasaki
8
Ali Nicholl
600 Honda
9
Steve Rathbourne
600 Honda
10
Keith Townsend
CSC Racing 996 Ducati



Enkalon Motorcycle Club Open Race

Position
Rider
Machine
1
Ian Lougher
TAS Suzuki 1000
2
David Jefferies
V&M Yamaha R1
3
Adrian Archibald
Red Bull Honda 960
4
Ryan Farquhar
McAdoo Yamaha R1
5
Richard Britton
PJ O'Kane Yamaha R1
6
Ian Duffus
East Coast Suzuki 1000
7
Jason Griffiths
Morris Holding Yamaha R1
8
Adrian McFarland
Chris Dowds Suzuki 1000
9
Gary Jess
Beacon Security Yamaha R7
10
Seamus Greene
Investasure Suzuki 1000



Stena Line 125cc Race

Position
Rider
Machine
1
Robert Dunlop
Crossan 125 Honda
2
Ian Lougher
Mannin/Lloyds 125 Honda
3
James Crumpton
125 Honda
4
Davy Lemon
Low Cost 125 Honda
5
Mark Curtin
125 Honda
6
Ashley Law
125 Honda
7
Darren Burns
125 Honda
8
Nigel Moore
125 Honda
9
Victor Gilmore
Crossgar Poultry 125 Honda
10
Trevor Ritichie
125 Honda



Velux Roof Windows Production Race

Position
Rider
Machine
1
Ian Lougher
TAS 1000 Suzuki
2
Iain Duffus
East Coast 1000 Suzuki
3
Adrian McFarland
Dowd 1000 Suzuki
4
Adrian Archibald
Red Bull 929 Honda
5
Bruce Anstey
CR R1 Yamaha
6
Seamus Greene
Investasure 1000 Suzuki
7
Martin Finnegan
Team Ireland 1000 Suzuki
8
John Donnan
JD's R1 Yamaha
9
Paul Hunt
R1 Yamaha
10
Steve Dey
FC Moore R1 Yamaha



Imperial Tobacco 600cc Regal Race

Position
Rider
Machine
1
Adrian Archibald
Red Bull Honda
2
David Jefferies
V&M Yamaha
3
Richard Britton
PJ O'Kane Yamaha
4
Ryan Farquhar
McAdoo Kawasaki
5
Jason Griffiths
Road Track Motorcycles Yamaha
6
Gary Jess
Beacon Security Yamaha
7
Brian Gardiner
Yamaha
8
Martin Finnegan
Team Ireland Suzuki
9
Richard Quayle
Yamaha
10
Adrian McFarland
Dowd Suzuki



Cardy Timber 250/350cc Classic Race

Position
Rider
Machine
1
Colin Rodgers
Drixton Honda 350
2
Phil Sharp
Aermacchi 350
3
Anthony Myers
Aermacchi 344
4
Luke Notton
Oldfield Amacchi 349
5
Bill Swallow
Aermacchi 349
6
Alan Jackson
Suzuki 247
7
Mick Robinson
Winfields Aermacchi 350
8
Ian Boyd
Aermacchi 348
9
Trevor Ferguson
Suzuki 250
10
Tom Fraser
AJR Bultaco 350



Stannifer-Snoddons UGP Open Class Race

Position
Rider
Machine
1
Adrian Archibald
Red Bull 960 Honda
2
David Jefferies
V&M R1 Yamaha
3
Ryan Farquhar
McAdoo R1 Yamaha
4
Jason Griffiths
Morris Holdings R71 Yamaha
5
Brian Gardiner
R1 Yamaha
6
Adrian McFarland
Dowd 1000 Suzuki
7
Ashley Law
250 Honda
8
Alex Donaldson
900 Honda
9
Darren Burns
250 Honda
10
Barry Maguire
680 Honda



Ballmac Hotel 500-1000cc Classic Race
RACE CANCELLED
DUE TO TIME RESTRICTIONS



For full reports and more pictures from the Ulster Grand Prix please visit -
www.roadracing.fsnet.co.uk


Yours in sport
Stephen Wilson
stephenwilson@ttwebsite.com





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