The North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club Ltd is delighted to launch the 59th Around A Pound Tandragee 100 on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th May 2019.

Just a few of the stars you can expect to see at the Tandragee 100 National Road Races on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th May 2019 include Derek Sheils Derek McGee, Micko Sweeney, Adam McLean, Tom Weeden as well as favourites such as Davy Morgan, Nigel Moore and Barry Davidson.

The Tandragee 100 Course was, voted 4th Best Road Racing Course in the World (only the TT, Macau & UGP came higher) and the word is spreading as the ever popular duo Michal ‘Indy’ Dokoupal and Veronika Hankocyova (Czech Republic) are joined by Nadieh Schoots (The Netherlands), Chris Meyer (Germany), Enrico Rocchi (Italy), Roger Chen (Taiwan) and Mel Gantly (Canada) who together provide a truly international flavour to this year’s event.

This year’s Tandragee 100 Entry includes almost 300 entries with 66% of them from outside NI! - 7 competitors hailing from Overseas and almost 30 circuit newcomers, this is proof that road racing is still very much alive and kicking in the shallow hills of County Armagh!

As always costs have risen this year however we are delighted to be able to offer a prize fund of approximately £11,000! All the races this year will be Irish/Ulster Championships Races with the exception of the Forgotten Era and Supermono classes.

We appeal for everyone to support the Around A Pound Tandragee 100 by purchasing a programme as this is one of the main revenue streams for the event and/or make a donation in the bucket with the programme sellers.

OFFICIAL RACE SPONSORS

The Club warmly welcomes our good friends Gerry and Siobhan Rice of Around A Pound as our continuing overall race sponsors. They have been with us for over 12 years!

Around A Pound - is a family run business formed in 1998. They deal mainly in discount soft goods and are based in Newry with outlets in Newry, Newcastle, Lurgan, Armagh and most recently in Warrenpoint. Gerard certainly is an enthusiast and is once again supporting Michael Dunlop in the 2019 season. Sincere thanks to Gerard and Siobhan Rice for their continuing support.

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council - have once again contributed substantially to the Race. Our thanks are due to the Regeneration and Development Committee.

Also thanks are due to the Council Staff, particularly the Regeneration & Development Committee; Barry Pearson; Gregg Wilson; Andrew Johnston; Sarah McGeary (Marketing) and Susan Parks (Admin) for their on-going assistance.

We would like to take this opportunity to offer thanks to Councillor Julie Flaherty, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council for hosting the Press Conference in Craigavon Civic Centre. Thank you Lord Mayor Flaherty.

Tourism NI – we are delighted to have Tourism NI contributing to the event for the 4th time. Our thanks to Eddie Rowan and his team.

Mahon Garden Centre are for the fourth year a sponsor of an Ambulance. Mahon Garden Centre was established in 1988 by the Eakins family and is now a leading plant orientated, independent Garden Centre, growing the majority of the stock on their own nursery, ensuring the highest quality possible. Situated in County Armagh it offers a click and collect service to its customers via its website. Robert Eakins is no stranger to the motorcycle racing scene being a long-time sponsor and friend to the talented and very successful Marshal Neill, Woolsey Coulter and in more recent times up and coming short circuit star Mark Murphy.

Thanks also to the help of dedicated Club Members we have been able to put together what promises to be a first class event in 2019. The other companies and individuals who have helped the Club, in either a financial or material way, to make the Tandragee 100 happen, are also greatly appreciated. In particular we’d like to acknowledge the Officials, First Aid, Marshals, Flag Marshals, Press, etc without who we couldn’t run the event. To these, and many others, the Club owes a great deal of thanks and if we have left anyone out we can only apologise.

It is because of our hard working volunteers that the Club in 2016 was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. This is the first time a motorsport group have received this esteemed mark of distinction. The North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club (Tarmac Section) Ltd is immensely proud of the recognition that this Award represents. It is a demonstration to all of our many volunteers that what they do really makes a difference.

For up to date information and news please visit our web site: www.tandragee100.co.uk or Facebook or Twitter @Tandragee100.

We are also wish to thank Illuminate Digital for providing the Promotional Video Clip that you can view on Facebook and u-Tube.

We are delighted to welcome Mark Lappin of Rapid International Ltd on board for the first time as Sponsor of the SuperSport 600 Race this year. Since 1969 Rapid has pioneered game changing mixing technology. They are recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of equipment for the concrete, construction and environmental industries. Rapid is the manufacturer of choice for many of the major global concrete and construction groups. Mark Lappin is no stranger to the motorcycling world with Rapid International having supported both Off Road and Tarmac disciplines eg Keith Farmer, United Quad Racing Ireland and Glenn Irwin, etc…it is wonderful to have them backing their local Road Racing Event.

Entries include: Thomas Maxwell, James Chawke, Mike Brown, Dennis Booth, Paul Gartland, Michal Dokoupal, Adam McLean, Darryl Tweed, Darren Cooper, Michael Sweeney, Alan Johnston, Davy Morgan, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Tom Weeden, Derek Sheils, Derek McGee, Andy Farrell, Forest Dunn, Dave Murphy, Paul Cranston, Neil Kernohan, Anthony McColgan, etc.

The Junior Support Race for 201-400cc machines is sponsored for the second time by Principal Insurance. Founded in Manchester in 2011, Principal extended its operations into Ireland by opening its Dublin office in 2015. It has grown quickly and now arranges cover for nearly ten percent of all road registered riders in Ireland. It is also a significant player in the UK motorcycle insurance market and along with its specialist car and van operations, now boasts over 40,000 policyholders.

Entries include: RJ Woolsey, John Cahill, Vic Allen, Davy Graham, Robert Cairns, Mark Johnson, Adrian Cleary, Mark Kirkby, Mel Gantly, Vinny Brennan, Stephen Carr, Darren Duncan, Chris Meyer, Aaron Mellish, John Ella, Oliver Dean, Shaun Wynne, Alistair Haworth, Scott Watterson, etc.

The opening race of the day will be the McCrum’s Motorcycles Aprilia First Open Race – McCrum’s Motorcycles is a family run business formed in February 2013. Wes also very much enjoys being part of the community, running weekly Wednesday runs during the bike season, hosting an Annual Bikers & Trikers Charity Run in July and an Annual Charity BBQ in August. In February this year Wes and his wife Adeline moved to new premises in Portadown and have opened a wonderful Café within their showroom. The food and atmosphere is superb – a great place to hang out whilst deciding on what to treat yourself to.

Entries include: Thomas Maxwell, James Chawke, Mike Brown, Alan Connor, Donald McFadyen, Michal Dokoupal, Nadieh Schoots, Liam Chawke, Adam McLean, Darryl Tweed, Darren Cooper, Stephen McKnight, Michael Sweeney, Alan Johnston, Davy Morgan, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Tom Weeden, Derek Sheils, Derek McGee, Forest Dunn, Paul Cranston, Andy Farrell, Dave Murphy, Neil Kernohan, Damien Horan, etc.

The Phillip Riddell Memorial Classic Championship Race is sponsored by 21st Century Backcare. Under the banner of The 21st Century Backcare Raymond & Trevor who are sons of the late Dick Knox, long time Club President and motorcycle and motor car racer extraordinaire are again overall sponsors of the Classic Race which is divided into three classes that have been individually sponsored.

Up to 250cc Class sponsored by Donald McMorran, proprietor of Millside Engineering who has been a long-time supporter of Tandragee and lives on the course on the Markethill Road. He has 30 years engineering experience and has produced precision parts for the riders.

Race for 251cc – 350cc class is sponsored by R Heatrick Ltd a local building firm who we welcome again.

Race for 351cc – 500cc class is sponsored by William McCombe & Son who we welcome as sponsor for the 6th time in 2019.

Race for 501cc – 1000cc class is sponsored by Woolsey Concrete Ltd who have been supporting the Tandragee 100 over a number of years.

Entries include: Richard Ford, Kyle Parks, Gavan Duffy, Alex McVicker, Philip Shaw, Brian Mateer, Nigel Moore, Stephen Beattie, Gary Hutton, Barry Davidson, Mick Brady, Mark Johnson, Mel Gantly, Linton Irwin, Andrew Jackson, Tim Stephenson, Freddie Stewart, Chris McGahon, David Carleton, Kenny Ruddy, Edward Manly, Roger Skipp, Ian Thompson, Mark Parrett, John Leigh Pemberton, Dean Stimpson, RJ Woolsey, Trevor Stewart, Roger Chen, etc.

This year Tayto NI Ltd, who are our longest standing sponsor, are the sponsors of the 650cc Supertwins race and we welcome Mr Tayto tonight. Tayto NI Ltd whose products are well known not only the length and breadth of Ireland but all over the world, will again have Mr Tayto and their mobile unit at the event. Thanks again to Stephen Hutchinson and in particular his marketing manager Bob Brown.

The 250cc GP Championship sponsored by Simon Magee Plumbing & Heating. The Club is delighted to have Simon on board again this year. Simon provides a top class plumbing and heating service.

Entries include: Chris Meyer, Robert McCrum, RJ Woolsey, James Chawke, Kevin Baker, Paul Gartland, David Graham, Robert Cairns, James Cottrell, Pau ‘Potchy’ Williams, Brian Loughlin, Mark Johnson, Adam McClean, Darryl Tweed, Darren Cooper, Stephen McKnight, Michael Sweeney, Tommy Henry, Mark Sheils, Vinny Brennan, Eoin Osiochru, Derek McGee, Des Butler, Andy Farrell, Neil Kernohan, Shaun Anderson, Ben Plant, Tim Stephenson, etc.

The City Autos Lightweight Class is open to Moto 3/125cc Grand Prix machines. City Autos Ltd owned by club member, Ivor Hadden, has rightfully gained a reputation for carrying out work to the highest standard in a friendly manner. As always thank you Ivor.

The 400cc Supersport Class is sponsored by Groucho’s Cafe Bar & Music Lounge the place to be in Richhill. The Club again welcomes proprietor Peter Lyness.

450cc singles Class is sponsored by Portadown Recycling Ltd. Portadown Recycling offer a variety of facilities including skip hire for domestic use and to the construction industry. Thanks to Wesley Jamison.

The Forgotten Era Class is sponsored by Downshire Coaches who have been with us for a number of years and who kindly supplied one of their luxury coaches for the MCUI UC Roads Inspection.

Entries include: Gary Dunlop, Melissa Kennedy, Wayne Kennedy, Malcolm Love, Nigel Moore, Andrew Jackson, Sam Grief, Derek McGee, Dean Stimpson, RJ Woolsey, Vic Allen, Paul Gartland, David Howard, Paul ‘Potchy’ Williams, Brian Loughlin, Yvonne Montgomery, David Murphy, Kris Duncan, Jordan McFerron, Stephen Morrison, Richard Ford, Gareth Keys, Des Butler, etc.

Tandragee Supervalu Irish Championship Senior Support Race for 401cc – 750cc machines will be sponsored this year by Tandragee Supervalu. Neville and Philip Woods are well known local businessmen trading as Supervalu on the Portadown Road, Tandragee, on the Dobbin Road, Portadown and in Richhill.

Entries include: Frankie Stennett, Kevin Baker, John Cahill, Stuart McCann, Robert Cairns, Yvonne Montgomery, Michael Hoey, Mark Johnson, Albert Walker, Samantha Scott, Ben

Wales, Tommy Henry, Veronika Hankocyova, Mel Gantly, Andy McAllister, Enrico Rocchi, Stephen Carr, Dermot Cleary, Ben Plant, Alistair Haworth, Scott Watterson, etc.

Around A Pound Tandragee 100 Senior Open Race, the feature race of the day which is sponsored by our overall sponsor and this race will have prize money of over £2000. The winner will collect £1,000.

Entries include: Thomas Maxwell, Anthony McColgan, James Chawke, Mike Brown, Alan Connor, Michal ‘Indy’ Dokoupal, Graham Kennedy, Paul Gartland, Donald McFadyen, Shaun Anderson, Paul ‘Potchy’ Williams, Nadieh Schoots, Liam Chawke, Adam McClean, Darryl Tweed, Darren Cooper, Stephen McKnight, Michael Sweeney, Alan Johnston, Davy Morgan, Tom Weeden, Derek Sheils, Derek McGee, Forest Dunn, Paul Cranston, Andy Farrell, David Murphy, Neil Kernohan, Damien Horan, etc.

This year ONE of our Race Programmes will have a message somewhere inside. If yours is the winning programme it will contain details of how to collect your prize of VIP hospitality and an official Club Polo Shirt. Please support the event by buying a Programme and you’ll be in with a chance.

This year, for the second time and with permission from Dario Cecconi’s family, we are presenting “The Spirit of Tandragee 100” award in Dario’s memory. It will not be presented for being the first, the best, the fastest…but for demonstrating something truly wonderful, a willingness to go to great lengths without much support to participate, to live for the moment, proving that they are the heart and soul of Irish Road Racing at Tandragee…just like Dario did. Sean Halliday from NI, but who lives in USA, has also contributed to this award.

The Volunteer of the Year Award in memory of Club Member Florence Burns. Florence was well known in racing circles and had been a stalwart of the Club for many years – it is because of Volunteers like Florence that all of our road racing events can take place. Florence is very sadly missed by the Club.

The Gary Dynes Perpetual Memorial Trophy – we are delighted that Vivien Dynes (Gary’s wife), William Dynes (Gary’s father) and the entire Dynes Family have very kindly donated the “Gary Dynes Perpetual Memorial Trophy” to the Club to be used as the winning prize of the Junior Classes (Supertwins/25GP) Race at the Tandragee 100

The Joe McKeown Memorial Trophy - awarded for the Best Classic Newcomer.

The Eddie Sinton Memorial Trophy - awarded for the first 600cc machine to finish in the Tandragee 100 Race.

The Philip Riddall Memorial Trophy - awarded at the discretion of the Riddall Family.

Milne Racing have sponsored an award of £200 to the Man of the Meeting and £100 for the Fastest Lap of the Day.

Club Charity of the Year – Air Ambulance NI – We are delighted to confirm the Air Ambulance NI is this year’s chosen Charity of the Year for the Around A Pound Tandragee 100.

AANI is a local charity that provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland, together with their partners at the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating 365 days per year for 12 hours per day. It takes on average 4 minutes to be airborne and can get to anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately 25 minutes.

This Doctor / Paramedic led service benefits those whose lives are at serious risk following significant injury or trauma. Effectively the service brings emergency hospital care direct to the casualty. The call sign for the helicopter is Helimed23 and the rapid response vehicle’s call sign is Delta7 in tribute to a great friend to our Club, and our sport, Dr John Hinds.

AANI needs to raise £2million each year to maintain this service, that’s £5,500 per day!

Tandragee 100 Supporters Club - On Sunday 7th April 2019 the Tandragee 100 Supporters Club, held their Spring Ride Out to Newcastle via Spelga Dam with about 95 registered to participate. Thanks to everyone who supported the event. Every penny makes a difference.

Injured Riders Sponsored Walk - On Sunday 28th April 2019 The Injured Riders Welfare Fund will be holding their Annual Walk of the Tandragee Course to help raise money and awareness of this fund. The walk will start at 14:00hrs (02:00pm) from Moyourkan Orange Hall, walking the entire 5.3 mile course and returning to the Hall for refreshments. For further details regarding this event please contact Mrs Sheila Sinton MBE on 028 3884 1367 or 07780916107.

Disability Access - contact Mrs Sinton MBE if you require a Disability Access Badge and information for the Race Day.