27-year-old Michael Dunlop has raced at the Armoy Road Races year on year and will be entering the two First4Printing and Bayview Hotel Supersport races, the Torquetronix Open Race and the biggest race of the day, the SGS International ‘Race of the Legends’. 

Having won the SGS International Race of Legends for five years in a row, Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course, Armoy Road Races, thinks that Michael will be looking to retain the title at Armoy. “Michael wasn’t sure whether he could make Armoy due to other commitments but we are absolutely delighted that he is joining us.

“He’s had some great wins this year, more recently four out of four at the Southern 100 and with wins at Walderstown and the Skerries and of course that great win at the Senior TT I’ve no doubt Michael will be on fine form at Armoy.” 

Ballymoney rider, Michael Dunlop, will be joining his brother, William Dunlop, Dubliner Derek Shiels and Mullingar man Derek McGee at the Armoy Road Races. Mar-Train’s Dan Kneen is also set to ride at Armoy, having broke his arm earlier in the year and having had to sit out the NW200 and the Isle of Man TT. 

“This is shaping up to be a really good event we’ve riders from all over the UK and the South and I am confident that we are going to see some exceptional road racing again this year. Of course it has been confirmed that Guy Martin can’t attend this year. He and the Tyco team have been great supporters of the Armoy Road Races and whatever Guy is doing presently we will always send him our good wishes, but let me reassure you that there still will be plenty of fine racing,” added Bill. 

International riders include Michal Dokoupil from the Czech Republic, Fabrice Faivre from France and Canadian Darren James who will be on a SGS International bike, along with some 30 newcomers including local man Gary Dunlop and Cornwall’s Forest Dunn. Other riders include Christian Elkin, Paul Jordan, James Cowton, Adam McLean, Michael Sweeney and Neil Kernohan. 

This year there are two races in the Senior Support, Bill Kennedy explains, 

“It’s always difficult when so many enter a race and they don’t get to participate as the Club can only put 27 bikes on the grid. The Senior Support always has an incredible entry. I put it to the governing body and they’ve agreed we can run the two races and I’m happy as this gives everyone a race, however it’ll only be Race A that gets the podium. Those involved will find out more during the racers’ briefing. 

“Bike week is already well underway with a great turnout at the motorcycle run out on Sunday and the service at Lagge Hall on Sunday evening. We are expecting big crowds, Facebook has been lit up with folk coming across from Scotland, England and Wales with different requests and letting us know they are on their way. Our VIP Corporate Hospitality marquee is full and we’ve local food and drink producers showcasing their products organised by Naturally North Coast and Glens’ Shauna McFall. 

“At this stage I’d like to thank everyone who’s been involved from the sponsors to the club members and volunteers, their help has been invaluable. The course is just about there so all we have to do is pray for a few dry days, some great racing and everyone returning home safely with smiles on their faces. 

“Lastly, I’d also like to take this opportunity to publicly wish Ryan Farquhar all the best and a return to good health soon. Ryan has been a great supporter of Armoy and the club from day one and he will be very much missed this year. We would also at this time like to send our best wishes to Seamus Elliott and his family and hope that he makes a good recovery following the recent incident.” 

The event is part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Bike Week runs from Sunday 24th July until Saturday 30th July 2016 with the SGS International ‘Race of Legends’ featuring on the Saturday 30th July 2016.