The event was dealt a cruel blow in 2013 after returning from a year’s absence when heavy rain and an oil spill on the circuit at Bishopscourt led to the abandonment of the meeting.

However, the organising Hillsborough and District Motor Cycle Club has vowed to put on a star-studded show to bring the Irish short circuit racing season to a close with a fitting finale at the County Down venue, when it is hoped to attract some of the top names from the British championship scene.

Race Secretary, Derek McWhirter, said:

“This will be the final round of the Irish and Ulster Short Circuit Championships and as well as our local stars we expect to see many of the top BSB competitors grace the Co Down circuit for this end-of-season meeting.

“The club are working very hard to ensure the best possible entry for 2014 and we are encouraged by the number of BSB teams who have been expressing their intentions of supporting the event. With our many talented local riders providing a formidable challenge to the cross channel competitors the chances are the trophy will stay in Northern Ireland,” he added.

“Stretching back to 1977 the inaugural Sunflower Trophy Race was held at Aghadowey and the first ever winner was road racing legend Joey Dunlop. Many memorable Sunflower events followed and in 1987 the race was moved to Kirkistown where Ray Swann was victorious.

“Probably the Sunflower Trophy meeting of 1989 will be fondly remembered by many as the greatest ever when we witnessed Gary Cowan on the 250cc Docshop Yamaha out-braking ‘Rocket’ Ron Haslam on the factory Pepsi Suzuki RGV500.

“Entries are now open and we’re looking forward to treating the fans to a great day’s racing.”

Leading names last year included Ulsterman Alastair Seeley, who was a comfortable winner of the first Supersport race on the Gearlink Kawasaki from Luke Hedger before the event was called off in the afternoon.

Scotsman Stuart Easton also made the trip to represent his then team Mar-Train Racing and it is anticipated that the Temple-based outfit will return to its home patch for the showpiece race next month.





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