Mar Trains Dan Kneen returns to the KDM Hire Cookstown this weekend, the scene of his triumphant win in 2014.It was then, riding for John Burrows B.E.Racing team, that the manx man won the feature race, the KDM Hire Cookstown 100 , on corrected time, by a mere one thousandth of a second from Tyco Suzukis William Dunlop. It was indeed an impressive debut for the Braddan based rider, who became the first ever winner of the feature race as a newcomer!

Following a successful Tandragee meeting last Saturday, Dan is fired up for more of the same at Cookstown, but will face stiff opposition from B.E Racings Derek Sheils, another past winner at the Orrittor circuit.

Sheils may have played second fiddle to the Yamaha rider, but is confident that he can run with Kneen and other this weekend on board the ex William Dunlop B.E.Racing Suzuki. Sheils will also get another run out on the Supertwin, in which he finished third at Tandragee on his debut on the lightweight machine.

William Dunlop, will be out to gain more track time on the MSS/CD Kawasaki, as he wasn’t overly impressed with the handling of the machine at Tandragee, however, Cookstown may not impose the same problems, and the Ballymoney rider is quietly confident that his machine is as quick as  any other machine on the track. It will be a race against time for William, to get his 600 CD/IC Racing Yamaha repaired in time, following problems after his win on Saturday at Tandragee, where he was lucky to finish, following clutch problems.

Derek McGee is still finding his way with the new NW Racing BMW Superstock machine, but is confident that he will be gunning for glory in the big bike classes, however, following major engine problems suffered during practices last week, Derek isn’t sure if this will be repaired in time, but hopes to be back out in the supertwin class again.

The ever consistent Michael Sweeney will be in the mix of each race he enters, a model of consistency, Sweeney is finding form again following his spill during the 600 supersport race at last years IOM TT.

And what of the New Kid on the Block, Malachi Mitchell Thomas, the name on everyones lips at present, with his spectacular riding style and laid back approach, the Bolton rider, who has been riding on a crest of a wave on the B.E.Racing machines, is really making a name for himself on the Irish road race scene. His success at the Mid Antrim, where he scored a treble, along with podium finishes in each race at Tandragee have made him a popular figure with race fans.

Malachi has the potential to upset the star riders again this weekend, and who would bet against this?

It looks pretty unlikely that Michael Dunlop will be in action at Cookstown, however the Dunlop name will still be to the fore, with Gary Dunlop making his Cookstown 100 debut. The quiet unassuming Bar man, has been putting in some tremendous performances in recent races, and a podium finish isn’t out of the question, but he will face stiff opposition from his team mate, Sam Wilson, Adam McLean, Nigel Moore, Paul Jordan and Paul Robinson.

The 400 class looks certain to produce some very close racing with Seamus Elliot, Michael DuKopil (Tandragee winner),Michael Sweeney, Darryl Tweed all capable of winning.

Support riders are headed by Mick Weldon,Gav Brown,Vic Allan, james Chawke ,Tommy Henry, Brian Coomey and Warren Reeve.

International Road Race star, the Popular Lee Johnston will be a special Guest at this years KDM Hire Cookstown 100, where he will be on hand to meet fans and promote his Charity F13 Cancer

Pre Race events

Thursday 28th April

Classic Bike Run
Sign on from 6.30pm in Burn Road Car Park leaving 7.15pm

Pit Bike Racing
Burn Road Car Park Park

Film Show ( The Fans Favourite)
Royal Hotel 8.00pm

Friday 29th April

Practice Day
Roads Close 12 noon

Saturday 30th April

Race Day
Roads Close 10.00am

Practice and Race schedule ( Subject to change)


Practice Order - All Sessions 7 Laps

Session 1 Newcomers Only Session A
“ 2 Newcomers Only Session B
“ 3 Open Non Championship A
“ 4 Open Non Championship B
“ 5 Moto 3/125cc GP
“ 6 401 – 750cc Support A
“ 7 401 – 750cc Support B
“ 8 Up to 250cc/350cc Junior Classic
“ 9 Supersport 600cc A
“ 10 Supersport 600cc B
“ 11 Supersport 600cc C
“ 12 351cc/1000cc Senior Classic
“ 13 Supertwins A
“ 14 Supertwins B
“ 15 201 – 400cc Junior Support A
“ 16 201 – 400cc Junior Support B
“ 17 Supersport 400cc A
“ 18 Supersport 400cc B

Race Order Friday

Race 1 401 – 750cc Senior Support B 6 Laps
Race 2 Supersport Invitation Race (Non Championship) 7 Laps
Race 3 Open Non Championship B 6 Laps
Race 4 Non Qualifers 6 Laps

Race Order Saturday

Race 1 Open Non Championship A 7 Laps
Race 2 Moto 3/125cc GP 7 Laps
Race 3 Supersport 600cc A 7 Laps
Race 4 Supersport 600cc B 6 Laps
Race 5 201 – 400cc Junior Support A 7 Laps
Race 6 201 – 400cc Junior Support B 6 Laps
Race 7 Up to 250cc/350cc Junior Classic 7 Laps
Race 8 Supertwins A 7 Laps
Race 9 Supertwins B 6 Laps
Race 10 351cc/1000cc Senior Classic 7 Laps
Race 11 Cookstown 100 A 8 Laps
Race 12 Cookstown 100 B 6 Laps
Race 13 401 – 750cc Senior Support A 7 Laps
Race 14 Supersport 400 A 7 Laps
Race 15 Supersport 400 B 6 Laps