Armoy Road Races confirmed for July after insurance crisis averted

Ulster road racing was handed another major boost on Wednesday night after it was confirmed the popular Armoy ‘Race of Legends’ meeting will be held in July.

The announcement comes after an eleventh hour insurance deal was agreed by the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) two weeks ago.

A significantly reduced quote for road racing and short circuit events was obtained by the governing body, whittled down from around £410,000 to £315,000. The excess figure was also revised to £75,000.

The last-minute resolution ensured the North West 200 will run in May, although this was only made possible after Co. Tyrone entrepreneur Derek Keys generously agreed to pay a sizeable chunk of the event’s £140,000 insurance bill.

Armoy’s insurance costs, along with other national road races such as the Cookstown 100, rose to £30,000 compared to just under £17,000 last year.

However, Armoy Club chairman William Munnis said the decision had been taken to accept the revised charges and press ahead with the organisation of the race in Co. Antrim from July 28-29 after ‘careful consideration’.

“After a directors’ meeting earlier this week, the Club can confirm that the ‘Race of Legends’ Armoy Road Races will take place in 2023 on Friday and Saturday, 28th and 29th July,” Munnis said.

“Careful consideration was given regarding the insurance costs and other associated information to run this race.

“Caution will be adhered to throughout, to ensure that we can deliver the well run, and high-profile road race that we are known for in Armoy whilst meeting the needs of the event.”

Reflecting on the £30,000 insurance fee, Munnis noted that the increase had been ‘extensive’ compared to 2022.

“The £30k insurance cost is extensive and many other costs have also risen,” he said.

“We would, however, like to thank the MCUI for all their hard work in achieving a working solution to these insurance issues.

“We would also like to thank the local community, residents, our sponsors, riders and the wider road racing community for their support and encouragement throughout – this hasn’t been an easy period and the decision to run the race this year hasn’t been made lightly,” he added.

“We now begin the detailed planning, at a much later stage, of running a road race at the end of July.”