Armoy Road Races Clerk of the Course William Munnis said extensive planning for the event “really paid off” after changeable weather on Saturday proved challenging for the organisers.

Fine weather on Friday and a slickly-run operation led to the successful completion of free practice, qualifying and the opening Supertwin and Supersport races as a total of 23 sessions were completed without a single stoppage.

However, a less favourable forecast for Saturday’s main race day put the organisers, riders and teams to the test, with a mixture of wet and dry conditions at the Co Antrim course.

A significant oil spill led to a lengthy delay before the Supersport race, while several red-flag incidents also disrupted the programme. Fortunately, none of the competitors involved sustained any serious injuries.

placeholder image — Armoy Clerk of the Course William Munnis (centre) with officials (from left) Dom Gilmore, Jason Morrow, Davy Guild and Gareth McAuley.

Some races were reduced in distance to five laps, while the headline ‘Race of Legends’ finale was rerun over six laps instead of seven after a red flag when Manx racer Marcus Simpson crashed at Church Bends.

Despite the challenges, the full 13-race programme was completed by 6pm, with Republic of Ireland rider Mike Browne completing a four-timer with victory in the showpiece ‘Legends’ race.

Munnis, who took over as Clerk of the Course from Bill Kennedy ahead of the 2023 meeting, admitted “the weather tested us”, but praised the professional response of his team.

“Preparation and planning were absolutely key,” said Munnis.

“The course was set up weeks in advance, and during the event we had marshals allocated, spares in every zone, and a clear plan for how to respond if anything went wrong. When we needed it, that planning really paid off.

“The weather tested us, but the whole team responded professionally. The officials, marshals, and support crews all pulled together to make sure the event ran safely and to a high standard.

“This is very much a club-run event. It's our members, past and present, who make it happen.

“Everyone has a part to play, and that unity – between officials, marshals, medics, PSNI, racers and sponsors – is what allows us to run the event to such a professional standard.”

Munnis said the club was already looking ahead to 2027 and would aim to “keep raising the bar”.

“We're already thinking ahead to 2027,” he added.

“We'll build on what went well this year, listen to riders' perspectives, and keep raising the bar for safety, professionalism, and the overall experience.”

A total of 44 newcomers, including leading names Richard Cooper – a winner in Saturday’s Supertwin race – and Nathan Harrison experienced the three-mile course for the first time and Race Secretary Glen Sayers said he was encouraged by the continued enthusiasm for the event.

“Seeing 44 newcomers out there was a real highlight,” he said.

“You could see the excitement when they came back in after their first laps, especially after sections like the Lagge jumps.

“It shows that the next generation of riders is really buying into this event.”