Aubrey McAuley Memorial Cup returns in 2026 after eight years in tribute to Banbridge racer who died following Killalane crash
The Aubrey McAuley Memorial Cup has been revived for 2026 when the trophy will be presented to the leading 125GP rider at the conclusion of the Irish road racing championships.
Banbridge racer McAuley crashed at the Killalane Road Races in 1997 and sadly passed away from his injuries 15 months later.
The cup presented in his memory, described as ‘a living tribute to the spirit of competition and the enduring legacy of one of Irish racing’s most beloved characters’, was first given to Loughshinny Motorcycle Club in 2000.
Ballymena’s Barry Davidson was the first winner of the cup and past winners also include Mick Chatterton, Ellie Forrest, Phelim Lunney, Sean Leonard, Ciaran Donnelly, Sam Wilson, Warren Reeve, Mark McNeilly, William Cowden, Melissa Kennedy, Adam McLean, Paul Jordan and Nigel Moore, who was the final recipient in 2018.
Inaugural winner Davidson and Joe Wright are the driving force behind the return of the Aubrey McAuley Cup in 2026, which will be presented to the 125GP competitor with the highest points tally in the Moto 3/125GP Championship at the end of the season.
Announcing the return of the cup after eight years, a spokesperson said: “More than just a trophy, the Cup represents decades of passion and camaraderie, and its return is a beacon for those who remember the golden era of two-stroke racing.
“Through the dedication and vision of Joe Wright and Barry Davidson, this influential prize will once again command the spotlight at the national road races.
“The Aubrey McAuley Memorial Cup is not simply an accolade, but a living tribute to the spirit of competition and the enduring legacy of one of Irish racing’s most beloved characters.
“Only riders willing to embrace the thrill and challenge of racing a 125GP machine can compete for this prestigious honour, ensuring that the values of grit, determination, and sportsmanship remain at the core of the event.”