Home favourite Michael Sweeney leads line-up for return of popular Skerries 100 in Co Dublin
The popular Country Crest Skerries 100 returns this weekend for the first time since 2022.
The Loughshinny Club’s meeting in Co Dublin is the second Irish road race in the Republic of Ireland this summer after the successful return of the Kells Road Races in Co Meath two weeks ago.
Road racing is back in the south after a four-year absence, when high insurance costs proved financially unviable for event organisers.
The Skerries meeting is traditionally the biggest road race in the Republic of Ireland and fans are expected to flock to the famous Milverton course on Saturday and Sunday.
Home hero Michael Sweeney will be aiming to maintain his excellent form after sealing a hat-trick at Kells, where he narrowly denied a four-timer in a thrilling Supersport race by Offaly’s Kevin Keyes.
Sweeney will be the favourite on his MJR BMW in the Open and Grand Final Superbike races and is also the rider to beat in the Supersport and Supertwin classes on his Yamaha R6 and Aprilia RS660 machines.
Daracore Racing’s Keyes will be hoping to take the fight to Sweeney again this weekend, when the line-up also includes Ryan Whitehall, who clinched a fine fourth place at the Tandragee 100 in the Open race on his 1000cc Suzuki, and Manx rider Marcus Simpson, who clinched a runner-up finish on his Honda behind Sweeney at Kells.
Also entered are Joe Loughlin, James Chawke, Liam Chawke, Sean Brolly, Caomhan Canny, Sean Buckle, Coleraine’s Lee Hara and Skerries man Andy Farrell.
Roads close on Saturday for practice and qualifying from 12noon and on Sunday for an 11-race programme from 8am. Admission is 30 Euros (under 16s free when accompanied by an adult).