MOTORCYCLING: Killalane Road Races definitely off

Last month, the organising Loughshinny Club issued a statement saying it had been forced to cancel the event due to a ‘breakdown in relations’ with the sport’s governing body in the Republic of Ireland, Motorcycling Ireland.

At the time, Clerk of the Course Susan Plunkett said: “The club have come to the sad decision because of a breakdown in relations with Motor Cycling Ireland not to run our Killalane Road Race.

“We are very upset to be put in this untenable position, but we feel there is no option but to cancel the event. This problem has been ongoing all year, and while we have strived to keep road racing going by organising two events each year, it is impossible for the club and its members to work under these conditions.”

A new club – the Killalane Road Racing Club – was set up to run the race and issued a statement insisting the race, traditionally the final Irish road race meeting on the calendar, would go ahead as planned.

However, the club has had to concede defeat in its quest to take over the running of the race, citing the ‘insufficient time period’ available.

A strained relationship between the Loughshinny Club and Motor Cycling Ireland resulted in the clash over Killalane, with both sides blaming each other over the cancellation.

The Loughshinny Club also runs the popular Skerries 100 races in north Co Dublin, which traditionally take place on the first weekend in July.

Meanwhile, Korie McGreevy sealed a dominant Supersport double in the Belfast and District Club’s Irish Superbike Championship meeting at Kirkistown in Co Down at the weekend.

McGreevy won the first race from Aaron McBride and Dean Campbell, with British Superstock 600 contender Carl Phillips in fourth.

McGreevy wrapped up a brace with a three-second win over Christian Elkin in race two, with Ross Patterson taking third ahead of Phillips.

In the Irish Superbike races, Charles Stuart won the opener from Robert English and Mark Glasgow.

With English taking victory on the IFS Yamaha R1 in the second race ahead of Declan Hoey and Gareth Keys.

The Irish short circuit action switches to Bishopscourt on September 17 for the IFS David Wood Memorial Trophy Races, with an impressive prize fund of £12,000 up for grabs.

Promoted by the Motor Cycle Road Racing Club of Ireland, a host of leading Irish short circuit names will be in attendance to battle it out for the top prize, with £1,500 and the David Wood Trophy going to the overall winner in the IFS Pirelli Tyres Supersport class.

Antrim’s Nikki Coates has emerged victorious over the past two years and will return to defend his title.

Prize money will be paid down to 10th place, with the runner-up receiving £700 and the final rostrum finisher receiving £500 for third place. The top three will also receive tyres courtesy of Pirelli.

A 16-race programme is scheduled with practice taking place from 9am. The first race is due off at 11am. Admission is £10.