Paul Jordan set for Bayview Hotel Armoy Road Races bid as 2026 meeting officially launched
The Bayview Hotel Armoy Road Races were officially launched on Wednesday, when last year’s Man of the Meeting Paul Jordan was among the guest riders.
Magherafelt man Jordan attended the event in Portballintrae fresh from a successful fortnight at the Isle of Man TT, where the Jackson Racing rider’s results included a podium in the Sportbike race and his first 130mph lap in the Superbike TT.
Jordan joined Manxman Marcus Simpson, Ballymena’s Neil Kernohan and Michael Clyde at the launch, where club chairman Gareth McAuley said this year’s ‘Race of Legends’ was set to be the “biggest and best year yet”.
“For the last 17 years, we have been attracting top-class riders and fans from every corner of the globe to Armoy. The races have become one of the most keenly anticipated events in road racing and as a Club, we’re so proud of this achievement,” said McAuley.
“With the event just over one month away, our volunteers are busy putting the final preparations together for what we’re expecting to be one of the biggest and best years yet.”
Offaly’s Kevin Keyes and Ryan Whitehall are among the confirmed names for the popular Irish road race in Co Antrim, which takes place from July 24-25. Entries close on June 19 and the organisers are confident of announcing more high profile riders in the coming weeks.
“We have a number of high-profile riders already signed up to take part this year and we have no doubt that this will continue over the next few weeks until entries close,” McAuley added.
“As with previous years, we’re also set to welcome fans from around the world, confirming on a global stage that Northern Ireland is the home of road racing.
“We have a busy programme of road racing planned throughout the weekend which will be thrilling and exciting for all the fans – we can’t wait for July!”
Trevor Kane, owner of the Bayview Hotel – the longstanding loyal backer of the event – said his involvement with the race over the past 17 years filled him with “great pride”.
“We have been supporting the Armoy Road Races since day one and to see its growth and success over the last 17 years has been a great source of pride,” he said.
“It has become such an iconic road racing event that draws fans from near and far and at the Bayview, we’re also gearing up for a very busy weekend of hosting guests.
“As a huge road racing fan, I’m really looking forward to July – it’s always a great two days of racing.”
Cork man Mike Browne dominated at Armoy in 2025 with a fantastic four-timer, including victory in the prestigious ‘Race of Legends’ Superbike finale.