Three-time Isle of Man TT winner Adrian Archibald inducted into Irish motorcycling's Hall of Fame
Adrian Archibald joined an illustrious roll of honour as he was inducted into Irish Motorcycling’s Hall of Fame in Belfast on Friday night.
The shocked Ballymoney man received the accolade 10 years after announcing his retirement from road racing in January 2013.
Archibald joins famous names including Joey and Robert Dunlop, Eddie Laycock, Phillip McCallen, Brian Reid, Ralph Bryans, Stanley Woods, Steven Cull, Ray McCullough, William Dunlop and Sammy Miller in the Hall of the Fame, with the honour sponsored this year by Coleraine Kawasaki.
In 2003, Archibald clinched a Formula One and Senior double at the Isle of Man TT for Northern Ireland’s TAS Suzuki team.
His wins were achieved against the tragic backdrop of Mountain legend David Jefferies’ fatal crash in practice.
The big Yorkshireman was team-mates with Archibald in the Ulster team and received the blessing of Jefferies’ family to continue racing as planned at the TT in 2003 after the tragedy.
The following year, Archibald retained the Senior TT trophy for his third victory at the event.
He also won six times at the Ulster Grand Prix and claimed one win at the North West 200 in the Production race in 2003.
After receiving a standing ovation at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday evening, Archibald said the award had caught him completely by surprise.
“It’s a very big surprise and I haven’t been here for 10 or 12 years – I think I was set up a bit tonight,” he said.
“I did the TT with the TAS team a long time ago, 20 years, and managed to get some wins.
“It was difficult that year because David got killed in practice and it overshadowed things,” he added.
“We managed to win the races and I went back and won the Senior again the following year.
“Since I stopped racing I haven’t really bothered much with bikes and this is my first time among bike people in years.
“I didn’t have much success at the North West 200 but I always enjoyed the Ulster Grand Prix and the TT, and I’d say the TT was my favourite.
“I just enjoyed racing motorbikes and had a bit of success at it, and that’s all I’m grateful for.”