Armoy Road Races onthe road

The fledgling Armoy Road Races, four years young this July, are quickly moving onto a professional footing. After securing local recycling firm RiverRidge as their headline sponsor for the July 28 event in celebration of the famed Armoy Armada, the organisers have now brought Roadside Garages Kia in Coleraine on board as sponsors of the 650cc Supertwin Race. Roadside will also supply a fleet of Kia cars to the Armoy Club organisers in the run up to the event. Billed as the Race Of Legends, it is run over the village roads originally used by the Armada to test their bikes — sadly of the four, Mervyn Robinson, Joey Dunlop, Frank Kennedy and Jim Dunlop, the latter is the sole survivor. Dunlops are also certain to figure in this year’s event with brothers William and Michael set to fly the flag for their local race against a host of top fellow competitors. Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course and brother of Frank, said: “We are really looking forward to this year’s event and we hope to have a great line-up which will ensure a thrilling day of racing. “To that end, we’re grateful for the support of Roadside Garages Kia. Without the help of our sponsors the event just wouldn’t be possible. Roadside’s Ian Lamont added: “I’m delighted to be able to help the Armoy Road Races. “There’s a large road racing fraternity in the area and it is only right that Roadside are part of this terrific event with something for everyone, race fans and families alike.”