February 2025 - TBNI.Blog - The Official TBNI.Blog

8Ten Racing Team Announced

February 26, 2025 by TomBoyNI

8Ten Racing Team Announced :

8Ten Racing Team announced their arrival to the BSB and Road Racing Paddocks today via a Facebook Post.

BMW MOTORRAD UK ANNOUNCE NEW TEAM 8TEN RACING WITH HICKMAN AND TODD

The BMW Motorrad UK motorsports lineup for the 2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship and Road Racing campaign has been bolstered, as new team 8TEN Racing will receive full BMW Motorrad Motorsport support through riders Peter Hickman and Davey Todd.

8TEN Racing, named after the Isle of Man TT start numbers of Davey and Peter respectively, is set to compete across the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, North West 200, and Isle of Man TT races in 2025.

The restructure by BMW Motorrad UK has provided the opportunity for a new team to be formed, with an innovative setup where the team will be co-owned by the riders.

Rider and co-owner Hickman commented: “The opportunity provided by BMW Motorrad UK to co-own and run 8TEN Racing alongside Davey is an exciting concept, and having run my own team across other classes, the insight and experience I have gained over the last few years should put us in good stead to be competitive. We know the M 1000 RR very well which will allow some continuity, we’ll be looking to continue our success on the roads, and relish the challenge of being competitive in the British Superbike Championship.”

Motorcycles on the Nurburgring : 2025 Sees Big Changes to bikes on the Ring

February 26, 2025 by TomBoyNI

Motorcycles on the Nurburgring : 2025 Sees Big Changes to bikes on the Ring :

The Nürburgring has issued a statement detailing some huge changes in relation to motorcycles on the Nurburgring. 2025 will see bikes and cars no longer sharing the track in a move that is designed to make the Ring safer for 2 wheeled machines.

A FOCUS ON SAFETY – REVAMPED PROGRAM FOR MOTORCYCLISTS AT THE NÜRBURGRING

20.02.2025

The Nürburgring has restructured its offering for motorcyclists. The most important change is that motorcycles and cars will no longer be on the tracks at the same time. To make the Nürburgring experience particularly safe for bikers, the track operator is introducing professional training and exclusive time slots for two-wheelers from this season onwards.

The Nürburgring’s tourist rides are a popular attraction for everyone. Anyone with their own vehicle can take a turn on the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife during opening hours. “The safety of all participants is our top priority,” explains Nürburgring Managing Director Ingo Böder, drawing attention to a crucial finding in this context: ”We have taken a very close look at the situation regarding the simultaneous participation of cars and motorcycles in tourist trips.” The analysis revealed that “the different driving dynamics can lead to misunderstandings between two- and four-wheelers,” says Böder. “In this case, motorcyclists are particularly at risk because, unlike car drivers, they have no crumple zone. That is why we have decided to strictly separate cars and motorcyclists in the future and to restructure the offer for bikers so that they can enjoy the Nürburgring experience as safely as possible.”

Alastair Seeley Back for 2025 North West 200

February 26, 2025 by TomBoyNI

Alastair Seeley Back for 2025 North West 200 :

A press release from the Official NW200 Facebook Page has confirmed that the Wee Wizard, Alastair Seeley, AS34, will return on a SMS / Nicholl Oils Racing M1000RR BMW.

The most successful North West 200 racer of all-time, Alastair Seeley #AS34 will return to action at the 2025 Briggs Equipment sponsored races on May 5-10 on a SMS/ Nicholl Oils Racing M1000RR BMW.

The Carrickfergus racer sat out last year’s event after failing to secure competitive machinery for the north coast event but the 45 year old now has his sights set on achieving a landmark 30th race win from this year’s two Superstock and three Superbike races aroundthe 8.9 mile Triangle course.

‘The main thing for me is that I am coming back on what I feel will be a competitive machine.’ Seeley explained during the north coast event’s launch in Belfast.

Seeley is already familiar with the BMW having steered the same bike to victory in Synetiq livery during both the Briggs Equipment and CP Hire Superstock races at Portrush in 2023. He also finished third overall on the M1000RR in that year’s British Superstock series before the BMW was used by teammate, David Allingham during last season’s Superstock series.

‘It is my old bike and I expect it to be competitive at the North West.’ Seeley smiled.

2023 Darryl Anderson Test Result Wrong

February 23, 2025 by TomBoyNI

2023 Darryl Anderson Test Result Wrong :

Darryl Anderson was excluded from the 2023 Manx Grand Prix following what has. now been shown to be a wrong test result. The was an error with the machine as confirmed by a post by the DKR#8 Racing Team.

“Hi folks, been awile since anything has been posted on here but now is the time to update everyone on what has been happening and the current situation

No 2025 Spring Cup at Oliver’s Mount

February 16, 2025 by TomBoyNI

No 2025 Spring Cup at Oliver’s Mount

England’s only real road racing circuit has confirmed that there will be no 2025 Spring Cup.

If you subscribe or use the TBNI.Blog Road Racing Calendar you will have probably noticed the lack of the Oliver’s Mount Season Opener – the Spring Cup – which usually kicks off in March.

Unfortunately due to issues with the main road to the circuit the event has had to be cancelled to allow for completion of a temporary road to be built to allow continued access to Oliver’s Mount whilst repairs are undertaken on the main road to venue.

The good news is the rest of Oliver’s Mount schedule is still due to go ahead as planned and ultimately the repairs to the road will benefit the site well into the future.

Olivers Mount have issued a statement via their website :

MCI and RRAI Agree to Talks : February 2025

February 15, 2025 by TomBoyNI

MCI and RRAI Agree to Talks :

MCI have issued a statement that they and the RRAI are committed to talking together about the future of Irish Road Racing.

Only two weeks ago RRAI issued a statement that road racing should go ahead in Ireland with plans and insurance in place for Walderstown, the Faugheen 50 and the Limerick races at Athea.

MCI have stated :

“PRESS RELEASE

Road Racing in Ireland takes a positive step towards the future of the sport.

The MCI Road Race Committee welcomes the recent response from the Road Racing Association of Ireland (RRAI) to our repeated efforts to establish a constructive dialogue on the future of road racing. After three previous attempts to secure roundtable discussions, we are pleased that the RRAI has now agreed to engage with us in meaningful talks.

This marks a crucial step forward for the sport, as open communication and collaboration are key to ensuring a sustainable and positive future for road racing in Ireland. We look forward to sitting down with all stakeholders to address key issues, strengthen partnerships, and work towards a shared vision that benefits riders, teams, organizers, and fans alike.

The MCI Road Race Committee remains committed to protecting and promoting the sport while ensuring its long-term viability. We appreciate the dedication and passion of the entire road racing community and will continue to advocate for the best possible outcomes for all involved.

Further updates will follow as discussions progress.”

MCI Insurance Update – February 2025

February 15, 2025 by TomBoyNI

MCI Insurance Update – February 2025 :

Motorcycling Ireland have issued an update on the continuing pursuit of insurance for 2025 events as well as confirming the licence fees for 2025.

In summary insurance discussions are ongoing, policies are being reviewed and this are to include road racing. Licence fees and start permissions have been confirmed as follows :

Adult Competition Licence : €250
Junior Competition Licence :€50
Participant Pass : €50
Touring / Veteran & Vintage Licence : €30

Davey Todd is on OnlyFans

February 11, 2025 by TomBoyNI

Davey Todd is on OnlyFans :

Yes, you have read that right. Davey Todd is now an ‘OnlyFans’ Athlete.

DT announced the news via his social media accounts :

“I’m now an @onlyfans athlete! ⚡️I’m going to be posting tons of exclusive content on my channel and even better still it’s FREE to SUBSCRIBE! There’s going to be loads of content exclusively on my OF… things like behind the scenes of the Isle of Man TT and British Superbike Races, my gym workouts, Motocross and Supermoto content, what I get up to day to day and more! Let me know what you want to see! 👇🏼LINK IN BIO! 📲”

I suppose the big question is how do you tell the wife that you have OnlyFans for motorbike racing content?

The TBNI Road Racing Calendar will be updated as soon as new information is available, you can subscribe here : https://tbni.blog/road-racing-calendar/

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8Ten Announce Peter Hickman and Davey Todd for 2025

February 10, 2025 by TomBoyNI

8Ten Announce Peter Hickman and Dave Todd for 2025 :

A new venture backed by BMW have announced their campaign for the 2025 Roads Season and BSB – 8Ten.

8Ten have teamed up Davey Todd and Peter Hickman, who have both parted from FHO Racing. Davey Todd was only announced as joint the team in November 2024. The name apparently coming from Hickman and Todd’s race numbers. Further team details are expected on 26th February 2025.

8Ten are expected to take part in both the 2025 BSB and roads campaign taking on both the NW200 and Isle of Man TT

FHO Racing will now feature a scaled back one rider lineup for their 2025 Campaign – Lithuanian, Ilya Mikhalchik

Team Principle Faye Ho said : “I’ve come to realise I cannot fully commit to the previous levels of time that I have given to BSB and Road Racing since becoming team owner in 2021 with additional commitments I have back at home in Macau. With the support of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, and my continued passion for British Superbikes, we have altered our approach to run a one-rider team for the 2025 season, with the very talented Ilya Mikhalchik and I am excited to see what he can achieve.”

It is believed that the Team will consist of a large part of the FHO Team including mechanics and crew chiefs and has been confirmed that the Team will be running two BWM supported M1000RRs.

The TBNI Road Racing Calendar will be updated as soon as new information is available, you can subscribe here : https://tbni.blog/road-racing-calendar/

You will also find new information as soon as it is available through the TBNI Facebook Page the TBNI Threads Feed and the TBNI X / Twitter Feed.

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MCUI(UC) Press Release on Funding for Motorsports Safety :

February 6, 2025 by TomBoyNI

MCUI(UC) Press Release on Funding for Motorsports Safety : (06/02/2025)

The Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) have released a statement on the funding announcement of £187,000 from the NI Governement to improve Motorsports safety.

For immediate release: 06/02/2025

MCUI (UC) Welcomes Announcement of Funding from NI Communities Minister Gordon Lyons with £187,000 Motorsports Safety Investment The Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre), the Governing Body for Motorcycle Tarmac Racing in Northern Ireland, had the pleasure to attend the press announcement of funding for Motorsports from Northern Ireland’s Department of Communities
Minister Gordon Lyons on Tuesday.

Minister Gordon Lyons announced funding of £187,000 to enable the motorsports sector to benefit from health and safety equipment. This funding for the Governing Bodies has been long overdue and is very much welcomed by the MCUI (UC) and the
clubs that promote motorcycle tarmac racing.

This funding will enable us to obtain much needed safety equipment for our Road Racing events and circuits. Safety bales and Pole
protectors are top of our priority list for items required for the upcoming road racing season.

The “pure road racing” season kicks off at the end of April with the Cookstown 100 and is quickly followed by the NW200. Tandragee 100 returns after five years, the North Armagh club has been working very hard with safety improvements for their event
at the end of June. Armoy “Race of Legend’s is on the last weekend in July.

Minister Lyons said: “Motorsports have always been part of Northern Ireland’s world class sporting legacy, attracting riders and
spectators from across the globe to events such as the North West 200 and other road racing circuits every year”.

Minister Lyons spent time with representatives from the governing bodies to hear more about how the equipment will be used at
events for bikes, cars, karting.

Minister Lyons highlighted the need to provide safer conditions for the youth in sport, saying:

“We have some of the best motorsport talent in the world here in Northern Ireland and local races and circuits are important to develop their careers. While the danger remains present, as it always will at high speeds, this funding, distributed through Sport NI,
will boost rider and driver safety as well as the safety of teams, officials and visitors.”

The MCUI (UC) are proud of our competitors’ achievements now and in the past. Our section of the sport has probably produced more World Champions than any other sport, we definitely punch above our weight with 15 world championships. We are also well represented in British Championships with around 25 competitors in last year’s championship.

The MCUI (UC) season starts on 22d March with a closed event for the new competition licence assessment day.

The Ulster Superbike Championship lifts off on Saturday 5* April at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, this is the first of a nine-round
championship which will be held at Bishopscourt and Kirkistown racing circuits.

We would like to send our gratitude and thanks to Minister Lyons, NI Department of Communities, all the MLA’s who assisted the
Minister, SportNI and 2&4 Wheel Steering Group.

Disclosure :