Motorcycling

Pre-TT Classic Road Races Visitors Guide

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Pre-TT Classic Road Races Visitors Guide :

TBNI.Blog have compiled the most useful and popular posts in relation to the Pre-TT Classic Road Races in order to bring you a basic Visitors’ Guide. Hopefully this guide will give you an idea and some knowledge of the course and plenty of other useful information.

Pre-TT Classic Road Races Visitors Guide

Updated for 2026

History :

The Pre-TT Classic Road Races came into being in 1988 at the request of the then TT organisers, the then Auto Cycle Union, Classics having first appeared on the Billown course twelve months earlier at the popular Southern ‘100’ Road Races.’  The first TT Classic Races were held on the 31st May1988, the meeting consisting of four races, 250cc/350c; 500cc; Unlimited and Sidecars and attracted 115 entries in all.

Honour of being the first race winner went to Graham Godward of Royston in Hertfordshire, riding a 350cc Aermacchi, whilst the 250cc category was dominated by ‘local’ classic man Mike Cain from Onchan on his 250cc Suzuki. Dave Pither, Seeley Matchless took the 500cc race from Richard Swallow on Syd Lawton’s Aermacchi with Alan Dugdale third. Riding a BSA Metisse, Stroud’s Robert Price finished first in the Unlimited race, whilst the controversial MV Agusta sidecar outfit of Mark Kay and Richard Battisson took the chequered flag in the final race of the day.  The Classics had arrived at Billown!

Thirty plus years on, the Blackford’s Pre-TT Classic Road Races is rated as one of the most popular and ‘must do’ events in the annual Classic calendar attracting well over 250 entries for its nine-race event.

For further information on the Pre-TT Road Races click here.

Pre-TT Classic Road Races Tickets :

The Pre-TT Road Races is a free event. Spectators can visit and find any number of superb vantage spots (for free) around the 4.25 miles of the circuit. There are also a couple of grandstands run by the Southern 100 Club, they are very reasonably priced and if you fancy a guaranteed seat for the day they are a great way to go.  

Even though the event is free, it is important to support the sport and one way to do this is to visit the Merchandise Tent, or the Club Hall or Burger van.  The breakfasts are great and really well priced!  Programmes are also available and are filled with interesting articles, stories, photographs and information about the event. Programmes are available for sale at the circuit.

Location of Southern 100 Grandstands

Pre-TT Classic Road Races Circuit : (Southern 100 Circuit)

The Pre-TT Classic Road Races Circuit shares its asphalt with the Southern 100.  The circuit is at Billown, Castletown in the South of the Island and is 4.25 miles per lap.  

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2024 North West 200 Race Schedule

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2024 North West 200 Race Schedule :

The 2024 North West 200 runs over the week of 6th – 11th May 2024 on the Triangle Circuit of Northern Ireland’s stunning north coast. The circuit starts in Portrush, heads quickly off towards Portstewart and onto Coleraine before bringing itself back to one of the island’s most famous seaside towns.

A detailed visitors guide for the event can be found here and covers a brief history of the event, details and pricing of grandstand tickets, paddock passes and the new Fan Zone as well as circuit details, directions to the event and other useful information such as the meanings of the flags used around the course and links to all Official sites.

The Schedule has changed a little this year, however the changes will only affect the practice sessions. The usual Tuesday initial practice session will now be held on Wednesday 8th May 2024. A further practice session will, as usual, be held on Thursday 9th May 2024 morning. The first race session will remain on Thursday evening and will feature 3 races covering the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes.

The changes come to stop a clash with the BSB Calendar as this year Round 2 of the Championship will be held over the 4th – 6th May 2024.

So here is how the 2024 North West 200 Race Schedule looks :

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2024 Cookstown 100 Road Closures

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2024 Cookstown 100 Road Closures :

2024 Cookstown 100 Road Closures
2024 Cookstown 100 Road Closures

The 2024 Cookstown 100 will run over the weekend of 26th and 27th April 2024 on the Orritor Circuit, Cookstown, Northern Ireland.

A detailed visitors guide for the event can be found here and covers a brief history of the event, as well as ticket details, circuit details, directions to the event and other useful information such as the meanings of the flags used around the course and links to all Official sites.

As a result of this event all roads used as part of the circuit will be closed to all non official or authorised traffic – as well as all roads that approach and join the course. Full details will be posted on the relevant roads, which will also be marked as closed, manned by Marshals and security and Police will also be in attendance.

Road closures are legal and backed up by a road closure order. Breaching a road closure is a criminal offence. A link to the full road closure order can be found below.

A road closure order is in place for the 2024 Cookstown 100 for the following times on each day :

Friday 26th April 2024 : 07:00 – 21:30

Saturday 27th April 2024 : 07:00 – 1930

The full road closure order can be viewed here : https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/road-races-cookstown-100-motor-cycle-road-race-order-northern-ireland-2024.pdf

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2024 North West 200 Entertainment

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As Race Week for the 2024 North West 200 fast approaches the schedule for the Entertainment Marquee has been released and it is jammed full of great events that will have something for everyone. From comedy to live music, DJs and meet and greets there is plenty to keep you busy and entertained for the times when there are no bikes on the circuit.

All events are open to the public, pay at the door is available subject to availability and tickets are also available via the buytickets website. (QR Code is at the bottom of the image.)

Further details on the North West 200 are available on the TBNI.Blog North West 200 Visitor’s Guide which covers aspects such as race schedule, circuit and parking information.

Have a great 2024 North West 200 Race Week!

2024 North West 200 Entertainment Schedule
2024 North West 200 Entertainment

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Alastair Seeley Secures Team for 2024 Season

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Alastair Seeley Secures Team for 2024 Season :

Alastair Seeley has announced via a Facebook Post that he has secured a ride for the 2024 BSB Season with Binch Pro Racing.

This will hopefully mean we get to see the Wee Wizard also compete at the 2024 North West 200, an event where his reputations speaks for itself.

Turning up the heat in The Quattro Group British Supersport Championship

The unforeseen and unfortunate injury to our good friend Zak Corderoy has presented an opportunity for both Binch Racing and Alastair to work together.

Both parties are extremely excited about what this new partnership can achieve. Alastair’s record on the track racing quality machinery speaks for itself. We are extremely keen to get back to our winning ways and we have put a huge amount of effort over the winter to make sure our Yamaha R6’s are ready to battle at the sharp end.

David Binch : It is with great expectation and a tinge of sadness that I have signed Alastair for our upcoming 2024 Supersport campaign. Sadness that Zak’s injury has precluded him from challenging in 2024 but great expectation that Alastair is a proven winner on a Yamaha and we sure do like to fight for those wins.

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2025 Dakar Rally will not Feature Quads

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Dakar Pulls The Plug On The Quad Class For 2025

After more than 30 years, the Dakar Rally has made the decision to eliminate the quad class from its prestigious off-road race starting in 2025. This move leaves the FIM category exclusively focused on two-wheelers. The official announcement by the organizers highlights their intention to shift their attention towards motorcycles, a category that has steadily gained popularity and overshadowed the quads.

Declining Support and New Criteria

The quad category has faced challenges over the years, including dwindling manufacturer support. Currently, CFMOTO stands as the sole OEM with a full factory program in the quad class. Most other riders competing on Yamaha Raptors do so with little or no official backing.

Adding to the class’s struggles, Dakar organizers introduced new criteria in 2024 that significantly restricted quad entries. Only those who had either raced a Dakar in the past five years, signed up for the 2023 or 2024 World Rally Raid Championship, or participated in three W2RC races were eligible. In contrast, motorcycle riders faced less stringent entry regulations, allowing them to build their resume using races dating back to 2022.

Dwindling Participation

The impact of these changes was evident in rider participation. In 2023, there were 19 quad entries. However, in 2024, that number plummeted further to just 10. Pablo Copetti, who finished third in the Dakar 2023, expressed his concerns when the strict entry rules were announced: “ASO made decisions that are killing the quad class. Only 10 quads this year! It’s a pity because if they accept all the riders, we could be almost 30!”

The Future of Quads in Dakar

While the quad class will not feature in the 2025 edition, organizers have left the door open for a potential return if circumstances change. However, given the continuous decline in interest for Sport ATVs, the prospects for quads in the Dakar seem rather bleak. Motorcycles, on the other hand, remain a constant draw for A.S.O., and organizers believe that’s where their focus should be.

Dakar Rally Director David Castera succinctly summarized the decision: “We have decided to stop the quad category next year in ’25 because we are going to focus more on bikes. We have many demands from competitors, and we want to prioritize motorcycles. With few quads and no manufacturer support, it’s time to pause the quad class.”

2025 Dakar Rally Quads

2024 Cookstown 100 Press Release

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2024 Cookstown 100 Press Release :

The Cookstown 100 Club have released a Press Release via a Facebook Post with more details for the fast approaching 2024 Cookstown 100.

The Cookstown 100 will be the first road race of the year and will run over the 26th and 27th April 2024. This will be one of (only) three road races on the Island of Ireland in 2024 so make sure to support the event and help try and keep road racing alive for years to come.

Full details of the schedule of the Cookstown 100, and this years other events can all be found on the TBNI.Blog Road Racing Calendar.

Cemcor Cookstown 100 :

The 2024 road racing season will roar into life when a ‘new look’ Cookstown 100 takes place on Friday and Saturday 26th/27th of April. Along with a new title sponsor, ‘Cemcor’, this year’s event will also see a streamlined race programme, along with the bonus of both a supersport 600 and an Open Invitation race taking place after Friday afternoon’s qualifying!

Details of the event were released at a packed Press launch in the Royal Hotel, on Thursday 4th April, where the new title sponsor was announced for this year’s event, in the form of ‘Cemcor’, a locally based Cement manufacturer.

The Cookstown 100 is the longest-running road race in Ireland, having celebrated its Centenary event in 2022, and will again take place on the Orittor circuit, just outside Cookstown.

At the launch, supported by many competing competitors, the club were pleased to announce the return of past winners, Michael Sweeney and Mike Browne, along with Dominic Herbertson, and a host of newcomers, including Southern competitor, and reigning Wirral 100 Champion, Kevin Keyes.

Race fans will get value for their money, with two extra races on Friday evening, and depending on the timescale, an extra Senior Support race may well be included.

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North West 200 Visitors Guide

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North West 200 Visitors Guide :

Updated for 2026

Get all the latest North West 200 Updates Here

TBNI.Blog have compiled the most useful and popular posts in relation to the North West 200 in order to bring you a basic Visitors’ Guide. Hopefully this guide will give you an idea and some knowledge of the course and plenty of other useful information.

Lee Johnston taking every inch of the road on the Honda Superbike.

History :

The North West 200 is Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event.  The first event’s organisers could not have imagined how the event would grow over the years. In 1964, the North West 200 event was handed over to the Coleraine & District Motor Club Ltd who continues to run the event today.

Many people ask why the North West 200 is called the North West 200. The answer lies in the spawning of the event. History reveals that although the Club’s original choice of name for the race remained, their original choice of venue did not. The name has continued to generate some confusion amongst those who are unaware of the event’s origins. The inclusion of “200” simply indicates that the event was originally run over a distance of 200 miles. “North West”, reflects the original intended, location of the race, i.e. on a public roads course in the North West of Ireland.

The North West 200’s first organisers could not have imagined how the event would grow over the years. In 1964, the North West 200 event was handed over to the Coleraine & District Motor Club which continues to run the event today. In 2007, around two million people logged on from nearly every part of the world to watch what has become Ireland’s largest sporting event and one of the world’s fastest road races.

For many more interesting facts and stories about the NW200 visit here.

North West 200 Tickets :

The NW200 is a free event. Spectators can visit and find any number of superb vantage spots (for free) around the 8+ miles of the circuit. However, like for every road racing event, it is important to support the event and the sport and one way to do this is to buy a Programme. More so they are filled with interesting articles, stories, photographs and information about the event. Programmes are available online, as well as in many local shops and on practice and race days will also be for sale all around the circuit.

There are also a number of ticket only areas at the North West 200, such as grandstands, Paddock Passes, and the newFan Zone. Tickets are available online and from the Ticket Office.

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Entries Now Open for 2024 Southern 100 Races

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Entries Now Open for 2024 Southern 100 Races :

Entries now open for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races 2024

Southern 100 Road Racing are pleased to advise that the Regulations and Entry Forms for the 2024 Meeting, which will be held from Monday 8th to Thursday 11th July are now available on the official website.

Competitors are advised that they should take particular notice of the regulations regarding clothing, helmets, boots, gloves which have been brought in line with the ACU Mountain Course requirements.

View the regulations & enter > https://southern100.com/southern-100/!#entries

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Cookstown 100 Visitors Guide

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Cookstown 100 Visitors Guide :

Updated for 2026

Get all the latest Cookstown 100 Updates Here

TBNI.Blog have compiled the most useful and popular posts in relation to the Cookstown 100 in order to bring you a basic Cookstown 100 Visitor’s Guide. Hopefully this guide will give you an idea and some knowledge of the course and plenty of other useful information.

History :

The Cookstown 100 is the oldest in Ireland. It was first held in 1922 on a 30-mile course near Stewartstown. The distance of the race has changed throughout the years, but it has been called the Cookstown 100 since 1930. In 1998, the race moved to its current 2.1-mile circuit.

The Cookstown 100 has been won by many famous riders, including Joey Dunlop, Ray McCullough, and Ryan Farquhar. The event has been cancelled a few times throughout history, due to reasons such as war, safety concerns, foot and mouth disease and of course the Northern Irish weather! Despite the cancellations, the Cookstown 100 remains an important part of Irish motorcycle racing and is now considered the official opener for the road racing season.

  • The Cookstown 100 is the oldest road race on the island of Ireland.
  • It was first held as a 30-mile event on Thursday, June 15, 1922.
  • Remarkably, it predates the Ulster Grand Prix, which began on Saturday, October 14, 1922, making the Cookstown 100 four months older.
  • Organized by the Cookstown and District Motor Cycle Club, the race initially took place on the Sherrygroom circuit near Stewartstown.
  • Over the years, the race distance increased from 30 miles to 70 miles and eventually to 100 miles.
  • With the Temple 100 no longer in existence, the Cookstown 100 now holds the distinction of being the oldest road race on the island of Ireland.

Riders with the most wins at Cookstown :

  • Ryan Farquhar – 26 wins (1996-2012)
  • Ray McCullough – 14 wins (1967-1979)
  • Joey Dunlop – 11 wins (1977-1998)
  • Robert Dunlop – 11 wins (1985-2008)
  • Phillip McCallen – 10 wins (1987-1996)

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