Northern Ireland Road Racing Archives - Page 2 of 15 - TBNI.Blog

2026 Cookstown 100 Opens Road Racing Season

April 11, 2026 by TomBoyNI

Full Grids and Fierce Competition Expected as 2026 BEAR Competitions Cookstown 100 Opens Road Racing Season

2025 BEAR Competitions Man of the Meeting winner, Darryl Tweed, alongside Janine Crooks (race secretary) and Baylon McCaughey (Press Officer) at the launch of the 2026 BEAR Competitions Cookstown 100 road races

The 2026 BEAR Competitions Cookstown 100 road races are scheduled for Friday, 24th April, and Saturday, 25th April. As the opening road race of the year, the event features full grids across most classes and welcomes an impressive 38 newcomers. Recent rule changes have provided valuable support to some of the smaller classes, marking a positive step for the sport.

2025 Man of the Meeting, Darryl Tweed, returns, aiming to reclaim his title. Pleased with his Easter Monday results, Tweed will compete on his new 2026 machines: the Ability Energy Honda Fireblade and the Stanley Stewart Racing (works) Triumph. After a few years away, Paul Jordan is determined to add his name to the winners’ list and will be racing the ex-works WSSP Jackson Racing V2 Ducati Panigale ( along with their 660 Aprilia and Honda Fireblade), which he debuted at Kirkistown on Easter Monday.

Michael ‘Micko’ Sweeney, another top road racer, is always a contender. With Superbike, New Generation Supersport, and Supertwin machinery at his disposal, the Skerries rider is also a former Man of the Meeting award winner at Cookstown.

2026 Cookstown 100 Tickets : Final Call

March 22, 2026 by TomBoyNI

2026 Cookstown 100 Tickets : Final Call

BEAR Competitions Cookstown 100 Race Packages; Please Read

URGENT: The FINAL CLOSING DATE to purchase your Race Package is Sunday, 29th March! After this date, no more packages will be available—no exceptions. Remember, ONLY those who purchase a Race Package will receive the exclusive 2026 BEAR Competitions Race Programme (Which includes the chance to win £1000.00). You have just TEN days left—secure your Race Package now before it’s too late!

Standard Package: £25 per person (Under 16s Free)

VIP Package: £75 per person—includes exclusive paddock access, hot food, and drinks while you watch the action up close.

Purchase via PayPal: [email protected]. Please use the Family & Friends option, and remember to include your address in the Notes section. Packages will be processed and posted after purchase. Don’t wait—secure your place before it’s too late!

BEAR Competitions Cookstown 100 to Host Illiam Quayle’s Road Racing Debut

March 13, 2026 by TomBoyNI

BEAR Competitions Cookstown 100 to Host Illiam Quayle’s Road Racing Debut :

Illiam Quayle, one of the Isle of Man’s most promising young racers, will make his highly anticipated road racing debut at the prestigious BEAR COMPETITIONS Cookstown 100 on April 24th/25th.
This marks a significant milestone for the 22-year-old Manxman as he lines up in the New Generation Supersport 600 class on board his own 600 GSXR Suzuki, bringing his impressive short circuit experience to one of the most celebrated events on the Irish road racing calendar.

The son of renowned former racer and TT Rider Liaison Officer Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle, Illiam aims to continue his family’s proud racing tradition as he embarks on this exciting new chapter. The eyes of the road racing world will be on Cookstown to see how the young Manxman adapts to the unique challenge of real-road competition.

The BEAR Competitions Cookstown 100 signals the opening road race of the 2026 season.

Iliam got the two-wheeled bug at the age of 10 and started Mini Moto Racing, and it wasn’t long before he tasted success, winning the Isle of Man Mini Moto Championship in 2014 at the age of 11.

2026 Cookstown 100 Classic GP Competitors Wanted

February 26, 2026 by TomBoyNI

2026 Cookstown 100 Classic GP Competitors Wanted :

Calling all Pre-94 125 or Pre-84 250/350 GP machine Competitors!

Despite four-stroke machines being the dominant force in road racing these days, the unmistakable sound and excitement of two-stroke racing motorcycles are making a triumphant return! This year, the spotlight is on the legendary 125cc and 250/350cc GP machines—icons of pure racing heritage and raw performance. These late 1970s/1980s 250 & 350cc machines will run in the designated ‘Classic GP’ category. This exciting development opens the door for 250/350 twin cylinder 2-stroke machines to compete head-to-head once again, reigniting the spirit of classic Grand Prix racing.

The Cookstown & District Motorcycle Club is proud to embrace the Classic GP category and has added a dedicated class for Classic GP 125 machines (Pre-94). This means the exhilarating buzz of two-strokes will fill the air, promising tighter, more competitive grids and thrilling racing action for riders and fans alike. The 125 (pre-94) machines, such as early RS125 Hondas, TZ125 Yamahas, and Garelli 125 GP machines, will compete alongside the lightweight Pre-73 Classic machines.

Ballymoney Motorcycle Show 2026

February 26, 2026 by TomBoyNI

Ballymoney Motorcycle Show 2026 :

It’s Showtime again

In what promises to be a bumper year of events for the Mid Antrim 150 Club, excitement is building for the much-anticipated return of the popular road race later this year. Meanwhile, the organising club is gearing up to host its annual Motorcycle Show this forthcoming Friday and Saturday (27th/28th Feb), an eagerly awaited highlight for bike enthusiasts across the region.

The show floor will feature an impressive variety of motorcycles, ranging from pristine classic bikes and high-powered race bikes to everyday road machines, mini bikes, and custom creations. Attendees can browse numerous trade stands for parts and accessories, enjoy insightful interviews with special guests, and explore the bustling auto jumble for rare finds.

A highlight of this year’s event is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Neil ‘Smutty’ Robinson, who tragically lost his life forty years ago. To honour his memory and stellar racing career, the club is curating an extensive collection of Smutty’s race bikes, personal memorabilia, and photographs, offering visitors a poignant glimpse into the legacy of one of the sport’s greats.

The Motorcycle Show has long been a cherished social gathering, offering a perfect opportunity for riders, sponsors, supporters, and friends to reconnect and share their passion before the busy racing season kicks off in April.

Tandragee 100 Title Sponsors – Around A Pound

February 20, 2026 by TomBoyNI

Tandragee 100 Title Sponsors – Around A Pound :

2026 Tandragee 100 Banner - Title Sponsor - Around A Pound

PRESS RELEASE

16th February 2026

A Two-Decade Legacy: Around A Pound Celebrates 20+ Years Supporting the Tandragee 100

The North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club (Tarmac Section) Ltd is delighted to confirm that Around A Pound, Northern Ireland’s premier community discount retailer, is returning as the title sponsor for the 2026 Around A Pound Tandragee 100 Motorcycle Road Races.

Voted the 4th best road racing course in the world, the 5.3-mile Tandragee circuit—often dubbed the “Mini TT”—attracts over 150 competitors and thousands of fans from across the globe. The 2026 event will continue to feature a full schedule of high-octane racing across the technical bumps and fast straights of the Co. Armagh countryside.

This year’s announcement is particularly significant as it marks over two decades of unwavering commitment from the local company. Owners Gerard and Siobhan Rice have been key sponsors of the event since 2005, standing by the “Mini TT” through its greatest triumphs and challenging hiatuses alike.

A Quote from Title Sponsors Gerard and Siobhan Rice:

2026 Tandragee 100 Spectator Information

February 19, 2026 by TomBoyNI

2026 Tandragee 100 Spectator Information :

Spectator Information

Programme and Parking Packages – or scan the QR Code below…

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/northarmaghmotorcycleandcarclubtarmacsectionltd

Spectator Viewing & Facilities Map –

2026 Tandragee 100 Spectator Information

Frequently Asked Questions –

https://tandragee100.co.uk/programme-and-parking-packages-2025-faqs/

Tandragee 100 Merchandise –

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/northarmaghmotorcycleandcarclubtarmacsectionltd/store?widget=true&modal_widget=true

Alastair Seeley Targets 30th Career Win at 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200

February 14, 2026 by TomBoyNI

Alastair Seeley Targets Landmark 30th Victory at 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200

2026NW200Seeley — Image : NW200 Facebook Page

The most successful rider in the history of the Briggs Equipment North West 200, Alastair Seeley, is set to return to the iconic north coast event in 2026 with one clear objective — securing a milestone 30th race victory.

The 46-year-old Carrickfergus rider will compete in the Supersport class at the May 4–9 event aboard a Binch Pro Racing Ducati, backed by 3B Construction. With 29 wins already to his name around the legendary 8.9-mile Triangle course, Seeley remains as motivated as ever to extend his record.

A Champion’s Drive Remains Undiminished

After missing the 2024 event due to a lack of competitive machinery, Seeley returned last year and made an immediate impact. He secured a podium finish in the Merrow Hotel Superbike race on the Nicholl Oils/SMS BMW — a performance that reinforced his enduring competitiveness.

However, for Seeley, the story remains unfinished.

Davey Todd set for Triumph Supersport

February 14, 2026 by TomBoyNI

Davey Todd set for Triumph Supersport

Davey Todd will be adding to his already successful partnership with Peter Hickman by riding a PHR Performance Triumph Street Triple 765 at the Daytona International Speedway 200, and perhaps more importantly on roads at the 2026 North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.

Social Media Post from Triumph Racing :

2026DaveyToddTriumphRacing — Image : Triumph Racing Facebook Page

NEWS!

Welcome to the Triumph Racing Family Davey Todd! Davey will be riding the Street Triple 765 at the Daytona International Speedway 200, as well as in the Supersport classes at the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT Races, alongside Peter Hickman with the PHR Performance – by Peter Hickman Racing team!

CB500s at 2026 Cookstown 100

February 10, 2026 by TomBoyNI

CB500s at 2026 Cookstown 100 :

CB500 Hondas, a favourite at mainland events, are now cleared to compete in the LWSS class at MCUI(UC) events and will appear at the Bear Competitions Cookstown 100 Road Races. Pictured: 109-time road race winner Barry Davidson (alongside Philip McCallen and Ray McCullough) tearing up the East Fortune circuit on his CB500 Honda.

Throttle wide open; CB500 Hondas roar into action at Bear Competitions Cookstown 100 road races.

A question that I have been asked on a number of occasions is, are ‘CB500 Hondas’ allowed to compete at the Bear Competitions Cookstown 100 Road Races? The answer is a resounding YES! CB500 Hondas are officially permitted to race and will run within the Lightweight Supersport (LWSS) class.

This is a great opportunity for CB500 owners and riders to experience the pleasure of road racing at one of Ireland’s most exciting events. We are actively encouraging anyone with a CB500 Honda who is interested in competing to submit their entry for the Cookstown 100. Whether you’re an experienced racer or inexperienced with the roads, this is your chance to join this legendary event. Don’t miss out on the chance to line up on the grid and showcase what the CB500 can do on the roads!

***Spectator Information***

Alastair Seeley Targets Landmark 30th Victory at 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200

A Champion’s Drive Remains Undiminished

However, for Seeley, the story remains unfinished.

Disclosure :

Spectator Information