Adelaide Insurance increase investment in local motorsport

During its short lifespan the Adelaide Insurance Services sponsored Mondello Masters series has become Irelands premier bike racing championship.
Jonathan Gilmore,with Rathkenny Track and Enduro girls Krystle Lamont from Cullybackey and Jennifer Blaney from Antrim.INBT 07- ROY ADAMS 1Jonathan Gilmore,with Rathkenny Track and Enduro girls Krystle Lamont from Cullybackey and Jennifer Blaney from Antrim.INBT 07- ROY ADAMS 1
Jonathan Gilmore,with Rathkenny Track and Enduro girls Krystle Lamont from Cullybackey and Jennifer Blaney from Antrim.INBT 07- ROY ADAMS 1

There can be no doubt that increased media coverage and allowance of rider input has led to the Masters growing to be the championship that the riders want to win. With that in mind, Adelaide have increased their involvement in the overall championship.

Details of the 2014 championship were announced last weekend. It will be made up of 14 races held over 5 rounds. Four at Mondello and one at Bishopscourt in Co. Down. The first round was originally planned for the end of April, the same weekend as the Cookstown 100, but due to the date clash, it was moved forward to Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6. June 15 and 16 is the next round, while the middle of the championship will be the Bishopscourt meeting, on August 9. The final two meetings are on August 30 and 31 with the final Ocotber 4 and 5.

Speaking at the official launch, Sam Geddis owner of Adelaide Insurance Services said: ‘We are delighted to be investing in the Adelaide Masters for the fourth consecutive year. Our involvement with this has helped us to promote our motorcycle insurance product in Ireland. We have an exciting season ahead of us as we’ve increased our contribution to the prizemoney to help attract some of the big names in racing and to encourage the riders to take part in the full Adelaide Insurance Mondello Masters series.’

John Morris, MD of the Mondello Park track said: “It’s hard to believe that this is the fourth year of the Masters. We are delighted that Adelaide Insurance Services have increased their sponsorship of our very successful partnership.”

The main focus will, as it always has been, be on the Superbike and Supersport 600 races, but due now to live TV screening, the support classes will also benefit from coverage. Details can be found on the Mondello Park website.

Having spoken to riders, and with a view to making the racing more affordable, there will be restrictions on the number of tyres that a rider can use in a weekend. Spectators were also consulted, and it was due to their input that the ‘Grand Final’ format will be brought back. That is the fastest 30 riders over any of the classes taking part in a single race at the end of the day.

It’s great to see the Masters receiving an increase in backing from Adelaide. Sam Geddis is a shrewd man and has not going to throw his money away. There can be little argument that the Masters is the championship that all riders want to win.

The rounds are sensibly spaced, and now I think the tyre rules will mean that riders with more restricted budgets will be in with a better chance of scoring decent results. The live screening will increase public awareness of the racing and give much needed publicity to sponsors etc. I’m looking forward to covering the championship for the Times.

MID ANTRIM CLUB TAKE A YEAR OUT.

According to some of the calendars, the Mid Antrim club are to run 2 short circuit meetings, plus the Mid Antrim 150 road race. In a statement issued last week it has been decided that they will forgo the dates and concentrate on fundraising for the 150 next year. The June 21 date has been dropped as it clashes with the Kells road race meeting.

MCUI TRAINING DAY

This Saturday sees the first of the MCUI Training Days for the 2014 race season. For the first time ever the training school will be held at Bishopscourt, with the final two dates at Kirkistown. I have had no information from the governing body as regards the schools.

So I don’t know how many newcomers are taking part, what time they start or anything like that. I say this every year and will again now. Any newcomers from the Ballymena/Antrim areas who are coming into racing, give me a shout and have a chat. It helps me keep an eye on you over the year. A mention and photo will do no harm when you come to seek sponsorship.

BALLYMONEY SHOW.

Ballymoney show organiser Davy Louden has been in touch with me about this years show. It takes place in the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre on Friday, March 7 and Saturday 8.

There will be a good display of vintage and classic race bikes and the ever popular autojumble will allow people to source the elusive part they are after. The nominated charity this year will be Ballymoney Samaritans. Anybody wanting to display their machines can still do so if they contact Davy on 07922 060107.

* Roy Adams

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