All star line-up for Grand Prix

Renowned international road racers such as Guy Martin, Ian Hutchinson, Gary Johnston, Keith Amor, Ian Lougher, Cameron Donald, Bruce Anstey, Adrian Archibald and local favourites William and Michael Dunlop, plus Ryan Farquhar, are all due to compete at the world’s fastest road race.

Clerk of the course at the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club promotion, Noel Johnston said: “The deadline for riders to sign up was last weekend and I am really pleased with the line-up. All classes are well supported, including the Classics which are making a return to the programme this year and should feature exotic machines like MV Agusta and Paton.

“There are several newcomers as well, including Dan Sayle, David Johnston and Scott Wilson, these are the young men who are the future of the sport. Regrettably John McGuinness won’t be here, due to a lack of competitive machinery but all in all the quality of riders we have will ensure some excellent racing.”

Mr Johnston also revealed that the Down’s Syndrome Association is their nominated charity for 2010. Funds will be raised for the charity during Bike Week which runs from August 8-14.

Meantime the Mid-Antrim Motorcycle Club are delighted that Ryan Farquhar is scheduled to contest this weekend’s Mid-Antrim 150 Road Races.

The 17 times winner at the Clough circuit was rumoured not to be taking part due to an on-going dispute with the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) regarding rules regulating the use of 450cc single cylinder machines in the 125cc class.

The Dungannon Ace however has confirmed that he will try to add to his haul of victories over the 3.5 miles County Antrim course in his build-up to the UGP.

Race secretary Derek McWhirter welcomed Farquhar’s inclusion and he joins locals Adrian Archibald and the Dunlop brothers who will be striving to win on their home circuit.

The appearance of John Burrows, Davy Morgan and Czech Republic newcomer Michel Dokoupil, should make the outcome even more interesting.

A parade of past masters will set the ball rolling just after roads close at 10am this Saturday, August 31. Practice is on Friday, August 30, with roads closing at 4pm.

Following Saturday’s event the scene shifts a little farther north for the second running of the Armoy Club’s Armoy Road Races which take in the main street of the County Antrim village famous as the home of Joey, Jim and Robert Dunlop, Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy.

Joining those already mentioned as taking part at Mid-Antrim the organisers are pleased to add the names of Australian Cameron Donald and Englishman Ollie Linsdell to their list of participants on Friday and Saturday, August 6 and 7.

Off-road race fans also have a two day event to look forward to, with the Carrick club’s

Motocross, at the spectacular Desertmartin circuit, near Magherafelt, on Friday and Saturday, August 27 and 28.

This will be the Carrick members’ first shot at promoting motocross after a very successful series of grass-tracks and with the outstanding infrastructure of the Grand prix circuit at Porter’s Pit are confident of putting on an enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend for riders and spectators alike.

A marquee and live music are planned for the Friday night with other entertainment throughout the day to keep families occupied alongside the racing.