Highlights of Armoy Road Races on Channel 4

Gearing up for the Armoy Road Races are (from left) Graham Little, NPE Media, Gary Dunlop and Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course.

Practice for the ‘Race of Legends’ commences on Friday afternoon, when a host of top names will be in action, including home favourites Michael and William Dunlop plus Manx rider Dan Kneen and leading Southern Irish stars Derek Sheils and Derek McGee.

A one-hour highlights programme will be screened at 7.30am on Saturday, August 13 as the broadcaster continues to support the popular Irish National event on Channel 4 and its on-demand service, 4OD.

Last year, more than 250,000 viewers tuned in and Northern Ireland man Graham Little and his team at NPE Media will once again produce the programme.

“Armoy goes from strength to strength each year and we really enjoy working with the club as they work tirelessly to promote the event,” said Little, who is an experienced sports presenter who has previously worked at UTV, Sky Sports and the BBC.

“To see both local and international riders return year on year is testament to the calibre of the racing and we are looking forward to being part of the event once again.

“The programme featuring on Channel 4 gives the event a huge deal of publicity, which can only encourage more people to support it in the future.”

Tourism Ireland’s Head of Northern Ireland, Aubrey Irwin, said the TV coverage of the event helped showcase the Causeway Coast and Glens of Antrim to a massive audience.

“Last year’s programme was seen by more than 250,000 viewers across Great Britain – with wonderful images of the Causeway Coast and Glens area, as well as the exciting racing, shining a spotlight on Northern Ireland.

“The highlights programme on Channel 4 is part of Tourism Ireland’s activity to leverage the tourism benefits of sporting events, showcasing the spectacular scenery and encouraging potential overseas visitors to come and see it for themselves.”

Following transmission of the race highlights on Channel 4 on Saturday, August 13, the programme will then be available for anytime viewing on 4OD.

Armoy regular Guy Martin will miss the event this year, but all eyes will be on 13-time TT winner Michael Dunlop this weekend, who is the hot favourite to win the feature ‘Race of Legends’ race on his MD Racing BMW for a record sixth year in succession.