LOCAL SUCCESS

Gareth Keys & Team with the winning Scott Racing 250 Honda, left to right.Josh Rea, Brian Scott, Rodney Keys, Gareth Keys, Rob Vernon (Lee Vernons Father),Donna Vernon(Lee Vernons Mother), Christopher McMaster. Pic: Raman Sharma

Whilst many competitors travelled from various parts of the globe to attend ‘the fastest road race in the world’ our locals lads put on a great show and did us proud.

Two local participants in particular that stood out at the event were Ian Lougher from Dromara and Gareth Keys from Ballinderry.

Two competitors from total opposite ends of their career path took to the 7.5 mile circuit to do battle with their fellow competitors and the mountain circuit.

For 50 year old Lougher the week brought a milestone as he decided that this year’s event would be his last outing as a racer.

He is the second most successful racer on the Dundrod circuit with 18 wins and 50 podiums, only the late great Joey Dunlop has notched up more wins.

Whilst this was his last outing he certainly went out in style, clinching a victory in the highly competitive super lightweight 125cc class after an epic close race that saw him pip Christian Elkin by a mere 0.33 of a second to take the win.

Lougher may be hanging up his leathers for good but he certainly intends to be around the racing scene for a while yet as he intends to run a team where all his years in the business can be put to good use whilst his race craft and knowledge can be passed down to the next generation of young riders .

Said Lougher, “It was nice to have a 125 win to finish my UGP career. Big thanks go to everyone who has supported me through the years, all my sponsors and the fans.’’

Twenty-two-year-old Gareth Keys from Ballinderry also tasted victory on Saturday on the Brian Scott Honda and was the first 250cc machine across the line collecting both the Lee Vernon Memorial Trophy & Gary Dynes Memorial trophy in the process.

The win was made more spectacular by the fact Keys had been given the bike to race at this year’s event by Brian Scott only a few days before Saturday’s race.

Gareth said, “I had tried a 250 bike out for a few short circuit events event two years ago and decided I would like to have rode one at the Ulster Grand Prix.

“I would like to thank all those who made it possible for me today to compete and take my first road victory namely Brian Scott for the 250 Honda, MotoTech, Charles Hurst Vaxhall, ACRS, Sew Pro Embroidery, the Topaz filling station Airport Road and my family & friends.”