Wilson’s of Rathkenny backing Mid-Antrim ‘150’

Wilsons of Rathkenny are to supply official cars to the Mid Antrim, as well as sponsoring one of the Supersport 600 races. Left to right, Jack Agnew, Darren, Lee, John Wilson, Davy McCartney. Photo by Trevor Armstrong.

Their sponsorship also extends to backing one of the Supersport 600 races at the meeting, which has now been confirmed for the start of April.

The deal was announced last weekend, lifting yet another burden off the race officials.

Wilsons of Rathkenny are sited almost within earshot of the Clough circuit. Their help is greatly appreciated by the members of the local club, who are well advanced with their preparations for the JFM Haulage Mid Antrim 150, now the first road race of the year.

Davy McCartney, the new Clerk of the Course for the meeting said: “The club members are working hard to get every race covered by sponsors, and put in place everything we need to make the meeting a success.

“We are very grateful to Wilsons of Rathkenny for their help. We are very determined to make next year’s JFM Haulage Mid Antrim 150 the biggest success that it can be.”

There’s definitely a new buzz about the meeting, and for one, I’m looking forward to have it back on the calendar. I will have further news as I get it.

UGP TICKETS ON SALE

That sounds hard to believe, but it’s true. The Dundrod club have teamed up with Ticketmaster, and have already a new system in place already, that allows race fans to buy their tickets in advance for the 2016 Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week.

Bike Week, now confirmed, will be from August 8-13 and this is the first time that any road race in Ireland has used a system like this for ticket sales. Basically, what will happen is that people will buy their ticket online and will be sent a voucher. That will then be exchanged for armbands etc when they arrive at the circuit. Clerk of the Course Noel Johnston said: “With Christmas fast approaching, it’s a great way to give a present to a bike fan.”

BIKE SHOW TO MOVE

Held the past few years at the Kings Hall, next year’s Motorcycle Show is on the move, to the Maze site near Lisburn.

According to joint organiser Marty Nutt: “One of the bones of contention over recent years was the cost of people parking their cars at our last venue. Next year we are pleased to announce that car parking at the Maze will be free. It’s a much bigger venue and we are working hard to secure the best line up possible.”