TOON GEARS UP FOR NORTH WEST

THE biggest week in the local sporting calendar has arrived - North West 200 race week - and Ballymoney is again set to play a key role in the motorbike extravaganza.

Ballymoney's essential guide on activities and events during North West Week was launched on Thursday at Council Headquarters by Mayor Alderman Frank Campbell and Councillor Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course, Armoy Motorcycle Road Races.

The attractive guide detailing activities, music and nightlife in the town as well and shopping and eating out has been distributed around North Coast venues and accommodation providers.

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This year Ballymoney is offering free undercover biker parking in the town centre at Castlecroft, while the Rugby Club are providing pitches and hard standing for camping, caravanning and motor homes at their Kilraughts Road grounds.

The various events providing a warm Ballymoney welcome to visitors include Ballymoney Museum's Road Racing Nation exhibition which runs to 28th August; A Robert Dunlop Memorabilia Exhibition organised by the Robert Dunlop Sculpture Fund which runs in the Manor Hotel 12th - 14th May inclusive and the Imperial Bar's Annual ROCKFEST which runs nightly 12th- 16th.

Making its first appearance is new up and coming local rock band Three Trick Horse. There is also some tempting events organised by the Robert Dunlop Sculpture Fund, free Bikers' Breakfasts and Sunday Service.

Visitors to the town this North West week will be among the first to see the new Robert Dunlop Memorial Garden alongside that of his brother Joey.

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Speaking in advance of the NW200, Alderman Frank Campbell, said: "Ballymoney Borough is proud to sponsor a race at the NW200 again, highlighting the town's longstanding bond with this world famous sporting event.

"We are grateful to those businesses advertising in our brochure and wish all our businesses a very good NW200 week and all the riders a safe and successful NW200."

Copies of the Ballymoney guide are available in many of the town's shops as well as being available from the Tourist Information Centre and on-line at www.visitballymoney.com.

Meanwhile, William Dunlop has predicted a big year for Ulster riders at the Relentless International North West 200 ahead of this evening's opening practice session on the Causeway Coast.

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Dunlop, who is favourite for the 125cc race on Saturday and is rated among the top contenders for Supersport silverware, says younger brother Michael plus Ryan Farquhar and Alastair Seeley can finally end the dominance of the overseas riders at the prestigious road race.

"I think it's going to be a good year for the Dunlops at the North West 200," he said.

"I'm getting fed up with the likes of (Steve] Plater and the English riders taking all the glory, but I think the local boys can have a big say this year.

"I've a decent chance in the Supersport races but Michael is going to be hard to beat and I think he's an even bigger threat in the 600 races than Plater.

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"Alastair Seeley will be the man to beat in the Superstock race and I think he'll go well in the Superbike races too. (Ryan] Farquhar could have a good run on the MSS Kawasaki as well, so maybe it'll be a good year for the Irish lads."

The Ballymoney rider claimed the man of the meeting award at the North West 200 last year following a double in the now defunct 250cc race and the 125cc class.

Following his magnificent victory in the Supersport race at the Ulster Grand Prix last August, Dunlop is hopeful he can finish on the rostrum in the 600cc races on Saturday.

"I've a brand new R6, but I don't think there will be much difference compared to last year's bike and to be honest I want to keep a similar set-up because I was really happy with the bike at the Ulster Grand Prix.

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"I'd rather hit the ground running this time and stick with what I had at the Ulster GP and I think I've a good chance of winning at the North West."

Roads close for practice this evening at 5pm sharp.