Brian Bell Memorial Motocross 2026 sees Larne man Glenn McCormick take the title two years running
From Laurelbank Motocross Park nestled in the Co Down Drumlins a heavy humid mist could be seen hanging over the Mournes, the haze in the distance was welcome to stay there as a night of racing was planned at Laurelbank.
The Temple Motorcycle Club and its members had been working hard in preparation for their annual Brian Bell Memorial Motocross event, having had to postpone the race a fortnight earlier, everyone was delighted that racing had been rearranged for a fortnight later at the Miller Oils Laurelbank Motocross Park and it was well worth the wait.
On the evening of June 24, the club members arrived early to the Motocross track, following weeks of torrential rain the sun was finally shining and they knew they were all set to host a great evening of motocross racing.
Ice cream and coffee wagons rolled into place with the Burger van close behind but it was the convoy of vehicles and vans full of riders and fans that filled the fields with an air of anticipation and adrenaline.
Marshalls and officials took their positions as the riders were welcomed and let onto the track. Familiarising themselves with jumps, bumps and corners knowing before long the racing would begin.
A healthy entry meant healthy competition and the Brian Bell never disappoints. Many riders chase the prestigious title, it has become a much sought after accolade and validation of great achievement in the Motocross community to join the roster of champions to have held the title since 1969.
Glenn McCormick won the 1st round of the Group A races with Seafordes Nathan Green and local rider Niall Cregan coming in 2nd and 3rd Scott Hamilton and Jordan McCaw were not to be overlooked in 4th and fifth. The second round saw Jordan McCaw boost into the prime first place with McCormick chasing him down Cregan and Green remained front runners heading into race 3 it was anyones race for the taking. As it happened McCormick fought hard to hold off Nathan Green, Cregan took 3rd with Jordan McCaw back in 4th and with only the title race as the ultimate decider the overall group A class finished up G.McCormick in 1st, Green 2nd, Cregan 3rd and McCaw 4th.
On an otherwise quiet and calm summer evening the rattle and hum of engines wafted in the air with a welcoming tone. A low grumble and growl as gears changed setting the scene and senses alight.
Satisfied spectators in sunglasses and shorts chatted animatedly with friends and colleagues, as ice cream dripped over knuckles you could hear muffled chuckles as old friends and acquaintances met at the race.
On track the riders scrambled and gambled to take first place, finding pace on a fast bumpy back straight testing agility and ability as tight corners and big air seperated riders from racers.
Group 1 of the Clubman Class saw the first race taken by Colin Davidson, Andrew Kelly battled for 2nd from Alex Dugan in 3rd. Race 2 saw Andrew Agnew snatch the win from Davidson who was 2nd and Andrew Kelly in 3rd. With one win a piece race 3 was crucial and ended with Davidson taking the win, Andrew Kelly was 2nd with Dugan in 3rd leaving an overall result of 1st Colin Davidson, 2nd Andrew Kelly, 3rd Alex Dugan & in 4th Brian Bell, nephew of the legend himself.
Group 2 of the Clubman was initially dominated by No.321 James Milligan with Ethan Brown hot on his heels Jake boyd came in 3rd on race one leaving it all on the track to be raced for in races 2 and 3. The second round went to Milligan again with Brown pushing up into 2nd and Simpson appearing in 3rd. As race 3 came to a climax Milligan was the clear leader with Simpson and Brown battling it out for 2nd and 3rd. Overall it finished up 1st James Milligan, 2nd Ethan Brown and 3rd Jake Boyd
A light layer of clouds was a welcome arrival as the sun found its way out of sight for the night and the crowd warmed up for the title race which was of course the much anticipated 2026 Brian Bell Memorial race. The fastest 30 of the night were invited to race 8 laps of the Miller Oils Laurelbank track. The 2025 BBM Title was won by Glenn McCormick from Larne so it was no shock he was back to defend his title and try to retain it. Though challengers came from across the province they could not defeat Glenn and he was victorious in 2026 again. Seaforde’s Nathan Green took a respectable 2nd with Saintfield rider Niall Cregan in 3rd Jordan McCaw took 4th and Scott Hamilton 5th.
To complete a fantastic evening of racing the Northern Irish sunshine showed up in all its glory for a light, bright evening of motocross that couldn’t have been better.
A huge thank you to the Bell family for their unwavering support of the club and the sport. Thank you to Gerard O’Neill for all his hard work getting the track ready. Great thanks also to the St John ambulance service, David Barr and his time keepers, Roy Neil on commentary, Sam McMinn - MRA Steward, all flag marshals, and officials, everyone in attendance both on and off the track and of course the hard working Temple Motorcyle Club members who make the whole event happen. Best wishes to all the Motocross Riders and Motorcycle Clubs for the rest of the 2026 MX race season.
