Motorcycling News - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

Support: Alan Mulholland and Leone Paul of Olive Branch join
Mervyn Whyte, event director of the fonaCAB & Nicholl Oils
North West 200, and chief marshal Cathal Cunning to announce
the Magherafelt-based group will be the sole designated
charity of the 2020 event next May

NW200 chiefs sign up with mental health charity

The fonaCAB & Nicholl Oils North West 200 have announced that mental health charity Olive Branch will be the sole designated charity of the 2020 event.

Alan Mulholland and Leone Paul of Olive Branch join Mervyn Whyte, event director of the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200, and chief marshal Cathal Cunning to announce the Magherafelt based charity will be the sole designated charity of the 2020 event on May 10-16 (Stephen Davidson/Pacemaker)

North West 200 announces partnership with mental health charity Olive Branch

The fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200 are delighted to announce mental health charity Olive Branch will be the sole designated charity of the 2020 event on May 10-16.

Ready to roar: at yesterday’s Arenacross launch at Belfast’s SSE Arena are (from left) Jordan Keogh (Duleek, Co Meath), Stuart Edmonds (Dublin), Martin Barr (Doagh), Graeme Irwin (Carrickfergus), Lewis Spratt (Omagh), Charley Irwin (Ballyclare) and Jordan Kinsella (Dublin)

Irwin aiming for title success on shock Arenacross return

Former British Motocross champion turned road racer Graeme Irwin is making a surprise return to the dirt for a one-off indoor race at the Belfast round of the Arenacross Tour at the SSE Arena on January 17-18.

Jonathan Rea's BBC Sports Personality snub has legends shaking their heads

Two local motorcycling legends have voiced their disappointment after five-in-a-row World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea was passed over for this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

History maker: The much overlooked Jonathan Rea lifts yet another FIM Superbike World Championship earlier this year

Jonathan Rea deserves better than a SPOTY snub

As he prepares for the final two-day World Superbike test in Jerez prior to the winter break, surely the furthest thing from successive five-time World Champion Jonathan Rea's mind is his omission from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year final six nominations.

Sports Personality 2019: Rea left out of final list of six contenders

A shortlist of six contenders has been revealed for the 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

On the move: Peter Hickman on the Smiths Racing BMW

Hickman delighted as he leads BMW roads charge

In a blow for Hector and Philip Neill's TAS BMW team, it was announced during the NEC Motorcycle Live Show in Birmingham yesterday that Smiths Racing and Peter Hickman will be the official BMW Motorrad UK team for the 2020 road racing season.

Big challenge: Alastair Seeley is aiming to add to his 24 NW wins

Seeley revved up to take on NW200 with Kawasaki

It's all change for record 24-time North West 200 winner Alastair Seeley after the Carrickfergus rider announced that he will contest the 2020 fonaCAB & Nicholl Oils-sponsored north coast event with Quattro Plant Bournemouth Kawasaki between May 10-16.

Done deal: NW200 event director Mervyn Whyte MBE alongside fonaCAB‘s William McCausland (left) and Gary Nicholl, managing director of Nicholl Oils

North West 200 boss welcomes three-year sponsorship agreement

The North West 200 has agreed a new three-year title sponsorship deal with fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils, which will run from 2020 until 2022.

It's the perfect time to go and make my TT bow, says Irwin

Carrickfergus ace Glenn Irwin will make his Isle of Man TT debut next year after declaring that all the pieces have fallen into place.

Honda looks to make its mark in 2020 as Irwin brothers lead the charge

Honda Racing has announced a formidable rider line-up as they prepare for a fresh 2020 campaign in British Superbike and Superstock championships and on the roads at the International North West 200 and Isle of Man TT with the Irwin brothers from Carrickfergus playing major roles - Glenn in BSB and roads including a debut at the Isle of Man TT while Andrew and Glenn lead Honda's attack on the BSB championship.

Short work: Michael Rutter on his way to victory in Macau

Was 12,000 mile journey worth one lap win for Rutter?

Veteran Michael Rutter was awarded victory in the 53rd Suncity Macau Grand Prix on Saturday in somewhat exceptional circumstances after two red-flag incidents with the result declared after just a single lap.

Hickman and Rutter showing all of their experience in bid for more Macau success

Peter Hickman started this morning's Macau Grand Prix from pole position on his MGM by Bathams BMW although it was a close run thing as his team-mate Michael Rutter - on the MGM by Bathams Honda RC213V - was just 0.282 seconds behind after the second qualifying session.

Eastern promise: Peter Hickman (Aspire Ho BMW) at Maternity Bend during the first practice session for the 2019 Macau Grand Prix

Pole star Hickman in a hurry for another Macau win

Peter Hickman stamped his authority on free practice and first qualifying for tomorrow morning's 53rd Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, taking provisional pole position.

Sad time: Noel Johnston is praying the Ulster Grand Prix can be saved

To see UGP in danger is gutting: chief Johnston

Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course of the Ulster Grand Prix for the last 18 years, has issued a statement regarding the uncertain future of the event after last week's revelations that the promoting Dundrod and District Club are facing debts of upwards of £250,000.

Lasting memory: Forest Dunn celebrates winning the Richard Britton Memorial feature Superbike race at the 2019 Enniskillen Road Races with runner up Thomas Maxwell and third placed Kevin Fitzpatrick

Enniskillen Road Races are called off as crisis deepens

The Enniskillen Road Races will not take place next year the club has officially announced.

Worrying time: Peter Hickman, the Dundrod lap record holder, believes it would be a real shame if the Ulster Grand Prix can’t be saved

Only a matter of weeks left to save the Ulster GP, reveal chiefs

Drastic and urgent action is needed to save the historic Ulster Grand Prix, organisers have admitted after revealing the extent of the six-figure debt crippling the host Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club.

Six-figure debt could wipe out Ulster GP

The full extent of the financial crisis threatening the future of the historic Ulster Grand Prix road races can today be revealed.

Out in front: Peter Hickman wowed at last year’s Ulster Grand Prix with a 136.415mph lap that regained the event the title of ‘World’s Fastest Road Race’

Ulster Grand Prix organisers facing insolvancy in weeks over six-figure debt

'Real and imminent danger': Cash-hit Ulster Grand Prix in fight for future

The future of the Ulster Grand Prix is up in the air after organisers announced that the event is struggling for financial support to remain part of the annual road racing calendar.

New look: Tom Sykes and Eugene Laverty with the BMW S1000RR

I'm determined to repay BMW's faith: Laverty

Eugene Laverty made his first appearance in BMW colours during the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan yesterday when, alongside team-mate Tom Sykes, he presented the new-look BMW S1000RR that will spearhead their attack on the 2020 World Superbike Championship.

William Dunlop was ready to quit and focus on his family before Skerries crash that claimed his life

I am of the firm belief that had William Dunlop seen out the 2018 season, he might well have pulled the plug on his racing career.

Dream ending: Christian Iddon shows off the Sunflower Trophy after his last race for Tyco BMW

Rea is on a high, while Iddon signs off in style

It proved to be a breathtaking weekend of two-wheel action as Jonathan Rea took a clean sweep of World Superbike victories in the final round in Qatar, Christian Iddon sealed his first Sunflower Trophy win at Bishopscourt on his farewell ride for Tyco BMW, and Eunan McGlinchey stamped his authority as a star of the future.

High five: victorious Jonathan Rea is hoisted aloft by team-mates after another world title win

'Dream season': Jonathan Rea claims Qatar treble to pip Bautista's wins tally and round off World Superbike campaign

Jonathan Rea has ended the season with the most individual victories after completing a hat-trick of successes in Qatar.

Top form: Jonathan Rea won the World Superbike opener in Qatar last night

Jonathan Rea to make a 'few changes' to his bike after opening World Superbike win in Qatar

Jonathan Rea won the opening World Superbike race in Qatar last night from pole position after setting the fastest lap in the final five minutes of the Superpole session.

Driving on: Alastair Seeley will be in action at the Sunflower Trophy meeting despite recent wrist injury

I'll push past wrist pain at Sunflower, says Seeley

Alastair Seeley, the record holder for most wins at the North West 200 with 25, is the latest addition to the Sunflower Trophy meeting this weekend.

Jonathan Rea eager to secure title for Kawasaki under Losail lights

The final round of the 2019 World Superbike Championship takes place today, tomorrow and Saturday in the unique desert setting under floodlights around the Losail Circuit in Qatar.

On a high: Korie McGreevy after winning Superstock 600 Championship at Brands Hatch

McGreevy hails his incredible journey as he takes title on day of drama

Ballynahinch man Korie McGreevy won the final Superstock 600cc race of the BSB season at Brands Hatch yesterday on his IMR prepared Century Racing 675cc Triumph.

I'll go out and wrap up British title, vows Redding

Scott Redding starts odds-on favourite to lift the British Superbike Championship at a Brands Hatch triple-header this weekend in his rookie season.

Fledgling star Keyes relishing Bishopscourt bid

Young Irish star Kevin Keyes, Tom Fisher and TJ Toms will help the G&S Racing Kawasaki team make a welcome return to Bishopscourt for the 42nd Sunflower Trophy meeting at the end of the month.

Pressure off: Jonathan Rea in relaxed mood in Argentina

'I disagreed completely': Jonathan Rea backs decision to race despite Eugene Laverty criticism

Recently-crowned five-in-a-row world champion Jonathan Rea swatted away criticism from compatriot Eugene Laverty after scoring a World Superbike double in Argentina on Sunday.

Champion Rea wants double joy for Kawasaki in Argentina

Jonathan Rea may have a fifth World Superbike crown safely tucked away in his leathers but there is still much to be decided.

Kennedy excited to return to the Superbike stage

Jack Kennedy will step up to the British Superbike class in 2020 with the TAG Racing/Santander Salt team after retaining his Supersport crown at Donington Park on Saturday.

Hot stuff: Jack Kennedy clinched the title once again in style

Kennedy on a high after retaining his British title

Jack Kennedy retained his British Supersport Championship at Donington Park by winning Saturday's Sprint race by three seconds from his Appleyard McAdam Yamaha team-mate Brad Jones, and he doubled down yesterday with success in the feature race.

No joy: Peter Hickman’s time was beaten late in the day

Irwin saves his best for last to lay down a marker

Andrew Irwin pipped Peter Hickman on his final lap to set the fastest Superbike time of the day during free practice for the penultimate round of the British Superbike Championship.

Driving seat: Carl Phillips has a 20-point lead going into the final round in Enniskillen

Phillips is hoping to power to Ulster joy

Lisburn's Carl Phillips will aim to wrap up the AJ Plumbing Ulster Superbike Championship title tomorrow in the 10th and final round at St Angelo Airfield, Enniskillen.

Homecoming heroes: Jonathan Rea arrives back home after clinching his fifth World Superbike crown where he was greeted at Belfast International Airport by Linda Dunlop, wife of Joey, also a five-time world champion. Also included is Joey’s daughter, Joanne and his grandsons Hayden and Herbie

I don't want my world title bubble to burst: Jonathan Rea ready to keep winning after emotional homecoming

Record-breaking five-in-a-row World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea arrived back home at Belfast International Airport yesterday to a superstar's welcome.

Glenn Irwin celebrates winning the Anchor Bar Superbike race at the North West 200 (Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press)

North West 200: Dates announced for 2020 race week as Glenn Irwin prepares to defend crown again

The dates of the 2020 International North West 200 have been confirmed.

Staying at the wheel: NW200 event director Mervyn Whyte

Whyte sticks with NW role and demands politicians play their part

North West 200 driving force Mervyn Whyte has shelved his retirement plans and will continue in the job.

Flying flag: Jonathan Rea celebrates with fans after clinching his fifth consecutive World Superbike crown

Jonathan Rea is now in history books with legendary family friend Joey Dunlop

Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki have continued their dominance of the World Superbike Championship despite the series organisers' campaign to rein him in by changing the format to three races per weekend and Ducati bringing in the all-new Panigale and Alvaro Bautista.