Mid-Antrim Club ‘Night of Nostalgia’ on Friday

The evening’s entertainment will include a chat show, a table quiz and a slide show.

Hopefully there will be few controversial opinions vented during the chat show, as nothing gets shows going like a good row!

A number of top former riders are down to appear, including the 4 Dromara Destroyers, James Courtney, Stephen Hazlett, Davy Johnston, Jeff Shaw, Errol McCready and Ernie Coates.

Add to this Rev Robert Coulter and Harold Crooks, both men with many years of experience around bikes.

During the evening theres a table quiz planned, and obviously the questions will be centred around motorcycle racing.

Also during the evening the local branch of the Samaritans will use the event to promote their Year of Suicide Awareness.

The evening will be rounded off with music being supplied by Hollie Murdock.

REDUCED FEES FOR EARLY ENTRIES

Although there is no prizemoney on offer on Easter Saturday, or indeed any of their events this year, the MCRRC have announced that any rider who sends his entry early will qualify for reduced fees.

In a press release I received during the week the Motorcycle Road Racing Club have acknowledged the fact that ‘Only a small number of competitors obtained the prizemoney from these events and the low prospects of obtaining an event sponsor the only prizemoney to be paid out this season at our club events will be for race classes sponsored on the day.’

The entry, should it get to the race secretary Ivan Davidson before the closing date on March 16, will be £60 per event or £100 for two events.

Should any rider nor send it in time the fee will be £100 per event or £150 for two.

With the Clubmans and National combined ‘for the foreseeable future’ the MCUI hopes that riders will fill the grids.

To the best of my knowledge, and I concede I haven’t been told anything official as yet, the only classes that have overall backing are the 125Production, the Forgotten Era F1, which is a new class this year, and the 250GP.

The F1 Forgotten Era organisers have not announced their new sponsor as yet.

There can be no argument that racing over the past few years has been allowed to stagnate, but hopefully this move will help start the push to see the sport coming back to what it was a number of years ago.

While I don’t see it ever returning to what is fondly known as the ‘halcyon days’ of the 80s and 90s when, thanks to men like David Wood and Ian Noad, racing enjoyed tens of thousands of pounds of tobacco sponsorship each year, I’m glad to see that the Road Racing Club have recognised the fact that riders can’t afford to pay in many cases over a £1000 each week to race, and have made a move to help them. Not to mention help the club to fill grids as well!

ADELAIDE KINGS HALL SHOW

It has been announced that BSB star Sam Lowes will be a guest at the Adelaide Insurance backed Kings Hall Motorcycle Festival on the 8th, 9th and 10th February.

Lowes, one of twin brothers who are both top flight racers, rattled a few cages towards the end of last season when he started to register regular podium finishes on his WFR Honda.

He took two wins at Silverstone, and who can ever forget the pass he put on eventual championship winner Shakey Byrne on the final bend?

I will have a more in depth preview of the show in next week’s Times, but its already looking good.

MCUI RACE SCHOOL

As I have mentioned before, the MCUI Race School draws ever closer. Anyone wanting to take out a race licence must take part in the school.

I understand that a limited number of experienced riders will also be allowed on track for bike testing. Dates of the school are 10th February; 24th February and the 10th March. All are Sundays.

It’s important that anyone, experienced or otherwise, contact Jim Cray and book your place. His number is 028 9081 3095.

Roy Adams.