Further delays to motorcycle calendar

Further delays to motorcycle calendar

The Irish motorcycle racing season has been further delayed as a result of on-going COVID-19 restrictions. 

Organisers of the Dunlop Masters Irish National Championship originally hoped to start the season on the weekend of April 24 and 25 but that has now been pushed back until June 26 and 27.

The calendar will then follow its previous schedule through to September with an extra event added in October.

Meanwhile, the Northern Irish championship is set to get underway on June 5 at Kirkistown, County Down. 

This year, as many as 20 Kerry-based motorcycle racers, a record number, are preparing to contest the Irish season. 

The ever-changing guidelines means that the wait goes on and while local racers understand the need to keep restrictions in place, frustration at a lack of track time is growing too. 

Emmet O’Grady has a deal in place to contest the Irish, Northern Irish and some British championship events this season on a TAG prepared Honda Fireblade. 

“I suppose the organisers are making sure [everything can be run in a safe manner],” the Tralee man said. “At this stage I would race in a supermarket car park if I was allowed.” 

The Masters promoters are confident that they will be able to run to the new schedule and, subject to Government restrictions, are hopeful of welcoming spectators back before the end of the year.