Emmet O’Grady set to make road race debut at North West 200 in May

Tralee motorcycle racer Emmet O’Grady will make his Road Race debut on this year’s North West 200.  

His appearance in Ireland’s biggest motorcycle event is all part of an expanded programme of events for 2022. 

The Honda TAG rider will continue in the Dunlop Masters Irish Superbike Championship’s pro class for this season. He finished fifth last year on board his Honda Fireblade.  

He has also acquired a Yamaha R600 and will use this new bike in the Masters Supersport Cup championship this year. This is the same bike he will use on the North West 200 from May 10 to 14.  

As well as contesting the Supersport races on the Portrush-Portstewart-Coleraine triangular course in County Derry he will also ride fellow Tralee man Darragh Crean’s Aprilia RS660 in the Production Twin class.  

Entering two classes is common practice in Road Racing as it allows for more track time and a second chance to learn the course that is usually open to everyday traffic.  

The North West 2000 is the world’s biggest closed road motorcycle race outside of the Isle of Man.  

“I am excited. but I am going there with no expectations,” he said. “I want to tick that box, I picked the North West as it more like a short circuit [in terms of road surface and track feel].”  

O’Grady is hopeful that a large contingent of Kerry-based motorcycle racing fans will travel to County Derry to support his efforts.  

“We are going up for the week,” he added.  

The North West 200 runs across three days. Official practice takes place on the closed public roads on Tuesday, May 10 between 9 am and 330 pm. A second practice section takes place on Thursday morning with racing beginning later that evening between 500 pm and 900 pm.  

Saturday, May 14 is the event’s biggest day and is attended by over 80,000 race fans.

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