From the Newsletter

A number of high profile riders are currently involved in talks with JMF Millsport Racing in an effort to secure a deal to ride for the Ballymoney-based outfit at the Ulster Grand Prix in August.
Dungannon's Ryan Farquhar is in the frame for a Superbike ride at the 'Prix', while Manxman Conor Cummins – who wrapped up the Irish Senior and Supersport titles for Jimmy Murray's team last year – is another top name understood to be keen to sign on the dotted line.

'Bingley Bullet' Ian Hutchinson and the colourful Guy Martin from Lincolnshire have also emerged as key contenders for a full-time ride with the team in 2009, with both riders keen to make amends for the frustrating mechanical setbacks they experienced at the Isle of Man TT races earlier this month.

Following the tragic death of Lusk competitor Martin Finnegan at the Tandragee 100 in May, the future involvement of Murray's team in road racing was plunged into doubt.

However, it has now been confirmed that a top rider will be aboard the Millsport Yamahas at Dundrod, with a prior outing at next month's Kells Road Races also pencilled in.

Team principal, Patrick Murray, told the News Letter yesterday: "There's lots of riders' names in the pot and maybe before the end of next week we will be in a position to confirm who will ride for us at the Ulster Grand Prix.

"At the moment, the plan is to get something finalised as soon as we can because we are aware that time is running out to get something in place for the 'Prix'.

"We would be looking at going to the 'Ulster' with one rider on board and ideally we would like whoever will be riding for us at the 'Prix' to have a run out at Kells," Murray added.

"We'd also want to try and get some testing with the new rider under our belts as well.

"We have spoken to Ryan Farquhar but we are talking to a number of other riders as well, who are keen to come on board for 2009."

Meanwhile, Murray revealed that Waterford's Brian McCormack will join Alastair Seeley from Carrickfergus in the JMF Millsport Racing colours at next weekend's Mondello Masters.

"Brian will be riding for us along with Alastair at Mondello," said Murray. "He would love to ride at the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix but he is a good short circuit rider and at the moment will only ride for us next weekend."

The 'Masters' event has attracted a strong line-up, with Aussie Cameron Donald (TAS Suzuki), Gary Johnson (Uel Duncan Racing) and Keith Amor (Wilson Craig Racing) among the entries.

After Seeley's performances at the NW200 JMF Millsport will bound to be looking for a replacement for him next season. In todays News Letter Seeley said that JMF Millsport are an out-and-out road racing team and it may suit them better to bring in the likes of Guy Martin or Ian Hutchinson who will do the three big international road races.

Alister Seeley had a few good results in USA last weekend 4th superstock and 9th and 10th superbike

JMF Millsport could do a lot worse than taking a trip to Lincolnshire, there seem to be a few prospective riders coming from there, must be the carrots they eat.

Well It Won't Be Cummins Judging By Another Post On This Forum, He's Off To McAdoo.