Saturday 20thSeptember sees the fourth running of the highly successful Felix 10k Road Race and 4k Fun Run.
With over 200 entrants last year we are hoping to increase local participation and encourage runners from further afield to come and take up the challenge. The course record is currently held by Paul Rowan at 31mins 47 secs. With twelve different race categories this year, ranging from under 19 male and female to 60+ male and female we are hoping to attract runners of all ages and abilities.The FunRun starts at 11am with the main event getting under way at12 noon. Refreshments will be served after the race in Dungannon Leisure Centre where presentations will takeplace at 1.15pm.
The weekend of 20th and 21st of June saw the third annual running of the 2008 Donnelly Group Bush Road Races. Although Friday night practice was run in perfect conditions the same could not be said for Saturday’s races.
Six of the nine races on the programme were run on Saturday before the weather turned, with torrential rain causing flooding on parts of the circuit the Clerk of the Course Darren Hughes along with the Race Stewards took the decision to abandon the meeting in the interests of safety.
The first race of the day was the Gerard McHugh Crane Hire 125 cc Race.
When the flag was raised it was the two local men Nigel Moore and Andrew Neill who fought for honours on the wet Bush Circuit. Moore led for three laps with Neill on the Wray Bros Honda just 0.5 of a second behind. At mid distance Neill hit the front and went on to beat Moore by 1.3 seconds and the Newmills rider also set the fastest lap of the race at 2.36.88 a speed of 75.0 mph. There was a close battle for third throughout the whole race with Cookstown’s Mark Young just holding off Coleraine’s Graham Wilson.
In the Krono’s Av/Autotech 250cc junior race there was a titanic battle at the front involving Saintfield’s Davy Morgan, Killymans Ryan Farquhar and 125 victor Andrew Neill.
Neill (Wray Bros Honda) got the better start and was leading at the end of the first lap closely followed by Morgan (Ballygowan RRSC Honda) and Ryan Farquhar (Hanna Honda).
Morgan led for the next two laps but with Farquhar on the move he got ahead of Neill first then hit the front at the end of lap four and gradually increased his lead, Neill had got ahead of Morgan at the end of lap seven however, the flags came out when Cookstowns Ian Holmes slide of at the Coash Esses and needed medical attention. Holmes was only slightly winded and the incident was soon cleared. Carland rider John Burrows (Stewart Smith Honda) was running fourth but was overhauled by Barry Davidson on the (CB Honda) at the half way mark. The result was taken at the end of lap six with Farquhar the winner by over three seconds from Morgan and Neill. Farquhar set a new lap record for the class with a time of 2.20.88 a speed of 84.52 mph.
The Cohannon Inn and Auto Lodge Non Championship Open Race.
Ryan Farquhar (Harker Kawasaki) stamped his authority on the race from the start and was never under pressure and went on to win by 20 seconds from John Burrows (HM Sports Motor homes Honda) who had three seconds to spare over Paul Cranston (P&J Honda). Victor Gilmore (T Lindsay R6) was a lonely fourth while Trevor Ferguson (Triumph) who was last away from the first wave after his machine failed to fire made good inroads to take fifth, four seconds clear of Fermanagh’s Andrew Brady (T7 Murray Honda).Farquhar set the fastest lap at 2.19.49 a speed of 85.36 mph.
Hayes fuels/Hobson Electronics Junior Support Race.
Skerries Damien Howard (P&L SV 650) led form the end of lap one and slowly increased his lead to 12 seconds over Cumbria’s Alastair Haworth (YZR 400) and looked like taking victory. Howard suffered cruel luck when his machine expired on lap six and handed victory to the newcomer Haworth. Local rider Adrian Mullen (SV650) was running in third place close behind Haworth but the Newmills rider crashed out and sustained bruising to his foot and Back. Mullen had the consolation of the fastest lap of the race 2.42.30 a speed of 73.37 mph. Michael Russell (JML 650 Kawasaki) took second just ahead of Wayne Boylan (250 Honda).The next three riders’s fighting for fourth place were covered by 0.5 of a second at the line with the Hull rider Derek Clarke (250 Honda) taking fourth just ahead of Jules Croft (McKinstry 400) and Dublin’s Myles Byrne (CSL 400 Honda).
Horta Soils/ Clive Richardson Senior Support race
Andrew Farrell (Suzuki 750) was the early leader on the roads from Championship leader Darwyn Young (Home Clean Honda) and Haworth (Suzuki 600). But all eyes were on Group B starter Jules Croft (McKinstry 750) who was leading on corrected time. As the race progressed it was Haworth and Howard who broke away at the front and the timing screens showed Croft dropping out of first place, and it was Haworth who took the chequered flag 1.5 seconds clear of Howard. Howard set a new lap record at 2.25.96 a speed of 81.58 mph while Croft slotted in to the final rostrum place.
KDL Scaffolding Junior Classic Race
There was drama at the start of this race when veteran Dennis Gallagher collided with Trevor Rufus and the Yorkshire rider ended up in the hedge. Thankfully Rufus suffered no major injury and the situation was cleared before the rider’s completed their first lap. Adrian McFarland (Mc Causland 350 Honda) had a runaway victory over Isle of Man’s Alan Brew (350 Aermacchi) who overhauled Ed Manley jnr (350 Honda) on the last lap. The first 250 home was Barry Davidson (Dempster Honda) who finished ninth overall. McFarland set a new lap record of 2.40.43 a speed of 74.22 mph.
Dungannon & District Motorcycle Welcome New Sponsors - Kronos Audio Visual and A
Kronos Audio Visual Kronos Audio Visual, based at 8-9 Scotch Street Centre, Dungannon are one of N. Ireland's leading specialist dealers for Hi-Fi, Home Cinema and Projection systems and Whole Home Entertainment systems. They have one of the largest and best selections of products in the country and have fully trained installers. They also have full demonstration facilities in their shop. Contact them for an appointment either on 02887753606 or e mail david@kronosav.co.uk
Auto Tech Auto Tech are pleased to be a joint sponsor of the 250cc Junior Race with Kronos AV and the Two Stroke Supporters Club for this years Bush Road Races.
Auto Tech is long established DOE Approved Driving School with both male and female instructors teaching both cars and motorcycles.
We are based in Cookstown covering the Mid Ulster area. We structure courses to meet the needs of all individuals.
Our lessons range from 1 hour per week to a 1 week intensive course for cars or a 3 day intensivecourse for motorcycles. (Special offers for block bookings).
We also offer training for Theory and Hazard Perception Tests at no aditiional cost.
Need to buy a present for Christmas, Birthday, Graduation or just a gift for that special occasion.Gift Vouchers available.
Contact John on 07775 691 740
Auto Tech would like to wish William Cowden and all other Riders a safe days racing.
We are pleased to be associated with Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club who are working hard to promote a safe and successful event for all those involved.
All roads lead to the little village of Bush situated just outside Dungannon in Co Tyrone for 2008 Donnelly Group Bush Road Races on Saturday June 21st.
The Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club held a very successful press night on Wednesday night past at the Cohannon Inn & Auto Lodge and the club would like to take this opportunity to thank all who attended on the night and to welcome all sponsors onboard for 2008.
Thanks must also go to George McCann for conducting the interviews who also did an excellent job reading out all the race entries.
Last year the Bush Road Races was a success, and the Club have been working flat-out to ensure an even bigger, better, and safer 2008 Donnelly Group Bush Road Races.
Chairman of Fundraising Mr David Campbell said: "Special thanks To the Donnelly Group for coming on board for the third year in a row as our main sponsors, also to Two and Four Wheels for supplying a grant which enabled the Club to purchase 16 new air bales to improve safety around the circuit, Thanks also to Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council for their continued help and financial support, also thanks to anyone who we haven’t already mentioned and again thanks to all sponsors, without you it would be very hard to run our race financially." Clerk of Course: Darren Hughes said: "Safety is absolutely paramount I just would like to wish everyone a very safe days racing" Rider: Baylon McCaughey said: "I did Bush for the first time last year it's a great wee course and I enjoyed it, hopefully it’s a dry day!" Rider: Trevor Ferguson said: "I will be riding the Suzuki 750 and feel it will be well suited to the Bush circuit" Rider: William Cowden said: “The Bush I would say is one of the best small circuits going and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Sponsor John McKeown for the ride on the Autotech 250 Honda” Rider: John Burrows said: "Ryan may never have raced on the circuit but there is one thing for sure he knows his way round and will take some beating!But I feel I’m up to the job to get a couple of decent results. Vice-President of the M.C.U.I Ulster Centre Mr Ian Forsythe said: "Motorcycling is a very exciting sport and I wish the Club every continued success." Rider: Yvonne Montgomery said:”I'm looking forward to racing again at the Bush” Rider Ryan Farquhar said: “You never know I could be in the labour ward as my wife (Karen) is due to have the baby, but failing that I will be riding Kenny Harker’s Kawasaki’s 600 and Super stock, the Super stock hasn’t been sorted since the TT, we will ride it just as it is, I also hope to take in the 250 Junior race onboard Roy Hanna’s 250 Honda, there is also a possible chance I could be riding a 125”
Dungannon & District Motorcycle Welcome New Sponsor - Hobson Electronics
The Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club are delighted to welcome on board the support of local Businessman Derek Hobson of (Hobson Electronics) 49 Killyneil Rd Dungannon.
Owner Derek Hobson said “Hobson Electronics is pleased to be associated with the Bush Road Races. We, as a local company, recognise very much the many hours of hard work which has been freely given by the organisers and helpers to promote this prestigious sporting event on our doorstep. To be able to help sponsor the event is a small price to pay for the positive contribution to our local community. We at Hobson’s wish the organisers, riders and spectators a successful, safe and exciting day’s racing”.
Hobson Electronics is one of several sponsors for this year’s event which include: Junior Support Championship Hayes Fuels/Derek Hobson Bush Open Race - Donnelly Group 600 Championship – Dungannon& South Tyrone Borough Council Senior Open Non Championship – Cohannon Inn 125/400 Championship – Gerard McHugh & Son Crane hire Senior Classic Championship – Jermon Developments/Linen Green 250 Championship - Kronos AV/Autotech Junior Classic – KDL Scaffolding Senior Support Championship Horta Soils/Clive Richardson
The clock is ticking and already final Preparations for this year’s event are well under way for the 2008 Donnelly Group Bush Road Races on Saturday 21st June 2008, The Dunganon & District Motorcycle Club is pleased to announce that even more circuit improvements have been carried out on the circuit, they include more resurfacing from the approach to Tartlaghan Esses to Cranston’s corner.
David Campbell, Vice-Chairman D&DMCC, at Tartlaghan Esses
Race week programme of Events. Saturday 14th June 2008 – BBQ/Treasure Hunt/Dance – starting at 6pm from Ballynakelly Working Men’s Club. Dance at 9.30pm.
Sunday 15th June 2008 – Brackaville Church Service 10.30am. Collection in aid of Injured Riders Fund
Monday 16th June 2008 – Classic Tractor / Car / Lorry Run starting at 7pm from Ballynakelly Working Men’s Club
Thursday 19th June 2008 – Classic Bike Run starting at 7pm from Ballynakelly Working Mens Club
The Start/Finish will move to Bush village this year.
The Road Closing times are as follows: Practice Friday 20th June 2008 - Roads close at 4pm and reopen at 9.30pm Race Day Saturday 21st June 2008 – Roads close at 10am and reopen at 6.30pm. Race Dance at Cohannon Inn at 9.30pm. Music by Colin “Chaos” McWhirter
Details on competitors for this year’s race will be announced at our official press night which will be in the Cohannon Inn Tamnamore Wednesday 11th June 2008 starting at 8.00pm. Light refreshments everyone welcome.
Leo Fitzgerald will make his return to road racing starting with BUSH 2008
The Leg has healed well over the Winter after the accident at the Tandragee 100 last year (thx to everyone who helped at the scene and sent well wishes), and I have been hard at it in the gym trying to improve on my fitness levels as I’d only spent a long time sitting around doing nothing with the broken leg otherwise.
For 2008 I have bought a 2004 Kawasaki ZX10R and will again receive main backing from the Gem Workshop. My return to road racing will be at the Bush Road Races and I’ve also done a few ISB meetings and track days.
I will also be entering the Manx Newcomers and Senior Races this year on a Suzuki 750 kindly on loan from Stephen Magee and Lorstev Construction.
The Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club recently held the launch of their 2008 Bush Road Races. The launch took place at the Donnelly Group headquarters on the Moy Road, Dungannon.
The club are pleased to announce once again that the Donnelly Group one of Ireland’s largest car dealerships are the main sponsors for the third year of the 2008 Bush Road Races.
The Chairman for the fundraising of the Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club Mr David Campbell said: The club are indebted to the Donnelly Brothers for once again coming onboard to support this year’s event. He also thanked the Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council for their efforts for the running of the race, and Two and four wheels for providing a grant which went towards the purchase of fourteen air bags for more improved safety on the course. The air bags will also be available to other clubs for their road races. Mr Campbell also thanked the DRD for their help in the upkeep of the race circuit.
It was also announced there would be a New start line at this year’s meeting which is in the Bush village, and a new paddock which is opposite to Paul Cranston’s Yard on the outside of the course.
Local Rider’s who attended on the day were John Burrows, Andrew Neill, Colin McWhirter, Trevor Ferguson and Belfast rider William Cowden who will ride Chairman of the Club John McKeowns 250 Auto Tech Honda.
Sponsors of this year’s races are : Bush Open Race - Donnelly Group 600 Championship – Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council Senior Open Non Championship – Cohannon Inn 125/400 Championship – Gerard McHugh & Son Crane hire Senior Classic Championship – Jermon Developments/Linen Green 250 Championship - Kronos AV/Autotech Junior Classic – KDL Scaffolding Senior Support Championship Horta Soils/Clive Richardson Junior Support Championship Hayes Fuels/Derek Hobson
The club would also like to thank Daingean M.S.C.LTD, Loanends MCC, and the Two Stroke Supporters Club.
The next press night will be Wednesday 11th June at 7.30pm in the Cohannon Inn all are welcome to attend.
With the arrival of brighter evenings, motorcyclists across Northern Ireland are blowing the cobwebs off their machines and breaking out the leathers in readiness for the biking season.
With this in mind, Constable Bill Holden, the service’s Bikesafe coordinator, spoke to Lifestyle magazine and offered some timely advice to all motorcyclists.
“During 2007, 26 motorcyclists, including one pillion passenger, lost their lives on roads in Northern Ireland, that’s 12 more than 2006,” Constable Holden explained.
“Already this year, one pillion passenger has died following a road traffic collision. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been avoided
“There are some simple steps Bikers can take to improve their safety, even before their machines come out of storage. Firstly, even though their motorbike may have gone into winter storage in good working order, a thorough safety check is essential. Pay particular attention to brakes and fluids, tyres, fork seals, chains, sprockets and lights.
"These are, of course, checks that all motorcyclists should make regularly! If in doubt, it’s always worth seeking the advice of a reputable dealership for a road-worthiness check.
"In addition to checking over the bike, riders should check their safety equipment and clothing. Your helmet is, without doubt, your most important piece of equipment. Damaged helmets or helmets with worn webbing or straps must be replaced. Scratched visors hamper your vision and can usually be replaced for a few pounds, this is money well spent.
"Always wear your protective clothing - even if your intended journey is only short. Incidents can happen close to a journey’s start or end.
"Motorcycling is enjoyable, but it is also demanding, so riders must ensure they are fully able to handle their machine.
"In particular, people who were keen bikers in their youth returning to motorcycling after a long period as car drivers, must realise that motorcycles may be bigger and more powerful than those they once used. It is always worth taking a refresher course with an approved instructor.
"Even for seasoned bikers, it’s worth participating in our Bikesafe initiative. These regular events stages across Northern Ireland are an opportunity to talk to experienced police motorcyclists and take an accompanied ride-out. These are not a substitute for formal lessons, but you could pick up tips to help keep you safer on the roads.
"While motorcycling gives an extremely high level of pleasure, it is still a vulnerable activity and comes with great responsibility. Think of your quality of life and how easily it could be destroyed, not to mention the people around you that need you to come home safely,” Constable Holden concluded.
For further information about Bikesafe events, contact Bill Holden on 02838 366 109 or alternatively, log on to www.bikesafe.co.uk, click on the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and follow the instructions to apply on-line.
