William Dunlop and Dan Kneen lead the entry list for Easter Saturday’s 40th Enkalon Trophy motorcycle road racing event writes the Mark Sanlon of the MCRRCI.
The Motor Cycle Road Racing Club of Ireland have received almost 240 entries for this season opener.
A bumper entry for the 9 practices and 16 race program on Saturday 15th April should be a great start to the 2017 Motorcycle Road Racing season.
Entries received from Ireland, Scotland, England and Isle of Man will take part in the 40th running of the Enkalon Trophy race. Unfortunately, last year’s event had to be abandoned after severe winds prevented our first attempt at running the 40th Enkalon Trophy race and we are hoping for more favourable weather this year with Easter falling in mid-April. The two legs of the Superbike races double up for the Enkalon Trophy and will see a new winner this year with no previous winners entered.
Cross channel competitors that will be in the mix include IOM Dan Kneen , Donald MacFadyen and Kris Duncan from Scotland. Local challenge will come from ever improving Cody Nally, Alistair Kirk, Luke Johnston, Charles Stuart and 2016 Supersport Champion Jason Lynn. William Dunlop hopes to have his superbike sorted before Easter Saturday but will most likely ride his IC/Caffery R6 Yamaha in its absence.
The first leg of the two leg 10 lap races is due off after the lunch break at approximately 1.30pm.
The Enkalon Trophy is once again sponsored by Cornmarket Insurance Services Belfast who provide all types of insurance including motorcycle cover.
Supersport 600 class which produces some of the closest racing in Ireland has William Dunlop, Jason Lynn, Aaron Armstrong, Korie McGreevy, Ross Patterson and Scottish competitor Kris Duncan entered in the 35 rider field.
Supertwin 650 entries received from Marty Lennon, Simon Reid, Joseph Loughlin, Seamus Elliott, Sam Johnston, Daryl Duffy another very popular class which has made its way into International events.
Lightweight 400 has Dean Campbell, Paul Gartland, Darryl Tweed, Mark Gambin and Seamus Elliott the main contenders for this smaller four stroke class, again a hotly contested class.
Other support classes include Pre–fuel Injection, Production Twin 650 which will run with the Moto 3 class, Superbike & Supersport Cup. Classics another great class which lets you reminisce of the races of the past.
The total prize fund for the overall two legs of the Enkalon Trophy races is £3600 with the winner collecting £1000, 2nd £600 and 3rd £400 and payments down to 10th place. The first Supersport finisher will collect £500.
The fastest lap by a Superbike wins £100 and the fastest lap by a Supersport gets £100.
The official charity for the event will once again be Chest Heart & Stroke. The motorcycle racing fraternity are generous and they hope to raise much needed funds for this worthy charity. The event is supported by the Club partners Charles Hurst Hyundai Dundonald, Walter Bell Oil Fired Boilers Carrickfergus and Slemish Water & Coolers.
The race circuit will be open from Friday evening so anyone wishing to camp overnight are welcome. All for the Saturday £10 per adult admission charge and under 16-years accompanied foc. Onsite facilities and catering are available.
Plan early to come and see exciting, thrilling motorcycle racing at one of the finest circuits in the UK !
