Don’t miss Roy Adams’ Mid-Antrim 150 preview

The Mid-Antrim 150 motorcycle races – one of the flagship events on the Ballymena borough’s sporting calendar – blasts off the grid this Saturday, June 16.

It will mark a welcome return for one of the most eagerly-awaited meetings on the calendar after the extraordinary scenes of last year, when the meeting had to be abandoned because of a malicious oil spill on the circuit which put riders’ safety in jeopardy and which left Clerk of the Course Jack Agnew with no option but to pull the plug on the event.

That, however, is now a distant memory and the Mid-Antrim club’s members have re-doubled their efforts, with race secretary Derek McWhirter stating: “As far as the club are concerned its onwards and upwards for the race.

“All concerned are determined to put on a great show for the riders and spectators who come from far and near to Clough Village.”

One major change sees the event brought forward from its usual early-August slot in the calendar to mid-June, in anticipation of better weather - a factor which hasn’t been in the Mid-Antrim 150’s favour in recent years.

“We also recognised that with the Armoy Road Races and the Mid Antrim 150 on consecutive weekends, the two road races in the same area so close together was harming the event from a promotional aspect,” added Derek, who also paid tribute to the meeting’s sponsors.

“As everyone is aware the costs of promoting an event like the Mid Antrim 150 are ever increasing so we depend more and more on the generosity of our valued sponsors to enable us to keep the races going.

“This year’s event has greatly benefited by the support of Ballymena Borough Council so their involvement is appreciated by the club as we strive to make the Mid Antrim 150 the top national Road Race in the racing calendar. Thanks to all at Ballymena Borough Council for your help and support with a special thanks to Councillor Maurice Mills,” added Derek.

The event will, as always, be run over the 3.6 mile Clough circuit, one of the fastest and most technical on the local road racing scene.

The format for racing is similar to previous years and we will be running a ten race programme in addition to the popular Parade Laps. Roads close at 4pm on the Friday to allow for the mandatory 10 practice sessions and will re-open on the Friday night at 10pm.

On Saturday, the roads close at 10am, with the first race off the grid at 10.45am, with roads re-opening at 6.30pm.

Newly-elected Ballymena Mayor, Alderman PJ McAvoy said: “The Mid-Antrim 150 is one of our biggest sporting events and I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable day’s racing free from any hinderances such as last year.”

Don’t miss Roy Adams’ comprehensive Mid-Antrim preview on pages 54-55.