Armoy road race moves step closer

Michael Dunlop could compete on the roads of Armoy next year

Plans to establish a new Armoy road race on the 2009 calendar have moved a step closer.

The organising Armoy club have become an affiliated body to the Motor Cycling Union of Ireland.

"Getting the affiliation was a very important part of the process so we can now continue with our plans," explained club member Bill Kennedy.

The next stage for the club is for the MCUI to inspect the proposed three-mile circuit and secure financial funding.

A Road Closure Act will then be granted only if the criteria for the safety of both riders and spectators can be met.

If this is granted, a series of meetings and consultations with local residents and landowners will be held with the aim of getting their support for the races.

Kennedy remains confident that the races will be staged in 2009.

"At the minute I'm very confident it will get the go-ahead as there appears to be a lot of good will for a major road racing event in Armoy, so that can only be in our favour."

The date of the races have yet to be confirmed but it is thought that it will be staged in late August or September.