Toal signs for TAS
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
It goes without saying, TAS are without one of the most successful teams ever to come out of this wee island. Obviously, there have been many highs and unfortunately lows as well but Neil said, "If I were pushed to put my finger on one high, I think I would have to say the 2002 IOM TT where we were practically the underdogs and we won four TT races. We weren't expected to win any so to win four was a remarkable achievement and this isn't about the rider racing to win. It is the overall team, each team member pays a vital part, so when a rider wins a race, the joy is felt throughout the team, and rightly so."
Speaking about Toal, Neil said: "When BJ rode for us at the Sunflower, it was indeed a one off ride. Having said that, I must say, throughout the whole weekend, I was very impressed with both BJ and his fathers attitude to everything. after the Sunflower meeting, we had a chat, and over the next few days, TAS were going BSS in 2009, and BJ Toal will be our rider."
“All being well, we will be going testing in the new year, and I suppose you could say, BJ will be tasked with developing the 600 for Cameron and Bruce for the NW200/IOM TT and UGP. BJ will be testing alongside Cameron and Bruce, which I am sure will be beneficial to him .
Tandragee will go ahead
Following much speculation the North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club (Motorcycle Section) Ltd have confirmed that the 50th running of the Tandragee 100 National Road Race will take place in May 2009.
Following the well-publicised lows felt after the tragic events of this year, much discussion and deliberation took place and with the support and encouragement of Martin Finnegan's family, the decision to run the event in 2009 was unanimously supported by all members within the Club.
With 2009 being a special year for the Tandragee 100 the target is to make the event bigger, better and more family orientated with a wide and varied series of events running during race week. Plans are well underway to achieve these goals. Further details will be released as they are confirmed.
The 2009 event will see the introduction of a new overall sponsor Gerard & Siobhan Rice of Around a Pound, who have taken up this title and are sincerely welcomed by the Club. They own retail outlets in Newry, Banbridge, Newcastle and Lurgan.
Farmer wont be joking
Keith Farmer goes in to the final round of the P&O Winter series in second place in the championship but he has the added benefit of not having played his joker. Playing the joker means, whatever points scored on the day, will be doubled.
No doubt Farmer wont be counting his chickens until they are hatched but if he continues with his recent performances he is going to be the man to beat. Matt Winstanley is the leader of the championship, courtesy of playing his joker last Saturday.
Stephen Dornan was a double winner, as he was successful in the clubmans class.
Services to Sport Award
Congratulations to Roberta McKewon, who recieved an unexpected award from the MCUI(UC). Roberta was presented witha plaque for her outstanding work in the Dungannon and District MCC at the MCUI(UC) Annual General Meeting in Coleraine.
