Classic idea: road racing legend Phillip McCallen (left) and Go’s Declan Mullan, with a bike once ridden by the late, great Tom Herron, at the announcement of Go’s sponsorship of the second Classic Bike Festival Ireland, which will be held at Bishopscourt on August 1-2
By Roy Harris Belfast Telegraph
Road racing legend Phillip McCallen has added exciting new attractions to his second Classic Bike Festival Ireland at Bishopscourt on August 1-2, once again sponsored by Go, one of the main fuel networks in Ireland.
This year it will feature International Classic motorcycle racing in addition to parade laps featuring over 400 classic road and racing motorcycles on track and on display.
The festival, now designated by the Federation of International Motorcycling as a classic international race meeting, will feature a double-header 250/350cc race with the European International Classic Grand Prix class coming to Ireland for the first time.
Superbike fans will be delighted to hear that there will also be a Classic Superbike double header race with many of the UK and Ireland’s top racers expected on track in both classes against the best in Europe, many of whom were previous Grand Prix competitors.
Five-time British champion, North West 200 five-time winner and three times a TT winner Ian Simpson, now 50, has been a regular in this class of racing for the last few years and finished fourth in last year’s 350cc category.
McCallen and co-promoter Robin Titterington are delighted to have Go back on board as title sponsor and will be making more announcements about machines and riders set to grace the festival in the coming months.
Go is not new to the sport of motorcycling having been involved through its support of the McAdoo Kawasaki Racing team since 2007.
“Go is very proud to continue as title sponsor of the festival following on from a successful 2019 event,” the fuel company’s Declan Mullan said.
He added: “Classic Bike Festival Ireland is expecting to grow from its very successful first year when over 3,000 people came to watch the motorcycle spectacle and Go sees their continued support providing the perfect vehicle to broaden our company’s exposure.”
Machinery ridden by the UK and Ireland’s finest competitors including Tom Herron, Joey Dunlop, Ray McCullough, Brian Reid and many more will be on display during the festival alongside a host of motorcycle racing stars from both the past and present.
