Armoy course set for £80k upgrade

Following the tragic death of spectator Hill McCook at the inaugural races last year the Armoy club undertook an extensive review of safety measures.

After an inspection it was felt there was sufficient space available just before the scene of the accident at Dean's Rise to allow for the re-alignment of the route through the introduction of a chicane.

Clerk of the Course Bill Kennedy said: "It was always the club's plan to sit down after the event and look at every aspect of the day's racing.

"We wanted to look at rider safety, spectator safety and any other issues that we had with the first running of the meeting.

"We are hoping to introduce a series of improvements which will include a change in the alignment of the road at McCaughan's Corner, which is the left hand kink just after the start.

"It will be a properly structured piece of road, and will be the same width as the rest of the track. The space is available and so we hope to make use of it.

"We plan to re-align the road after the start - finish area, with a view to slowing the bikes down on the run down into Armoy itself."

The Armoy club also plan a number of other improvements such as an upgrade of the paddock, and the installation of an improved surface in the race control area.

There are also plans to remove a number of sections of hedge and fencing in some areas of the circuit in order to improve safety.

After last year's race, many top riders reportedly said Dean's Rise was easily the fastest corner on any race track.

The big bikes reached speeds in excess of 175mph at the top of the hill before the drop into the village.

Until Mr McCook's death last year, bike fans had been treated to one of the best day's racing of the season.

Times motorcycle correspondent Roy Adams said: "It's good to see the Armoy club moving to improve what was already a fantastically organised and run day's racing.

"Every aspect of the meeting last year was first class and for a club with such limited experience it was a credit to them. I'm looking forward to this year's meeting already."