THE 52nd Skerries 100 road races, the premier southern motorcycle meeting of the year takes place tomorrow; with practice today from 5.30 to 9.30 pm.
The Skerries 100 was first held in 1946 over a seven-mile circuit which saw the motorcycles race through the main streets of the north Co Dublin seaside town.McCallen on a 250cc Honda in 1991.
Crowds of around 20,000 attend the Skerries races annually, making it the biggest sporting attraction in north Co Dublin.
All the stars of Irish road racing will be in action - Bob Jackson, Robert Dunlop, Adrian Archibald, Derek Young (winner of the recent feature race at the Dundrod 150), Owen McNally (winner at the North West 200 in May), Glen English (fourth in the 125cc Isle of Man TT), James Courtney, Danny Shimmin, Gary Dynes and David Madsen. Dublin riders entered are David Murtagh, Mark Curtin, Justin Noone, Pat Bradley, Gerry Hughes and Brian Coogan.
Meanwhile, Mondello Park is the venue for the Leinster 200 on Sunday. First held at Dunshaughlin, Co Meath in 1923, it is the oldest motorcycle race in the Republic. It has since been run over various circuits, including Phoenix Park, Skerries, Tallaght, Wicklow and Dunboyne. The 18- race programme features rounds of the MCUl Southern Centre Short Circuit Championship and the Birrane Trophy Championship. Mondello lap record holder Simon Turner, Davy Morgan (Belfast), Hilton Hincks (Tramore) and Derek Wilson (Cork) on 250cc Honda machines are expected to set the pace. In addition to the racing, top British stunt rider Gary Rothwell will perform his daredevil antics.
