Ulster to kick off home GP double!
By TMX Archives on 15th Aug 07
With the GP of Ireland taking place this weekend at Moneyglass Demesne, Martin Barr, Shaun Simpson and Jonathan Rea got to try out the new Ulster venue.
WITH the eagerly awaited Grand Prix of NorthernIreland ready to rock this weekend the purpose-built track atMoneyglass Demesne was tested for the first time last week by MXGPriders Martin Barr and Shaun Simpson and also, mainly for the benefitof the Irish press, by former Youth MX ace Jonathan Rea, now a leadingBritish Superbike contender.
Said Martin Barr: ''Moneyglass Demesne really issomething special. The guys have put a lot of hard work into creating atop-class track and they've really pulled it off. I just can't wait torace round it. There are some huge jumps and spectators will see thebest of the riders because it's a very challenging course.
''It's always great to ride your home GP,unfortunately with Gordon's injury there will be less of us flying theflag, but I'm hoping the crowds will get behind me and that I can get agreat result.''
Shaun Simpson concurred: ''I like the track. It'sgot some big jumps, there's no doubt about that but I'm looking forwardto getting out on the track on race day. With Team Wulfsport, NorthernIreland is my second home and this is definitely my home GP so I'll bepulling out all the stops.''
HM Plant Factory Team Honda rider, Jonathan Rea,who, like Barr, hails from Ballyclare, declared: ''I first got intomotocross when my grandfather bought me a little Italjet when I wastwo-years-old. I loved that bike and my motocross interest just grewfrom there. I ended up becoming a Junior motocross champ and it willalways be something I love doing.''
Antrim Borough Councillor, Stephen Nicholl said,''Antrim is pleased to be the host Borough to this prestigious WorldClass event. With its central location, ease of access and allfacilities on one site, it makes Moneyglass Demesne, Toomebridge anideal venue for events of this calibre. I have no doubt that the newpurpose built track will prove a challenge for the world's top ridersand a spectacular venue for motocross enthusiasts.''
The track at Moneyglass Demesne is 1690 metres inlength and promises to be a fast and exciting venue for theworld's best motocross riders and the natural amphitheatre offers awide range of safe and comfortable viewing points for spectators.
** Check out our Grand Prix preview on pages 21 to 24 of this week's T+MX