Tyco Suzuki’s Guy Martin raced to a double-victory at today’s Armoy Road Races in Northern Ireland and made it three wins for the locally-based Moneymore team AND much needed impetus for the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix in just over two weeks’ time.

Martin and team-mate William Dunlop reversed their podium positions from Friday evening’s Supersport encounter in today’s 600cc race, with Lincolnshire-based Martin taking his first-ever win at Armoy. The Southern 100 Solo Champion then backed-it-up with yet another GSX-R-powered win in the Open class, before finishing second in the final ‘Race of Legends’ event.

Martin, who also collected the ‘Man of the Meeting’ award, said: “We’ve never had a win at Armoy, so I’m happy to come away with two wins and the ‘Man of the Meeting’ award. The bikes are mega in the wet or dry, but in that last race I’d a couple of moments and the second one was big enough to let me know to back-off a little bit. But yeah… it’s a mega little meeting: we’ve had a couple of wins to back-up the Southern 100 win and it’s a good run-out before the Ulster Grand Prix. Hopefully we can go there and do something similar to last year. It’s a race for the boat home now, but thanks to the TAS boys for another mega weekend of racing.”

Dunlop said: “Conditions were difficult today but in the 600 race I just didn’t ride well enough for the win. In the Open race I was struggling for rear-grip off the turns or I feel I could have won it, but the win on Friday night and today’s top-four results is another step forward with our preparation for the Ulster Grand Prix.”

Team Manager Philip Neill said: “It was great to be able to support the Armoy event once again this year, as we are always made very welcome by the organisers; and it has become an event we really enjoy participating in.

“In terms of results: a one-two in both Supersport races in firstly dry, then wet conditions was especially pleasing and really is testament to how strong a package the Yoshimura powered GSX-R600 has become.

“Guy’s first win in the Superbike class at Armoy was another milestone in our partnership with him, and although Michael had a little bit more than us in the final race of the day – we leave Armoy very happy with our performances. Thanks to both William and Guy for their efforts on track and of course my team, who always give 100% percent behind the scenes.”

Moyle D.C Supersport Results: 1 Guy Martin (Tyco Suzuki); 2 William Dunlop (Tyco Suzuki) +6.600sec; 3 Keith Amor +10.783sec; 4 Derek McGhee +11.018sec; 5 Michael Dunlop +13.455sec; 6 Derek Sheils +30.657sec.

SGS International Superbike Open: 1 Guy Martin (Tyco Suzuki); 2 Michael Dunlop +0.820sec; 3 William Dunlop (Tyco Suzuki) +8.718sec; 4 Dan Kneen +10.088sec; 5 *Keith Amor +12.452; 6 *Derek McGhee+15.755sec. (*600cc machines)

RiverRidge Recycling Race of Legends: 1 Michael Dunlop; 2 Guy Martin (Tyco Suzuki) +3.228sec; 3 Dan Kneen +6.131sec; 4 William Dunlop (Tyco Suzuki) +6.385sec; 5 Seamus Elliott +24.314sec; 6 Derek Sheils. 

More, from a press release issued by SGS International/KMR Kawasaki:

Double celebration at Armoy for KMR Kawasaki

There was double celebration for the SGS International/KMR Kawasaki team at the Armoy Road Races at the weekend with Keith Amor winning the Supertwins race and Connor Behan clinching the Irish Road Race Championship.

Despite the changeable conditions, that saw the County Antrim road circuit hit by heavy rain at times, Scotsman Amor kept a cool head and once he’d taken the lead on the second lap, he gradually pulled away to open up a comfortable gap over the rest of the field. Having his first ride at the venue since 2010, Amor duly took the chequered flag from Derek McGee but further back all eyes were on team-mate Behan as he strived to emulate team boss Ryan Farquhar and former team-mate Jamie Hamilton as the Supertwins Road Race Champion.

The Northwich rider only needed four points to clinch the crown and the result was never in doubt as he came home in seventh place for a superb title win. With 137 points to second placed Hamilton’s 82, the 21-year old has wrapped up the title with a round to spare.

Danny Webb was also back with the team for the first time since the Isle of Man TT in June and the Kent youngster again impressed with a strong eleventh place on his circuit debut.

Ryan Farquhar, Team Owner: “It’s been another great weekend for the team and with Keith winning his first road race for us and Connor clinching the Supertwins Irish Road Race Championship, we couldn’t have wished for a better outcome, especially as our sponsors SGS International were here in force. Conditions weren’t ideal but Keith was happy to be back at Armoy and he used all his experience throughout the race. Once he’d taken the lead, he opened up a cushion to control the race and he was over the moon to get his first win on the roads for the team.”

“Connor only needed to finish 12th to wrap up the Championship and once he’d slotted into fifth, he rode a very mature race to bring the bike home. To take his first Irish Road Race Championship, in only his second season on the roads is a great achievement and we’re all delighted for him. Danny, meanwhile, got quicker and quicker all weekend and having only had a handful of laps in practice, tenth was a fantastic result and he really enjoyed himself once more. He finished ahead of some experienced riders and it’s great to have had such a good day in front of everyone from SGS International so thanks once again to all of our sponsors for making it all possible.”

Ryan’s next outing will be at next month’s Classic TT but both Amor and Behan will be in action for the team prior to that at the Ulster Grand Prix, the meeting taking place on August 13-16.