The Tandragee 100 is a motorcycle race that occurs on the public roads which connect Tandragee and Markethill, near the village of Clare, in County Armagh, Northern Ireland.[1] Spanning 5.3 miles, it is sometimes referred to by its organisers as the 'Mini TT'.[2]
History
editThe first race of the North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club (abbreviated to 'North Armagh MC & CC') was held on Saturday 19 April 1958 over a distance of 100 miles – hence the number in the name. For safety and organisational reasons and because of the increased performance of the participating motorcycles, the distance was repeatedly reduced. In the meantime, depending on the racing class, only four to seven laps are driven on a track, so that a race lasts an average of a quarter of an hour. It is one of the first races of the Irish road racing season. According to organisers, the race attracts about 120 drivers and up to 12,000 spectators.[1]
While typically held annually, the Tandragee 100 was not held in 1972 and 2001. The race also did not take place during 2020 or 2021 due to COVID-19.[3] It was also cancelled in 2023 (due to insurance costs) and again in 2024 (due to the condition of the road surface).[3] As of 2024, it was set to return once again in 2025 following the announcement that resurfacing work on the course would occur.[4]
Participants
editThe Tandragee 100 has previously played host to a number of notable road racers. These have included: Guy Martin, Joey Dunlop, Ryan Farquhar, Philip McCallen and Michael Dunlop.
Martin Finnegan, from County Dublin, was killed following a crash at the course in 2008.[5] Several other riders died, following accidents on the course, at the 2007,[6] 2014 and 2017 events.[7] A memorial garden, to the 10 riders and two spectators who died during the annual event, was submitted for planning assessment in late 2019.[8][9]
References
edit- ^ Jump up to: a b "ABOUT - Tandragee". tandragee100.co.uk. 2021-10-20. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- ^ "The 'Mini TT' - Tandragee". tandragee100.co.uk. 2022-01-04. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Tandragee 100: Irish national road race cancelled for 2024". BBC Sport. 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- ^ "Hard work begins now, say Tandragee 100 chiefs as 2025 return announced". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 2024-10-11. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2024-10-19.
- ^ "Martin Finnegan remembered: Father's eloquent tribute to racing star son following fatal crash at Tandragee 100". The Newsletter. 3 May 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Race corner biker died on 'was only one lacking safety features". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 6 May 2011. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Tandragee motorbike rider Dario Cecconi dies after crash". bbc.com. 26 April 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Garden tribute to 12 casualties of Tandragee 100". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 21 August 2019. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ McKenna, Micheal (9 November 2019). "'Excessive' red tape could have ended plan for memorial to those killed at Tandragee 100". armaghi.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.