Current British Supersport Champion Alastair Seeley (left), British Superbike Champion Tommy Hill (second from left), Michael Laverty (second from right) and Ian Hutchinson (right) at the official launch of this year's Adelaide Motorcycle Festival

The 2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival officially opened on Friday 10th February and ran over the weekend, with the King’s Hall doors closing on Sunday 11th February.

Motorcycle Stars such as current British Superbike Champion Tommy Hill, Ian Hutchinson, and the newly crowned Enkalon Irish Motorcyclist of the Year (in association with Adelaide Insurance) and current British Supersport Champion Alastair Seeley were all at the launch of this year’s festival, giving interviews and chatting with the festival goers.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) were also offering a Show Only discount for the Skills for Life Package and the Adelaide Advanced Motorcyclists were on hand to sign up any interested bikers. If you are interested in giving your skills a boost improving your technique & increasing your ability and confidence click here.

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Keep up to date with all of our motorcycling events by clicking here

Below are some pictures from the 2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival:

British Supersport Champion & Enkalon Irish Motorcyclist of the Year (in association with Adelaide Insurance) Alastair Seeley at the official launch of the 2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival

TT star, Conor Cummins (centre), talks about his hopes for the upcoming season with his Tyco Suzsuki team

2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival at the King’s Hall, Belfast

British Superbike Champion, Tommy Hill, makes an impressive enterance at the launch of the 2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival

Members of the Adelaide Advanced Motorcyclists Group pictured at the BikeSafe stand where they offered a Show only discount for the IAM’s Skills for Life Package

Mayor of Kells Co. Meath Brian Collins (left) and Aileen Ferguson of the Kells Motorcycle Racing Club (right) pictured at the launch of the Adelaide International Kells Road Races and the Adelaide Motorcycle Festival, King's Hall Belfast

Kells MCRC celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year and what better way to do this than by bringing the races back to Kells. It is a real homecoming for the club as our New Lloyd Track takes in a very small section of what was the original Dulane Circuit. Our first race took place in 1994 at Dulane, Kells.

We as a club are very excited about our new circuit as we feel that it will provide so much for everyone, easy access from the M3, spectacular viewing for the fans and a fast free flowing circuit for the riders and at 4.2 miles in lenght it’s almost twice the lenght of the old Crossakiel Circuit.

The circuit takes in the the R147 (Old Cavan Road), the N52 (Link Road), the Moynalty Roundabout and the Mountainpole road which brings us back out onto the R147 Cavan Road. The Cavan Road and Link Road are wide and fast and the Mountainpole Road, which measures a mile in length, will be very technical for the riders with some jumps on it. The Mountainpole Road has been totally resurfaced and is in excellent condition as is the whole circuit.

The circuit is within walking distance of Kells Town which will make it easy for competitors and fans alike to take in all the FREE entertainment which is being organised for race weekend.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sam Geddis and Adelaide Insurance for their continued support for our event.

There will be many attractions over race weekend including the Annual Charity Classic Run on Friday 29th June.

“The Cannonball” Soap Box Derby on Friday 29th June, Cannon Street, Kells.

Live bands in Farrell Street, Kells – FREE

Practice - Saturday 30th June, 2012

Race Day - Sunday 1st July, 2012

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*If from ROI: €100 off

Current Adelaide Masters Series Champion in the Superbike class Kirk Jamison (on the motorcycle) at the official launch of the 2012 Adelaide Masters Series

The Adelaide Motorcycle Festival was the venue for today’s announcement that Mondello Park’s flagship Motorcycle Racing Championship, the ‘Adelaide Masters Series’ will continue into its second year with Motorcycle Insurance Specialists ‘Adelaide Insurance’ as title sponsor.

The 2012 series was launched by Mondello Park Managing Director John Morris, Adelaide Insurance Services Nichola Pearce and Wilson McKibbin of Bishopscourt, with the assistance of 2011 Superbike Champion Kirk Jamison and 2012 competitors Brian McCormack and Steve Mercer.

The biggest news for the growing series is the addition for the first time of an event outside of Mondello Park. For 2012 the championship will increase to five events with the Superbike and Supersport classes taking in one round at Bishopscourt Co. Down, alongside the four events at Mondello Park in Co. Kildare.

Amongst the announcements was the return to an open tyre formula which will see the ‘Cup’ class joining the overall championship in allowing riders to use tyres from any manufacturer. TV coverage will also continue on UTV during 2012 with a possible switch to a one-hour weekend afternoon slot.

A very successful début year in 2011 has led to enormous interest amongst riders and teams, with a number already committed to competing this year and many more working on adding the Adelaide Masters Series to their road racing or BSB campaigns. Already committed are 2011 Superbike winner Kirk Jamison, former Irish Superbike Champion Brian McCormack and the JMF Milsport team with new signing Steve Mercer.

Speaking at the launch Mondello Park MD John Morris stated, “we couldn’t have wished for more in our inaugural season and together with Adelaide Insurance Services, we’re delighted to progress the series to the next level with a round in Bishopscourt this year“.

Adelaide Insurance Services’ Nichola Pearce said, “We’ve enjoyed working with John Morris and his team over the past year and Adelaide’s investment in this event is helping us raise awareness of our motorcycle insurance service in Ireland – so all good reasons to continue supporting it.”

While Wilson McKibbin of Bishopscourt also commented, “The Directors and Management of Bishopscourt Racing Circuit are delighted to be running a round of the Adelaide Masters and look forward to working with John Morris and Adelaide Insurance.“

The championship kicks off with the first three rounds at Mondello Park on the weekend of April 21st and 22nd and continues through to the big finale on October 6th and 7th.

2012 Adelaide Masters Series Dates

Rounds 1, 2 &3 – Sat/Sun April 21st/22nd (Mondello Park National Track)

Rounds 4, 5 & 6 – Sat/Sun June 23rd/24th (Mondello Park National Track)

Rounds 7 & 8 – Sat August 18th (Bishopscourt)

Rounds 9 & 10 – Sun September 2nd (Mondello Park National Track)

Rounds 11, 12 & 13 – Sat/Sun October 6th/7th (Mondello Park International Track)

 For further information on the 2012 Adelaide Masters Series see www.mondellopark.ie.

Get a quote & WIN a £100* off your motorcycle insurance here!

*If from ROI: €100 off

Garvey MCC announce charity rock night

Garvey Motorcycle Club have just announced a charity rock night which will be held on Saturday 26th May at the Hillside Tavern, Markethill.

More details will follow, so make sure you add this to your calendar!

For more information visit: www.garveymcc.co.uk

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Ben Wilson will have the opportunity to go head to head with Alastair Seeley on board a Room2Race computer simulator at the Adelaide Motorcycle Festival this weekend!

Alister Seeley and Ben Wilson know what it’s like to go head-to-head and this weekend their rivalry looks set to be reignited at the Adelaide Motorcycle Festival at the King’s Hall, Belfast.

Wilson (29) who comes from Boston in Lincolnshire will have a point to prove after losing the British Supersport title by a single point to the diminutive Carrick rider.

Seeley took the title by the slimmest of margin after the Brands Hatch decider.

Now on board a Room2Race computer simulator they will have the ideal opportunity to pit their skills around Dundrod as well as Mondello Park.

Home advantage may favour Seeley so far as Mondello is concerned but both are Dundrod first-timers.

“Wilson is known as the people’s champion,” according to show promoter Billy Nutt. “But it’s good to have two such high profile competitors taking time out to be at the show.”

“The qualifying sessions are on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday with the grand final taking place on Sunday afternoon.”

“The likes of Michael Rutter, John McGuinness, Steve Plater, Conor Cummins, Michael Laverty and the Dunlop brothers, William and Michael, will all be out to beat the clock.”

“I’m also delighted that Ian Hutchinson confirmed over the weekend that he intends being on the starting line so-to-speak even though he sustained another leg injury in a freak accident last week.”

“Five-times an Isle of Man TT winner in one week, Ian knows what it’s like to win around Dundrod.”

“The fans are also encouraged to get involved and at the same time possibly upstage the professionals.”

“So far as the punters are concerned the best two will receive VIP tickets to the final round of the Adelaide Masters series at Mondello Park while £300 will go to the winning rider.”

“We will have two of these simulators which will no doubt throw-up some interesting statistics.”

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Celtic Horizon Tours are fully bonded and licensed in accordance with the Tour Operators Act (1982). This license and bond gives you, the group organiser, the financial security you require along with that all important piece of mind.

With over ten years experience in the travel industry, Celtic Horizon Tours has grown from strength to strength. No matter what the occasion, they will be happy to draw up an itinerary for you – nothing is too special or too difficult!

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The bottom line is that if you have a group travelling anywhere in the world for whatever reason Celtic Horizons can cater for it.

Visit www.celtichorizontours.com for more details

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Ducati rider, and 7 times Macau Grand Prix winner, Michael Rutter will be at the 2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival at the King's Hall, Belfast.

How well do you know either Dundrod or Mondello Park? Or to be more accurate, how fast can you lap those circuits and at the same time beat the experts?

A Room2Race computer simulator will provide the answer at the Adelaide-backed King’s Hall Motorcycle Festival this weekend when fans will be able to pit their wits against guest riders in the Nugent Hall.

“It’s good to get the punters involved with some live activity in Belfast,” said show promoter Billy Nutt. “During Friday afternoon and all day Saturday we will have qualifying sessions.”

“The grand final will be on Sunday when the public will be able to go head-to-head with the likes of the British Superbike champion Tommy Hill, Isle of Man TT specialist John McGuinness and Steve Plater who has won seven-times at the North-West 200.”

“Our own Alistair Seeley who is the British Supersport champion will also be on the grid so-to-speak along with Macau Grand Prix specialist Michael Rutter, Manxman Conor Cummins who is a former Dundrod lap record-holder and hopefully Michael Laverty who will be part of the Honda team in this year’s British Superbike championship.”

“Ballywalter’s David Lemon, an accomplished 125 cc rider, is the man behind the race simulator.”

“So far as the fans are concerned the best two will receive VIP tickets to the final round of the Adelaide Masters series at Mondello Park while £300 will go to the winning rider.”

“We will have two of these simulators which will no doubt throw-up some interesting statistics.”

“This is a huge social occasion,” added Nutt. “We have more than 70 exhibitors and that coupled with a large classic display, an auto-jumble and acrobatic demonstrations by some of our top trials riders means that there is something for everyone.”

“Andy Perry who leads the Irish trials championship will be performing some daredevil stunts while British championship motocross contender Martin Barr will also be in attendance along with Comber’s Tommy Merton who is the current Ulster MX2 champion.”

“There will be a display of the new EVO motocross bikes thanks to the involvement of Lawrence Spence and the Knock club.”

Get a quote & WIN a £100 off your motorcycle insurance here!

Northern Ireland motorcyclists can book their FREE Bikesafe assessment at:

www.bikesafe.co.uk

Bikesafe’s aim is to reduce the number of motorcycle accident casualties by promoting safer riding on our roads. Taking just an hour, participants are given a one-to-one assessment of their riding skills which includes observation and feedback from a highly trained Police motorcyclist.

As safer riders, successful riders who complete the Bikesafe Assessment could look forward to further reductions on their insurance if they renew or take a new policy with Adelaide Insurance Services*

* When arranged via Adelaide Insurance Services.  Subject to insurers’ normal acceptance criteria and minimum premium

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BIKESAFE CALENDAR 2012

10 – 12 FEBRUARY – MOTORCYCLE SHOW KINGS HALL, BELFAST

24 MARCH – BELFAST HONDA

31 MARCH – ALLEN’S HONDA PORTADOWN

14 APRIL – BMW MOTORAD MALLUSK

15 APRIL – COMBER FIRE STATION

21 APRIL – PHILLIP MCCALLEN MOTORCYCLES LISBURN

28 APRIL – GS MOTORCYCLES HILLSBOROUGH

12 MAY – HEIN GERICKE/ADELAIDE BELFAST

14 – 20 MAY – NW200 COLERAINE

26 MAY – SAM CONLEY M/C LONDONDERRY

2 JUNE – CHARLES HURST BOUCHER ROAD

16 JUNE – DONNELLYS DUNGANNON

28 JULY – LIDL OMAGH

01 SEPTEMBER – HEIN GERICKE NEWRY

2 – 13 OCTOBER – SUNFLOWER BISHOPSCOURT

British Motorcross rider Martin Barr (left) and road racing star Conor Cummins (back row, right) have both confirmed they'll be attending the 2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival in February

Congratulations to Mr. Andrew Hannah from Dublin who won Adelaide’s January prize draw. Andrew, was drawn at random and won the €100 “Adelaide motorcycle insurance voucher.”

With less than two weeks to go before the Adelaide Motorcycle Festival at the King’s Hall ,Belfast the excitement is building with road racing superstar Conor Cummins confirmed as one of the special guests at the show!

For further information contact Billy or Marty at Nutt Promotions on 028 7035 1199 or email billy@nutttravel.com or visit the promoters’ website www.nutttravel.com and click on Motorcycle Festival.

Get a quote & WIN a £100 off your motorcycle insurance here!

LPE Kawasaki rider Martin Barr (left) is seen with Director of Adelaide Insurance Sam Geddis, Tyco Suzuki star Conor Cummins and festival promoter Billy Nutt (right)

The Ramada Hotel in Belfast was the venue for the official Press Launch of the 2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival. Promoter Billy Nutt was joined by local press, motorcycle dealers, members of the PSNI’s BikeSafe team as well as special guest riders Conor Cummins and Martin Barr.

Tyco Suzuki star Conor Cummins had flown in expecially from the Isle of Man to be at the launch and we’re delighted to confirm that he’ll be at the King’s Hall in February for the Adelaide Motorcycle Festival.

LPE Kawasaki rider Martin Barr made the journey from Broughshane Co. Antrim to be at the launch.

Adelaide’s Director, Sam Geddis spoke of how Adelaide will continue to support and invest in motorcycling and road safety through sponsorship. He noted that, as well as Adelaide Insurance celebrating it’s 20th birthday, it was the 9th year that Adelaide had been involved with the Motorcycle Festival.

The Adelaide Motorcycle Festival will open on Friday 10th Feb and run until Sunday 12th February.

For further information contact Billy or Marty at Nutt Promotions on 028 7035 1199 or email billy@nutttravel.com or visit the promoters’ website www.nutttravel.com and click on Motorcycle Festival.

Get a quote & WIN a £100 off your motorcycle insurance here!

Festival Promoter Billy Nutt at the official press launch for the 2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival

Director of Adelaide Insurance, Sam Geddis, spoke about the company's 20th Anniversary, road safety and Adelaide's continued support and investment in motorcycling

British Superbike Champion Tommy Hill (left) will be making a guest appearance at this year's Adelaide Motorcycle Festival at the King's Hall, Belfast

The current British Superbike champion Tommy Hill is gearing-up for a guest appearance at the annual Adelaide Motorcycle Festival which begins a three-day run at the King’s Hall, Belfast on February 10.

Hill who will celebrates his 27^th birthday the day before the show opens was involved in a cliff-hanging finish to the 2011 title race decider.

“I did it by half-a-wheel,” reflected Hill. “In fact the official difference between myself and  John Hopkins was just 0.006 of a second.”

“That meant the championship was mine for the first time but it was close, I won it with two points to spare.”

“So far as Belfast is concerned I’m really looking forward to the trip. The fans over there are both fanatical and knowledgeable.”

Hill has sampled both the World Superbike and World Supersport Championships but he was originally a motocrosser.

At the early age of six Hill quickly moved to high level schoolboy motocross. However at the age of 14 he had a near fatal motorcycle accident which caused him to briefly retire from the sport.

But Hill still had an ambition to race and ride motorcycles and he soon returned making his debut in the British Championship in 2001. This was to be his first stepping stones into the world of Superbike racing.

Since then he has become the youngest rider to win a Superbike race, the youngest rider ever to qualify on pole position at a World Superbike Championship event and of course last year he became a BSB champion for the first time.

Hill who hails from Kent won seven races last season, he had 17 podium finishes, nine pole positions and eight fastest laps.

No wonder he has been retained by Swan-Yamaha where his team-mate is Yorkshire’s Ian Hutchinson who will also grace the Festival.

“Hill promises to be a huge draw,” said show promoter Billy Nutt. “That never-to-be forgotten final race at Brands Hatch has already gone down in the history books as the closest-ever.”

“Hutchy created his own piece of history back in 2010 when he became the only rider to win five Isle of Man TT races in the same week,” added Nutt. “But at the end of that season he was involved in an horrific crash not of his making.”

“It took him 18-months to recover and last November he set the Macau Grand Prix alight by finishing third.”

For his part Hutchinson said: “This year is definitely a big one for me and I have never been looking forward to a season so much.”

“I am glad that I had the opportunity to race at the end of last year as I have always had faith in my own ability but I just needed to prove to any doubters that I could still race. I have wanted to race in BSB for several years.”

“However, right now I’m focused on another visit to Belfast—I’ve some very fond memories of both the North-West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix and I intend doing both again this year.”

Hill and Hutchinson will be joined at the King’s Hall complex by Alistair Seeley the recently crowned Enkalon Irish Motorcyclist of the Year.

Seeley who won the British Supersport title last year is now preparing for a return to the Superbike ranks again riding for the Tyco TAS Suzuki team.

So far as the display of racing machinery is concerned Nutt is delighted to have a rather special factory Yamaha taking pride of place.

“This is the bike on which Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo won the 2010 MotoGP world championship,” said Nutt. “It’s thanks to Hurst Motorcycles that this Yamaha will be brought over from Holland.”

“We are also banking on the Ballymoney-based JMF Millsport team unveiling their new Ducatis as well as their rider Steve Mercer.”Home

Make a note of the Festival dates: Friday February 10, Saturday February 11 and Sunday February 12—just the ideal build-up to St Valentine’s Day!

For further information contact Billy or Marty at Nutt Promotions on 028 7035 1199 or email billy@nutttravel.com or visit the promoters’ website www.nutttravel.com and click on Motorcycle Festival.

Get a quote & WIN a £100 off your motorcycle insurance here!

Irish Superbikes Easter Festival Races, Bishopscourt, Down Patrick, County Down – 6th & 7th April

Adelaide sponsored the main race of the day, the Enkalon Trophy Race: Winner C Donald 2. L Johnston 3. D Robb 4. B McCormack 5. W Dunlop 6. S Thompson.

Adelaide Insurance Superbike race results: Winner C Donald 2. D Robb 3. L Johnson 4. A Archebald 5.  S Thompson  6.  N Percy

Adelaide Motorcycle Festival – 10th – 12th Feb 2012, King’s Hall, Belfast

Motorcycle Stars such as current British Superbike Champion Tommy Hill, Ian Hutchinson, and the newly crowned Enkalon Irish Motorcyclist of the Year (in association with Adelaide Insurance) and current British Supersport Champion Alastair Seeley were all at the launch of this year’s festival, giving interviews and chatting with the festival goers.

For pictures & latest updates the 2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival click here

Get a quote & WIN a £100 off your motorcycle insurance here!

Click here to see all the winners and images from the night! 

Get a quote & WIN a £100 off your motorcycle insurance here!

www.adelaidemotorcycleawards.com

Alastair Seeley collects the iconic Joey Dunlop Trophy from Adelaide's Director, Sam Geddis (left) and Enkalon's David Weir (right)

Alastair Seeley picked up the coveted Joey Dunlop Trophy at the Adelaide Motorcycle Awards as he was voted the Enkalon Irish Motorcyclist of the year in association with Adelaide Insurance at the star-studded ceremony in the Ramada hotel, Belfast on Friday 20th Jan.

Seeley, current British Supersport champion, was one of six riders shorted-listed for this iconic award and saw off the likes of Michael Dunlop and World Superbike star Eugene Laverty to win the public vote.

Click here to see Alastair interviewed straight after receiving his prestigious award.

Get a quote & WIN a £100 off your motorcycle insurance here!

Motorcyclists and enthusiasts are all welcome!

The Ancestors MCC have just announced details of two events that are not to be missed:

St Paddy’s Party – Sat 17th March

Venue: Ballynahinch Rugby Club

Entry: £5

Live music from the fantastic Sweatleaf with support TBC! Camping available, hard parking plus Peter’s chippy van & poteen punch for everyone!

Ancestors Rally – 3rd – 5th August

£10 rally patch and poteen shot on arrival to get the party started.

Live music on Friday night and a band outside on Saturday afternoon with 2 more in the evening. Hard parking available and great camping facilities with hot showers available on Saturday morning/afternoon. Peter’s chippy will be on hand for great food at good prices!

Kids under 12 go free and get a goodie bag (children are not allowed in the bar area after 7pm). Inflatable all day Saturday for the kids and big kids at heart!

Ride out on Saturday afternoon.

There will be stalls and a bike show on Saturday evening with trophies up for grabs!

Check out www.ancestorsmcc.com for updates

Held on the 30th of June to the 1st July. For more information about this event, please click here.

Aces & Eights Motorcycle Club welcomes all bikers and enthusiasts to two great events in Feb & May!

The Aces & Eights Motorcycle Club have just announced two great events in Feb and May for your diaries! Details below:

Charity Rock Night – Sat 25th Feb 2012

The Imperial Bar, Main Street Ballymoney, will host this charity event with music from the Red Velvetines. Admission is £6 and includes a free draw! Discount accommodation in Manor Hotel – Quote Aces & Eights Rock Night @ The Imperial Bar for booking discount. Tel: 02827 669 927

2nd Dead Mans Hand Rally – Fri 25th & Sat 26th May 2012

Ballymoney Rugby Club will host the 2nd Dead Mans Hand Rally in May of this year. There will be live music all weekend with Michael E Thomas headlining on Saturday night! Camping will be available as well as hot food, tattooists and trophies so it promises to be a great weekend for bikers and enthusiasts alike!

Venue: Ballymoney Rugby Club, Kilraughts Road, BT53 7HL

Admission: £10 per person

The Adelaide Motorycle Awards will be the first event in a full schedule of motorcycling events for 2012 brought to you by Adelaide Insurance Services

Congratulations to Ben Wadsworth who was drawn at random and won Adelaide’s December prize draw. Ben, from Berksire, won a £100 “Adelaide motorcycle insurance voucher.” With the new year now upon us, Adelaide will be drawing another winner at the end of this month. Keep up to date with this years events as there will be plenty to keep motorcyclists and enthusiasts busy this year, beginning with the Adelaide Motorcycle Awards on Friday 20th Jan at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.

Details of all our events can be found on the Adelaide website www.adelaideinsurance.com

Anyone wishing to purchase tickets can email tickets@adelaidemotorcycleawards.com

Or phone 07584058810.

Motorcycle star Ian Hutchinson will be one of the stars at the 2012 Adelaide Motorcycle Festival in the King's Hall, Belfast

Road race rivals John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson look set to enter into some verbal sparring early next year in Belfast.

The occasion is the annual Adelaide Motorcycle Festival which runs for three days starting on Friday, 10 February at the King’s Hall complex.

“Chat-shows are now an integral part of the Festival,” said organiser Billy Nutt on behalf of Nutt Promotions. “We are fortunate in securing such high profile names as McGuinness and Hutchinson.”

“We are currently in negotiations with other celebrities.”

Affectionately dubbed the Morecambe Missile, 39-year-old McGuinness was previously a brick layer but his speciality now is the Isle of Man TT where he has notched-up 17 wins.

A former 250 cc British champion, Supermac is expected to ride Hondas again in 2012.

So far as 32-year-old Hutchinson is concerned, he too is a TT specialist scoring an unprecedented five wins in one week in 2010.

But that particular season when he also had three Ulster Grand Prix wins ended in near tragedy for the Bingley Bullet who crashed on the opening lap of a Silverstone race where he was clipped by another machine and air-lifted to hospital.

During his period of recovery he had 16 operations and several skin grafts. His future as a road racer looked bleak.

But Hutchy has bounced back in style with a third place on his Swan-Yamaha at the recent Macau Grand Prix.

“So far as the exhibitors are concerned all the major manufacturers will be represented,” according to Nutt who is embarking on his 17^th Show.

“We will have Honda, Yamaha, Triumph, KTM, Ducati and Harley Davidson,” added Nutt. “Several of the road race teams will be launched during the Show.”

“Clothing specialists Clinton Enterprises will no doubt attract a lot of interest along with the Auto-Jumble which continues to grow each year.”

“We want to build on our outside activities and that includes the Trialstar team which performs daring stunts verging on the impossible!”

“The 2011 Festival was hailed by exhibitors and visitors as the best motorcycle festival ever. Exhibitors reported doing brisk business and many visitors came back for a second day.”

“So far as next year is concerned, the response so far from local dealers has been very encouraging.”

“What with 15,000 through the doors last February this is an opportunity not to be missed by both dealers and the biking public.”

“In fact there will be something for everyone, it’s that sort of Festival with the widest possible appeal.”

Motorcycle insurance specialist – Adelaide Insurance Services is back as the title sponsor for the eighth successive year in which they’re celebrating 20 years of investing in motorcycling!

Sam Geddis is the driving force behind Adelaide which is currently involved with the highly successful short circuit Masters Series at Mondello as well as the International Kells Road Races in Co Meath. Not forgetting the annual Adelaide Kells to Kells Ride-out from Kells Co Antrim to Kells Co Meath.

Make a note of the Festival dates: Friday February 10, Saturday February 11 and Sunday February 12—just the ideal build-up to St Valentine’s Day!

Check out footage from the 2011 show:

For further information contact Billy or Marty at Nutt Promotions on 028 7035 1199 or email billy@nutttravel.com or visit the promoters’ website www.nutttravel.com and click on Motorcycle Festival.

The magnificant "Great Hall" in the historic Parliament Buildings at Stormont

Adelaide Insurance Services paid tribute to customers, stakeholders and employees at their 20^th anniversary celebration in Parliament Buildings, Stormont on Friday 9^th December

It was a fitting venue for a company that’s proud of it’s Northern Irish roots, initially owned by Charles Hurst when it was founded in 1991 and since 1998 became part of Cornmarket Group Financial Services* – a subsidiary of Irish Life and Permanent plc. Adelaide’s importance within this group was evident by the guest turnout.

Left to right: Cornmarket Directors - Pat Hickey and Marc Evans, Cornmarket Chairman Michael O’Brien, Sam Geddis Director Adelaide Insurance Services, Cornmarket Managing Director Roddy Murphy, Robert Power Cornmarket Consultant, David Harney Chief Executive Irish Life Corporate Business.

Sam Geddis, Founder and Director of Adelaide Insurance Services stated:

“Now that we’ve come of age and going into our 21^st year, Adelaide’s future looks very positive. Our success is down to a solid foundation with the support from Cornmarket, the loyalty of our staff and the successful relationships we’ve cultivated with our business partners.  Our sound track record in both the UK and Republic of Ireland markets is paving the way for bigger and better things for Adelaide”

Other VIP guests included Adelaide’s long standing business partners:

Simon Best, Chief Executive, Institute of Advanced Motorists and Billy Nutt MBE who Adelaide have had a long association with through sponsorship of the Adelaide Motorcycle Festival.  The 2012 event takes place at the Kings Hall Belfast, 10-12 February. 

Teacher Unions: UTU’s General Secretary Avril Hall-Callaghan and the INTO’s Northern Secretary Gerry Murphy.

Michael McClean the UK Development Manager for RSA.

Also there was BikeSafe’s Co-ordinator Bill Holden who Sam first made contact with in 1997 in order to recognise bikers who’d successfully completed the BikeSafe assessment with further discounts on their motorcycle insurance.

More recently the “Adelaide Advanced Motorcyclists” group was formed enabling this group to get BikeSafe candidates to IAM advanced riding standard. VIP guest Inspector Gary McComb Chairman of the group was also there.

Last but not least all the Adelaide staff were invited in recognition of their incredible contribution to both the business and all the fund raising efforts they’d been involved in.

Adelaide Director, Sam Geddis, addresses guests in the impressive "Long Gallery" at Parliament Buildings

Some Adelaide staff pictured in the "Long Gallery" at Parliament Buildings, Stormont for Adelaide's 20th Anniversary celebration on Friday 9th December

The Adelaide Masters Series returns will return in 2012

Ireland’s premier Short Circuit Motorcycle Racing championship, the ‘Adelaide Masters Series’, is set to expand from four to five events for its second season, with the addition of the first round to take place away from Mondello Park.

The Mondello Park and Motorcycling Ireland Short Circuit committee promoted championship continues to be backed by Motorcycle Insurance Specialists Adelaide Insurance. Having had a very successful first season based entirely at Mondello Park, the organisers are delighted to be able to add an event at Bishopscourt Co. Down to the 2012 schedule.

Speaking at the announcement of the 2012 dates Mondello Park MD John Morris commented: “2011 was a terrific inaugural year for the Adelaide Masters Series and we’re delighted to continue with Adelaide Insurance in 2012 and expand to 5 events with Bishopscourt joining the fold.”

While Adelaide’s Director, Sam Geddis stated: “We are delighted that the 2012 ‘Adelaide Masters Series’ is coming to Bishopscourt in Northern Ireland. Given the success of the four events at Mondello Park last season, this expansion to five events underlines the strength and development of the series.”

Wilson McKibbin of Bishopscourt Circuit also commented, “The Directors and Management of Bishopscourt Racing Circuit Ltd are delighted to be hosting a round of the very popular, televised ‘Adelaide Masters Series’ in 2012, and look forward to working with Mondello Park and Adelaide Insurance.”

On top of its expansion to five events Mondello Park are also delighted to be able to announce an increase in TV coverage for the series. For 2012 the RPM Motorsport Adelaide Masters programmes will remain on UTV but will swap to a one hour, weekend slot.

As recently announced the Adelaide Masters Series will run to an Open Tyre formula for both the Overall and Cup classes allowing riders the freedom to use tyres from any manufacturer. Other changes to the format of the events are also being discussed and will be announced as soon as they are finalised.

Provisional 2012 Adelaide Masters Series Dates
April 21st/22nd – Mondello Park National Track
June 23rd/24th – Mondello Park National Track
August 18th – Bishopscourt
September 1st/2nd – Mondello Park National Track
October 6th/7th – Mondello Park International Track

2012 Adelaide Masters Series Starts to Take Shape!

Ireland’s premier Short Circuit Motorcycle Racing Championship, the Adelaide Masters Series, is set to continue into 2012 with renewed backing from Motorcycle Insurance Specialists Adelaide Insurance.

As a testament to the growing stature of the series, the championship’s TV coverage on UTV will expand to a one hour show from each event and will now be screened on Saturday or Sunday with indications that an afternoon slot will be provided.

The 2012 championship format will continue along similar lines to 2011, concentrating on the Superbike and Supersport classes. As is 2011 there will be a ‘Cup’ class within those series and additional support races will also be run. The championship schedule will expand to five events for its second season, with four race meetings at Mondello Park and the fifth event in Northern Ireland. Full details of the 2012 calendar are still being finalised and will be announced over the coming weeks.

While expanding to five events the organisers are also seeking to make the series more accessible to a greater number of riders and to cut costs for competitors and it is hoped that both entry and testing fees can be reduced for 2012.

In line with the championships’ previously stated position, the overall series will remain as an ‘Open’ tyre formula where riders are free to use whatever tyres they wish. For its second season, the ‘Cup’ class for Clubman riders, previously known as the Bridgestone Cup, will now also be an open tyre class and Mondello Park is looking forward to the increased competition between the major tyre brands.

It is hoped that the retention of the ‘Open’ tyre rules and an increase in prize money at each event, will help the series to continue to attract top-line riders to the circuit. The final two-day meeting will retain its now traditional larger prize fund, and the organisers will be working hard to attract an even more impressive line-up for this event.

Details of the calendar, prize fund, TV coverage and other aspects of the series are still being finalised and will be released in due course.

In addition to the Masters series events, Clubman racing will also be part of the 2012 Mondello Park calendar, with three events scheduled and these too will run to an open tyre format.

CONFIRMED DATES FOR 2012 ADELAIDE MASTERS SERIES

April – 21st & 22nd

June – 23rd & 24th

September – 1st & 2nd

October – 6th & 7th

Image courtesy of David Traynor

Congratulations to Finbarr Kennedy from Co. Cork who won Adelaide’s November prize draw! Finbarr won the €100 “Adelaide motorcycle insurance voucher” after he was drawn at random by a member of the Adelaide Motorcycle Team at the beginning of December. Well done Finbarr!

Members of the Randalstown Ladies Hockey Team who supported road safety by taking the Roadwise Advanced Driving Test in conjuction with Adelaide Insurance and the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)

Adelaide Insurance Services has teamed up with Randalstown Ladies Hockey Club in a sponsorship deal that sees Adelaide become the “official shirt sponsor” for all Randalstown Ladies Hockey teams. The deal will see Adelaide and Randalstown Ladies Hockey Club working together until the end of the 2013-2014 season. With this sponsorship agreement in place, Adelaide Insurance Services has been appointed as the “Official Insurance Service” for the Randalstown club offering, preferential insurance rates on car, home, motorcycle and travel insurance to it’s members.

For more information on Randalstown Ladies Hockey Club visit: www.randalstownhockeyclub.co.uk

For information on Ulster Hockey visit: www.ulsterhockey.com