ULSTER TRANSPORT MUSEUM’S RACE BIKE DISPLAY EVOKES FAMOUS HISTORY OF THE BRIGGS EQUIPMENT NORTH WEST 200

Visitors from near and far to the 2024 Briggs Equipment North West 200 can explore some of Northern Ireland’s road racing history with a visit to The Driven Gallery at Ulster Transport Museum where they will find seven motorbikes that were raced by some of Northern Ireland’s road racing legends.

Originally owned and restored by motorsport enthusiast Ivor Skelton, the bikes date from the 1970s to 2010s and were raced on some of Northern Ireland’s most famous road circuits including the North West 200.

North West race winner, Jeremy McWilliams joined Northern Ireland Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons and NW200 race boss, Mervyn Whyte during a visit to the gallery to hear about the history of these famous machines.

All of the bikes are connected to some of the most well-known racers in road racing history, including Ballymoney brothers, Joey and Robert Dunlop. Joey’s 1978 Yamaha TZ250E and Robert’s 1986 Special Honda RS125RW are part of the new display.

A Yamaha F1R1 1000cc was a race winner Philip McCallen at the Tandragee 100 before the former North West 200 winner’s retirement.

Also included in the display are a 1977 Spondon Yamaha TZ250 raced by the late, great Tom Herron on the famous north coast Triangle course and a McAdoo GSXR 1000 Suzuki first raced by Ryan Farquhar in the 2003 North West 200.

Alongside these machines are a 1987 RS Honda 125 owned by another NW200 star, Owen McNally and a 1976 Maxton Yamaha TZ350 owned and raced by Frank Kennedy of Armoy Armada fame.

“Road racing is a sport synonymous with Northern Ireland and the Northwest 200 is a cornerstone of this sporting legacy.” Clare Ablett, Curator of History at National Museums NI, says.

“Whether connected to racing, engineering or endurance, the stories featured in our Driven Gallery are those of ambitious people who made incredible contributions to Northern Ireland and were destined to succeed. People whose stories will inspire our audiences.”

The Driven Gallery at 153 Bangor Rd, Cultra, Holywood BT18 0EU is open 10am-5pm Tuesday until Sunday, closed on Mondays.