Big crowds as Race of the South returns to Walderstown
Michael Dunlop cemented his status as one of the top race racers of his generation when he won three events at the Race of the South on Sunday, but Walderstown was about much more than one star rider.
The sun shone on the riders and the estimated crowd of 3,500 over the weekend, and everyone was in great form, from the riders and their pit crews to the marshals – courteous to the end – and the spectators whose enthusiastic presence makes the atmosphere so agreeable.
The results from the return of racing to Walderstown after a four-year gap show that Dunlop is the top man; he won the Open race, on his MD Racing BMW ahead of pole man Michael Sweeney (MJR BMW), and Derek McGee on the Burrows Engineering/RK Racing BMW. It was a great result for Mullingar man McGee , who hadn’t raced since an accident at a track in the Netherlands last year, and had only a brief test on the bike the week before Walderstown.
Dunlop also won the Supersport 600 and the grand final.
Michael Halpin, chairperson of Fore Motor Cycle Racing Club, who organise the Race of the South, was exhausted and delighted afterwards. He estimated turnout at 3,500 and thinks that will be enough for the club to break even on the cost of running the event.
Given the huge expense involved, particularly for insurance, that is a successful outcome and should secure the event in future years.
On behalf of the club, Michael expressed gratitude to all involved in the safe, successful running of the weekend. He praised the marshals and stewards, reiterated thanks to Westmeath County Council for resurfacing sections of the track, plus Minister of State Robert Troy, for his support in having that done.
He added thanks to the residents who live on the roads that comprise the track and the roads leading to it, and the spectators for respecting the instructions of the marshals.
Michael had a special thank-you for Buddy Farrell, who performed official race starter duty. Buddy is 83 years of age and he travelled from his home in Dublin for the weekend, which Michael and the club were delighted with, as Buddy was also race starter 40 years ago when the event took place in Fore.
Derek McGee, a previous winner at Walderstown, and an eight-time national champion in road racing, was pleased with his results on his comeback.
"I really enjoyed the event, and it was great to see all the local support. Overall, it was a good weekend with the results we had. I enjoyed working with the new bikes and team," he said.
Derek’s results were, third in the Superbike race, fifth in the Supersport and fourth in the Grand Final.
His team, Burrows Engineering/RK Racing said it was a "solid return to road racing action" for Derek. "We were under no illusions how difficult this would be jumping in mid-season after a year off a bike. The main thing is we have gathered lots of data on the roads and have a great platform to build off. Thanks to all our team who made the trip to Walderstown and for all your support during the weekend."
Glasson man Paul Fallon wasn’t completely happy with his superbike during practice on Saturday, but he was enjoying the weekend with his wife Katrina and son Liam, and was happy with his performances in the races on Sunday.