East Antrim’s Seeley and Barr help launch annual bike show

Special star guests Alastair Seeley, Martin Barr, Michael Rutter, along with world and European Kart champion Charlie Eastwood, recently helped launch the Adelaide Blackhorse Motorcycle Festival which takes place at the King’s Hall, Belfast next weekend (Feb 7-9).

The festival will have everything from the motorcycle and karting world worth seeing under one roof.

Alongside all the new models, classic machinery, displays and accessories, there will be a hot line-up of two-wheel stars to mingle and meet the thousands of fans.

Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Ducati, Suzuki, Harley Davidson, Triumph, KTM, Victory and Indian are amongst the manufacturers who will have their ranges on display.

There will be some special guests in attendance, so, apart from the bikes, it is always a good chance to speak to the stars.

Opening hours for the show are 2-10 pm Friday and 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Rea and pata Honda team ‘focused’

East Antrim rider Jonathan Rea and the Pata Honda team held their 2014 team launch at the Motor Bike Expo exhibition in Verona, Italy on Saturday.

“It was quite difficult at times in 2013 and the season ended badly in injury, but my leg feels OK now,” said the former Larne Grammar pupil. “It’s not quite 100 per cent and I have some discomfort walking on it, but on the bike it’s fine.

“This team feels like a family to me now. Knowing all the faces and how the team works helps me to get the best out of the package and the people around me. We all share the same goals but it feels like there’s been a change of mentality for this season – everyone is even more focused than usual.

“By the time we get to Phillip Island we will have tested a lot, and we’re really pushing hard, so I think that if anyone is in good shape to challenge at the front when the season starts, it’ll be me and my team.”