MOTORCYCLING: David Allingham and EHA Racing confirmed for Sunflower

The young Eglinton rider’s family-run EHA Racing Team will compete at Irish short circuit racing’s blue riband meeting for the first time, with Allingham’s team-mate Ross Twyman also making the trip.

At last weekend’s final round of the British Supersport Championship, 21-year-old Allingham wrapped up a terrific fourth place in the standings following an impressive year on the EHA Yamaha, which included two podium results at Snetterton and Assen.

The Northern Ireland rider made his debut at Bishopscourt last year but Allingham has raised his expectation levels this time and is intent on challenging for race wins in the Supersport class.

“I’m really looking forward to coming to the Sunflower this year on the EHA Racing Yamaha that I’ve ridden all year in the British Supersport Championship,” said Allingham, who works for the family business in Eglinton.

“Last year I don’t think I gave a great account of myself on my Bishopscourt debut but this time around I’m coming looking to win and if conditions are right, I’ll also be hoping to take the lap record. We don’t often get the chance to race at home so it will be a nice way to end the season.”

Allingham will be going up against fellow British Supersport rider Andrew Irwin from Carrick, who will also line-up as one of the pre-race favourites on the Gearlink Kawasaki along with compatriot Carl Phillips.

Canterbury’s Twyman will be making his debut at the Co Down circuit and intends to use the weekend as a learning experience, with a view to returning in 2017 better prepared for a crack at the top step.

“This weekend I’m really looking forward to riding at the Sunflower meeting as it will be good to race at a home event for EHA Racing,” he said.

“It’s a new track for me, so it would be nice to have a good solid weekend and end the 2016 on a confidence-building weekend ready for next year. Thanks to EHA for the opportunity.”

Both Allingham and Twyman have already been confirmed in the EHA Racing line-up for the 2017 British Supersport Championship.

British Superbike stars Glenn Irwin (Be Wiser Ducati) and Tyco BMW’s Christian Iddon are among the big names gunning for glory in the feature Sunflower race, when they will go up against Essex man Danny Buchan, who is bidding for a third consecutive win.

Practice takes place on Friday with morning warm-up on Saturday from 9.30am.