LARNE rider Glenn McCormick successfully defended his Brian Bell Memorial Motocross title after another impressive display at the Miller Oils Laurelbank Motocross Park.
The Temple Motorcycle Club’s flagship event had been postponed by a fortnight due to heavy rain, but favourable weather and a strong entry ensured a memorable evening of racing as riders from across Northern Ireland battled for one of the sport’s most prestigious local honours.
McCormick laid down an early marker by winning the opening Group A race ahead of Seaforde’s Nathan Green, with local rider Niall Cregan third. Jordan McCaw bounced back to win the second race, setting up a thrilling finale.
However, McCormick sealed victory in the final race, holding off Green, while Cregan finished third and McCaw fourth. The overall Group A standings saw McCormick take first place ahead of Green, Cregan and McCaw.
Competition was equally fierce in the Clubman classes.
In Group One, Colin Davidson claimed overall honours after winning two of the three races. Andrew Kelly finished second overall, Alex Dugan was third and Brian Bell – nephew of the late Brian Bell – took fourth place.
Group Two was dominated by James Milligan, who won all three races to secure the overall title. Ethan Brown finished runner-up, with Jake Boyd completing the top three.
The highlight of the evening was the eight-lap Brian Bell Memorial race, featuring the fastest 30 riders from the night’s competition.
As defending champion, McCormick faced stiff opposition from across the province but once again proved the rider to beat, retaining the coveted title for the second consecutive year.
Nathan Green finished second, followed by Niall Cregan in third. Jordan McCaw and Scott Hamilton completed the top five.
The Brian Bell Memorial has been a fixture on the local motocross calendar since 1969 and remains one of the sport’s most sought-after titles.
Temple Motorcycle Club thanked the Bell family for their continued support, Gerard O’Neill for preparing the circuit, St John Ambulance, race officials, marshals, volunteers and sponsors for helping make the event another success.
