The inaugural Sam McBride Memorial Motocross was held at the Miller Oils Laurelbank circuit with the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop. Temple Motorcycle & Athletic Club hosted the evening event in May, drawing competitors from across Ireland.

Lennox Dickinson from Coleraine won the featured memorial cup race after a prolonged duel with Nathan Green from Seaforde. The two riders exchanged the lead for nearly seven laps before Dickinson made a decisive pass on the eighth lap. Green finished second, Jordan McCaw took third, David Anderson fourth and local rider Ben Kennedy fifth.

In the support races, Dickinson also dominated Group A with two race wins, holding off Green. Niall Cregan took third, Jordan McCaw fourth, and James Mackrel placed fifth riding a Stark Varg electric motocross bike.

Group B victory went to Jordan McMullan of Saintfield, who took second place in both of his races to top the points standings. Mark Burns finished second overall, James Milligan third, James Wright fourth and Jack Shepherd fifth. Group C was won by Tom Wright with two clear wins, ahead of Aaron Milligan, Ryan Donnelly, Cameron Young and Stuart Quinn.

The Evo class saw Ben Kennedy win both races, overcoming challenges from Nathan Donnelly. Adam Donnelly took third overall. Adrian Lappin won the Classic class.

During the Group B racing, Brian Bell, nephew of the late Brian Bell, ran among the front runners. His uncle’s memorial race returns to the same circuit on Wednesday, June 10. The Brian Bell Memorial has been held annually since his death in 1969. Last year’s winner was Glenn McCormick of Larne. Racing begins at 6pm, with admission at £5 and free entry for those under 16.

Temple Motorcycle & Athletic Club thanked competitors, spectators, volunteers, marshals, timekeepers, event officers, the first-aid team, Roy Neill and sponsor Complete Fleet Solutions for their contributions.