Memory jerker: Raymond McCullough (1) and Joey Dunlop (2) during their famous 1977 battles,

and their bikes will be seen again at Bishopscourt next weekend

Road racing legend Phillip McCallen will be fulfilling a dream when he stages next weekend's inaugural Classic Bike Festival Ireland, sponsored by GO Fuels, at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit.

Since North West 200 and Isle of Man TT hero Phillip put his plans into action, he has been inundated with a collection of the world's most famous racing machines, ridden by Tom Herron, Joey Dunlop, Barry Sheene, Kenny Roberts, Bob McIntyre, Malcolm Templeton, Raymond McCullough, Roger Marshall, Frank Kennedy, Neil Robinson, Richard Britton, Sammy Miller, Sam McClements, Ralph Bryans and William Dunlop.

Over the two days, these machines will be seen and heard in all their glory out on the track. Parades include Lightweight, 250/350GP, 500- 50 Superbikes, Classic and Road Bike classes.

There are also special dedicated tributes to the Armoy Armada, Dromara Destroyers and Tom Herron from the Golden Era of Irish motorcycle racing.

To commemorate the event, admission includes a souvenir programme with features on Mervyn Robinson, Tom Herron, Joey Dunlop, Phillip McCallen, Bob McIntyre, Sam McClements, Brian Steenson, Giacomo Agostini and the special guest attending the festival, Jon Ekerold from South Africa, the 1980 350cc World Champion and second placed finisher in the Senior TT of 1982.

This will be the biggest and best assembly of historical motorcycles, with a few stock cars and iconic cars included, never before seen in Ireland.

Meanwhile, Adam McLean is just one of dozens of motorcycle racers who have benefited from the work of the Injured Riders' Welfare Fund.

The Tobermore rider crashed out of the Supertwin race at the Tandragee 100 back in May, sustaining breaks to his right arm, collarbone, shoulder, pelvis, fingers and ribs.

"The ladies from the Fund called round to see me straight away," said the 23-year-old.

"They kept in touch with my mum and as I haven't been able to work since the crash, they provided me with financial support which was a great help."

Adam helped launch the Injured Riders' Welfare Fund as this year's nominated charity for the fonaCAB Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod and was joined by IRWF members Jan Simms, Shelia Sinton, Susan Lester and Sharon Neill.

Jan Simms said:

"Since we were established in 2003, we have supported all the riders who have been injured in Ireland plus any Irish riders who were hurt racing elsewhere. Over the last three years we have provided over £20,000 per year to those injured in crashes."

Although McAdoo Kawasaki rider McLean will not be racing at Dundrod, he has accepted the Clerk of the Course Noel Johnston's offer to take on a rider liaison role, giving guidance to newcomers about the UGP course.

Roy Harris