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February 27, 2009

Mondello Park Launches 2009 Masters

Mondello Masters Motorcycle RacingMondello Park will formally announce the 2009 Mondello Masters series at the Irish Motorcycle Show in Dublin this weekend. Two of the top competitors from 2008, Alastair Seeley and Jack Kennedy, will be present on the Mondello Park stand on Sunday afternoon to launch year two of the popular Masters series.

Following on from the three race programme which was introduced last season, the Masters will this year take place over two race weekends. The short series will start with the opening Mondello bike event of the season on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of March while the second race will then take place on October 3rd and 4th, at the final event of the season.

The 2009 Mondello Masters will once again offer riders the biggest prize fund in Irish Short Circuit racing. While mainly targeting Irish riders and teams competing on the BSB package or in the Irish Superbike Championship, the series has also attracted a number of road race specialists in the past, with thee likes of Cameron Donald, Michael Dunlop and Gary Johnson joining the circuit regulars. Along with these big names form the Irish scene the races are also open to any overseas competitor who feels they could take the fight to the locals.

The 2008 series was a whitewash for Carrickfergus racer Alastair Seeley who took the Lions share of the prize money and the bonus for winning all three races. Seeley is set to return to Mondello for the big money events in 2009 and these two races will more than likely be his only ISB appearances of the season. Also committed to a return, and to knocking Seeley off the top step will be Dubliner Jack Kennedy. Kennedy will run a Supersport machine which should be able to match Seeley’s Superbike on the Mondello National circuit where both races will take place. Running the events on the National circuit will also be a bonus for spectators as the shorter layout offers much better viewing options.

The prize fund for this season’s Masters races will once again be supplied by Mondello Park and the race organising clubs. The top prize remains at €3,000 with prize money being paid down to sixth place while new for this season will be bonus awards for pole position and fastest lap. Dunlop Tyres will also continue to supply awards to the top finishers using their rubber in each of the Masters races.

Another new feature of the 2009 Masters series will be that the main event will take place entirely on the Sunday of the two day ISB programme. Previously qualifying took place on Saturday but for 2009 qualifying will be scheduled for Sunday morning with the race remaining as the highlight of the afternoon programme complete with its grid interviews and podium presentations.

To keep fans up to date with news of the Masters series and all other events at Mondello Park the circuit have introduced a free Text and Email alert service. To find out more about the masters and to register for updates go to the Mondello Park web site www.mondellopark.ie.