There were impressive performances and clear signs of progression for both Liam and James at the Cookstown 100, with strong lap times, increasing speeds and a podium finish highlighting a competitive weekend on the roads. Liam began his campaign in Race 3, the Open A Invitation Superbike class, starting from P18 on the CRSC Suzuki. Despite the grid position, he settled into a solid rhythm, recording a best lap speed of 81.220 mph and a fastest lap of 1:33.08, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
In Race 4, the Supersport A event, Liam showed a clear improvement in pace after qualifying P12. He maintained an average speed of 81.195 mph and increased his best lap speed to 82.676 mph, underlining his growing confidence. However, his race ended prematurely following a false neutral, which led to a trip into the Orritor hedge. Fortunately, both rider and machine escaped without injury.
Liam returned for Race 7 in the Supertwin class aboard the Jack Reid Cars KMR Kawasaki, continuing his upward trajectory. After qualifying with a 1:33.48 lap, he improved significantly in race conditions, posting a best lap of 1:32.73 and reaching a top speed of 81.523 mph. Consistently lapping in the 81 mph range and averaging 80.24 mph, he secured a solid ninth place finish, with his pace suggesting further gains are well within reach.
James, meanwhile, delivered a series of standout performances across multiple classes. In Friday’s Race 3 Open Invitation Superbike event, he secured eighth place on the Lyonara Cold Stores BMW, setting a best lap speed of 86.987 mph and a fastest time of 1:26.91.
His highlight of the meeting came in Race 7, the Supertwin race, where he qualified sixth on the RL Racing Aprilia before producing an excellent ride to claim third place. A best lap of 1:30.71 and a top speed of 83.342 mph not only secured a podium finish but also marked a milestone result as it was RL Racing’s first appearance at the Cookstown 100 and their first podium on the roads.
In Race 10, the Open A event, James continued his strong form on the LCS CRSC BMW. Running competitively in sixth position, he posted a best lap of 1:25.44 at an impressive 88.490 mph. The race was later red flagged and declared, confirming his sixth place finish.
He rounded off the meeting in Race 15, the Cookstown 100 A race, with another determined ride to sixth place. Under sustained pressure from Kernohan and Gilbert, James maintained consistent lap speeds of around 88.4 mph and recorded a best lap of 1:25.45. Holding his position to the finish, he demonstrated both pace and composure to conclude a highly successful outing.
Overall, the event showcased Liam’s continued development and improving speed, while James combined consistency with outright pace to secure a podium and multiple top six finishes in a competitive field. Liam’s best result of the meeting was a ninth place finish, underlining a weekend of steady progress and growing confidence on the roads.
The team also extended thanks to their personal sponsors including Chawkie Racing Supporters Club, Lyonara Cold Stores, Crushing Services Australia, WR Shaw, 547 Motors, Blair International, Ken Ryan Tyres, Leatrans and Cara Motorhomes, whose continued backing helps keep the wheels turning, as well as to the entire team for their hard work and support throughout the weekend. Attention now turns to the next challenge, the North West 200.
