Temple club’s Philip Wylie Memorial is big success

Temple club’s Philip Wylie Memorial is big success

23 November 2022

TEMPLE Motorcycle Club are delighted with the success of the Philip Wylie Memorial Supermoto event in aid of Air Ambulance NI.

Some of Ireland’s finest Motorbike Riders descended upon Nutts Corner last Saturday for The Philip Wylie Memorial Supermoto. 

Philip was honoured by his fellow sportsmen and friends and remembered by all at the charitable event hosted by The Temple Motorcycle & Athletic Club with all proceeds going to Air Ambulance NI.

The sport of Supermoto requires ability on a track that combines the fast grip of the tarmac with great skill on the shale; riders must alternate masterfully between the rough and the smooth. 

It requires a certain level of controlled aggression, close contact and trust among riders to hold their own in the race.

Champion on Saturday, Richard Kerr will be the first Supermoto rider to have his name etched on the Philip Wylie Cup. 

He also joins a roster of famous riders as victor of the David Jeffries Cup, first winner since Philip Wylie took the title in 2017. 

Taking first place in the SM1 Class to boot it seems there is no stopping this talented rider, Kerr provided thrills and spills, still he kept his cool, and proved to be a worthy overall winner on Saturday.

Never far from Kerr’s tail was Scott Swann, who took second place in the Philip Wylie Cup, David Jeffries Cup and SM1 Class. 

Swann gave his friend and opponent a run for his money throughout the day’s racing. Having grown up around Philip Wylie it was an important day for Swann and Wylie would have been proud with his performance in the race.

Coming in a close third place in the cup races and SM1 Class challenging the leaders time and again was number 85 Jordan McCord, a contender at every level. 

Josh Cunningham came in fourth overall and motocross champion Jason Meara a respectable fifth.

The SM2 Class was won by Chris Lewers, with Paul Graham in second and Ciaran Connolly in third. 

The production bikes saw Jack Neill take the win over Michael Houston and Jeff McAuley.

Riders drifted through corners before tucking behind invisible visors into the straights. 

They rallied and rattled through the rough shale sections, skidding onto the tarmac with gravel filled wheels falling and stalling; they continued to race providing a thrilling spectator experience.

The pit bikes too brought excitement and entertainment. Callum Clint ruled the day with Matthew McCord battling to take second place from Mark Todd, who finished third.

Number 14 Justin Reid set the pace in all three Quad Class races with Paul Edgar and Tommy Muldoon chasing him down. 

They clipped the kerbs and burnt rubber broad-sliding through corners. The battle was mighty with Comber man Reid ultimately winning, leaving Edgar in second and Muldoon in third.

Car parks overflowed with a wealth of spectators, supporters, fans and families who lined the track in support of Supermoto, the charity and the riders.

John Reid, Philip Wylie’s mechanic, led a parade lap on Philip’s bike around Nutts Corner track in memory of his close friend. 

It was a great mark of remembrance and respect for Philip and for his family who were present and involved throughout the day.

The Temple Motorcycle & Athletic Club wish to extend their gratitude to the riders and all in attendance for supporting the event and such a worthy cause.

Thank you to club secretary Mark Harrison, who worked tirelessly to bring the event together, to all the club’s members and as always to the race officials, volunteer marshals, scrutineers, timekeepers and medics. 

Races would not run without these unsung heroes.

Special thanks to the Wylie family, Nutts Corner kart track, the sponsors, advertisers and the press.

The Temple Motorcycle Club are delighted to have ended their race season as successfully as it began and anticipate a full calendar of motorcycle events next year.