Jorge Lorenzo to return at Silverstone

After suffering fractures to his T6 and T8 vertebrae during the Dutch GP, Jorge Lorenzo has elected to continue focusing on his recovery and will return for the British GP on August 25.

Jorge Lorenzo and the Repsol Honda Team have agreed it is best for Lorenzo to miss both the Czech and Austrian rounds to continue his recovery and avoid any further risk of injury. Having spent the summer break working on his recovery, Lorenzo’s condition has improved but he is still in some pain and his movement on a bike remains restricted. Silverstone has been set as his new objective for returning to riding for the Repsol Honda Team.

In his place, Stefan Bradl will again ride the RC213V in Repsol Honda Team colours. The German had been scheduled to wildcard at the Czech GP, but will now fill in for Lorenzo as he did at the Sachsenring

National Ploughing Championnships traffic plan for 2019 announced

Honda’s favourite event of the year is drawing nearer! The National Ploughing Championships is back in 2019 from September 17th – 19th. The event is at a new location this year – Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co. Carlow.

Honda Ireland will be back in action at the event with our ATV’s and Lawn Machinery ranges. Watch this space for our special prices for the event over the coming months.

The National Ploughing Association have announced the full traffic routes for the event;

BLUE ROUTE

Traffic travelling from Cork/Munster area

• Traffic travelling Northbound on the M8 will exit at Junction 4, Urlingford. Traffic will then proceed to Johnstown and Durrow via the R639.

• At Durrow traffic will proceed towards Ballyragget via the N77 and continue on the N77 to the Kilkenny.

• Traffic will travel on the Kilkenny ring road to the Hebron Road Roundabout turning left onto the N10, direction M9 Dublin/Carlow.

• Traffic will keep Left at the fork and join the M9 at Junction 8, signposted M9/Dublin/Carlow.

• Continue on M9 and exit at Junction 6, Powerstown and continue on R448 (Old Kilkenny Road) towards Carlow.

• Turn Right at Milford Cross to Ballyloo Cross Roads and continue onto Graiguenaspiddogue Cross.

• At Graiguenaspiddogue Cross turn right on the N80 and Blue Car Park entrance will be on the right.

Parking: Patrons on the Blue Route will be directed to the designated Blue Car Park on the right hand side. Traffic will also be directed to turn right at Fighting Cocks towards Nurney to the designated Blue Car Park where patrons will be parking on the left.

GREY ROUTE 

Traffic travelling from Wexford

• Traffic travelling from Wexford will travel on the N80 towards Bunclody.

• Traffic will enter Bunclody and continue straight through Bunclody towards Carlow.

• Traffic will continue through Ballon on the N80 and continue past Ballykealey House on the left.

• Traffic will be directed towards the event site.

Parking: Patrons on the Grey Route will be directed to the designated Grey Car Park on the left hand side.

YELLOW ROUTE 

Traffic travelling from Waterford

• Traffic travelling Northbound on the M9 from Waterford will exit at Junction 9, Danesfort. Traffic will then proceed towards Bennettsbridge.

• Traffic will proceed through Bennettsbridge and onto the Gowran Road.

• Traffic will be diverted right in Gowran and travel towards Goresbridge via the R702.

• Traffic will continue through Goresbridge to Borris and turn left at Kavanagh’s Public House onto the Fenagh Road.

• Traffic will continue to Fenagh and will be directed through the village of Fenagh to Lumcloon and onto the event site. Parking: Patrons on the Yellow Route will be directed to the designated Yellow Car Park on the right hand side.

BROWN ROUTE 

Traffic travelling from Limerick

• Traffic travelling Northbound on the M7 will exit at Junction 21, Borris-In-Ossory. Traffic will then proceed to Ballacolla via the R434.

• Traffic will turn left at traffic lights in Ballacolla and travel towards Abbeyleix via the R433.

• Traffic will turn left off the R433 in Abbeyleix and continue towards the traffic lights.

• Traffic will then turn right onto the Carlow Road, R430 and proceed towards The Swan.

• Traffic will travel through The Swan towards Newtown Cross.

• At Newtown Cross traffic will turn left and take an immediate right at Flemings Public House, signposted Carlow.

• At Molloys Cross, Tolerton, traffic will turn right onto the R431, signposted Castlecomer.

• Continue on the Castlecomer Road before taking a left onto the L3896, signposted Rossmore.

• Traffic will travel through Ballinabranagh towards Milford.

• At the T-Junction at Milford Lough trafffic will turn right, signposted Leighlinbridge and continue straight to the T-Junction with the R448, the old Carlow/Kilkenny Road, opposite The Arbouretum Garden Centre.

• Traffic will then turn left towards Leighlinbridge and then turn righ at the R705, signposted Leighlinbridge.

• Traffic will continue into Leighlinbridge before turning left onto the Tullow Road at The Lord Bagenal Hotel.

• Traffic will continue on the Tullow Road towards the Harrow Cross and onwards towards Nurney.

• Traffic will continue through Nurney Village and will be directed towards the event site.

Parking: Patrons on the Brown Route will be directed to the designated Brown Car park on the right hand side.

PURPLE ROUTE 

Traffic travelling from Dublin/Northern Route

• Traffic travelling from Dublin/M50 will travel on the M7, Naas, exiting onto the M9 at Junction 11, signposted Waterford/Kilkenny/Kilcullen.

• Traffic will continue on the M9 and exit at Junction 4, Prumplestown, signposted Carlow/Castledermot.

• Traffic will enter the roundabout and take the third exit and continue towards Carlow on the R448.

• Traffic will continue on the R448 to the roundabout at MSD and take the first exit, signposted Hacketstown/Tullow.

• Traffic will continue to the T-Junction with the Hacketstown Road and turn left travelling to Bennekerry Cross and turning right.

• Traffic will continue to next T-Junction at Kernanstown and turn right to Sion Cross.

• At Sion Cross traffic will turn left, signposted Rathoe.

• Traffic will continue to Kellistown Cross turning right, signposted Fighting Cocks and will be directed towards the event site. Parking: Patrons on the Purple Route will be directed to the designated Purple Car Park on the right hand side.

GREEN ROUTE 

Traffic travelling from Galway/West

• Traffic travelling from the West will exit M6 at Junction 5 and travel the N52 to Tullamore.

• Traffic will travel on the N52 to the Clonminch roundabout taking the first exit onto the N80, signposted Portlaoise/Mountmellick.

• Traffic will travel through Mountmellick towards Emo on the R422.

• Traffic will continue through Emo to New Inn Cross roundabout at Finline Furniture and turn left onto the R445, signposted Vicarstown.

• Traffic will continue past The Gandon Inn and take the second exit off the roundabout, following the signs for Vicarstown R422.

• Traffic will continue to Vicarstown, taking caution over the bridge, and continue along the R427 to the Cloney Cross Roads T-Junction with the R417.

• Traffic will then turning right and travel towards Kilberry as far as Bert Cross.

• At Bert Cross traffic will turn left onto the L8067 and continue to Russlestown Cross.

• Traffic will turn right at Russlestown Cross towards Athy.

• At the roundabout in Athy take the first exit, signposted Ballitore N78.

• Traffic will travel towards Ballitore/Timolin and turn right onto the Castledermot Road, R448.

• Traffic will continue through Castledermot and turn left at O’Neill’s Public House for Tullow.

• Traffic will continue through Killerrig Cross to Bohernabeakey T-Junction, turning right for Grangeford.

• At Grangeford T-Junction traffic will turn right and then left and travel to Rathoe.

• Traffic will travel through Rathoe and will continue towards Carlow Precast turning right onto the N80 and will be directed towards the event site.

Parking: Patrons on the Green Route will be directed to the designated Green Car Park on the right hand side.

ORANGE ROUTE 

Wicklow Traffic

• Traffic travelling on the N81 from the Blessington direction will continue to Baltinglass.

• Traffic will travel through Baltinglass to Rathvilly and continue on the N81 to Tullow.

• Traffic will travel through Tullow and over the bridge to Closh Cross on the N81.

• Traffic will turn right at Closh Cross onto the N80 and will continue through Ballon past Ballykealey House on the left.

• Traffic will be directed towards the event site.

Parking: Patrons on the Orange Route will be directed to the designated Grey Car Park on the left hand side.

*ALL RELEVANT JUNCTION AND CAR PARK ENTRANCES/EXITS WILL HAVE APPROPRIATE SIGNAGE AND WILL BE CONTROLLED BY GARDA PESONNEL.

Checklist for travelling to Ploughing 2019:

♣ Bus Eireann are running a shuttle service to meet people on trains coming in to Carlow Train Station

Bus Eireann Shuttle Bus fees:

€5 Children return ticket (under 16)

€9 Adult return ticket

€20 Family return ticket (2 adults & max. 3 children)

♣ If you are driving to the event we advise you to factor in at least double the normal journey time  due to heavy volumes of traffic

♣ Read the traffic plan and know the route you are travelling

♣ Bring drinks and snacks especially if you are travelling with children

♣ ‘FBD: Keeping You Safe’ child safety wristbands will be available at every entrance to the event and within the event grounds

♣ If you have a vehicle pass make sure it is clearly displayed on the front windscreen of your vehicle as vehicles not displaying passes clearly may be directed into outer car parks

♣ The NPA provide an un-serviced Campervan / Caravan parking site for the event, accessible from Mon 16th – Thurs 19th Sept. 2019. This site is for Campervan / Caravan parking only – pitching of  Tents not permitted. Online Campervan Registration for the event is available on www.npa.ie 

♣ It’s Autumn, it’s outdoor, it’s Ireland – dress for Irish weather

♣ Wear good footwear suitable for rough terrain

♣ Follow directional signage to venue – do not use GPS

♣ Note the colour of the over-head flying blimp and the number/colour /animal sign in your car park on entrance in order to find it easily on exit

♣ Download the Garda Traffic Map App and the Ploughing App for live event and traffic updates

♣ Event opens to the public at 9am and closes at 6pm

♣ Important contacts for traffic updates;

www.npa.ie, @npaie

www.garda.ie, @gardatraffic

www.theaa.ie, @aaroadwatch

WHERE IS THE PLOUGHING 

105 km from Dublin

190 km from Cork

265 km from Belfast

78 km from Rosslare

BE AWARE If you choose to drive instead of using the train or bus, expect traffic delays and try to avoid travelling during peak hours

BE PREPARED The ploughing is a fantastic family day and will be worth the wait but make sure you are prepared. Flash points – full tank of fuel, drinks, snacks, entertainment for the kids.

HERE TO HELP The Gardaí have the biggest concentration of Gardaí at the Ploughing than any other event so take their advice, follow the signs and have a great day.

Summer Clearance! Get up to €3000 off your favourite Honda bikes this summer

There come’s a time when a clear out becomes necessary, so to make room for our bright new shiny bikes coming at the end of the year we’re giving you big discounts on a range of motorcycles currently in stock.

Save between €800 – €3000 on a range of supersports, touring, street and adventure bikes this July.

First up we have €800 off the CB500F, CBR500R, both 2017 models.

Followed closely by €1000 off the 2017 CB650F, 2018 CBR650R and the CB1000R FOP

Then if you’re looking to pick up €2000 worth of savings you can on the CBR1000RA Fireblade, the CB1100 RS and the CB1000R STD

Finally you go can go for the mega saving of €3000 on the super hot CBR1000RR SP1

 

Grab any of these discounts at your local Honda Motorcycle dealership

 

*Terms and conditions apply. Limited stock available. Deposit must be received to hold any item. Honda Ireland reserve the right to withdraw offer at any time. Discounts available until July 31st 2019.

King of the Ring – Marquez makes it a perfect ten in Germany

Perfect strategy saw Marc Marquez continue his perfect pole to victory record at the GermanGP as Bradl achieved his goal of the top ten.

A gloomy start to proceedings at the German GP didn’t deter local fans who filled the grandstands of the Sachsenring from the early hours. Mixed conditions for morning Warm Up limited running time, but Marc Marquez was able to top the session with teammate Stefan Bradl ending a strong fifth.

With a characteristically strong start, Marquez led through Turn One as the lights went out for the 30-lap German GP. Back-to-back race lap records on lap four and five, a 1’21.228 on lap five his fastest lap, signaled that Marquez was not interested in a battling victory, the new race lap record helping him to stretch his lead to over half a second. From here there was no looking back as the reigning World Champion steadily built his lead to cross the line 4.5 seconds clear of second place for the 75th victory of his Grand Prix career and his 49th win in the premier class.

The victory is Marquez’s tenth straight win at the Sachsenring, a level of domination no other rider has achieved in the modern era. Today’s victory is Marquez’s seventh visit to the top step of the podium in the premier class at the German track, equalling Valentino Rossi’s record of straight wins at Mugello.

Stefan Bradl was author to a consistent race, lapping steadily in the mid 1’22s as he chased the group battling for the top ten throughout. The home rider took 11th place from Pol Espargaro late in the race and moved into tenth place soon after. This completed a successful weekend for Bradl, who replaced the injured Jorge Lorenzo, with the German and the Repsol Honda Team abele to achieve all of their main targets for the weekend.

Cal Crutchlow made it two Honda RC213V machines on the podium with a well-earned third place.

Marquez now heads into the summer break with 185 World Championship points, 58 ahead of second placed Dovizioso. The win also increases Honda’s lead in the Constructor Championship to 34 points over Ducati.

The MotoGP World Championship now enjoys a brief summer break before racing returns at the Czech GP, August 02 – 04.

New Honda HRX 537 for 2019

Brand new for 2019 Honda welcomes an updated HRX series.

 

Updates include:

  • New engines offer improved efficiency and easier starting
  • Honda’s premium HRX lawn mower range has been updated with new engines and additional features to increase user convenience.

The latest 4-stroke engines provide class-leading power and torque and an enhanced combustion
process improves fuel efficiency, reducing environmental impact and running costs, and ensuring
easy starting even after winter storage.

Automatic choke is standard with accurate temperature sensing for even better trouble-free starting
than before, whether hot or cold.

User servicing is improved including tool-free air filter replacement and a more accessible spark plug,
plus easier oil filling and draining. The petrol tank filler cap is more than twice as large as on previous
models, making it easier to refuel.

HRX537 53cm wheel-driven mowers gain additional power and efficiency as a brand new GCV200
engine replaces the previous GCV190 power unit. Models include the HRX537VYEHRX537HYE and the HRX537HZE with electric start.

Honda’s premium HRX mower range are all powered by dependable, clean and efficient 4-stroke petrol engines. Versions include push or self-propelled, wheel or roller drive, and user-friendly features available include electric start, Roto-stop blade clutch, single or variable speed and Versamow – allowing selectable mulching, collecting or a combination of both.

All the updated models are easily recognised by new HRX family styling, which is attractive and
practical and provides easy access for cleaning and maintenance by users and dealers.

Find out more on Honda’s Lawn and Garden machinery range or your local Authorised dealer.

Marquez extends championship lead after incredible Assen battle

Second place after a spirited battle at The Cathedral sees Marquez walk away with an even greater championship lead.

Somewhat cooler than predicted temperatures at the TT Circuit Assen, 44°C track temperature, added an extra challenge to the 26-lap Dutch GP. Losing a place off the line, Marc Marquez quickly worked to make up his lost position. A dramatic third lap soon had the reigning MotoGP World Champion back in podium contention.

On lap 11 Marquez pounced into the led again down the back straight but Viñales and Quartararo soon responded, a thrilling three-way breaking out. With his lead in the MotoGP World Championship on his mind, Marquez eased his pace towards the end of the race and settled into a solid second.

Collecting 20 valuable points, Marquez leaves Assen with a total of 160 World Championship points, 44 points clear of second placed Dovizioso. The result also maintains Honda’s lead in the Constructor Championship, now 22 points ahead of Ducati.

Before the start of the race, Kunimitsu Takahashi and Mick Doohan delighted the Dutch crowd as the sound of two-stroke machinery returned to Assen with a demonstration lap aboard the 1959 RC142 and the 1989 NSR500 to celebrate Honda Racing’s 60th Anniversary.

There’s not long to wait for the German GP which runs from July 05 – July 07. The Repsol Honda Team heads directly for Germany as Jorge Lorenzo continues his recovery after falling in FP1.