16/06/2026
West Cork Motorcycle Club Drag Race 2026 – Race Report
After a four-year absence, it was fantastic to see the West Cork Motorcycle Club Drag Race return in 2026. For many of us, this event is far more than just a race meeting—it's a tradition, a reunion, and one of the highlights of the Irish motorcycle calendar. The atmosphere all weekend reminded everyone why this event has always held such a special place in Cork motorsport.
While I wasn't entirely happy with my own setup this year due to the rule changes, the rules apply equally to everyone, and that's just part of the sport. My passion for this event runs deep, and more than anything, I want to see it continue to grow and become accessible to anyone who wants to come along and have a go. The more people we can encourage to compete, the stronger the event becomes.
One of the standout things from the weekend was the level of help and support from everyone involved. The effort put in during both the morning setup and the evening pack-down was incredible to see. It really showed the spirit that makes this event special. Long may that continue.
This year I decided to run two bikes. In the lead-up to the event, I had offered my 1216cc draw-through turbo bike to a few people, but I don't think anyone believed I was serious—or maybe they were afraid! Thankfully, Stephen wasn't. Testing the night before wasn't ideal, with a fuel leak from the tank causing headaches. During the week I had also noticed the engine wasn't sounding quite as clean as it should, but after fitting a fresh set of spark plugs it came back to life and sounded brilliant again. Looking back, I just wish I'd managed to sort a shorter swingarm for it.
Unfortunately, race day didn't go quite to plan. A wire came loose from the clutch switch and caused problems, and later it began showing signs of fuel starvation at the top end. Rather than risk damaging it, we decided to park the bike for the day.
One thing that gave me great satisfaction was the Fastest Air/Oil-Cooled Bike trophy I had made the trophy myself, and in a twist of fate Stephen went out and won it on my bike. Congratulations Stephen—you weren't afraid to ride it, and you earned it.
As for my GSX-R1000 K6, I still can't decide whether I chose violence or the bike chose it for me. I'm literally black and blue, sore all over, with battered hands and legs to prove it. Looking back at some of the videos afterwards and seeing the reactions from people watching me head up the strip was priceless. Some might look at it and think it appears out of control—I look at it and see pure fun.
The K6 performed brilliantly throughout qualifying, securing the number one qualifying position. In the knockout rounds, Stephen was first up before I progressed to the final against the legend himself, Mr. Ted "The Business Man" Brady. As I rolled into the burnout box, I heard the dreaded sound of a boost pipe popping off. I still pulled towards the line hoping for a miracle, maybe even a red light from Ted, but Ted wasn't going to give me that opportunity. That was the end of my day.
Like life and drag racing, you only get one crack at it.
Despite not getting the final result I wanted, it gave me great pleasure knowing I had clearly brought the fastest bike to the event, and I believe I was the fastest club member on the day, although I never actually saw the final times.
I also want to thank everyone who wished me well throughout the day and those who took the time to send messages online afterwards. I heard every one of them, and I genuinely appreciate the support. This year, though, I was trying my best to drown out some of the noise and focus on enjoying the event.
WestCork Mcc Team Gixxer Ireland Ted Brady McLean Racing Stephen Tobin Stephen Daly Tyler O'Driscoll Motorcycling Ireland Melissa Viola Ann O Donovan Denis Karol Davern Matthew Hedderman Conor Mccarthy Calum O'Brien
A special thank you goes to my son Tyler, who really stepped up this year. He's probably the only person I trust now to prep the bike between runs, and he did an outstanding job all weekend.
Thanks also to my family and, of course, Melissa, for listening to me complain, analyse, overthink, and generally talk about drag racing for 364 days of the year while waiting for the next one to come around.
Most importantly, a huge thank you to the club and the core group of people who refused to let this event disappear. Despite all the challenges and obstacles, they kept pushing forward to make sure the West Cork Motorcycle Club Drag Race returned. Conor, Elaine, Jerome, Calum and Viola deserve enormous credit for everything they have done.
Finally, it was brilliant to see so many first-time spectators and newcomers around the paddock. You could actually see the moment they understood why this event has become so popular in Cork over the years. Hopefully they'll go away, tell their friends and family, and bring even more people along next time.
The West Cork Motorcycle Club Drag Race is back where it belongs.
Roll on 2027.
Gob fluich agus bás in Éirinn 💚🤍🧡
