Bike clubs put their wheels together for major fundraising drive
With road racing set to return this year after a three year absence, Kells Road Races is among seven clubs who have come together to launch 'Two Wheels Lotto' an initiative to generate much needed funds to support their sport and get the show back on the road for 2026.
Assistant Chairman and PRO Dave McCabe said the reaction to their recent announcement that the 'CC’s Unlimited Kells Road Races' are back this year has been brilliant. "We had a fantastic turnout of members old and new to our February meeting which shows that the hunger and passion for road racing here in North Meath is very much alive. We are absolutely delighted to announce that CC’s Unlimited in Kells are back on board as our title sponsor for 2026 - their support over the years has been- and continues to be- outstanding.
"Planning is now in full swing and things are starting to move fast in all areas, from the administrative mountain to climb to the huge logistical and organisational workload but we have a strong experienced team to get the job done. These events simply don’t just happen, they take months upon months of planning, commitment and dedication.
He said they are always looking for new members to come along to their monthly meetings and share any ideas or whatever assistance they can offer.
"Unless it’s experienced first hand, it can be hard to comprehend the sheer amount of work that goes on in the background to run a road race but absolutely none of it would be possible without the support of our fantastic residents in Crossakiel, our sponsors, club members and supporters so a huge thank you to all."
To help with the costs of staging this year's road racing events around the country, clubs have come together to launch their The Two Wheels Lotto with a guaranteed jackpot of €20,000 each week.
"The idea of the lotto is for it to become a steady source of income for the clubs involved. It is the only way to future proof the sport and make it sustainable," said Dave.
"To put it into context- for our road race in Crossakiel, we are looking at a cost increase in the region of 30 per cent since we last ran in 2022 and that’s before taking insurance into consideration - this is due to inflation and is simply not sustainable.
"We really need everyone to get behind the lotto initiative and support it by buying in. The lotto is not just for motorcycle fans, it has been designed to appeal to everyone, with a guaranteed available weekly jackpot of €20,000. There are lots of different lotto’s out there but I dont believe that many of them give people the chance of winning €20,000 every week!
"Even if the jackpot goes next week, it will be straight back up to €20,000 the for the next draw the following Wednesday. The draw itself is done by an independent adjudicator. It’s a low cost lotto with a big weekly jackpot. Tickets cost €5 for three lines with options to subscribe or purchase in blocks for a lower rate and can be purchased via the QR code."
Kells Road Races own main fundraiser is their annual event 'Ireland’s Largest Rideout' which takes place at Park Rí, Kells, on Sunday 12th April with thanks to ParkRí for the use of their truck stop to fill with as many bikes as possible.
For the last few years, the funds generated at this event went to local charities but this year Dave explained that the funds will go directly towards the running of their Crossakiel event in June.