An exciting new exhibition opens this week in Ballymoney Museum which is certain to attract motorcycle fans from across the world. "Road Racing Nation" celebrates the champions from Northern Ireland who have dominated road racing through the decades and shows how Ulstermen have led the way since the sport began almost a century ago.

The exhibition includes the stories of legends such as Artie Bell, Sammy Miller, Ralph Bryans, Tommy Robb, Tom Herron and Phillip McCallen. A major part of the display focuses on the Dromara Destroyers (Ian McGregor, Ray McCullough, Brian Reid and Trevor Steele) and the Armoy Armada (Jim & Joey Dunlop, Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy) who battled on the roads during the 1970s and became firm favourites with the fans. Robert and Joey Dunlop feature prominently in the exhibition and it is a rare opportunity for road racing enthusiasts to see bikes, leathers, helmets, trophies and other memorabilia belonging to North Antrim's famous motorcycling heroes.

The exhibition has been generously supported by riders and collectors who contributed material for display and Ballymoney Museum would like to thank everyone who has helped put it together.

On 13 & 14 May there is an additional attraction when Ballymoney artist Lee Robinson presents a brief art exhibition called "A Brush With Speed". Lee is renowned for his paintings of some of Ireland's most famous road racing heroes. This will be a unique opportunity to see all his work brought together in one room and it is certain to appeal to the thousands of bikers who come to the North West 200 every year. The pictures include riders past and present painted on canvas and, uniquely, as a motif on a Lambeg Drum! Along side Lee's work will be contributions from other acclaimed local artists, all on the subject of road racing.

"A Brush with Speed" is only on display 13 & 14 May. "Road Racing Nation" runs until the 28 August. For further information contact Ballymoney Museum, Ballymoney Town Hall, Townhead Street, Tel: (028) 2766 0230. Opening hours 9am-5pm Monday - Thursday & Saturday, 9am-4.30pm on Friday. Special opening on Sunday 16 May, 1pm-5pm. Admission is free.