Ballymoney race ace William Dunlop has confirmed that his 125 and 250cc Honda racebike will be backed by the long-standing Ballygowan & District Motorcycle Road Racing Club in 2009.

Dunlop, who will have his Hondas supplied by PJ Flynn, will have the added bonus of the Ballygowan Clubs backing, a move which William said was vital for his 2009 Irish and International Road Racing assault.

"This has just came at the right time for me. This deal was all down to Willis Marshall, who had made the initial steps in approaching the Ballygowan Club, and from there on he set the wheels in motion," said Dunlop.  

"I met with a delegation from the Ballygowan Club on Sunday at La Mon House Hotel, and the deal was thrashed out there and then on the table. I know a little about the vlub, and from what I know they are a great bunch of lads who are committed to road racing.

"With everyone struggling to obtain sponsors in 2009, this comes at just the right time. My 250cc Honda is currently over with Mark Kneen in England where it is being totally rebuilt, and I will pick it up next month as I head of for pre-season testing in Spain. I am indebted to the Ballygowan Club for their help, and much needed help at that, and I can reassure them that I will repay them with good results as the season quickly approaches."

Bobby Jackson, Ballygowan & District Club Chairman, added: "We are delighted to have William as our rider in 2009. We had invited applications from several riders with regard to sponsorship in 2009, and Williams application fitted the best of all.    

"William is a talented rider, and a young rider, who we are confident will produce the results on his 125 & 250cc Hondas. We are also very grateful to PJ Flynn who owns the bikes, with Paddy making our involvement with William very easy, and to Willis Marshall for setting the deal up."