Ryan Farquhar, one of the world’s most esteemed and successful road racers of recent years, is to be honoured with a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
The Northern Irishman receives the award for his ‘services to motorcycling’ (a category we can definitely get behind) in a career that has seen him secure three Isle of Man TT wins, five North West 200 victories and nine Ulster Grand Prix triumphs.
Farquhar’s recognition will be viewed with a combination of admiration and surprise given motorcycle racing still skirts on the edges of mainstream promotion and broadcasting, meaning it often gets overlooked when accolades are judged across a broad spectrum of disciplines.
Nonetheless, Farquhar is just one of a string of motorcycle racers to have brought success far exceeding the relative population of Northern Ireland over the years, ensuring two-wheel sport retains a huge following in one of the sport’s heartlands.
Indeed, Farquhar says he was completely taken aback by the news of his award, saying it is ‘very special’ to have his achievements recognised in such a high-profile manner outside of the sport itself.
"I never ever dreamed I would receive an accolade like this. I'm just an ordinary person doing a bit of road racing so to be acknowledged for my achievements is very special," said Farquhar.
"Motorcycle racing in general, and particularly road racing, doesn't generally get the recognition of other sports a lot of the time.
"There have been many different riders over the years who I thought would receive more recognition for what they have done so I am very proud to be recognised in this way."
In all, Farquhar has clinched an incredible total of 357 road race victories and is a multiple Irish champion. He has since gone on to dovetail his riding duties with running his own KMR Racing team.
