MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship contenders were celebrated at the Irish Motorcycle Awards ceremony in Belfast last night (Friday) as they were recognised for their outstanding performances during the 2011 season.

Reigning British Supersport champion Alastair Seeley was the biggest winner of the evening as the 'Wizard' was awarded the Joey Dunlop Trophy for the first time. The accolade of Irish Motorcyclist of the Year is voted for by members of the public and he fought off WSB race winner Eugene Laverty and road racer Michael Dunlop to lift the award. Seeley also won the award for the Race of the Year following his epic battle with fierce rival Ben Wilson at Brands Hatch.

Seeley said: "It was a great evening and I feel very proud to have won the Awards. It is definitely an honour to have received the Joey Award as he was always a hero of mine. I need to thank everyone that voted and all of the TAS Racing team, now I am looking forward to getting back out in BSB."

Seeley's TAS Racing team were also recognised for their title win in the British Supersport class and race wins with Josh Brookes in BSB as they took the Team of the Year Award, whilst Michael Rutter was also at the ceremony as he collected the International Achievement Award. Metzeler National Superstock 600 champion Keith Farmer secured the Black Horse Merit Award whilst 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike champion Tommy Hill celebrated the Outstanding Achievement Award for his title win.