NW200 authority amongst lobby that wants to charge admission to events

A MOTORSPORTS lobby including the body that authorises the North West 200 has met with the Roads Minister Danny Kennedy with a view to changing the law to allow organisers charge admission fees for events.

A spokesperson for DRD Roads Service confirmed that Roads Service met with the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group on November 29 to explain the process/timescales that would be involved in making any amendments to the Roads Races (NI) Order 1986.

The 2&4 group was initially formed in 2002 and comprises members of the four main motorsports governing bodies.

This includes the Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs (ANICC), the Motorcycling Racing Association and the North of Ireland Karting Association.

The group also includes the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre), which authorises the Coleraine and District Motor Club-organised North West 200, one of the few remaining major sports events worldwide, which is still largely free to members of the public. The same applies to local rally events.

A DRD spokeswoman stated: “2&4 Wheels will be having further meetings with race organisations to agree the detail of any amendments to the 1996 Order they agree to seek and will revert to the Department in due course.”

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