200mph barrier broken on Shackleton runway

Ready for Take Off! Motorcycle speed ace Jack Frost was on hand this week to launch the Speed test which takes place at Shackleton in Ballykelly in May. 14111KDR

The current UK Land Speed record holder warmed the tack on a 700 Bhp Suzuki Hayabusa turbo to give local motorsport fans a taste of what’s to come at the Road Racing Ireland backed event, which takes centre stage just one week before the NW200 road races.

The event has been labelled the fastest ever motorsport event to take place in Ireland. Real Time Promotions has received approval from the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister - who currently own the former Shackleton Army base in Ballykelly - to deliver the two day event.

“Our principle aim is to see as many vehicles as possible eclipse the 200 mph mark, so Jack launched the event in perfect fashion,” said Real Time Promotions spokesman Wayne Owens. “A few of our specially invited contenders from Holeshot Racing will even push 230+ mph, making this Ireland’s fastest ever motorsport event.

“In the Top Speed Trials we aim to set the bench mark for the fastest speeds recorded by vehicles from under 250cc to over 8000cc, on two, three, four and even more wheels and powered by petrol or even diesel.”

The event will also provide competitors in the NW200 Road Races with a valuable opportunity to test their machinery in the lead-up to the following week’s competition. “This will enable fans to see their heroes up close in something of a more relaxed environment than the high pressure of the NW200 paddock,” continued Wayne.

For the many thousands of tourists destined for the North Coast, in particular those travelling by motorbike, the event presents the opportunity to actually take part in a major event whilst gaining some high speed experience in a safe and controlled environment.

Day one will feature a Track Day and Parade Laps for Modern and Classic, Road and Race motorbikes and cars and day two will feature Drag Racing, Live Action Displays and top speed trials by some of Ireland and the UK’s fastest machinery.

for more information on the North West Speed Trials, visit http://www.nwspeedtrials.com/, email Wayne at: [email protected] or Tel: 07791 976672.