Green light assured for Ulster Grand Prix

ANY fears that the fastest road race in the world would not go ahead this year were well and truly squashed last week.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Jul 2010, 17:06 BST
Updated 7th Jul 2010, 11:12 BST

The Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club officially launched their Bike Week 2010 at a press conference in the Lisburn Council’s headquarters at Lagan Valley Island.

Welcoming guests Club President, James Courtney, confirmed that any financial doubts about the Ulster Grand Prix not going ahead next month, disappeared with the support of new title sponsor, McKinstry Skip Hire, a local company with previous connections to the number one road race on the world’s finest road circuit.

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Recalling last year’s event, Mr Courtney said that everyone agreed it restored the excitement and enthusiasm for the world famous races which had suffered due to very poor weather the previous two years.

He was therefore confident that they could build on that success and continue to attract today’s top exponents of the pure road race game.

All in all, he added, Bike Week promises to be another thrilling spectacle for racers and spectators alike.

Last year those in attendance or watched it on BBC television will remember Manx rider Conor Cummins retain the title of Fastest Road Race of the Year, with a 133mph lap record for the 7.5 miles circuit which was first used for the then World Championship counting UGP in1953.

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Also speaking at the press launch,Clerk of the Course, Mr Noel Johnston, said he was always looking to improve the safety of the circuit and in recent years the club had spent over 400,000 on making it safer for riders and those who came to watch them.

Sports Minister, Mr Nelson McCausland, said: “Road racing is part of the sporting and cultural fabric of Northern Ireland and the Ulster Grand Prix continues to be one of the most popular motorsport events here. I would like to wish the organisers every success for Bike Week 2010.”

Mr David Archer, Chairman of Lisburn Council’s Leisure Services Committee, also said that he was pleased to provide further funding and marketing for one of the top sporting events in the Province and will work with the club and other interested parties to ensure it’s future on the Dundrod Circuit.

More updates and information on the Ulster Grand Prix Bike week which runs from Monday, August 9, to Saturday, August,can be had by visiting www.ulstergrandprix.net or search for Ulster Grand Prix on Facebook and join the official fan page.