Bike enthusiasts gear up for 2013 Ulster GP at official launch

Congratulating Michael Dunlop on his recent success at the Isle of Man TT Races are Councillor Alan Carlisle (Vice-chairman of Lisburn City Council's Leisure Services Committee), Deputy Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Andrew Ewing and Alderman James Tinsley.

Road racing stars Michael Dunlop, Gary Johnson, Dean Harrison and Stephen Thompson all lent their support to one of the most highly anticipated race events, as the build up to Dundrod 2013 kicked into gear at its launch event held in the BBC’s Blackstaff Studio in Belfast.

It was revealed during the event that while entries haven’t yet closed, the world’s fastest road race can already boast a fantastic line up of competitors.

Clerk of the Course at the Ulster Grand Prix, Noel Johnston said: “I’m delighted to confirm that Cameron Donald will travel from Australia to take part. He’ll be going head to head with likes of Gary Johnson, William Dunlop, Stephen Thompson, Dean Harrison, Guy Martin, Bruce Anstey and of course Michael Dunlop, fresh from his amazing wins at the TT.

“I am also pleased to announce that Irish superbikes contender David Haire has signed up as a newcomer to the UGP and am hoping he’ll bring a touch of his magic to the roads at Dundrod.”

During the launch, Johnston also announced that Ulster Grand Prix favourite Keith Amor plans to emerge from retirement to take part in the 2014 event.

“He had been planning to be at Dundrod this year but it’s now on hold until next year. He had some good wins there in the past and he’ll be a welcome face in the paddock next Summer,” Mr Johnston added.

Speaking at the event, Product and Marketing Manager from title sponsor Metzeler, Jim Worland said: “We’re delighted to begin our three year partnership with the Ulster Grand Prix and to be associated with the World’s Fastest Road Race.

“For us, the appeal is the fact that it’s a down to earth, pure road race, attracting the best road racers in the world – there’s nothing else quite like it.

“Metzeler will be working hard alongside the UGP to raise its profile with bike fans around the globe,” he added.

During the launch event, Gary Johnson admitted the competition would be fierce at Dundrod this August, saying, “Everyone will be trying to get that last big win of the season so it’s hard to predict how it’ll go but I’m happy with my bikes and am totally ready for it.

“I’m looking forward to it, the mass start is fantastic and the circuit is so smooth and flowing. It’s a real rider’s circuit,” he added.

Dean Harrison,the first newcomer to lap the Dundrod circuit at the Ulster Grand Prix in excess of 130mph said: “I loved my first experience of the UGP and can’t wait to get back there. It’s an amazing circuit, and I’m hoping I can improve on my performance with more practice.”

The Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club confirmed at the launch that the 60m TV screens would be back in the paddock area and at Leathemstown.

Further new developments for the event include a newly designed website and mobile app which allows race fans to follow news and developments at the touch of a button.

Bike Week 2013 will run between 12th – 17th August in Dundrod, Co. Antrim. The main events are the Topaz Dundrod 150 racing on Thursday 15th August and the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix racing on Saturday 17th August.

Wristbands that allow entry to the course and the paddock all week cost £25. Under 16s are free.

For more details on the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix, visit www.ulstergrandprix.net

You can also follow them on twitter @UlsterGrandPrix or find them on Facebook.

In other GP news, the Grandstand seats are almost sold out. Seats in the Joey Dunlop grandstand are almost sold out so if you haven’t yet bought your ticket but plan to, now is the time!

Tickets for the grandstand, which is situated at the Start/Finish line, cost £25 per person for the duration of Bike Week.

If you’d like a seat on Wednesday 14th August or Thursday 15th August only this will cost £10 per day.

To avoid disappointment, please contact Tom Best as soon as possible on 07754 178187 or 028 9261 9549.

There will also be spectator grandstand seating at Leathemstown, The Hairpin and Smyths Farm. Seats are allocated on each day on a first come, first served basis i.e. this cannot be booked in advance.