Kennedy ‘laps-up’ International NW 200

PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 31/3/2014: Prodigy star Keith Flint meets DRD Minister Danny Kennedy at the launch of the Vauxhall International North West 200 in the Titanic Building, Belfast today.
Flint is the boss of Team Traction Control, which will race at the North West in May.
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON — PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 31/3/2014: Prodigy star Keith Flint meets DRD Minister Danny Kennedy at the launch of the Vauxhall International North West 200 in the Titanic Building, Belfast today. Flint is the boss of Team Traction Control, which will race at the North West in May. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON

Speaking at the press launch in Belfast, Danny Kennedy said: “The International North West 200 is a truly spectacular event, attracting spectators from home and abroad.

“The weather is always an unpredictable factor in the race programme, however, organisers are in a very much stronger place this year in terms of dealing with adverse weather conditions.

“Since the introduction of amendments to the legislation around road closures in Northern Ireland, organisers now have up to two contingency days if the weather forces changes to the race programme.

“I wish the organisers and riders every success with this fabulous event and I look forward to be one of the many tens of thousands of spectators heading to the ‘North West’ in May.”

Danny Kennedy, a keen supporter of road racing in Northern Ireland, did not hesitate in accepting a personal challenge from the organisers.

The Minister has agreed to complete a practice lap of the internationally renowned circuit as a pillion passenger with professional rider Steve Mercer from Team Traction Control managed by ‘Prodigy’ band member Keith Flint. With a pillion passenger, on a practice lap, race bikes can reach speeds of around 185mph on the public roads.