Nostalgia night gets Bike Week 2013 under starters orders

Local motorcycling enthusiasts turned out in force to enjoy the event, as the Ulster Grand Prix began in style.

A touch of nostalgia was brought to the City Centre on Monday evening as the legendary road racing stars, the Dromara Destroyers, were in attendance.

Meanwhile, members of the 30 Motorcycle Club of Ulster left Lagan Valley LeisurePlex for a parade lap of the Dundrod Circuit on their motorcycles.

The Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week 2013 will run between August 12 and 17 (inclusive) in Dundrod.

The main events are the Topaz Dundrod 150 race on Thursday August 15 and the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix races on Saturday August 17.

Speaking at the nostalgia night, racer Jamie Hamilton said he was looking forward to taking part in the Grand Prix and praised the event for attracting a wider audience to motorcycling.

“I have a 600 Supersport bike and a Super Twin and they’re good to go, so fingers crossed come Wednesday they’re all going well and we can be running at the front,” said Jamie.

“This is my third year at the Ulster Grand Prix. For me, whenever I first came here in my first year I was really a nobody and last year I was starting to make a name for myself. I like to think this year, I’ll be regarded as one of the frontrunners and for sure that’s exactly what we want to be doing, we want to be running at the front.”

Jamie added: “Motorbike racing is not something that everyone knows how to get into or knows what to get involved in and when you come to an event like this, it’s great to see the people that come out and get interested in it, it’s awesome, Come the Ulster Grand Prix, hopefully the weather’s good and there’s a big crowd turn up.”

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