NW200: 125 race scrapped and daytime practice goes ahead

Race boss Mervyn Whyte said the decision had been taken due to falling interest in the class.

The move comes a year after the 250cc race was axed from the event programme.

Ballymoney man Paul Robinson, who dedicated his victory in the 125cc race at the North West in May to the memory of his father Mervyn – killed at the event in 1980 – said he was dis-mayed by the news.

"I'm really disappointed and although it's nice in one way to be the last winner of the 125cc race at the North West and the lap record holder, I wanted the chance to do it again."

No replacement class will be added to the race schedule for 2011.

Instead, both Superbike and Super- sport races and the Superstock event will be held over an increased distance of six laps.

William Dunlop, the last winner of the 250cc race in 2009, added: "I knew this was coming and it's a bit disappointing, but I can see where the organisers are coming from.

"It's sad, but we've just got to move on and focus on the other races."

The date for the North West 200 next year has been confrmed as Saturday May 21.

A daytime practice session will again be held on Thursday, May 19 with evening practice on Tuesday, May 17.