Relentless on board as new title backer

The new partnership was announced last Tuesday during the official launch of the 2010 North West 200 at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, which attracted a bumper turn-out.

A host of top competitors were among the guests, including former riders Brian Reid, Steve Cull and Phillip McCallen, who were joined by HM Plant Honda duo Steve Plater and John McGuinness, plus William and Michael Dunlop, Relentless TAS Suzuki riders Bruce Anstey and Alastair Seeley, Michael Rutter and Blackhorse Kawasaki team manager Ian Lougher.

Race Director Mervyn Whyte welcomed the event's new title sponsor and paid tribute to former key backer Alistair Kennedy of the Kennedy Group.

"The Relentless brand very much captures the spirit of the sport and we are delighted to welcome Relentless to the International North West 200. For many years, Black Horse has provided valuable sponsorship support to the North West 200 and I warmly welcome them on board as this year's associate sponsor," he said.

"Each year, the North West 200 team works hard to ensure an even bigger and better event for riders and spectators alike. With a new title sponsor, refreshed brand and already strong line-up of competitors, we hope the 2010 Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse will be a year to remember.

"While we very much look forward to working with Relentless and Black Horse, we are deeply grateful to the Kennedy Group for their financial sponsorship and support over the years. Alistair and Adele Kennedy, in particular, have played a key role in making the North West 200 the truly international event it now is and the company continues to provide Coleraine & District Motor Club with in-kind support," Whyte added.

"The North West 200 team receives so much valuable support from a wide range of organisations and companies. We are deeply grateful for the help from a wide range of organisations including DCAL, Coleraine Borough Council, Sport NI, 2&4 Wheel MSG, NITB and Tourism Ireland as well as our title, associate and race sponsors."

Relentless's Maire Campbell said the company was "proud" to be involved with the prestigious international road race, which will be held for 81st time in May.

"On behalf of Relentless energy drink we are proud to be title sponsor of Ireland's most prestigious motor racing event; the Relentless International North West 200. As a local company, we have been supporting sports in the community for the past 70 years and there is none more prestigious and well renowned than the North West 200.

"The North West 200 certainly represents an outstanding example of a superb community event."

Whyte revealed that a further 1,500 grandstand seats will be added this year, with the grandstand at the start line being extended by 800 seats and further extensions of 400 and 300 seats at the Juniper and paddock area grandstands respectively.

The race will be held on Saturday, May 15, with practice sessions taking place on Tuesday, May 11 and Thursday 13. Roads will be closed on Tuesday from 5pm-9pm.

Coleraine and District Motor Club has applied for a change in road closure times for Thursday's practice, which it is hoped will be held during the day from 9.30am-3pm. Confirmation of the schedule for Thursday's qualifying sessions is expected by the end of this month.

Meanwhile, leading local cancer charity Action Cancer is the nominated charity of the North West 200 in 2010.

The one-year association is expected to generate over 20,000 for Action Cancer and significantly raise the profile and understanding of male cancers.

The next NW200 press launch will be held at the BBC studios in Belfast on February 23.