Ulster GP launches Bike Week 2010

Road racing stars Ryan Farquhar and William Dunlop attended the launch, where they joined Mayor of Lisburn, Ald Paul Porter, Sports Minister Nelson McCausland, members of the Dundrod Club and new title sponsor, McKinstry Skip Hire, to hear senior race officials talk about what Bike Week 2010 has in store.

President of the club and ex-racer, James Courtney, said: “I think everyone will agree that Bike Week 2009 saw some truly exceptional racing, which has reignited excitement and enthusiasm for the Ulster Grand Prix after the weather quite literally put a dampener on proceedings the previous year.

“We’re confident we can build on that success and continue to attract today’s top road racers. Last year, we retained the accolade of world’s fastest road race when Conor Cummins broke all existing records with an eye-watering 133mph lap. Although Conor will unfortunately be unable to defend his title this August, I’ve no doubt that others such as Ian Hutchinson - winner of all five races at the TT - who were snapping at his heels last year, will be doing their best to match or better it this time around.

“All in all, Bike Week promises to be a real thrilling spectacle for spectators and racers alike, said Courtney.

As ever, the importance of safety was a key message at the launch. Clerk of the course, Noel Johnston had this to say: “I’m always looking for ways to improve the safety of the circuit. Over the last number of years, we’ve spent about 400,000 making safety improvements such as removable fencing.

“I’m responsible not only for putting on a great day of racing but also for doing my utmost to ensure that everyone goes home safe and well at the end of the day. That is the least that the riders and the fans deserve and I take that responsibility very seriously.”

Johnston also spoke about recent improvements to the functionality of the paddock and the circuit. He said: “In the last year, we undertook major drainage work to the paddock and feedback from the participants would suggest it was well worthwhile. In addition to this, we recently resurfaced the road between the start/finish line and Leathemstown and the circuit is now in tip top shape.”

Skerries halted after fatality

Saturday’s 65th running of the Skerries road races was halted after Myles Byrne, from Dunshaughlin, was tragically killed on the opening lap of the grand final.

Before the incident, Ryan Farquhar had notched up a double, winning both the supertwins race - where he led home John Burrows and Czech rider Michal Dokoupil - and the first open race. He won the open comfortably from Scot Keith Amor on the BMW and Michael Dunlop, who also won the 250 race. William Dunlop took the honours in the 125/450 race, where he just got the better of Farquhar at the finish.