23/11/2001

Ulster Grand Prix axed for 2002

The organisers of one of Northern Ireland’s biggest sporting attractions, the Ulster Grand Prix have announced they will not be running the event next year.

The organisers of the annual Dundrod races, Coleraine club, pulled the plug on the 2002 event after a full meeting of the club on Thursday November 22.

A major draw for tourists, the event pulled in a record 60,000 spectators in August this year, is unlikely to find another organiser in such a short space of time.

Last month Billy Nutt resigned as clerk of the course, stating at the time that he did not see a future for pure road racing.

Several tragedies have marred the Ulster Grand Prix in recent years. In 1999, Coleraine racer Owen McNally was involved in a fatal accident and during last year’s event a race marshal lost his life.

Coleraine club chairman Sammy Buick said they would not be running the Ulster GP, but would concentrate their efforts on the North-West 200 staged each May.

The onus now falls on the Ulster Centre of the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland to find an alternative organiser for the event. (AMcE)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 June 2022
First Special Olympics Ulster Event Held In Three Years
Communities Minister has welcomed the return of the first Special Olympics Ulster event in three years, with athletes 'going for gold' at Antrim Forum. More than 80 athletes competed in the two-day track and field events and were supported by a team of volunteers, coaches and family, who Minister Hargey thanked for their dedication.
23 July 2004
University of Ulster hosts international media conference
Filmmakers and broadcasters from all over the world are heading for Coleraine next week for international conference at the University of Ulster. The 'Off-Screen Spaces: Regionalism and Globalised Culture' event considers issues effecting film, television and media, culture and policy.
16 May 2011
North West 200 Visitors Urged To Go Safely
With crowds in excess of 100,000 expected to descend on Portrush for this year's International North West 200 motorcycle road races, police are urging the public to play their part towards a safe and enjoyable week for everyone.
15 April 2016
Ulster Bank Seeks 60 Redundancies
Finance union IBOA has expressed concerns after the Ulster Bank told staff it is seeking up to 60 redundancies from its branches in Northern Ireland. The bank also said it is to stop Saturday opening hours at 11 of its branches from 07 May.
07 November 2019
Ulster Grand Prix In 'Real Imminent Danger'
The future of the Ulster Grand Prix road race is in danger of disappearing from the racing calendar due to serious financial problems. The Dundrod and District Club issued a statement explaining the "real and imminent danger" facing the international road race after a severe weather warning deterred crowds from attending this year's event.