10/02/2023

All 2023 NI Motorcycle Racing Events Cancelled

All planned motorcycle road racing, short circuit racing and trials have been cancelled across Northern Ireland due to "soaring insurance costs.

According to reports, the organising clubs have said that it will be "impossible" to run any events in NI in 2023 after the quoted costs for public liability insurance tripled, amounting to more than £400,000.

The announcement affects numerous events, including the North West 200, NI's largest outdoor sporting event, the Ulster Superbike Championship, the Cookstown 100, Tandragee 100, Armoy Race of Legends, Ulster Grand Prix, and Sunflower trophy at Bishopscourt.

The Ulster Unionist Party has called for urgent intervention to save motorcycle road racing in Northern Ireland.

Mike Nesbitt MLA, who chairs the All-Party Group on Sport & Recreation, has highlighted this is an issue the Stormont Executive could and should address.

Mr Nesbitt said: "If you think of the level of support the Executive has previously offered to secure the likes of the Giro cycling race or the Open golf, there is a clear argument for financial support for road racing.

"I understand last year's North West 200 pumped £17.4 million into the local economy. 110,000 visited the races on the Saturday alone, nearly a quarter of visitors were from out of state, creating nearly 65,000 bed nights. This is another compelling reason to get Stormont back up and running."


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

14 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
27 September 2024
Gambling Revenue Faces Significant Decline In NI
The gambling sector in Northern Ireland is facing a considerable downturn, as revealed in the 2023 report published by the Department for Communities (DfC). The report outlines the industry's state, compares current and past data, and aims to guide future policy and legislative decisions.
12 May 2023
FHO Racing Withdraws From NW200
The FHO Racing BMW Motorrad team has withdrawn from the North West 200 citing "no confidence in the application of the Superstock technical regulations".
25 April 2023
Air Ambulance NI Announces Supercar Extravaganza
Air Ambulance NI and Charles Hurst have announced a new Supercar Extravaganza event this July. Located at two sites, the NI Supercar Extravaganza will begin on Saturday 29 July at the North West 200 Pits site, Portstewart, with a display of high-end luxury supercars available to view  from 10am until 2pm.
04 June 2010
Zap Cats Zip Into Belfast's Riverside
The newly appointed NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has been making a big splash today. He has officially launched the Belfast Zapcat Racing Grand Prix which was today speeding up the Lagan and into the heart of the capital for the first time.