Menu
12/05/2023
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The FHO Racing BMW Motorrad team has withdrawn from the North West 200 citing "no confidence in the application of the Superstock technical regulations".
According to reports, two FHA Racing riders, Josh Brookes and Peter Hickman, were stopped from competing in a race on Thursday, 11 May, because of their carbon wheels, which are not included in the race regulations.
In a statement released by FHO Racing, they said: "The Superstock class technical regulations mandate the machines must fully comply with conditions regarding the wheels, where Superstock machines must remain with the originally homologated wheels from the manufacturer, which from BMW are carbon. It then goes on to prohibit carbon material, however aftermarket wheels are also not allowed and no mandated alternative specification is prescribed.
"The FHO Racing BMW M 1000 RR machines passed scrutineering on Tuesday (9 May) and were allowed to take part in all qualifying sessions before being informed they were not allowed to race moments before the Briggs Equipment Superstock race this evening.
"Having taking this issue out with the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200 organisers, there is no confidence that the FHO Racing riders could take part in a race with the obvious dangers, and risks that road racing prevents and then the performance protested or disqualified on a technicality that is not adequately explained."
Highlighting how the their rider had used the contested carbon homologated wheels in both Superstock races in both 2022 and 2019, FHA Racing said that they had checked the 2023 technical regulations against those of 2022 and found that "the regulations remain the same".
The statement concluded: "The effort commitment and logistics required to compete in the North West 200 are significant and this lack of confidence in the organisation renders the team's participation in this year's event impossible."
NW200 organisers said that they "deeply regret" FHA Racing's decision to withdraw.
According to reports, two FHA Racing riders, Josh Brookes and Peter Hickman, were stopped from competing in a race on Thursday, 11 May, because of their carbon wheels, which are not included in the race regulations.
In a statement released by FHO Racing, they said: "The Superstock class technical regulations mandate the machines must fully comply with conditions regarding the wheels, where Superstock machines must remain with the originally homologated wheels from the manufacturer, which from BMW are carbon. It then goes on to prohibit carbon material, however aftermarket wheels are also not allowed and no mandated alternative specification is prescribed.
"The FHO Racing BMW M 1000 RR machines passed scrutineering on Tuesday (9 May) and were allowed to take part in all qualifying sessions before being informed they were not allowed to race moments before the Briggs Equipment Superstock race this evening.
"Having taking this issue out with the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200 organisers, there is no confidence that the FHO Racing riders could take part in a race with the obvious dangers, and risks that road racing prevents and then the performance protested or disqualified on a technicality that is not adequately explained."
Highlighting how the their rider had used the contested carbon homologated wheels in both Superstock races in both 2022 and 2019, FHA Racing said that they had checked the 2023 technical regulations against those of 2022 and found that "the regulations remain the same".
The statement concluded: "The effort commitment and logistics required to compete in the North West 200 are significant and this lack of confidence in the organisation renders the team's participation in this year's event impossible."
NW200 organisers said that they "deeply regret" FHA Racing's decision to withdraw.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
20 February 2023
UUP Backs Call For Govt Support To Save NI Road Racing
The Ulster Unionist Party has backed a call from the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) for government support to save the sport from collapse. This time last week, it was revealed huge hikes in insurance cover had put at risk events from the North West 200 road races to motorcycle trials.
UUP Backs Call For Govt Support To Save NI Road Racing
The Ulster Unionist Party has backed a call from the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) for government support to save the sport from collapse. This time last week, it was revealed huge hikes in insurance cover had put at risk events from the North West 200 road races to motorcycle trials.
10 February 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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
