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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."
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."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
