Disaster for Ireland road racing

[GORDON STREETER]

Rising insurance costs has been an issue across all of Ireland in recent years, but has mainly affected the smaller road racing events.

However, in a hammer blow to the sport of motorcycle racing in Northern Ireland, all events including the country’s largest outdoor sporting meeting, the North West 200 has had to be called off for 2023.

[E.B]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

Rising insurance costs has been an issue across all of Ireland in recent years, but has mainly affected the smaller road racing events.

However, in a hammer blow to the sport of motorcycle racing in Northern Ireland, all events including the country’s largest outdoor sporting meeting, the North West 200 has had to be called off for 2023.

There has been an update today suggesting a rescue plan is underway.... however it would mean a hike in entry fees, extra sponsorship and a crowdfunding appeal. That, and negotiation with the insurance companies for a better deal. Good luck with the latter.

However a half million pound hole is a big one to fill and hits the competitors and spectators in their pockets. Maybe the major professional teams with big backing can manage it but for those with minimal support that many are its a huge ask and will scare many away. Again a crowdfunding appeal they are in effect hiking the admission cost up. Sponsorship is the other hope to fill some of the hole.

They are worried missing a year will be difficult to come back from.

In a nutshell its a Catch 22...they cant afford to run the meetings but they cant afford not to for the implications. Also those locals in hospitality who rely on the events for the income are going to be left short. A bit like the coffee bars and restaurants in Spain and the like during Covid.

A sad state of affairs. Wish them the best of luck.

FUll details of the hopes: https://www.motorsport.com/roadracin...2023/10430381/

[GORDON STREETER]

It is "50/50" if the North West 200 road race will take place in 2023, says event director Mervyn Whyte.

The future of the road race had been plunged into doubt due to soaring insurance costs.

Whyte highlighted that while a deadline has not been set for insurance, the logistics of setting up the event mean a decision will need to be made "in the next couple of weeks".

"I certainly don't want to build up hopes at the present time," he added.

Delegates from governing body Motorcycle Union of Ireland Ulster Centre took part in an emergency meeting on Thursday, after which clubs deemed it impossible to run events because insurance costs had tripled for the forthcoming season.

Cancelled events included the Cookstown 100, Tandragee 100, Armoy road races, Ulster Grand Prix, plus the Sunflower Trophy at Bishopscourt and the Masters Superbike series at Mondello Park.

North West 200 could still run in 2023, say organisers
Despite the cancellation of events in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, North West 200 boss Whyte added that the rising costs were a "major shock" but he was determined to keep fighting for the road race to run in its scheduled slot from 7-13 May.

Public liability insurance covers injury to people and damage to property.

The reasons for the increased premiums include instability in the insurance market and insurers becoming very concerned by the number of claims in the sport.

"It is difficult and it has been difficult since the information came out last Thursday," Whyte responded when asked if he was keeping positive about the race's precarious situation.

"It was totally manic for a few days. You have to keep positive and keep hoping and hoping that the brokers themselves, through the underwriters, will come back with good policies that are acceptable financially.

"We're hopeful and we will keep the door open until we see what happens."

'We need answers in the next couple of weeks'

[fieldodreams79]

This is the last true form of road racing. The speeds at which bikes can reach these days is astounding. I hope they find a way, but I have thought the days were numbered.

How does this impact the Isle of Man? I realize they're two different countries / governments, but certainly the impacts are there...

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

This is the last true form of road racing. The speeds at which bikes can reach these days is astounding. I hope they find a way, but I have thought the days were numbered.

+ 1. Re the TT as you suggest its a different matter, this event attracting many people spending money.

[E.B]

Great News! Its on again

Road racing in Northern Ireland will now take place this year after the Motorcycle Union of Ireland UC's acquisition of a new insurance quotation for its events.

https://twitter.com/Motorsport/statu...04563052462081

Northern Ireland road racing saved as insurance issue resolved
Road racing in Northern Ireland in 2023 will now go ahead after the Motorcycle Union of Ireland UC secured a new insurance quote for its events.

Full article: https://www.motorsport.com/roadracin...lved/10444060/

[E.B]

Just to confirm the North West 200 is running right now

Live stream link on the BBC i Player running now. We had a red flag but racing about to restart .
https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/north...eland/65524627

[E.B]

Different BBC iPlayer links for UK and overseas

Worldwide access - https://bbc.in/41xBfhf

@BBCiPlayer
(UK only) - https://bbc.in/3BgzoTl

All in this tweet https://twitter.com/BBCSPORTNI/statu...262228481?s=20

[E.B]

Live now: https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/north...eland/65526218

Race 1 for today, Supertwins just started.


Todays schedule. Hopefully no reds and safe racing.

Race 1 - Supertwin (4 Laps)
Race 2 – Supersport (6 laps)
Race 3 – Superbike (6 laps)
Race 4 – Supertwin (4 laps)
Race 5 – Superstock (6 laps)
Race 6 – NW200 Superbike race (6 laps)

[Schummy]

I am late in this thread but I am so happy that things seems to be better than the worse scenario!


Congratulations to everyone who can directly enjoy this form of road racing.

[Gerard C]

This link is still valid:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWaWB7O-4es

[Schummy]

I was unaware of this content. Thank you, so much! :-))