Walderstown boss hopeful this year's races can go ahead
Despite the upheaval caused to road racing due to problems securing insurance for events, Fore Motor Cycle Racing Club are cautiously optimistic that this year’s Race of the South at Walderstown can go ahead.
Michael Halpin, club chairman, said: “We are still hopeful that we will get to run, and that our governing body MCI (Motorcycling Ireland) will get insurance for this year.
“As of now, we have not received a quotation.
“There a lot of riders with bikes and a lot of money spent, and at the minute they have nowhere to race them on and off roads – so hopefully something will happen.
“All we can do is let MCI work on it and see what comes back next week.”
In a statement dated January 24, MCI said:
‘At present we are negotiating with two Insurance companies, Public Lability to cover all disciplines. We are not alone; many Sporting organisations are having the same problems. We will keep you informed of progress, please inform all your club members. Regards, Sean Bissett.’
The News Letter in Belfast reported this yesterday:
MCUI seeking 'rescue package' in effort to salvage some of Northern Ireland's top races in 2023
The organisers of the North West 200 issued this statement yesterday:
STATEMENT FROM THE ORGANISERS OF THE fonaCAB AND NICHOLL OILS NORTH WEST 200
The crisis the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200 and the rest of motorcycle sport in Ireland currently faces is due to a huge increase in the cost of insurance cover for 2023.
The organisers of the North West 200, the Coleraine and District Motor Club, have been working tirelessly to mitigate the pressure created by these extra costs. The club was confident it could manage the initial premium increase but with other events unable to do so, the transfer of extra charges to the North West 200 created an unsustainable financial burden.
Yesterday the sport’s governing body, the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (UC), announced the cancellation of all motorcycle sporting events in Northern Ireland this year. But the organisers of the NW200 have not given up the fight. We cannot afford to lose an event that has been running for over 90 years and plays such a vital role in the economy of the north coast area.
We have been overwhelmed by the messages and offers of support we have received today and whilst we understand the decision taken by the MCUI (UC), the Coleraine and District Motor club will continue in its efforts to stage the North West 200 on May 7-13.
Plans were already in place to welcome new competitors to the event during an induction day next Tuesday, February 14. Both that event and the Meet the Stars race launch, scheduled for February 15, will go ahead as planned and we will continue to keep everyone informed of our progress.