Northern Ireland road racing fans have been left in disappointment as all racing throughout 2023 has been cancelled.
Announcing the cancellation this morning (10 February), the organising clubs came to the conclusion due to soaring insurance costs.
Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) chairman John Dillon said meetings had been held on Monday and Thursday (w/c 6 February).
“The consensus was that the costs proposed were, at this time, unsustainable for most clubs in order to provide the required public liability cover to run our planned events,” he said.
“The MCUI (UC) will, however, continue to pursue all options for the provision of public liability insurance, should they arise in the near future.
“We appreciate that this situation is far from ideal, however although we have been unable to secure the running of events for this year, this arrangement and decision will go a little way to at least allowing licence holders the opportunity to engage in competitive events, should they wish, with the appropriate cover and security.”
It is understood that public liability costs have increased to close to £400,000; With road racing mainly free events, organisers have seen no way to facilitate the hike in costs.
Grand Prix motorcycle racer Paul Jordan took to facebook to express his concern for the industry and what lies ahead,
“…Last year 195,000 people {watched} the North West 200. Two pound a person and the problem is solved.
“People have been watching road racing for free and I have been one of them but {it’s} time for us all to do. something about the sport we love.”
Other events cancelled include Cookstown 100, Armoy, Tandragee 100, Sunflower trophy, Ulster Grand Prix and USBK Championship.
