GixerGaz
24-01-2007, 14:58
http://www.gixerjunkies.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7020&d=1169647102
Ireland's largest sporting event, the Kennedy Group International North West 200 road race is preparing for its biggest year yet.
Race day will take place on Saturday 12th May with a wealth of local talent mixing with the big names from the British Superbike paddock. Michael Rutter, John McGuinness, Steve Plater, Ian Hutchinson along with Isle of Man rider Conor Cummins and Scotland's Keith Amor will all be taking part in the race which as well as being a special event in itself it is also a good shake down before the road racers head to the Isle of Man TT at the end of May.
Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte, who has recently been awarded an MBE announced at the launch (23rd January) that, while there will be some minor upgrades to the course, "Coleraine & District Motor Club and Coleraine Borough Council invested heavily in major upgrades to the course, paddock and trade village areas in 2006.
The changes to the course this year will be slight but we're continuously looking at the course to ensure it is as safe as possible. Many people described last year's event as the best ever so we plan to build on that."
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain MP also attended the launch and highlighted the major contribution that the North West 200 makes to Northern Ireland' s economy, tourism and international sporting image. "The International North West 200 is one of the key events in Northern Ireland's sporting calendar and it is the thrill of road racing which attracts competitors and spectators from Ireland, UK, Europe and beyond.
The North West 200 brings huge economic benefits to Northern Ireland. It is the extraordinary achievements and the history of the race over its 76 years that continues to draw record crowds. I wish the organisers every success for a terrific day's racing," he said.
TV coverage of the North West 200 has moved from Ulster Television to the BBC Sport Northern Ireland who have signed up to a three year deal. Coverage will include preview and highlights programmes on television, live commentary on Radio Ulster as well as a dedicated website.
Mayor of Coleraine Borough Council, Cllr William King MBE, said, "This spectacular event attracts many thousands of visitors to the Borough throughout the Race Week and makes a significant contribution to our local economy.
"The North West 200 pledges to create a safe, exciting and stimulating week-long series of events culminating in the world's premier Road Race which will have broad appeal to local and international competitors, spectators and visitors to the region. We resolve to become self-sustainable yet retain our distinctive qualities which have made the event a much loved part of Northern Ireland life and sport," he concluded.
Race Week will take place from 7th – 12th May with practice nights on Tuesday 8th and Thursday 10th May. Roads will be closed from 5pm – 9.30pm on practice nights and 10am – 6.30pm on Race Day with the first race starting at 11am. There will once again be a separate practice session for Newcomers on Tuesday evening. The format on Race Day will remain the same as last year with a seven race programme to include two Superbike races, two 600 Supersport races, Superstock, 125/400 and 250 race.
Ireland's largest sporting event, the Kennedy Group International North West 200 road race is preparing for its biggest year yet.
Race day will take place on Saturday 12th May with a wealth of local talent mixing with the big names from the British Superbike paddock. Michael Rutter, John McGuinness, Steve Plater, Ian Hutchinson along with Isle of Man rider Conor Cummins and Scotland's Keith Amor will all be taking part in the race which as well as being a special event in itself it is also a good shake down before the road racers head to the Isle of Man TT at the end of May.
Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte, who has recently been awarded an MBE announced at the launch (23rd January) that, while there will be some minor upgrades to the course, "Coleraine & District Motor Club and Coleraine Borough Council invested heavily in major upgrades to the course, paddock and trade village areas in 2006.
The changes to the course this year will be slight but we're continuously looking at the course to ensure it is as safe as possible. Many people described last year's event as the best ever so we plan to build on that."
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain MP also attended the launch and highlighted the major contribution that the North West 200 makes to Northern Ireland' s economy, tourism and international sporting image. "The International North West 200 is one of the key events in Northern Ireland's sporting calendar and it is the thrill of road racing which attracts competitors and spectators from Ireland, UK, Europe and beyond.
The North West 200 brings huge economic benefits to Northern Ireland. It is the extraordinary achievements and the history of the race over its 76 years that continues to draw record crowds. I wish the organisers every success for a terrific day's racing," he said.
TV coverage of the North West 200 has moved from Ulster Television to the BBC Sport Northern Ireland who have signed up to a three year deal. Coverage will include preview and highlights programmes on television, live commentary on Radio Ulster as well as a dedicated website.
Mayor of Coleraine Borough Council, Cllr William King MBE, said, "This spectacular event attracts many thousands of visitors to the Borough throughout the Race Week and makes a significant contribution to our local economy.
"The North West 200 pledges to create a safe, exciting and stimulating week-long series of events culminating in the world's premier Road Race which will have broad appeal to local and international competitors, spectators and visitors to the region. We resolve to become self-sustainable yet retain our distinctive qualities which have made the event a much loved part of Northern Ireland life and sport," he concluded.
Race Week will take place from 7th – 12th May with practice nights on Tuesday 8th and Thursday 10th May. Roads will be closed from 5pm – 9.30pm on practice nights and 10am – 6.30pm on Race Day with the first race starting at 11am. There will once again be a separate practice session for Newcomers on Tuesday evening. The format on Race Day will remain the same as last year with a seven race programme to include two Superbike races, two 600 Supersport races, Superstock, 125/400 and 250 race.