Three Irish road races will take place while the Ulster Superbike Championship will be held over ten rounds, beginning on March 16 at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit in Co Down.
The Tandragee 100 has been called off once more, with crucial resurfacing work still to be undertaken, while the Ulster Grand Prix was cancelled for a fifth consecutive year.
Right now things are looking grim and there’s no denial that action is needed to maintain the future of this sport.
Referencing a statement from Dundrod and District Motor Club on Monday night regarding the cancellation of the 2024 Ulster Grand Prix, the MCUI said it was “committed” to its “agreed renewal” of insurance cover this year.
Last year, all motorcycle racing in Ulster was cancelled in February before an eleventh-hour deal was clinched, saving an already depleted road racing calendar and the Ulster Superbike series.
A crowdfunding appeal, raising over £90,000, and a significant donation by Co Tyrone businessman Derek Keys ensured racing went ahead, although no events were held in the Republic of Ireland because of the insurance challenges.
For the last 40 – 50 years the general public had what I would call a “free” entrance to watch these events. I feel the time is right to get behind whatever it would be sponsorship backings, season tickets etc, these are options I’m sure are worth considering.
Otherwise we could be seeing a downward spiral which may prove to be difficult to come out of if the situation does not improve sooner rather than later.
