Motorcycle racing in Northern Ireland receives green light as Covid-19 restrictions ease

In a statement on Friday, the MCUI (Ulster Centre) welcomed the news and confirmed that spectators would be permitted to attend events.

John McClure, MCUI UC chairman, said: “The Directors of the MCUI UC (the Management Committee) wish to update all our licence holders, clubs and members of the current situation regarding a return to competition as the NI Executive are easing restrictions on an increasingly frequent basis.

“We have received permission from the Department for Communities and Sport NI to resume competitive motorcycle racing again, including spectators (as long as they can be controlled). This is extremely welcome news.

“However, it is vitally important that everyone complies with the social distancing and hygiene measures outlined in our guidance document (available on the MCUI website) and track and trace protocols.”

Mr McClure said race promoters will be required to complete a Covid-19 risk assessment before any event receives the go-ahead.

“Event promoters will be required to complete an event specific COVID 19 Risk Assessment that outlines the measures they will put in place to respond to these exceptional circumstances,” he said.

“The MCUI UC would like to thank everyone at SportNI, Department for Communities and NI Sports Forum for their assistance during this emergency.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding in these extraordinary times, we are making progress together, but remember please, stay safe.”

All Irish national road races in the Republic of Ireland were cancelled for 2020 along with most races in Northern Ireland, including the North West 200.

However, the organisers of the Cookstown 100 hope to run their event from September 11-12. The Tandragee 100 remains postponed, but no alternative dates to run the race have yet been suggested.