Mervyn Whyte to step down as Event Director of the North West 200

North West 200 Event Director, Mervyn Whyte, MBE, is stepping
down from the role. Whyte has been at the helm of the north coast
race for the past twenty years, Ireland's largest outdoor sporting
attraction.
“I had intended to retire at the end of 2019 but Coleraine and
District Motor Club asked me to stay on for another season which I
agreed to do.” Whyte explained.
“Sadly the Coronavirus outbreak saw the cancellation of this year’s
event and I now feel, having recently celebrated my 70 th birthday,
that it is the right time for me to step aside.”
The Limavady man’s involvement with the North West 200 began in
1973 when he volunteered as a marshal and progressed through
various posts including Race Secretary and Clerk of the Course. He
became Event Director ahead of the 2001 meeting, receiving a MBE
for his services to motorcycling in 2009 and the Freedom of the
Borough in 2017 from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the North West 200.” Whyte
said.
“There have been so many exciting days as well as some sad ones.
Along the way I have had the pleasure of working with a very
committed and enthusiastic club, staff, a great management team
and many fantastic sponsors, teams and riders. To ensure the
smooth transition of responsibilities, I will continue to provide
support with regard to sponsors, teams and riders in a consultative
role.”
“Mervyn has given almost 50 years service to the North West 200
and has provided superb leadership over the past two decades as
Event Director.” Club Chairman, John Bolton, said.
“The Coleraine and District Motor Club and Northern Ireland
motorcycle sport as a whole owes him enormous gratitude for all of
his efforts and we wish Mervyn well for the future as the club
committee begins the process of finding a new Event Director.”