Ulster Grand Prix organisers have said that the meeting’s future remains in doubt despite talks in recent months aimed at securing funding for the cash-strapped road races.
In November, it was revealed that debts in the region of £250,000 had created a major financial crisis for the event.
A statement from the organising Dundrod and District Motorcycle club said the event’s “crisis situation remains”.
This is despite talks having taken place with local politicians.
STATEMENT FROM THE DUNDROD AND DISTRICT MOTORCYCLE CLUB RE THE ULSTER
GRAND PRIX 6/2/2020
As the organisers of the Ulster Grand Prix, the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club, issued
a statement in November 2019 indicating the future of the event was in doubt.
Despite a full programme of superb racing being run throughout 2019 Race Week, a severe
weather warning forecast for Saturday’s principal race day resulted in perhaps the smallest
crowd ever witnessed at Dundrod. The huge loss of income this caused, compounded by
existing liabilities, has created a major financial crisis for Ireland’s oldest and most famous
motorcycle race.
Over the past months the race organisers have met with a host of public representatives
including Councillors, Westminster MPs, MLAs and other government officials.
Representation has also been made to the recently restored NI Assembly and the
Department for Communities Minister.
Whilst there has been a sympathetic hearing to the UGP’s plight, the crisis situation
remains. Discussions continue but, so far, no financial assistance has been made available as
we move into the period when preparation for the 2020 event should have been well
underway.
The difficulties facing the Ulster GP and other road races in Northern Ireland have made
headlines in recent weeks. If the sport is to survive and flourish it will require similar
financial support from government that other sports receive.
Road racing is a part of Northern Ireland’s sporting culture and brings major financial
benefits to the Province and local communities. Only a small fraction of the sums provided
to many other major sporting events would make an enormous difference to events like the
Ulster Grand Prix.
More discussions are planned with government during the weeks ahead as the Dundrod and
District Motorcycle Club continues to pursue a solution that will ensure the Ulster Grand
Prix reaches its centenary in 2022.
