By Kyle White:- Belfast Newsletter
The Mid Antrim 150 Club is pressing ahead with plans to run a series of short circuit meetings this season in addition to the popular Ballymoney Motorcycle Show, which has been postponed until March 26-27.
The Covid-19 pandemic is continuing to have a detrimental impact on Irish motorcycling events in 2021, resulting in a host of national road races being cancelled and putting the North West 200 in doubt, but the Mid Antrim Club is optimistic that fans will have the opportunity to attend some race meetings this year.
In 2020, the only short circuit meeting held in Northern Ireland took place at Kirkistown in Co Down in September, with a limited number of spectators in attendance.
This year’s Ballymoney Motorcycle Show at Ballybrakes Bowling Club Hall remains on for now, albeit the event is subject to any coronavirus restrictions and NI Executive guidelines in place at the end of March.
In April, the Mid Antrim Club hopes to run their first short circuit event of the year – the A1 Electrical Spring Cup – on Saturday 17th at Bishopscourt in Co Down.
It is also hoped to run a team event on Sunday, April 18, with separate races for junior and senior competitors running for two-and-a-half hours each. The fastest club member in each race will receive discounted entries to the Neil & Donny Robinson Memorial meeting in the summer.
A spokesperson for the club said: “Amidst the negativity surrounding the cancellation of road races over the past few days, thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom with the Mid Antrim 150 Club, as we announce our plans for the forthcoming season.
“Obviously, the club has taken into account the current Covid-19 Situation, and are working with the relevant authorities.”
The club’s premier event, the Neil & Donny Robinson Memorial meeting, is scheduled for July 17-18 at Bishopscourt.
Also this year, the Mid Antrim Club will sponsor the Ulster Superbike Championship Moto One class, providing a prize fund covering the top 10 finishers. The leading club member overall will receive the Victor Gilmore Memorial Trophy.
The spokesperson said the club also has some “very exciting news” regarding an event later in the year, with further details due to be confirmed soon.
