Business
Thousands Raised to Save N. Ireland Races
The MCUI (Ulster Centre) set up the fundraiser.
Over £33,000 has has been raised in just over 24 hours by supporters of the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland as it seeks to save this year’s Northern Irish racing season.
It was announced on Friday that all motorcycle road racing, trials and short circuit racing in Northern Ireland have been cancelled due to spiralling insurance costs.
The MCUI (Ulster Centre) set up the fundraiser after announcing it was putting together a ‘rescue package’ to allow events, such as the NW200 and Ulster GP to be staged.
Quoted costs for public liability insurance for 2023 have tripled, amounting to more than £400,000.
On its official fundraising page, the MCUI(UC) said: ‘The motorcycle world was rocked here in Northern Ireland when news of the hike in insurance was made clear to all the promoting motorcycle clubs. It was clear to these clubs within the MCUI(UC) that the increase was unaffordable to most if not all running events this year.
‘The clubs could not agree to progress with the purchase of the insurance policy, despite knowing fully that this would mean the cancellation of all two-wheeled sport in Northern Ireland in 2023. The MCUI(UC), not having the funds to purchase the insurance could therefore not continue.
There has been some concern about the potential for this to impact on the TT, though Tim Crookall, the MHK with responsibility for motorsport says it won’t have any direct impact on the event.
Paul Phillips, business development, Isle of Man TT Races added: ‘We do not foresee any immediate issues with competitors and teams not wishing to or being able to compete at the TT because of the cancellation of the road racing events in Northern Ireland. We are in daily contact with many of those involved, and as previously stated any competitors that do find themselves impacted by the cancellations we will continue to work with.’
