Welcome To The Official North West 200 News Section

Riders gearing up for this year’s Kennedy International North West 200 on May 17^th took a nostalgic step back in time today, as Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event held its final press conference in the Road Transport Gallery, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure hosted evening welcomed arch rivals, AIM Yamaha’s Steve Plater and HM Plant Honda’s John McGuinness who will also ride for Padgett’s Honda in the 250cc and Supersport races. The GB men were joined by a host of local stars who definitely plan to give the Lincolnshire and Lancashire lads a run for their money!

However the main ‘star’ of the evening was the NW200’s 2008 glossy100 page programme which was launched at the Bike Gallery and as Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte MBE explained, the magazine published by Belfast based Careva, is the organising Club’s main source of income. “With free entry for the 150,000 fans set to enjoy a spectacular Race Day on 17^th May, Coleraine & District Motor Club really does depend on selling thousands of programmes to help offset the event’s spiralling costs which this year will total £850,000.”

“We urge spectators, fans and visitors alike to buy a programme from our hundreds of volunteers who over the next 16 days will have sales points in and around the Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart triangle region or purchase on line from the event website www.northwest200.org. Indeed here at the Transport Museum curators were able to source some old event programmes and seen side by side with this year’s version it clearly indicates how much the NW200 has progressed since its inception in 1929.”

“I’d also like to thank Paul Lindsay and his staff from publishers Careva for their hard work and dedication and of course all the contributors and riders who have made the programme a fantastic read and I hope a collector’s item for the future!”

Outlining the main content of the 2008 programme, editor Paul Lindsay said:

“Careva Publishing is delighted to be launching this year’s Kennedy International North West 200 Official Programme at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. As always, our team have put in a magnanimous effort and this year’s programme is the biggest and most comprehensive to date, with 100 pages of information. The programme also boasts over 30 features on riders and teams, with information on Coleraine Borough Council’s week of festival events, vantage points and an up-to-date circuit map, which we are sure will help the race fans and officials. All of the event’s commercial partners are profiled within the publication; from title sponsor, Kennedy Group and race sponsors right through to official energy drink Relentless. All we now ask is for the weather to be kind on Race Day, May 17 and the programmes sales to surpass all expectations and records.”

Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte paid tribute to all race and ancillary sponsors but made special reference to NW200 title sponsor Kennedy Group, The Minister and DCAL for their ongoing funding and support and event partner Coleraine Borough Council who spearhead the Race Week Festival programme and behind the scenes organizational work.

Speaking at the event Sports Minister Edwin Poots, MLA said: “In January I announced a further £100,000 would be made available in 2008/2009 for health and safety improvements at motorsport events in Northern Ireland. 2&4 Wheel Motorsports Group will be in a position to advise individual clubs of their allocation very shortly. Through this fund the North West 200 will receive an allocation of £34,000 to purchase safety equipment most of which will also be available for other promoters to use throughout the year.

“I cannot stress the importance of health and safety in motorsports enough. It is vital that safety measures are put in place to protect not only the riders but also the spectators who add much to the races through their support.”

Summing up entries for this year’s 7 race programme which features 50 newcomers to the Triangle circuit, Race Treasurer Alan Toms gave details of competitors and teams for each race:

Greenline 250cc Race

Run as a separate race the 4 lap Greenline 250 attracted a full entry with 40 competitors including tonight’s guest John McGuinness on the Padgett’s Honda, previous best newcomer Christian Elkin, father and son duo Robert Dunlop and Michael Dunlop, Manx star Chris Palmer and Garry Dickinson. Also on the grid for the 250cc will be German rider Henrik Voit, Ballymena man Denver Robb, Sam Dunlop, newcomer and local Ballymena lady, Elle Forest, Darren Burns and Erik Lucas from Germany.

Dewalt Superbike and Black Horse NW200 Superbike Races.

Both oversubscribed with 85 entries each, the Dewalt and Black Horse Superbike races will once again feature the cream of road racers. After his BSB rostrum positions at Thruxton the man to watch is NW200 record holder Michael Rutter on board the North West 200 Ducati. However 3 times NW200 superbike winner Steve Plater won’t be letting Michael have it all his own way. The AIM Yamaha rider is the current circuit record holder at 124.109 mph and has this year been busy with BSB races and endurance racing.

Other key entrants include Team Black Horse’s Ian Lougher on the Yamaha, HM Plant Honda team mates John McGuinness and Steve Brogan, Supersport hero Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald riding Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing and 21 year old Manx man Conor Cummins.

Other top competitors include Guy Martin on board the Bike Animal Hydrex Honda, Rob Frost, Crumlin man Stephen Thompson, Gary Johnston, Spaniard Antonio Maeso, a wild card in the recent Spanish round of World Superbikes, Cookstown 100 hero Ryan Farquhar and Lusk rider Martin Finnegan. The first Superbike race, sponsored by Dewalt is run over 5 laps whilst the penultimate Black Horse race will last for 6 laps.

Club Soi and Ballymoney Borough Council 600cc Supersport races.

The ever popular supersport races which in recent years have been dominated by Kiwi Bruce Anstey were both over subscribed and generated 98 entries each. On the grid alongside Bruce and Relentless team mate Cameron Donald will be AIM Yamaha riders Steve Plater and Ian Hutchinson, Ian Lougher aboard the Black Horse bike and Padgett’s Honda rider, John McGuinness. Also set to compete are local Ballymoney star Adrian Archibald, Guy Martin, Rob Frost, German rider Alfred Stark, top female Maria Costello and Mats Nilsson from Sweden also riding for Padgett’s. Scots rider Keith Amor will be joined on the grid by local heroes William Dunlop, Ryan Farquhar and Alastair Seeley.

400CC Race McKendry Fabrications Ltd

Billed as a separate race in terms of trophies for the first time ever, the McKendry Fabrications 400cc will run alongside the 125 and has attracted 40 entries. The 4 lap race will feature top names including last year’s winner Oliver Linsdell riding the Black Horse machine, Northampton lady Maria Costello, Galgorm rider Darren Gilpin, Matt Layt from Norwich and Welshman Paul Owen. Also lining up on the grid will be Scotsman and former best newcomer Les Shand, Englishmen Leo Aldersley and Gareth Roberts, Manx rider David Madsen-Mygdal and NewZealander Paul Dobbs.

Autozone 125cc race

Lap record holder Robert Dunlop was a popular winner of the 125cc trophy 2 years ago when it ran jointly with the 400 race. Now with its own trophy on the table Robert and the man from Lincoln Michael Wilcox will be strong contenders for the 125 crown. Other star performers include Chris Palmer from Isle of Man on the Mannin Honda, Ballywalter’s David Lemon on the Aprilia and Belgium rider Renzo Van Der Donckt.

Also Sheffield’s Nathan Pallet, BSB rider James Ford on board the Brookhouse Garage Racing Honda, Ballymoney rider Paul Robinson and Dubliner Mark Curtin.

CP Hire Superstock

Fifth race on this year’s programme, the 5 lap CP Hire Superstock will feature 80 entrants with stars of the show including last year’s title holder Bruce Anstey, Conor Cummins on the Vanfit Yamaha and NW200 Ducati man Michael Rutter riding John Laverty’s Buildbase BSB Bike. The race which attracts an ecletic mix of competitors will also feature Dungannon’s Ryan Farquhar aboard the Harker Kawasaki, Black Horse’s Ian Lougher, Relentless Suzuki by TAS rider Cameron Donald, Crumlin man Stephen Thompson, Hydrex Bike Animal Honda star Guy Martin and James McBride who is just back from a Le Mans 24 hour race.

Other entrants include Spain’s Antonio Maeso, local men Adrian Archibald, Ryan Rainey and Alastair Seeley. Also Scots regular Les Shand, Gary Johnston aboard the Robinson Concrete Honda, Italy’s Stefano Bonetti and Mats Nilsson from Sweden. Previous North West winner Ian Simpson from Dalbeattie is set to return to the North West circuit and throw his all into the Superstock race.

Hospitality

Work started yesterday on building the high spec double-decker hospitality marquee and with a new re-formatted layout, the events team Shackleton Crean have announced the availability of an additional six tables at silver level which will be sold on a first come first served basis. Guests can expect surroundings and a level of service similar to premier sporting events across the globe with the North West’s marquee having featured at both the Ryder Cup and Punchestown Races. For details on newly available tables contact Shackleton Crean on Tel 028 3751 2050 or email events@shackletoncrean.com.

NW200 Supporters’ Club

The hardworking North West 200 Supporters’ Club, led by Laurits Mackness and Ina McColm, presented Mervyn Whyte with a substantial cheque. “Laurits, Ina and the whole team do an absolutely fantastic job throughout the year raising much needed funds to help offset costs for the event. We really couldn’t do without their help and appreciate their huge contribution to the North West 200.” said Mervyn Whyte.

As the organizing team move into the final preparation stages prior to Race Week, the Pits and Paddock area is already taking shape with grandstands, official offices, toilet and shower facilities and the BT Media Centre currently being constructed. Said Whyte: “All 5000 grandstand seats are in place and we look forward to an excellent week’s racing with competitors and visitors set to arrive from all parts of the world.”

BBC Sport NI

Media partner BBC Sport NI plan to screen an extensive range of preview programmes, live shows and highlights programmes including a special one hour BBC2 network highlights feature on May 25^th. Both practice nights will be live via the BBC website www.bbc.co.uk/nw200 and between 12 noon and 2pm on Race Day itself two races will be live behind the red button for the first time ever.

The BBC website which last year attracted thousand of visitors from all parts of the world, will show all the races live and pre Race Day BBC viewers can enjoy a 30 minute BBC2 programme at 10pm on Friday 16^th May, plus a special Jackie Fullerton hosted Radio Ulster show also on the Friday. Radio Ulster also boasts live coverage of the second practice night on Thursday 15^th May and a live Summer Club show throughout the Saturday Race Day.

New for 2008 is Radio Ul

Entries for this year’s Kennedy International North West 200 have once again exceeded all expectations and following an early April deadline, Clerk of Course, Mervyn Whyte MBE and his team have embraced the challenge of preparing competitor entry lists for all 8 races, as Mervyn Whyte explained: “Year on year we receive more and more entries particularly for the superbike and supersport categories and to date this year has proved no exception. Finalising entries is a complex process but we’re confident we have an excellent grid line-up for all races.”

As the reputation of Ireland’s top outdoor sporting event continues to rise the Kennedy Group backed road race attracts many more newcomers from Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand and Mervyn Whyte and his team aim to strike a fine balance between introducing rookie riders to the world famous course alongside the high profile and experienced riders who know the course extremely well.

With just over four weeks to go to Race Day, the North West’s April press conference was back on home turf and hosted by Portrush’s Ramada Hotel. Special guests for the evening included young Manx rider Conor Cummins alongside last year’s 400 race winner Oliver Linsdell, Team Black Horse manager and veteran rider Ian Lougher and North West 200 Ducati star Michael Rutter, whose newly branded Ducati bike was also on show. Also welcoming guests to the Coleraine Borough was Cllr Maurice Bradley, Mayor of Coleraine.

Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte explained that organisers had completed work on the event’s new GP style grid format and other improvements for 2008 included the introduction of a new one way system in the paddock area with the actual paddock road being widened to create more room for pedestrians.

Black Horse NW200 Superbike Race

Main race of the day, the Black Horse NW200 Superbike Race has attracted a very strong and high quality range of competitors.

The 6 lap race will feature NW200 Ducati team member Michael Rutter who last year chalked up 3^rd place, alongside 2007 race winner Lincoln man and AIM Yamaha rider Steve Plater who won the 2007 race with a top speed of 123.24mph. Fellow AIM Yamaha rider Ian Hutchinson will also compete along with the 2007 runner-up Guy Martin.

Also lining up will be HM Plant team mates John McGuinness and Steve Brogan, Conor Cummins, Scots riders Keith Amor and Les Shand, Rob Frost and Belgian competitor Patrick Van Gils. Local Irish stars set for the starting grid of the Black Horse race include Adrian Archibald, William and Michael Dunlop, Martin Finnegan who last year chalked up 10^th place and Saintfield man Davy Morgan. Welsh wizard Ian Lougher, 5^th last year, will again be on board the Team Black Horse machines with team mate Oliver Linsdell.

Paddy Campbell, Head of Marketing and Communications for Black Horse Motor and Leisure said, “We’ve been involved with the North West 200 for several years and each year this top global event just gets better and better! Black Horse backs the very best in motorbike racing including Ian Lougher’s Team Black Horse and we’re delighted to be associated with one of the world’s top motor biking spectacles – the International North West 200.”

CP Hire Superstock Race

Fifth in this year’s programme, the CP Hire Superstock race has attracted the cream of top road racers. The 5 lap event will feature 2007 trophy holder Bruce Anstey alongside Cameron Donald on board the Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing machines, Ian Lougher (9^th last year) riding for Team Black Horse and NW200 Ducati rider Michael Rutter set to compete using John Laverty’s BSB machine. Dungannon man Ryan Farquhar will be on board the Harker Racing Kawasaki whilst Guy Martin who took 3^rd place at last year’s race will ride the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda. Other competitors set to line up in this race include Carrick man Alastair Seeley who came second in 2007, Adrian Archibald who finished 8^th last year, Conor Cummins on the Vanfit Yamaha, Rob Frost, Lusk man Martin Finnegan, James McBride, John Burrows and Gary Johnston who will be on board the Robinson Concrete Honda. Adding global appeal to the CP Hire race will be Spaniard Antonio Maeso who competed in several Grand Prix races during 2004 and Swede Mats Nilsson who is set to ride the Padgetts Honda.

Longstanding supporter of the North West 200 CP Hire are again backing the Superstock Race. Said Andrew Hutchinson, managing director of the well known equipment hire company, “Whilst we service the whole of Ireland, as a company our roots are in the North Coast area and we’re pleased to have supported this fantastic event for countless years. We really are proud of how the North West 200 has helped raised the profile of this beautiful region of Ireland and it certainly has enabled CP Hire to raise our game as a successful hire company.”

McKendry Fabrications Ltd 400cc Race

At the conference Mervyn Whyte paid tribute to the vital support the organisers receive from event partner Coleraine Borough Council and seasoned sponsors CP Hire and Black Horse, then went on to welcome first time race sponsor Colin McKendry from Coleraine manufacturer McKendry Fabrications Ltd.

“The North West is extremely lucky to have such an excellent mix of sponsors without whom we couldn’t run such a world class event and we’re particularly pleased to welcome on board local company McKendry Fabrications Ltd. The local firm is backing the four lap 400 cc race, which this year for the first time will be regarded as a completely separate race with trophies presented to first, second and third placed winners, though it will run concurrently with the 125 event.”

Managing director Colin McKendry said, “I’ve been a long time supporter and admirer of the North West 200 and was delighted to have the opportunity to become a race sponsor. As a local company which was set up almost 8 years, we have helped the race with some in kind sponsorship but it’s wonderful to take our partnership further and establish ourselves as official race sponsors. We know how hard Mervyn and the team work to make the event so successful and we’ve watched the North West grow in stature due to their endeavours and round the clock dedication.”

Riders set to participate in the 400cc race which has attracted over 40 high quality entries, include last year’s trophy taker Oliver Linsdell from Westoning who won on board a 400 machine, glamorous female competitor Maria Costello from Northampton and BSB regular Matt Layt from Norwich. Also on the grid will be David Madsen Mygdal who took 5^th place in this race at the IoM TT last year, Mark Parrett, Paul Owen, Les Shand, Darren Gilpin, Lee Hill and Gareth Roberts.

BikeSafe

In addition to encouraging the North West 200 teams, riders and the media to highlight road safety issues, the police BikeSafe team have taken delivery of a ZX10 Kawasaki, which will wear full BikeSafe livery, to help highlight the road safety message. BikeSafe coordinator, Constable Bill Holden said, “We all want spectators and bikers to enjoy this word-class racing event and stay safe on our roads, so that’s why we’re encouraging bikers to leave the speed and racing to the professionals on closed circuits.

“Throughout race week, we’ll be offering BikeSafe assessed ride-outs to the public, and will be maintaining a highly visible Police presence in the run-up to, during and following the event, to ensure everyone’s safety!”

“There will be interactive BikeSafe display stands on ferries bound for Northern Ireland and the BikeSafe team will be based in the Paddock promoting road safety throughout Race Week. We will also be hosting a meeting of BikeSafe representatives from across the UK and Ireland – a first for the PSNI and North West 200!” Constable Holden said.

New Soft Drinks Partnership

Organisers also announced a new soft drinks partnership with Coca-Cola who plan to supply officials and volunteers with the company’s range of soft drinks such as Coke, Diet Coke and Fruice during Race Week and on Race Day. Riders and fans can also sample Coke Zero in the Pits and Paddock area during Practice Nights and Race Day. Trina Stewart for Coca-Cola Bottlers (Ulster) Ltd said: “Coca-Cola has been a partner of the NW200 for over 15 years, including 10 years as title sponsor. During this time we have seen the event go from strength to strength, becoming one of the world’s most popular road races. We wanted to recognise and support the work of the volunteers and officials who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event the success it is. Hopefully everyone involved in this year’s event, from the pits to the roadside marshals, will get to enjoy a little bit of the Coke side of road racing.”

Official Charity – NI Hospice Care

Official North West 200 charity for 2008, Northern Ireland Hospice Care is planning a varied range of activities during Race Week to raise much needed funds for both the adults’ and children’s hospices as well as their community teams, one of which operates from the North Coast area. Regional fundraiser Angela Davison said, “NW200 hero Michael Rutter has kindly signed a special Ducati children’s bike which we plan to raffle on Race Day along with a kid’s Ducati jacket amongst other prizes.” The charity events which kick off with a special corporate evening in the Lodge Hotel on Thursday 1^st May will also include a sponsored run and walk on Sunday 11^th May, a charity Golf Day organised by the Kennedy Group and an Abba tribute night on Wednesday 14^th with band Super Troopers.

Coleraine Borough Council

Regional event partner Coleraine Borough Council is looking forward to welcoming thousands of guests to the Borough during Race Week and staff are making sure this area of outstanding natural beauty is looking absolutely pristine. Mayor of Coleraine Councillor Maurice Bradley said: “ I very much look forward to Race Week every year and this year I am especially proud as Mayor to welcome, on behalf of the Borough; riders, sponsors and spectators to our area.

“As an exclusive I’m delighted to let you know that Council will be branding two sections along the nine mile course; the area located by Magherabuoy Hotel will now be known as the ‘CBC Chicane’ and the other area situated at Juniper Hill Caravan park will be labelled ‘CBC Hill.’ The Mayor continued, “This prestigious event attracts over 150,000 spectators and followers of the sport from all countries of the globe, enabling them to experience either first hand, or now by website, how breathtaking the views and facilities available can be. I continually congratulate both Mervyn and the Coleraine & District Motor Club with the many volunteers for their dedication to this event and I thank Council staff who work in partnership with the volunteers behind the scenes to ensure visitors and their families enjoy Race Week. We anticipate another successful year for the event and wish all attending and participating, a safe and enjoyable week in the Borough.”

Hospitality 2008

NW200 Hospitality organisers Shackleton Crean are delighted to report that only a few tickets are still available for both Gold and Silver hospitality. MD John McNally explained, “We enhanced our 2008 hospitality packages and are thrilled tables have sold in record time! Both levels of the marquee will deliver top quality service

Coleraine Car Company Gears up for 2008 NW200

Local company Lindsay Cars will once again work alongside race officials at this year’s North West by supplying over 20 cars, vans and 4 wheel drive vehicles for use by stewards, flag marshals, fire officers, medical and emergency planning teams.

Coleraine branch manager of Lindsay Cars, Dermot Rafferty said, “We’ve had a close working relationship with Mervyn Whyte and the team for nearly 16 years and are delighted to provide a fleet of Ford and Mazda vehicles to help during course preparation, during Race Week and post event. The success of the North West really is down to the hard work of Mervyn and his team and Lindsay Cars is delighted to be part of the action.”

Pictured from left are, rider Garry Dickinson, Lindsay Cars branch manager Dermot Rafferty, Aussie rider Cameron Donald, last year’s 250cc winner Christian Elkin and Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte.

Safety Tops Agenda of Kennedy International North West 200

With just over 5 weeks to go to NW200 D Day on 17^th May, Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte MBE outlined plans to further enhance safety throughout the 9 mile ‘triangle’ course. “Safety has always been our first priority and each year we look at ways of improving our safety programme which involves riders as well as MCUI officials.” With financial support from DCAL and 2 & 4 Wheel Motorsport additional safety equipment will be used in preparing the course from 1^st April.

Course Preparation

“Our course management team headed up by John Adams, assisted by Terry Butcher and team together with our course hardware specialists Stanleigh Murray, Kevin Hegarty and team, will carefully prepare the course over a 6 week period. The team will utilise over 4000 recticel safety bales, pole and kerb protectors, small bales and pedestrian barriers plus over 200 lengths of guard fencing. It’s a massive job but of course essential to the event and I’d like to pay tribute to the volunteer teams who work so hard rain, hail or shine.” said Mervyn Whyte.

Superbike, 600cc Supersport and 250cc Sponsors <