Kennedy International North West 200 Official Website www.northwest200.org

16th May 2008 Statement from Mervyn Whyte, Clerk of Course

Organisers of the Kennedy International North West 200, Coleraine and District Motor Club have taken the decision to proceed with tomorrow’s North West 200 which they believe will be a fitting tribute to Robert Dunlop who died during a practice session on Thursday evening.

Before making the decision to run the event Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte spoke to Robert’s widow Louise and sponsors and they have given their full support to tomorrow’s event.

Said Mervyn Whyte, “Robert was a wonderful ambassador for the North West 200 and for Northern Ireland and we believe he would have wished the event to go ahead.

“Robert will be remembered with great fondness by all who knew him. His presence, sense of humour, enthusiasm and love for life will be sorely missed. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with Louise, Robert’s sons Michael, William and Daniel and the wider family circle. Our thoughts are also with Darren Burns who was injured last night.

As a mark of respect to the Dunlop family and the motorcycling fraternity at large, all events in the paddock and hospitality area will be cancelled today.

Race Day will take place tomorrow as planned with roads closing at 10am. Prior to the first race a minute’s silence will be held.

The International North West 200 is Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event, attracting crowds in excess of 150,000 as well as the biggest names in the sport including Michael Rutter, Steve Plater and John McGuinness. Taking place on the 17th May 2008, the International North West 200 circuit runs between the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine – an area of outstanding natural beauty and home to the world famous Giant’s Causeway.

The triangle circuit is one of the fastest in the world. In 2005, Michael Rutter broke the record for the fastest speed in the history of the event with 201.1mph.....

Organisers are delighted to confirm that the 2008 event will take place on Saturday 17th May with Race Week activities beginning on Saturday 10th May. Practice night will be Tuesday 13th Thursday 15th of the race week festival.

Race Week Festival

The International North West 200 is an event not to be missed. A great day out for all the family and one of road racing’s leading events, the North West 200 offers something for everyone.

PSNI Message

Police would remind all those attending the event that on street drinking is not permitted anywhere on the circuit and in the towns of Portrush & Portstewart.