In Northern Ireland, motorcycle racing and trials have been given the green light following the cancellation of 2023 events due to rising insurance costs.
On Monday and Thursday, the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) held emergency meetings in which it was determined that public liability insurance costs had tripled to over £400,000, making it impossible to hold events.
Some of the most renowned road races in the country have been cancelled, which has come as a devastating blow to sports fans. In addition to the Ulster Superbike Championship, these include the North West 200, Cookstown 100, Tandragee 100, Armoy Race of Legends, Ulster Grand Prix, and Sunflower trophy at Bishopscourt. Motocross remains unaffected.
John Dillon, chairman of the Ulster Centre of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland, said in a statement, “The consensus was that the proposed costs were, at this time, unaffordable for the majority of clubs in order to provide the required public liability coverage to run our planned events.”
In addition to acknowledging the disappointment caused by the cancellations, he reassured fans that the organisation will continue to pursue alternative options should they become available in the near future.
Some of the most popular motorcycle racing and trials events in Northern Ireland will not take place in 2023 due to insurmountable costs, which is a significant setback. In the coming months, it remains to be seen whether other options will emerge that will allow sports fans to once again enjoy their favourite events.
