Source: BBC Sport
Ulster Grand Prix receives Stormont funding boostImage source,PacemakerImage caption,The Ulster Grand Prix could return in 2027 after a eight-year absenceByRichard PetrieBBC Sport NI JournalistPublished2 minutes agoHopes of reviving the Ulster Grand Prix international road race have been boosted with the announcement that the Northern Ireland Executive is to provide the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) with multi-year funding in the region of £400,000.The Ulster GP has not taken place since 2019 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and financial issues but organisers are optimistic that the race could return to the road racing calendar as early as 2027 and have begun making plans with that in mind.A portion of the Stormont money, possibly in the region of 50%, is to be ring-fenced for the Dundrod event for improvements to the safety of the circuit, but direct funding for the race itself will not be provided.The NI Executive has indicated they will support efforts made by promoters of the UGP in their bid to get additional funding through other government funds, including Tourism NI and Lisburn and Castlereagh Council.The MCUI Ulster Centre Sports Promotions plan to run the race with the involvement of a team of their “best race promoters and officials brought together, picked from the seventeen clubs affiliated to the MCUI (UC) to oversee the running of the event”.The summer of 2027 is regarded as the earliest proposed date for the meeting to be resurrected.A statement released by the Ulster Centre on Monday indicated that they were having regular contact with all relevant stakeholders.”The event will need much financial support and we are inviting potential sponsors, investors to engage asap to raise the estimated running cost of £800k. The event plans will incorporate a business plan which will deliver a sustainable world class event for years to come.”The event safety plans and course risk assessments and funding applications will take up many hours over the next 12-18 months to ensure that the event has the best rider and spectator safety structures and practices in place for the event,” the statement explained.’Showcasing Northern Ireland on the global stage’Image source,Pacemaker PressImage caption,Czech rider Michael Dokoupil pictured at the Ulster Grand PrixDeputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that she “commended the work of the MCUI in their efforts to see the return of the Ulster Grand Prix to our roads.””This event is more than a race — it’s a celebration of our sporting heritage, our passion for motorsport, and the community spirit that makes road racing in Northern Ireland unique. I would warmly welcome its return and the boost it will bring to our local economy, tourism, and pride,” she commented.Department of Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “I have been greatly encouraged by the work and commitment of the MCUI, which gives me real optimism that we will once again see the Ulster Grand Prix return to the lo…
Published: 2025-11-03T14:49:48
Leave a Reply