TT winners Bruce Anstey, Michael Dunlop and Cameron Donald were in Dundrod, Co. Antrim today to mark the official launch of the McKinstry Skip Hire Ulster Grand Prix 2011.
They will be joined at the World’s Fastest Road Race this August by fellow TT winners Gary Johnson and John McGuinness as well as road racing greats such as Guy Martin, William Dunlop, Keith Amor, Conor Cummins and many more.
Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at Dundrod & District Motorcycle Club, said; “I am delighted to see Bruce, Michael and Cameron in Dundrod, fresh from the Isle of Man TT, to launch Bike Week 2011.
“The exciting thing about this year’s event is that the competition is wide open and anyone could win, if the TT is anything to go by. Visitors to this year’s Ulster Grand Prix won’t be disappointed, we’re working very hard to match the great success of last year and fans can expect more exceptional racing round the seven mile long Dundrod circuit.
“Of course we wouldn’t be able to put on a great show without the help of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Lisburn City Council as well as our title sponsor, McKinstry Skip Hire, Dundrod 150 sponsor Topaz and race sponsors Maxwell Freight Services. Without the support of these organisations, the Ulster Grand Prix just wouldn’t happen,” he said.
Joy Bond, Events Manager at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board said: “Exciting events such as the Ulster Grand Prix are very important in attracting domestic and international visitors to spend time in Northern Ireland.
“Visitors that do come to watch these events, and the financial benefit they bring, are of vital importance in stimulating growth and delivering economic value to many sectors of the local economy. I’m pleased NITB is supporting the Ulster Grand Prix through our Events Funding Programme.”
Councillor Thomas Beckett, Chairman of Lisburn City Council’s Leisure Services Committee, speaking about the Ulster Grand Prix, said: “The Ulster Grand Prix is a key event in the Northern Ireland sporting calendar and it is fantastic that the world’s fastest road race takes place in Dundrod, Lisburn.
“Lisburn City Council is looking forward to the top riders and race teams participating in this year’s event and bringing thousands of people to our City. The Council is looking forward to working with the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club on the 2011 event and it hopes that it will be another successful year.”
Mr Johnston added; “As ever, safety around the circuit is paramount and I am always looking for ways to improve this. 2 and 4 Wheels have funded £40,000 worth of additional safety bales, which will be strategically placed around the course.
“ All our risk assessments are updated and we are working closely with Lisburn City Council to ensure all aspects of health and safety are strictly adhered to.
“While we hope for thrilling road racing, the most important factor is the safety of both spectators and competitors,” he said.
Bike Week 2011 will run between 7 – 13 August in Dundrod, Co. Antrim. The main events are the Dundrod 150 racing on Thursday 11 August, and main race day on Saturday 13 August. There will be other practice sessions throughout the week, and entertainment each night in the paddock.
Wristbands that allow entry to the course and paddock all week cost £25. Under 16s are free. Those who wish to pre-purchase wristbands can do so before 30 June at www.ulstergrandprix.net and will receive a free programme worth £5.
For more details on the McKinstry Skip Hire Ulster Grand Prix visit www.ulstergrandprix.net. Further updates can also be found every Tuesday in Keep ‘Er Lit and via www.whatsonni.com.