The launch of the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week, hosted by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, took place this week (27th July) at Lagan Valley Island in Lisburn.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is pleased to be supporting the Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week, from 3rd to 8th August for the first time. This event attracts riders, their teams and thousands of spectators from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and further afield.
Present at the Lisburn based launch event were riders Dean Harrison, Michael Dunlop, Paul Jordan, Seamus Elliott, Sarah Boyes and Glenn Irwin.
The Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett, speaking about the upcoming event, said: “On behalf of the Council I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all the riders, teams and visitors for attending this annual event, whether it be their first time or they are returning to attend the world’s fastest road race. This prominent event in the road racing calendar attracts thousands to the Council area.
“I would like to thank the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club for its continued promotion of this important road race; and I hope that the weather is on our side throughout the course of Bike Week. In recent months the Club members have been working hard to prepare the circuit and pits area for both riders and visitors.
“As the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh I am looking forward to attending the races and standing on the grid to start a race. The Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club has been helping raise funds for this popular sporting event for over 50 years and the Club’s efforts and contribution to the 2015 event is greatly appreciated by all parties,” concluded Councillor Beckett.
Wristbands that allow entry to the course and the paddock all week cost £25 and under 16s are free. Entry for Wednesday and Thursday only is £15. Saturday only entry is £25.
Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee and host of the reception, said: “The Council is delighted to assist in the promotion of the Ulster Grand Prix and show its support for this international event; and it congratulates the Club on its efforts on continuously improving the facilities and safety measures. I would like to thank all the sponsors associated with the Ulster Grand Prix and welcome Metzeler back again as title sponsor; and may I also thank Tourism NI and partners who support this event in terms of funding or volunteering.
“In help mark the beginning of the Metzeler UGP Bike Week the Council in partnership with the ‘Lisburn City Old Vehicle Club’ will be holding an event at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex on Monday 3rd August. A cavalcade of classic motorbikes and cars will assemble at the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex for 7.00pm and depart on a tour of the Dundrod circuit at 7.30pm before returning to the LeisurePlex where the bikes and cars will be on display. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Eddie Mateer for organising a photographic display that will be hosted in the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex throughout the first week in August.
“Everyone involved with the event are indebted to the PSNI, the Safety Advisory Group, the local community and landowners in the Dundrod area for their ongoing support in ensuring that the Ulster Grand Prix continues at Dundrod,” concluded Alderman Porter.
At the launch Bradford racer Dean Harrison, who rides for the Saintfield–based Mar-Train team said: “We’re in a good place ahead of the Ulster. We’ve been making progress all season and I had a really strong weekend at Armoy.
“I had podiums on the 600 and the Superbike and was able to battle at the front, so I’m confident we’ll be in the mix at Dundrod.
“The R6 is spot on and we made some drastic changes to the set up on the big bike that worked for the better. The team has been working hard to get us where we are and I’m really happy with how all of the bikes are coming along. We should be on the pace in all classes.
“Even though the Armoy circuit has more jumps than Dundrod, they both have some fast, smooth corners so I think it we’ll be able to make a good transition when we get out on track next week.”
Robert Graham, Chairman of the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club said: “I would like to thank Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for its support of the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week this year.
“We work closely together with the Council and a host of other sponsors and partners to provide the best possible event for competitors and spectators. There is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes, so thank you to each and every one of the organisations that make the event possible.”
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council wishes everyone at the races an enjoyable time and hopes that the riders and their support teams have a successful and safe Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week.