The stage is set for the 2018 MCE Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week and fans are in for an incredible few days of both international road racing and bike focused events.
Three motorbike convoys will take place on Tuesday, starting from different locations but all ending with a lap of the world famous Dundrod circuit on Tuesday 7th August.
Building on the success of their involvement in the event for the past two years, the formidable force that is the Dromara Destoyers, will once again lead a ride out from the Village Square in Dromara, and have asked anyone who wishes to join them to be there for 7pm before leaving at 7.30pm.
The second ride out will be for scooters and vespas and will leave from Scooter Specialist NI on Great Victoria Street in Belfast at 7.30pm.
The third ride out will be for Harley-Davidsons and will leave from their showroom in the Kilbegs Business Park in Antrim.
Wednesday will be dedicated to race practice sessions, with roads closing at 10am.
On Wednesday evening at 7pm, the Hospitality Marquee will host ‘An Evening with the World’s Best Road Racers’, at which fans will be treated to a question and answer session with a selection of the circuit’s top riders, hosted by prolific race commentator Chris Kinley.
Thursday will see the first of two days of international road racing with roads closing, once again, at 10am.
Circuit activity will kick off with practice and lead into the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council 600 Supersport race, the DGH Services Supertwins race, the Belfast International Airport Ultralightweight/Lightweight race and conclude with the Circle K Superbike race.
Friday will encompass a series of off track events including ‘Meet the Riders’, which takes place at 11am at the Airport Road Circle K Service Station as well as a Trail Bike Display scheduled for 6pm that evening in the Paddock.
Fans can also experience a different style of bike with a visit to the recently opened E-Trax NI, Ireland’s first indoor motocross experience. From 12 noon, fans can visit the brand new facility at the Moira Roundabout, and test one of their electric bikes on track.
Roads will close at 9.30am on Saturday for a seven-race programme. A 20 minute warm up session for Supersport, Superstock and Superbike machines will precede the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Supersport race, the Centra Whitemountain 600 Supersport race, the Plant Lubrication Ultra Lightweight/Lightweight, the MMB Surfacing Superbike, race, the Team Air Power 600 Supersport Race, the Maxwell Freight Supertwin race and the Around-A-Pound Superbike race.
Wristbands can be purchased from the race office located in David Wood House in the Paddock. Race office opening hours and a full bike week schedule can be found online at www.ulstergrandprix.net. Grandstand seating this year will be located at the start/finish line and at Leathemstown.
L-R Terry Maxwell (Maxwell Freight), Noel Johnston (MCE Ulster Grand Prix Clerk of Course), Lee Johnston (Rider) and Tommy Maxwell (Maxwell Freight).