HUNDREDS of bikers have taken part in the now annual MCE Ulster Grand Prix ‘Bike Fest’ convoy from three starting points in Northern Ireland, all culminating in a lap of the world famous MCE UGP circuit on the eve of the first practice sessions.
The legendary Dromara Destroyers (Brian Reid, Ray McCullough, Trevor Steele and Ian McGregor) led a ride out of over 200 bikes from Dromara village centre for the third year running.
Joining them at Dundrod, the home of the MCE Ulster Grand Prix, were two convoys of Harley-Davidsons as well as Vespas who travelled from Scooter Specialist NI in Belfast.
Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the MCE Ulster Grand Prix said: “We were delighted to see so many people from the biking community out in force; but who could blame them for being unable to turn down the chance to ride round the MCE UGP during bike week – safely of course!
“The circuit itself is in great shape and we’re now ready for the first race bikes on the grid on Wednesday morning. Here’s to a safe few days of close, shoulder to shoulder racing at what is, in my opinion, the greatest mass start road race in the world,” he added.
More information about events and racing during the MCE Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week:
Wednesday 8th August
10.00 – Roads close for MCE Ulster Grand Prix practice sessions
21.00 – An Evening with the World’s Best Road Racers in the Hospitality Marquee, followed by live music.
Thursday 9th August
10.00 – Roads close for practice followed by MCE Ulster Grand Prix races. The race order is: Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council 600 Supersport race, the DGH Services Supertwins race, the Belfast International Airport Ultralightweight/Lightweight race and the Circle K Airport Road Service Station Superbike race.
12.30 – 19.00 – VIP event in Hospitality Marquee (for ticket holders only).
22.00 – Live music in Hospitality Marquee.
Friday 10th August
11.00 – Meet the Riders event at Circle K Airport Road Service Station
12.00 – E-Trax NI indoor motocross e-park event (near Moira roundabout)
13.00 – Mini cars and mini bikes demo and racing in MCE UGP paddock throughout the day from 13.00
14.00 – MCE UGP Family Fun Event at Centra Whitemountain
15.00 – Bus tours of the MCE UGP circuit with rider commentary on board
17.00 – Ulster Classic Motorcycle Club Grass Track Racing at Fort Road, Dundrod
18.00 – Scrambler and trial bike display in MCE UGP paddock
20.30 – Live music in the Hospitality Marquee
Saturday 11th August
09.30 – Roads close for the seven-race MCE Ulster Grand Prix 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 Supersport race, the Plant Lubrication NI Ultra Lightweight/Lightweight, the MMB Surfacing Superbike race, the Team Air Power 600 Supersport Race, the Maxwell Freight Supertwins race and the Around-A-Pound Superbike race
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
