Lisburn business confirms deal as title sponsor of the national road race in August, as Christian Elkin outlines his intentions for the event
The Dundrod 150 national road race, part of the international MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix has received a boost this week as Lisburn firm Plant Lubrication (NI) Ltd confirmed title sponsorship of the event for the third year running.
The company, which is a leading distributor of Total, Valvoline and Elf Motorcycle Oils premium quality lubricants to all sectors of industry Northern Ireland, also backs Christian Elkin, Dundrod favourite and Irish Ulster Supertwin short circuit champion.
Alan McCaffrey, Director of Plant Lubrication (NI) Ltd said: “We’re very proud to continue our association with this major international event that is right on our doorstep. We love road racing and it has given us a great opportunity to promote our business so all in all it’s a great fit.
“We also support Christian Elkin who is a high performer around the Dundrod circuit, so that link is important to us too.”
Bob Wylie Racing rider Elkin was on top form at the 2015 Plant Lubrication Dundrod 150, setting the pace in Ultra Lightweight practice at an impressive 100.726mph lap before inclement weather put a stop to the day, and was the runaway winner of that class in the MCE Ulster Grand Prix road races.
Elkin said: “I’m happy to help launch this renewed partnership, it’s mutual support and collaboration that makes this sport work. I’m really looking forward to getting to Dundrod. I comfortably won the Ultra Lightweight last year and am very much hoping to repeat that this year. We’ve done a lot of work on the Honda and I think we can go a bit quicker.
“I really enjoy the smaller classes, and think they’re pretty important in terms of new talent learning the ropes before getting on a big bike. It teaches you so much and it’s infinite what you can actually change and learn with your gearing and suspension.
“It’s hard to say who the main competition will be this year, Adam McLean will be fast, as will Paul Jordan. He does a lot more on the roads than me during the year, I stick with just three races.
“Without a doubt Dundrod is my favourite to compete at, it’s so fast and flowing with such a mix of all sorts, just amazing.”
Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix and Plant Lubrication Dundrod 150 said: “We’re very glad to have Alan and the team at Plant Lubrication back on board. It’s especially gratifying to hear that existing sponsors want to continue their involvement with our event, it shows we’re doing something right and that it is beneficial for these local companies to be associated with us.
“Thanks also to Christian Elkin for helping us launch the partnership. This guy was in a league of his own at Dundrod last year, and we all look forward to seeing what he can do on the Triumph in the Moira Bakery Ultra Lightweight on the Thursday, and Ulster Speed Ultra Lightweight on the Saturday,” he added.
L-R: Bob McCaffrey and Alan McCaffrey of Plant Lubrication (NI) with road racer Christian Elkin and Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix.
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON