ULSTER GP: Practice reshuffle aimed at easing time pressure in 2016

The Ulster Grand Prix organisers have confirmed a reorganisation of practice sessions for 2016 aimed at relieving some of the time pressure associated with running the Dundrod 150 meeting.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Mar 2016, 06:00 BST

Roads will be closed for an additional two hours for practice on Wednesday, August 10 and an extra 30 minutes on the Thursday of Bike Week – August 11 – when the separately run Dundrod 150 National meeting will take place as normal.

The Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club hopes the added practice time on Wednesday will reduce the number of Thursday qualifying sessions by two, freeing up more time for the five-race ‘150’ programme, which includes a headline Superbike race featuring all of the top names in action at the ‘World’s Fastest Road Race’.

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Noel Johnston, Ulster GP Clerk of the Course, said: “By increasing the amount of practice time on the Wednesday we’ve been able to allow more time for the Dundrod 150 races on the Thursday, without cutting into anyone’s track time, and that’s good news for all parties.

“We’ve also decided to move the riders briefings forward from Wednesday to Tuesday, with newcomers in the morning and all other competitors in the evening, which will allow everyone more time to familiarise themselves with the circuit.

“We’re continually working with our stakeholders such as Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Tourism NI and Transport NI to improve the experience for both fans and competitors at Dundrod and we’re confident that this altered schedule will make a significant difference.”

Johnston, meanwhile, revealed that more seating will be added to the Joey Dunlop Grandstand this year, with an extension to the facility at the start/finish area catering for an extra 160 fans.

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“There is always a high demand for the Joey Dunlop Grandstand so it’s great that we’ve been able to increase its capacity,” he said.

“It has a fantastic view of the last corner, grid and right down the start/finish straight, not to mention the big screen in the paddock as well, so it’s no surprise that it’s a favourite for spectators. They’re in for a treat this year.”

Tickets for Bike Week 2016 at the Ulster Grand Prix (August 8-13) are available now from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and can also be purchased in the traditional way around the 7.4-mile course at road-ends on practice and race days.

Grandstand tickets are due to be released in the coming weeks.

The world famous international road race will take place from August 8-13.

Related topics:UlsterTickets