'This shows what we can do': Local company proud to be involved at this year's NW200 event
A Limavady man says he is immensely proud of his business being involved at this year’s North West 200 road race.
With hundreds of thousands of spectators gathering on the north coast this week for world-class motorbike action, it is fair to say that a lot of people are needed to carry out a number of different roles to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
As such, Chris and Iain Arthur from Sandy Arthur Coach Hire/Executive Travel NI were announced as official coach partner for this year’s two-wheel extravaganza.
Bringing over 42 years of experience, Sandy Arthur Coach Hire/Executive Travel NI have spent the week managing newcomer and rider tours of the iconic 8.9-mile Triangle course, as well as transport for new rider-guided VIP public tours during race week.
When asked to sum-up how the week has been, Chris told the News Letter: “I’m a motorsport fan so it’s been pretty cool this week.
"I was involved in professional drifting for 12 years and competed in the British and European Championships, as well as having invites to go to America and the Macau Grand Prix with our SATS Motorsport team.
"Growing up so close to the NW200...you always know when race week is approaching and the event has certainly grown in the last 20 years.
"It’s become like going to Silverstone for F1 enthusiasts because everything is in place.
"To go from our usual every day work in terms of schools and sports teams to this has certainly been a change.
"For our business to be involved in a world-class sporting event like this shows what we can do.
"We appreciate the North West 200 for choosing and trusting our local company with the responsibility of ensuring that their riders, stewards and VIPs get around safely during race week.”
Due to the position of Chris’ executive minibus near the starting grid, he has been able to get up and close with the sheer speed of the bikes.
He explained: “Motorbikes isn’t a sport I’ve been around a lot...but to watch them accelerate from the start line to the first corner is incredible.
"The speed limit on that road for everyday motorists is 30mph yet they are clocking up near 100mph.
"You then look at the speed they are able to do on Station Road for example heading towards Coleraine University, with figures exceeding 200mph.
"It is definitely not for the faint-hearted put it that way...I used to think I was going quick at 60mph on Station Road.”
It has marked a busy period for Sandy Arthur Coach Hire/Executive Travel NI as they are also the transport partner for Coleraine Football Club.
The Bannsiders had success of their own last weekend as they lifted the Irish Cup for the seventh time in the club’s history following a nail-biting 3-2 victory against Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park.
The trophy was brought back to The Showgrounds on one of Sandy Arthur’s buses as celebrations got under way.
Chris added: “It’s been a great couple of weeks and it was special to bring the Irish Cup back to the Coleraine Showgrounds.
"The celebrations and everything else was brilliant and the last seven days have certainly been the highlight of the year that’s for sure.”