Fundraising drive to save Northern Ireland motorcycle racing shows no sign of slowing down, but clock is ticking

So far the gofundme page set up by the Motorcycle Union of Ireland Ulster Centre has amassed £76,846 of its £300,000 goal in just six days. That includes a single anonymous donation of £5,000.

An insurance crisis is hanging over the sport which prompted the announcement that all road races, short circuit events and trials meetings for 2023 were to be canncelled due to a drastic rise in the cost of insurance.

However the launch of the North West 200 still took place this week in the Lodge Hotel in Coleraine where race chief Mervyn Whyte said it was “50/50” if the event would take place as efforts continue behind the scenes to find a solution.

While the fundraising appeal has been well supported, the clock is ticking with the £300,000 needed before the February 28 deadline when the insurance company must be paid.

Mark Henry from Scotland wrote on the gofundme page: “Been to the NW for the past seven or eight years – it’s amazing and easy to get to. I love the accessibility of the riders and the paddock and the sheer spectacle of the close racing. This historic race can’t be allowed to end.”

Rodney Burns said he has been a life long fan and has introduced his Hungarian wife to the sport which she became hooked on.

"I would hate to see this relegated to the history books, people from all over the world know about it and would love to have something like this,” he said.

Howard Fraser wrote: “It would be an awful shame if racing had to be cancelled. This sport brings so much pleasure to me, and others like me.”

Derek Lynn, who donated £8, commented: “If 50,000 fans donate £8 each the race will happen! Spread the word.”

Geoff McCaughey said: “[Northern Ireland is] one of the few remaining countries brave enough to host these amazing events. A community of bikers I am proud to belong to, this also is about sending a message to those that constantly try to shut down all aspects of the sport and interest we hold dear.”

The official fundraising page can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/mcuiucinsurance-shortfall-for-racing-in-2023