Governing body of motocross in Ulster rules out return until final stage of NI Executive's plan for easing lockdown

The Motorcycle Racing Association (Ireland) Ltd provided an update yesterday regarding any possible return to competition in 2020, and also addressed ‘ill-informed rumours circulating on social media’.

A statement said: “The Officers and Directors of the Motorcycle Racing Association (Ireland) Ltd., official Governing Body of Off Road Motorcycle Sport in Ulster, would like to update all competitors and members of the current situation regarding a return to competition as there are some ill-informed rumours currently circulating on social media.

“As per the published plan for a return to competition, the Directors would like to categorically state that contrary to claims made online, the annual Insurance has not been cancelled as this was paid in full in November 2019 as usual.

“The MRA Directors are committed to a return to racing as soon as possible in line with the Operational Plan, and the NI Executive’s Five Stage Strategy.

“The MRA have been working with, and taking advice from numerous Government agencies, including the Department for Communities, Sport NI, NI Sports Forum and our own Insurers, Sports Insure on every avenue to ensure a safe return to competition.”

The statement reiterated that ‘all motorcycling activity’ remains suspended, as per the association’s initial announcement on March 17.

It continued: “We do not envisage any competition before Stage 5 of the NI Executive’s plan, and as our previous announcement of 17th March 2020 stated, ALL motorcycling activity is suspended until we have all clear from the above agencies.

“We would ask our competitors and licence holders to observe the current lockdown protocols and keep the pressure off our NHS Services. We would like to pass on our appreciation and gratitude to all the staff at Department for Communities, Sport NI and NI Sports Forum for the hard work and support they are putting in to ensure a safe return to all sporting action as soon as possible.

“Thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding in these extraordinary times, and please, take this pandemic seriously and stay safe.”

On Tuesday, the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) – which oversees short circuit and road racing in Northern Ireland – said it was ‘too early’ to make a decision on any events still scheduled to take place this year.

All Irish road races in the Republic of Ireland have been cancelled, while the North West 200 was also called off until 2021. The Isle of Man TT, Southern 100, Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix will also not take place until next year.

The Armoy Road Races in July were also cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak, and last week the organisers of the end-of-season Sunflower Trophy short circuit meeting at Bishopscourt in Co Down cancelled their planned meeting in October.

As it stands, the Cookstown 100 and Tandragee 100 events are the only road races currently postponed, with the Cookstown organisers intent on running the Co Tyrone race in September with restricted spectator numbers – if it is possible to do so under the government rules in place at the time.

A number of Ulster Superbike short circuit events at Bishopscourt and Kirkistown also remain scheduled to go ahead at present.

In a clash between the governing bodies on both sides on the border, Motorcycling Ireland – which runs short circuit and road racing in the south – issued a highly critical condemnation of their counterparts’ plans to press ahead with events such as the Cookstown 100.

In a statement, MCI President Sean Bissett said his organisation was ‘alarmed and annoyed’ over the situation and suggested motorcycle racing was being painted in a bad light ‘in the current climate’.