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A statement issued on Tuesday evening said the dates for Northern Ireland’s three Irish road races have now been ratified, with the Cookstown 100 taking place from April 26-27, the North West 200 from May 8-11, and Armoy from July 26-27.

Referencing a statement from Dundrod and District Motor Club on Monday night regarding the cancellation of the 2024 Ulster Grand Prix, the MCUI said it was “committed” to its “agreed renewal” of insurance cover this year.

“The Dundrod & District MCC had been set a deadline of the 8th January Council meeting to confirm if their event was running or not,” the MCUI statement said.

“This, unfortunately, was not a scenario we wished to happen but the Centre had several other agencies, Government departments and other Motorsport clubs within the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Group that needed an answer to allow forward planning for 2024.

“The MCUI (UC) also needed clarification to confirm not only the events calendar, but the total number of events to be locked into the 2024 insurance policy.

“Reference the Dundrod Press release [on the] 8th January which stated that ‘ongoing insurance issues’ was one of the reasons for not running, again, for clarification, the MCUI (UC) does not have any insurance issues and are committed to our agreed renewal for 2024 events. We therefore assume the D&D MCC are referring to the increased cost to themselves.”

A full Ulster Superbike Championship is planned, commencing at Bishopscourt in Co Down on March 16 and concluding with the Sunflower Trophy weekend, also at Bishopscourt, from October 18-19.

Last year, all motorcycle racing in Ulster was cancelled in February before an eleventh-hour deal was clinched, saving an already depleted road racing calendar and the Ulster Superbike series.

A crowdfunding appeal, raising over £90,000, and a significant donation by Co Tyrone businessman Derek Keys ensured racing went ahead, although no events were held in the Republic of Ireland because of the insurance challenges.

Meanwhile, the MCUI’s 2023 Championship Awards evening for the Ulster Superbike Championship and road races takes place on Friday, January 12, in the La Mon Hotel & Country Club.

Tickets (£40) are still available for the event. For details, email [email protected]

MCUI confirms 2024 Irish road races and 'clarifies' insurance position