Next year’s Sidecarcross Grand Prix at Desermartin deferred until 2022

The North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club Off Road confirmed the news in a statement late on Wednesday night.

“This event is unfortunately a casualty of the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and its effect on travel, the NHS, public safety, and the lack of robust finances in place,” said the club’s Malcolm Beattie.

“We would like to thank Martin Bena of WSC, the promoters, who gave us as much time as possible, and has agreed a date for 2022. Martin and his organisation have been more than helpful and are still enthusiastic about the Grand Prix coming to Northern Ireland.

“We would also like to thank our sponsors and supporters from not only Northern Ireland but also the Republic of Ireland and UK Mainland along with the N.I. Sidecar Supporters Club who came on board to help so far.

“Hopefully they can stay with us until 2022. We would also like to thank Carla Lockhart MP for her help in trying to secure Executive funding for the event, her efforts are much appreciated,” he added.

“The Club are naturally sad to announce this, but given the uncertainty felt that to be able to show the sport in the best light, deferring was our only option. Let’s all hope for a better 2021.”

Ireland’s only regular Grand Prix sidecar rider, Lisburn’s Gary Moulds, said the call was the ‘right decision’.

“I’m obviously gutted that we are no longer in the position to run a GP in 2021 but it is the right decision for everyone’s interests next year.

“But I’m sure that we will still get a GP at Desertmartin in the future on one of the best tracks in Europe.”