NW200: '˜Meet the Stars' fans night tops bill at big launch in Belfast

Some of motorcycling's biggest names will be out in force at the official launch of the 2016 Vauxhall International North West 200, which will take place at the Titanic Building in March.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jan 2016, 06:00 BST
Updated 28th Jan 2016, 18:19 BST
Riders on the famous staircase in the Titanic suite at last year's Vauxhall International North West 200 'Meet the Stars night'.Riders on the famous staircase in the Titanic suite at last year's Vauxhall International North West 200 'Meet the Stars night'.
Riders on the famous staircase in the Titanic suite at last year's Vauxhall International North West 200 'Meet the Stars night'.

Fans will have the chance to mingle with their favourite racers at the popular ‘Meet the Stars’ evening on Wednesday, March 23, which will be held in the magnificent Titanic Suite.

The event is completely free and fans will soon have the chance to stake their claim for a coveted ticket, with details provided via the official North West 200 website at www.northwest200.org.

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A chat show with the riders will provide a fascinating insight into their hopes and aspirations for the season ahead, while a fun quiz featuring two teams of racers - hosted by Clare McCollum and Stephen Watson - will complement a superb night’s entertainment in Belfast.

Riders confirmed so far include Alastair Seeley, who only needs one more victory to become the most successful rider ever in the history of the famous international road race after equalling Robert Dunlop’s record of 15 wins with a terrific treble last year.

Macau Grand Prix champion Peter Hickman will also make the trip to Northern Ireland for the event along with Lee Johnston, who won last year’s Superstock race, and fellow rising star Dean Harrison, who has signed for new team Silicone Engineering Racing in 2016.

New British Superbike signing Glenn Irwin has also pledged his support as the Carrick man looks ahead to the biggest year of his career to date after signing with Paul Bird’s Be Wiser Ducati team alongside BSB legend Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne.

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Irwin proved a revelation at the North West last May, where he challenged event specialist Seeley in the opening Supersport race before clinching the runner-up spot in race two during a sensational debut at the super-fast 8.9-mile ‘Triangle’ course.

The organisers also hope that Isle of Man TT renaissance man Ian Hutchinson will be among the special guests at the ‘Meet the Stars’ evening, when fans will be able to have a photograph taken with their road racing idols or secure a prized autograph.

A line-up of some of the top machines due to compete in this year’s races will also be on display and in addition to the current crop of North West contenders, a number of leading names from bygone years will also make special guest appearances on the night to reminisce about their personal North West 200 memories from yesteryear.

Entry to the event is strictly by ticket only and 1,000 free tickets will be up for grabs soon, with further details due to be announced shortly.

Related topics:BelfastAlastair Seeley