Ulster Grand Prix return in 2027 will require 'estimated £1million' as sport's governing body issues latest update on plans to revive legendary race
An estimated £1million will be required to revive the legendary Ulster Grand Prix in 2027 as work continues behind the scenes to bring the event back to the historic Dundrod course next summer.
The sport’s governing body in Northern Ireland, the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre), announced a new plan to resurrect the iconic road race in November last year with backing from Stormont.
The Ulster Grand Prix was last run in 2019, when England’s Peter Hickman won an unprecedented seven races and re-established the 7.4-mile course as the fastest in the world with a record lap of 136.415mph.
The news came as a massive boost for the sport, which has been on the upturn following a difficult few years underpinned by the Covid pandemic and insurance challenges.
In the latest official update on Friday night, the MCUI (UC) said the planning and funding stages of the venture were underway, while “positive discussions” have taken place with the relevant bodies regarding areas of the course in need of repair and the relocation of telegraph poles for safety reasons.
The 2027 Ulster Grand Prix is being promoted by the MCUI’s Ulster Centre Sports Promotions company and key race officials from clubs affiliated to the Ulster Centre.
A statement read: “[In] November 2025, we published the plans for the return of the Ulster Grand Prix in 2027. The planning and funding stages are very much underway, with various meetings with the local council LCCC (Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council) and amenity providers on the course preparation.
“Areas of road surface in need of repair have been identified with DFI Roads Eastern division and meetings with Openreach on relocation of several telegraph poles have taken place with positive discussions.
“Shortly after our November announcement we had a constructive residents meeting in the Ballymac Hotel, at which there was a willingness from them to see this great event return under the new management group.
“Our 2027 UGP plan is bringing back probably the purest and most natural road race events in the world with a world-class entry of competitors.”
The MCUI said the successful return of the race required support from the Department for Communities and local council, funding via Sport NI and 2&4 Wheel Motorsport and input from Tourism NI.
The statement added: “The event will need much financial support, and we are currently inviting potential sponsors, investors to engage asap to raise the estimated running cost of £1m.
“The event will incorporate a full business plan which will deliver a sustainable world class event for years to come.
“The UGP event has the potential to generate another fantastic Northern Ireland tourism attraction from across the globe visitors, with bed night bookings for local hotels, B&B, glamping and campsites which are expected before the end of 2026.”
The Cookstown 100 and North West 200 road races have already taken place this year, with the Tandragee 100 and Armoy meetings to come in June and July respectively.
The Mid Antrim 150 is also making a comeback from July 31-August 1 in an encouraging year for Irish road racing, but the return of the Ulster Grand Prix in 2027 would be the biggest coup of all.
Fundraising events will be held later this year and the Ulster GP Supporters Club is fully behind this latest effort to restart the former world championship race meeting.