Ulster Grand Prix Set for 2027 Return :
Rumours have been circulating for a couple of days now about a return of the Ulster Grand Prix and it now has been confirmed that the Northern Ireland Government will be budgeting for around £400,00 over a ‘multi-year contract’ and that approximately 50% of that will be set aside for the UGP in order to make improvements around the circuit. However, and notably funding will not be provided for the racing itself.
So the Ulster is by no means back just yet, but this is the biggest step forward in ensuring bikes return to the Dundrod circuit.
The MCUI(UC) has also given a press release :
Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Ltd
Press Release for 2027 “Ulster Grand Prix”
Press Release dated – 03/11/2025 @ 2.30PM
The MotorCycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Ltd over the last four months have engaged with many government departments, MLA’s, councils and agencies on “pure road racing” in Northern Ireland.
Road Racing between the hedges in Ireland has been attracting competitors and spectators since 1903 when the Governing Body was first established.
We have built a legacy around road racing over this period of time which has produced world class talents. 2026 will see five pure road race events in Northern Ireland, Cookstown 100, NW200, Tandragee 100, Armoy and the Mid Antrim 150 is back on the Calendar. This is a great upturn and promising for road racing since the covid pandemic which had a huge impact on everyone. We appreciate all the support and help from Department of Communities, SportNI and 2&4 Wheel over the years for the funding for much needed safety equipment.
Thinking ahead to 2027 our plan is to bring back probably the purest and most natural road race events in the world.
The famous Dundrod 7.4 mile course is set to host the “Ulster Grand Prix” in the summer of 2027 set in Lisburn & Castlereagh City council boundaries, and under the guidance from the MCUI (UC) and promoted by our “Ulster Centre Sports Promotions” company.
A team of our best race promoters and officials will be brought together, picked from the seventeen clubs affiliated to the MCUI (UC) to oversee the running of the event.
Although this will be no mean feat, we are confident with the support from OFM Michelle O’Neill, DFM Emma Little-Pengelly, Department of Communities Minister Lyons, Sport NI, 2&4 Wheel Motorsport, Northern Ireland Sports Forum, Department of Infrastructure, Tourism NI, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council other MLAs and Aldermen, the PSNI and most important the local residents. There will be a meeting very soon with the residents to discuss the event plans. The event safety plans and course risk assessments and funding applications will take up many hours over the next 12-18 months to ensure that the event has the best rider and spectator safety structures and practices in place for the event.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly commented – “I commend the work of the MCUl in their efforts to see the return of the Ulster Grand Prix to our roads. This event is more than a race — it’s a celebration of our sporting heritage, our passion for motorsport, and the community spirit that makes road racing in Northern Ireland unique. I would warmly welcome its return and the boost it will bring to our local economy, tourism, and pride.”
Department of Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: *I have been greatly encouraged by the work and commitment of the MCUI, which gives me real optimism that we will once again see the Ulster Grand Prix return to the loca road racing calendar, bringing high-speed excitement back to the famously fast Dundrod Circuit.
“Northern Ireland has a rich and internationally recognised heritage of road racing and the possibility of seeing this iconic event return is something that will be welcomed by fans, competitors and communities alike.
“I look forward to continued engagement with MCUI, building on some of my previous work with the motorsport sector which included £187,000 allocated last year and £400,000 this year to improve safety measures for both riders and spectators at these events.
“A revived Utster Grand Prix will not only deliver thrilling sport for fans at home and abroad but would once again showcase Northern Ireland on the globat stage. “
The Directors of 2&4 Wheel Motorsport – support and welcome the news, that the MotorCycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) Ltd are committed to the “Ulster Grand Prix” retuming in summer 2027.
A fantastic event entrenched with motorsport history across the globe
A Big part of the UGP events over the years is the Supporters Club under the Guidance of Dessie Stewart, this will be welcomed news for all supporters’ club membership, who have been asking Des the same question every year from 2020, will the race run again!
Des Stewart commented “On behalf of the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club, we congratulate the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (UC) Ltd and Ulster Centre Sports Promotions for their lead role in a planned return for the Ulster Grand Prix on the Dundrod Circuit in 2027”. This race-one of Northem Ireland’s greatest sporting events- has bean sadly missed from the calendar by all pure Road Racing enthusiastic not least the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club members, who over the past 6 years have continued in their devotion and belief for it’s return.
Now the hard work begins in emest: planning, proparation and re-structuring the event to re-kindle the old glory days of ‘The Ulster” the “Warld’s Fastest Road Race”!
The event will need much financial support and we are inviting potential sponsors, investors to engage asap to raise the estimated running cost of £800k. The event plans will incorporate a business plan which will deliver a sustainable world class event foryears to come. This event has the potential to generate another fantastic Northern Ireland tourism attraction from across the globe, and bookings for campervans etc will open early 2026.
The race still is known as the World’s Fastest Road Race with Peter Hickman being the holder of the Dundrod lap record at 136.415 mph. Dundrod will attract the best road race competitors from home and across the world. Joey Dunlop still holds the most wins around the course with 24 wins. His nephew Michael Dunlop the IOM TT record holder will surely return with an ambition of adding more wins to his tally. We will be inviting the best competitors from across the world to this incredible event.
This event will only happen with the support of everyone mentioned above and the sports supporter and sponsors, we are grateful of the assistance and support to date for this event by the MCUI (UC) Clubs.
“Roll on Summer 2027”.
Interested investors and sponsors should contact – MCUI (UC) Secretary Mr. Mark Santon [email protected]
Keep up with all the latest News on the Ulster Grand Prix Facebook Page, the Official Ulster Grand Prix Twitter Feed and the Official Ulster Grand Prix Website.
The TBNI Road Racing Calendar will be updated as soon as new information comes to light so make sure you are subscribed to that : https://tbni.blog/road-racing-calendar/
You will also find new information as soon as it is available through the TBNI Facebook Page and TBNI Twitter Feed.
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