Northern Irish Road Races

2020 Ulster Grand Prix Cancelled

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2019 Ulster Grand Prix
2020 Ulster Grand Prix Cancelled :

2020 Ulster Grand Prix Cancelled :

Probably the least shocking cancellation of 2020 has been officially announced this morning. The 2020 UGP has been cancelled.

A few short weeks ago before Covid-19 started savaging the planet expotientially road racing was in trouble, but the calendar was still full, one major event though was in absolute jeopardy – the 2020 Ulster Grand Prix. A press release from early February 2020 had pretty much confirmed that there would be no 2020 event without actually stating it.

Just a Though :

Obviously we all currently face a much larger beast than the thought of no 2020 Ulster Grand Prix, but when the 2020 Coronavirus is retired (hopefully soon) to the history books, we need to remember and learn what had happened previously re the UGP, and not just assign to history that it didn’t happen because of the global pandemic.

Let’s be candid – there was no chance of there being a 2020 Ulster Grand Prix. The event was in real trouble before this cancellation and let’s all hope that this sabbatical gives it the chance to rise from the flames. However, moving forward we still have to learn so that once the world heals the road racing world can continue also. Road racing events need to be supported, but they can not rely on program sales alone. The UGP system failed, so not only does the amount of money coming in need to increase but the cash flowing out needs to be reduced. If not, in 2021 there will be another post relating to the fact there is again no Ulster Grand Prix. There is still a chance to fix it.

The following is the club’s official statement :

2020 ULSTER GRAND PRIX CALLED OFF

It is with great regret the organisers of the Ulster Grand Prix, the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club, must announce the race will not take place in 2020.
Despite numerous meetings in recent months with councillors, MLAs, MPs and Ministers and other interested parties, we have been unable to find the necessary financial support to run the meeting this year.
The unprecedented crisis surrounding the Coronavirus epidemic has made finding a solution at this stage impossible.

Keep up with all the latest News on the Ulster Grand Prix Official Website and Facebook Page.

As this situation evolves and affects more events TBNI.Blog will endeavour to keep you up to date.

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The Future of Irish Road Racing is in the Balance

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This post is now even more poignant given the postponements and cancellation of many 2020 events due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Please take the time to read and digest…

I am going to ‘Stickie’ this post until around the start of the Season because I think all road racing fans need to read and share it. The future of Irish Road Racing is in the balance and that balance is slowing tipping the wrong way!

It is relatively bleak reading, but it raises some very valid points. In 2020 we have definitely lost the Enniskillen Road Races with that event opting to relocate to a circuit. Also the Ulster Grand Prix looks very like it will not have a 2020 event – its future beyond that looks grim if the rumoured figures of debt are even remotely true and Cookstown have went on record saying that another bad year or two will put their event in real jeopardy.

Does motorcycle road racing on public roads in Ireland have a future?

2019 Ulster Grand Prix
2019 Ulster Grand Prix

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Dan Kneen to join Tyco BMW for the 2017 Ulster Grand Prix

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Read the Tyco BMW Press Release here :

http://tycobmw.com/manxman-kneen-to-join-tyco-bmw-for-the-ulster-grand-prix/

Tyco BMW have announced that Manx rider Dan Kneen will ride for them at the 2017 MCE Ulster Grand Prix.

With Ian Hutchinson out of contention for the Dundrod meeting due to the injuries he sustained at the Isle of Man TT, former MCE Ulster GP winner Kneen is set to be the team’s only rider at the final international road race of the year.

30-year-old Manxman Dan had his most successful TT campaign to date this year, securing both his fastest lap and a debut podium in the Superstock race behind Ian Hutchinson and Peter Hickman.

He comes to Dundrod with an impressive Southern 100 performance under his belt too, narrowly missing out on glory in the senior race to Michael Dunlop, who crossed the finish line just 0.12 seconds in front of Kneen.

Dan Kneen said: “First of all, it’s nice to be asked to ride for Tyco BMW. Obviously, the opportunity has come up, due to Hutchy’s injury, so I’d like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best with his recovery.

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