Motorsport Taskforce established, Sports Minister reveals

The Taskforce will bring together representatives from sport, stakeholders and officials from Government Departments to help to address safety issues and explore how motorsports events can grow and attract further support.

Up to £20,000 has been secured to take forward the Taskforce.

The Minister said: “The remit of this Taskforce will cover a wide range of issues including event safety, infrastructure and talent development as well as looking at how to continue to maximise the marketing and tourism potential that the various events offer for Northern Ireland.

“This Taskforce funding is in addition to significant investment of £500,000 already provided to motorsport this financial year to take forward important safety works and provide equipment at race courses and tracks at a number of motorsport venues."

The Department is providing £500,000 investment in motorsport for: road racing venues at the North-West 200, the Ulster Grand Prix and Armoy Road Races; for short circuit tracks at Kirkistown, Nutt’s Corner and Bishopscourt; and for the Motor Racing Association and the NI Karting Association. The Department is also providing £40,000 to improved disabled access for the Ulster Grand Prix circuit.

The Minister added: “As a big supporter of motorsport, I recognise that there are inherent dangers for those who choose to participate and compete in this form of sport. While we can never make motorsport free of any risk, we can take steps to improve safety for competitors and spectators alike.

“Motorsport in all its forms makes a significant contribution to tourism and positively markets Northern Ireland as a venue to come to for major international sporting events.

"While the sport provides a spectacle and undoubted excitement, motorsport faces significant challenges. There is no doubt that a high priority must continue to be the continuous improvement of safety for both competitors and spectators.”

The Minister added: “Motorsport has a rich history here and we have produced some of the finest racers in the world, including the current two time World Super Bike Champion Jonathan Rea. The sport has a world wide appeal and attracts significant numbers of visitors to Northern Ireland adding to the large local following of enthusiastic supporters.”