North West 200 and all NI motorcycle road races cancelled for 2023: ‘The end has finally come’

The decision was reached at an emergency meeting of the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) on Thursday night.

National road races were facing an increase of three times more than they paid in 2022, with clubs looking at costs of more than £50,000.

Races called off along with the North West 200 – Ireland’s biggest motorcycle event – include the Cookstown 100, Tandragee 100, Armoy, Sunflower Trophy, USBK Championship and Ulster Grand Prix.

A statement released by the sport’s governing body said: “The consensus was that the costs proposed were, at this time, unsustainable for most clubs in order to provide the required public liability cover to run our planned events.

“The MCUI (UC) will, however, continue to pursue all options for the provision of Public Liability insurance, should they arise in the near future.

“We appreciate that this situation is far from ideal, however although we have been unable to secure the running of events for this year, this arrangement and decision will go a little way to at least allowing licence holders the opportunity to engage in competitive events, should they wish, with the appropriate cover and security.”

It is understood that the body responsible for motorcycle racing in the Republic of Ireland, Motorcycling Ireland, is also facing a similar scenario after being unable to find an insurance company willing to provide cover.

Ryan Farquhar – who has won 211 Irish road races in his career – said it was a sad day for the sport.

“It’s a very sad day for Irish road racing. The end has finally come, a sport that’s been my life for 30 years. There’s been many highs and lows, good times and bad, super proud of my record and the memories of racing some of the best ever to race the Irish Roads.”

British Superbike rider and six-time North West 200 Glenn Irwin said: “I’m not sure what to Tweet regarding the news about all UC events being cancelled. I’ll have a think before saying something that I shouldn’t and do some research. Feeling angered, frustrated and like all riders very let down.”