Most motorcycle road races in Northern Ireland cancelled

Most motorcycle road races, sprints and trials in Northern Ireland have been canceled for 2023.

After an emergency meeting, the organizing clubs found it impossible to hold events due to rising insurance costs.

But the BBC understands organizers of the flagship North West 200 are hoping it can go further.

Road racing is notoriously risky, with the flagship race on the Isle of Man killing six riders last year.

Canceled events include Cookstown 100, Tandragee 100, Armoy Race of Legends, Ulster Grand Prix and Sunflower Trophy at Bishopscourt.

The Ulster Superbike Championship is also one of the events that will not take place.

Motocross is not affected.

The BBC understands the organizers of the North West 200, Northern Ireland’s biggest outdoor sporting event, will continue to explore all possibilities to make this year’s event a reality.

Business liability insurance covers personal injury and property damage.

The reasons for the increased premiums include the instability in the insurance market and insurers who are very concerned about the number of claims in sports.

Former racing champion Phillip McCallen said it was time viewers needed to raise money to cover insurance costs.

“The general public has had free races and free spectators for 50 years and some people expect it to stay that way, but it can’t.

“You don’t go to Windsor Park and get in for free, so you shouldn’t have free viewing at the North West 200, for example.

“It’s about how we get that money from the people into the organization.”

Democratic Unionist Party MP Ian Paisley, who is a keen biker, said he hoped the announcement was premature.

Discussions are ongoing with insurance companies in London and international companies, he said, and there is also the possibility of extending local government liability insurance.

Analysis by Stephen Watson, BBC Sport NI

Motorcycle racing is a unique part of our sporting culture, having been raced in this country for over 100 years.

Northern Ireland has produced some of the greatest motorcyclists the world has ever seen, like five-time world champion Joey Dunlop.

Racing survived the troubles and after cancellations due to foot and mouth and Covid but I fear this is the biggest crisis the sport has ever faced.

It is not only a hammer blow for motorcycling, but also a heavy blow for tourism.

If no solution is found, the future of motorcycle racing looks very bleak.

Public liability insurance is now in excess of £400,000.

The BBC understands the motorcycle union has also been asked to pay a £300,000 deductible for the outcome of a claim – which includes rider accidents – and a £100,000 deductible for a property claim.

So the governing body could be left with an additional £800,000 in costs in 2023.

There are also a limited number of insurers willing to insure motorcycle racing.

The BBC is aware that the company which insured cycle races in Ireland last year also insured the Isle of Man TT where six riders died.

There was also one death in the Republic of Ireland.

Motorcycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) chairman John Dillon said the meetings were held on Monday and Thursday.

“The consensus was that the proposed costs were not affordable for most clubs at this time to provide the necessary public liability insurance to carry out our planned events,” he said.

“However, MCUI (UC) will continue to pursue all options for the provision of public liability insurance should they arise in the near future.

“We know this situation is far from ideal, but while we have not been able to secure events for this year, this agreement and decision will go some way towards at least allowing license holders to compete in events. if desired with appropriate cover and security.”

The MCUI (UC) issues licenses to motorcycle racers in Northern Ireland which include competitive rider accident insurance.

The union is still in the process of getting this coverage, which is a requirement for racing.

Although there is no racing in Northern Ireland, coverage is required for racers wishing to compete in events elsewhere in the UK or beyond.