North West 200 receives £124k to boost safety

Sports Minister Paul Givan with NW200 director Mervyn Whyte, road racers Lee Johnston and John McGuinness, and the DUP's Ian Paisley and First Minister Arlene Foster. Credit: Pacemaker

The North West 200 is set to receive £124,000 towards improving safety measures.

The money will be used for new equipment to ensure competitors and spectators are protected at the race course.

Making the announcement, Communities Minister Paul Givan said: “Road racing is a fantastic sport which attracts the top international riders to Northern Ireland.

“It also makes a significant contribution to tourism and to marketing Northern Ireland as a venue to come to for major international sporting events.

Next year’s event will take place from 7 to 13 May.

Welcoming the funding boost, NW200 director Mervyn White said: “Safety is of paramount importance in road racing and this money will help us to make significant improvements to the famous Triangle course that links the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.

“For over 80 years the North West 200 has been attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the north coast area.

"The special equipment this funding will allow us to acquire will help ensure everyone who participates in the event in the future can be part of a safe and enjoyable day's racing."