ALL motorcycle road races, short circuit and trials events in the North of Ireland have been cancelled for 2023 due to crippling insurance costs.
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 in Public Liability Insurance 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.
Quoted costs for public liability insurance for 2023 races have tripled, amounting to more than £400,000.
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.
