Ulster Grand Prix

A day motorbike fans can't afford to miss

Thousands of bike fans are expected to flock to Dundrod tomorrow for a rip-roaring final day of the Ulster Grand Prix.

Motorcycling enthusiasts have been travelling from across the province to watch 162 world class riders compete.

Leslie Moore, club secretary and race organiser said it had been a great week for both competitors and the public and is expecting the meeting to end on a high.

" Everyone has enjoyed the week so far," he said.

" Hopefully it will stay dry for Saturday. I have my fingers crossed."

"We had 38 new riders compete, so it is still attracting new competitors every year."

Saturday's Race Day will profile six races culminating in the Belfast Telegraph Superbike Race with a winner's prize package of £4,000.

Later today TT trophy cars will be on display.

At 5pm a stunt show featuring Ireland's top streetbike freestyle rider Mattie Griffin will also take place.

Mr Moore said that as well as the racing one of the highlights of the week was a special chat show which involved some of the top riders.

"Fans came face-to-face with their heroes such as John McGuinness, Ian Hutchinson and William Dunlop.

"They were on a panel and it was a great opportunity for the fans to meet the riders who are usually travelling at around 160mph!"

And before racing begins on Saturday rider Scott Lonsdale will run a lap of the famous Dundrod circuit for charity.

Money raised following the run - which is just over seven miles - will go towards the Injured Riders' Fund and the UC Medical Team, also known as the 'Flying Doctors'.

Lonsdale (37) says the two charities are important in supporting injured riders and their families.

" Whatever I can get to help will be great, whether it be £100 or £100,000. I just think it is important to highlight how vital the work these people do is for the sport, the riders and their families," he said.

On Saturday, the roads will close at 9.30am for the Ulster Grand Prix race and re-open again at 6.30pm.

Temporary no waiting restrictions will be implemented on some of the roads surrounding the circuit.

Police would also encourage those attending the event to use the official car parks.

All road users in the vicinity of Dundrod should leave plenty of time for journeys and if possible plan an alternative route.

If you want to support the charities contact Scott at char ity@motorcycleracingireland.com, or make a donation by paypal to charity@motorcycleracingireland.com.

Car parking spaces in the Paddock area are available to pass holders only.

Free car parking will be available at Nutts Corner Market and a shuttle bus service to the course will be running from 7am to 9am.

Passengers must have an official Ulster Grand Prix programme.


5 things you didn't know about Ulster's Grand Prix
* Belfast Telegraph journalist, MP and keen motor cyclist Thomas Moles helped found the first Ulster Grand Prix in 1922

* The original Clady course ran across part of the grass runway at RAF Aldergrove ? opened in 1918 - believe it or not

* It used to be a race tradition ? and probably still is ? for townie enthusiasts to take the bus to Ligoniel and walk the rest of the way to the Dundrod circuit with picnic basket to hand

* For the first two years of its existence the pits were on the Seven Mile Straight by Loanends Primary School ? and curiously enough not far from a pub called Becher's Brook which had been built by a horse racing enthusiast and owner of a runner in the Aintree Grand National

* The first race of all in 1922 had 75 entries for the four classes ? the 250cc event, the 350cc, the 600 cc and the over 600cc