Major Funding Boost For NI Motorsports Sector

Funding of £187,000 has been announced to boost NI's motorsports sector.

Announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, the funding will enable the motorsports sector to benefit from health and safety equipment.

Minister Lyons said: "Motorsports have always been part of Northern Ireland’s world class sporting legacy, attracting riders and spectators from across the globe to events such as the North West 200 and other road racing circuits every year. "This funding will go towards the purchase of safety bales which can be shared across the sector at road races and other events into the future, helping to make these races as safe as possible. The sector will also benefit from investment in other safety equipment, improving safety at race events and for those participating in track days."

Minister Lyons met with representatives from the governing bodies for motorsports in Northern Ireland to hear more about how the equipment will be used at events such as motorbike road racing, car rallies, karting, hill climbs and at race tracks.

Minister Lyons highlighted the need to provide safer conditions for up and coming racers, saying: "We have some of the best motorsport talent in the world here in Northern Ireland and local races and circuits are important to develop their careers. While the danger remains present, as it always will at high speeds, this funding, distributed through Sport NI, will boost rider and driver safety as well as the safety of teams, officials and visitors."