|
2
and 4 Wheels
Tuesday the
25th of March saw the launch of the 2 & 4 Wheel Motor Sport
Steering Group Ltd. Motorbikes,
rally cars and karts were just a few of the vehicles that rolled up to the House
of Sport to the delight of all who were there.
The 2&4 Wheel MSG is a new Steering Group who’s vision is:
“Two and
Four Wheeled Motorsport will be exciting, sustainable and safety conscious; open
to everyone to enjoy as competition, officials or spectators, according to their
level of interest and ability”
Their
main strategic issues include:
-
Image: provide safe exciting motor sport.
-
Training: structured courses for competitors and officials.
-
Venues: develop quality venues with good facilities.
-
Participation: Organise quality events for competitors,
officials and spectators.
The
recognised governing bodies for 2&4 wheel motor sport are the Association of
Northern Ireland Car Clubs, Motorcycle Union of Ireland
(Ulster Centre), Motorcycling Racing Association and Northern Ireland
Karting Association. There are just
under 100 clubs in Northern Ireland. The
majority of the club members are active participants in 2&4 Wheel motor
sport as competitors, technical officials, organisers and administrators.
The four
governing bodies encompass a diverse range of sporting activities.
For example rallying, hill climbing, autotesting, karting, road racing,
motocross and short circuit racing are just a few of the 2&4 wheel
activities.
What
differentiates motor sports in Northern Ireland from elsewhere are the road
closure orders that have made events such as the RAC Tourist Trophy races, the
NW 200 and the Circuit of Ireland and Ulster Rallies possible.
Permanent
tracks are located at Nutts Corner near the International Airport, at
Bishopscourt in County Down, Aghadowey near Coleraine and at Kirkistown in the
Ards Peninsula. The Kirkistown track is principally used for motor racing and
let to clubs for motorcycling; Bishopscourt track is mainly used by
motorcyclists and motor cars, and Nutts Corner by karting and a range of the
other disciplines.
In attendance
at the recent Press Launch were both racers, representatives from the four
Governing Bodies and the newly
appointed 2 & 4 Wheel Development Manager Pippa Murphy.
Pippa who is
based at the House of Sport promises a very exciting year for Motorsports in
Northern Ireland and we wish her all the best for her new post.
|
