August 2012 promises to be even bigger and more fast paced than it usually is for the members of Dundrod & District Motor Cycle Club, organisers of the Ulster Grand Prix which this year celebrates its 90th anniversary. Yes, the Ulster Grand Prix is back with a week-long festival to celebrate 90 years of racing.
Just ten minutes from Belfast, the world famous circuit at Dundrod, County Antrim will yet again play host to one of only three international road races with 50,000 fans coming to town to watch the world's fastest road race. Of course, the top riders from across the globe will be there too, including Ian Hutchinson, John McGuinness, Ryan Farquhar, Guy Martin, the Dunlop brothers, Gary Johnson, Keith Amor and Cameron Donald to name but a few of today's road racing greats. Says locally based racing superstar William Dunlop, “Dundrod is the best circuit in the world.”
The Ulster Grand Prix was first promoted in 1922 by the Ulster Motor Cycle Club on a 20.5 mile Clady Circuit which was used for racing during the 1930’s by the legendary Stanley Woods on his Norton. Racing was very much curtailed during the war years but in 1947, racing at the Ulster Grand Prix was once again underway, this time on a new 16.5 mile Clady Circuit. Then in 1949, a new World Championship was established and the Ulster Grand Prix was to be chosen as one if its rounds.
This year promises to be as exciting as ever, and it is anticipated that more riders will be elevated to the prestigious “130 Club” for competitors who can lap the Dundrod at an average speed in excess of 130mph.
Bike Week 2012 runs from the 6th to the 11th of August with highlights including the Ulster Grand Prix and Dundrod 150 race days. There will be special events for the whole family such as a stunt show, vintage bike display, bicycle racing and music in the marquee each evening.
Visit ulstergrandprix.net for more information about the race as well as wristbands, seating, hospitality tickets, RV and caravan parking and for a complete schedule of related events. Wristbands that allow entry to the course and the paddock all week cost £25. Children under the age of 16 are admitted free. You can pre-book wristbands on the Ulster Grand Prix website.
Photo courtesy of Ulster Grand Prix.
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