NW200 cancellation: Liam Beckett’s grave concerns over future of road racing

The cancellation of the North West 200 for a second year due to the coronavirus pandemic is a blow from which the sport might not fully recover, according to Liam Beckett.
NW200 in Portrush. Photo: Pacemaker BelfastNW200 in Portrush. Photo: Pacemaker Belfast
NW200 in Portrush. Photo: Pacemaker Belfast

Following yesterday’s announcement by race organisers the Coleraine and District Motor Club (CDMC), the sports pundit said the area will also be severely impacted by the loss of the £12 million injection into the local economy from 70,000 race fans.

“With so many businesses struggling it was becoming very tough to get sponsors for the sport – this will certainly not have helped it and nor will it help the local economy,” he said.

“That has gone down the tubes once again. Tough, tough times, but people’s health and safety are much more important, and we have got to think of the National Health Service.”

Liam Beckett. Pic: Steven McAuley/McAuley MultimediaLiam Beckett. Pic: Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
Liam Beckett. Pic: Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Mr Beckett, who was a mechanic and mentor to the late road racing star Robert Dunlop, said the onus is on sporting organisations to “send the right message” in support of the public health advice.

“The last thing we need to be doing is compounding the problem, and in the greater scheme of things I think it is a tiny sacrifice,” he to the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme.

Mr Beckett said he feared that while the very small number of showpiece events, such as the NW200 and the Isle of Man TT, could survive is some form, the permanent loss of the previously full race calendar will rob many young riders of a potential career.

“There is only a handful of events left and I really do worry about it,” he said.

“A lot of sport will recover. Will road racing recover? I very much doubt it,” Mr Beckett added.

A CDMC spokesman said: “A contingency plan that involved delaying race week from May until August has been given full consideration. However, with so much time, expense and personnel involved in the planning and preparation of the NW200, the risk in pursuing such a plan is too great because of continued uncertainty around both the effects of the virus on our community and the extent of the restrictions aimed at suppressing it.”

David Boyd, president of Causeway Chamber said that while the NW200 cancellation is extremely disappointing, it is the only responsible course of action to take.

“The NW200 is an incredible weekend on the north coast with visitors from far and wide staying across the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough.

“The cancellation of the NW200 will not only mean a financial loss for the organisers but will have a domino effect hitting the north coast and overall Northern Ireland tourist economy.

“Official figures show the North West 200 annually generates £12m in revenue across the already hard hit hospitality and tourism industry.

“We understand that a lot of planning and preparation is required to produce this world class event and we look forward to seeing it return in 2022.”

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