Gridlock

Gridlock

8 April 2020

THE return of motorsport action to Bishopscourt racing circuit has been ruled out until August the earliest owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Circuit officials have been forced to a cancel a number of meetings, which would normally provide a major boost to the local economy.

The first casualty is this Saturday’s Enkalon Trophy meeting— one of the biggest of the year and which includes round of the Ulster Superbike Championship.

Also cancelled is a touring car meeting scheduled for May 9-10, a karting event on June 20 and a big charity meeting in aid of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland the following day.

The Donny Robinson Memorial meeting in July, which includes another round of the Ulster Superbike Championship, has also been called off.

A meeting for classic motorbikes, due to take place in August, is still on, but whether it actually goes ahead is doubtful.

The Easter weekend usually brings out motorbike fans in their thousands. Another victim of the pandemic is Easter Monday’s Ulster Superbike Championship meeting at Kirkistown.

Bishopscourt circuit manager Roy Biggerstaff said: “It terribly disappointing. We’ve already had to cancel the Temple 100 meeting, which was due to take place on March 21, and included the first round of the Ulster Superbike Championship.

“The only motorsport we have had here this year is a rally stages event on March 7. Since then we have been completely shut down.

“Coronavirus is having a big impact on motorsport here at Bishopscourt and on the local economy. Motorsport brings major economic benefits, particularly for bars, restaurants, bed and breakfast accommodation providers and shops.

“The Enkalon Trophy is usually one of best supported meetings of the year and the charity meeting for the Air Ambulance was going to be massive.

“I have been involved in motorsport for a long time and this is as bad as I can remember. My phone hasn’t stopped with people calling and wanting to know what is going on.”

However, Mr Biggerstaff said sport was much less important than the need to safeguard public health and save lives.

“The health and welfare of the public is the major concern right now. Our hands are tied until the coronavirus pandemic dies down and then we will take our guidance from the Motorcycle Union of Ireland Ulster Centre, which is our governing body.”

He added: “I hope motorsport fans and the public in general understand the situation and that everyone is trying to their best. When this pandemic ends we will come back bigger and stronger.”