A new overall sponsor is being sought for the North West 200 following the conclusion of Vauxhall Motors Ltd’s four-year involvement with the event as title backers.

The British automotive company has been at the helm of the international road race since 2013 after initially sponsoring the inaugural Supertwins race in 2012, which was won by top Ulster rider and class ambassador Ryan Farquhar.

NW200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte has revealed he is in ‘early discussions’ to secure a replacement backer for the race, which will take place next year from May 7-13 after the 2017 dates were confirmed last month.

Vauxhall agreed a year’s extension for 2016 but the company’s tenure as title sponsors is now at an end Whyte hopes to be in a position to announce a new backer before Christmas.

“We’d like to have it all done and dusted in time for Christmas,” said Whyte.

“We’re in the early throes of discussions and it will be another few months yet before we’re in a position to hopefully make an announcement.

“A longer-term deal is always nice because it gives you that stability and continuity for a while and you know where you stand for a couple of years, which is a big help when you’re trying to make changes and move forward.

“We had a good relationship with Vauxhall and we’re grateful to them for all their support.”

Whyte (66) will embark on his now annual trip to the Macau Grand Prix in November where he has signed up a number of riders to contest the North West in recent years, including leading overseas road racers Horst Saiger and Didier Grams.

Before then, he will also attend the final round of the MCE British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch to make some tentative enquiries in the BSB paddock.

“I’ll be going over to Brands to talk to a few riders and teams because it helps to keep the North West in their minds for next year,” Whyte said.

“I’m going back to Macau next month too and in the past we’ve brought riders through including the likes of Horst Saiger and a few others, so the plan is to do the same again.

“We’ve announced our date now for 2017 and that’s a big help because it allows us to push on with plans for next year.”

VAUXHALL INTERNATIONAL NORTH WEST 200 RECEIVES TOP VOLUNTEER AWARD

The Vauxhall International North West 200 has been awarded the prestigious Investing in Volunteers quality standard for volunteer management.

The award was made after an extensive auditing and assessment process of the event's volunteering programme by Volunteer Now.

The North West 200 calls on an army of 800 volunteers each year to help with circuit set-up, marshalling, hospitality, administration and team management. Ranging in age from 20 to 60 years old, the race simply could not happen without the input of these enthusiastic supporters.

The Investing in Volunteers award, which was presented by Wendy Osborne, OBE, the CEO Volunteer Now, recognises the professional approach undertaken by the NW200 in developing the involvement of volunteers through the creation of a specific policy that includes role descriptions and specifications, a health and safety policy and risk assessments.



“The North West 200 is an iconic event and it cannot happen without the involvement of hundreds of volunteers.” Wendy Osborne OBE said. “This real life volunteer success story has just gained recognition through the award of the UK organisation quality standard Investing in Volunteers. Volunteer Now sends congratulations on your achievement, you are a winner when it comes to involving volunteers!”

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Moira Hickey, who also attended the presentation, echoed those sentiments.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the International North West 200 team on receiving this tremendous award, which highlights their dedication and commitment to their volunteers.” she said.

“The event’s success is thanks to all those who provide their time and expertise and it is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through team work and a collective approach. The North West 200 has now firmly established itself as one of our region’s premier events, which brings huge economic and tourism returns, and I would like to thanks all those volunteers who play a part in this.”

“We are delighted to receive this award and it is a great tribute to all of the hard work put in by so many people involved in volunteering at the Vauxhall International North West 200.” Event Director, Mervyn Whyte, MBE, said.

“Our management team is made up of 16 volunteers who work with the rest of the 800 people involved to ensure the event takes place each year. It is a massive undertaking and this award recognizes the professional approach that is involved in this vital work.”



Press Officer Stephen Davison.