Sorry to hear the Dickinson team had such a tough time at the NW200. To be honest I think that the North West is on the verge of becomming a victim of its own success as it is now so commercialised. I can understnad that the big teams need to be accomodated but equally the smaller teams need to be sorted out too! Not giving out paddock passes in the circumstances you mention is kinda short sighted and would leave a sour taste in anyones mouth. I can agree too that the prices the chippys etc charge are OTT but they know they have a captive market.

I attended a meeting of the Dundrod Club over the winter months and am going to lend a hand (for what its worth!) preparing the course in August and I do know some of the competitors were remonstrating about access to the paddock at last years event and Noel was able to say that the problem had been noted on the day and that arrangements were in place to make things easier this year. I think that the UGP bike week format incorporating the Dundrod 150 races was a great idea and hopefully you compeditors thnk so too, I completely agree that Noel and team are doing a great (and difficult) job.

I suppose like everything else there will always be improvements can be made at Dundrod and I would guess that if teams can make their requirements (or polite (!) complaints known ) then Im sure things can be at least looked at and at best improved. My view is that the races reputation can be built on if everyone has a good time and goes home happy and I think that puts the responsibility on every one - Officials Compeditors AND spectators to work together for the good of the event.

Dare I say it but has anyone anything that they could think of that would improve the UGP week?