Famous ocean liners the Olympic, Britannic and Titanic graced the slipways of Harland & Wolff a century ago and to mark final preparations for this year’s historic Relentless International North West 200, road racing giants and NW200 stars, Guy Martin, Steve Plater and Michael Rutter travelled across the Irish Sea to join top local competitors Alastair Seeley and Ryan Farquhar at Titanic Belfast to launch the event’s official race programme and look forward to a packed programme of Thursday evening and Saturday Race Day action.

Eight times North West winner Steve Plater is set to continue his new role as Rider Liaison Official and will mentor and manage the North West’s 30 rookie riders whilst fast talking Tyco Suzuki TAS star Guy Martin has entered the EventServ and McAvoy Superbike races as well as both Supersport classes backed by McKendry Fabrications and Ballymoney Borough Council and the CP Hire and LiveWire AV Superstock races. NW200 stalwart Michael Rutter, with 12 wins under his belt, will compete in both Superstock and Superbike races and will also be on the grid for the new Vauxhall Supertwin Race scheduled for Thursday’s new evening race programme on May 17. Rutter has secured the backing of car manufacturer Vauxhall for his Supertwin entry and will be on board a KMR Kawasaki. Michael’s Vauxhall support includes the use of a Vauxhall VXR8 GTS 6.3 litre thunder saloon worth over £50K during Race Week with sponsorship extending to the Isle of Man TT when Michael will utilise a Vauxhall Antara 4x4 during TT fortnight.

Coleraine & District Motor Club Ltd, organisers of the Relentless International North West 200 are putting the final touches to this year’s week- long festival event and with a packed programme and the exciting addition of Thursday evening racing on the 17th May as well as the traditional Saturday Race Day classes on 19th May, expectations are high for a great race week this year. Over 100 riders from 18 countries throughout the world have entered the seven races attracting a total of over 300 entries.

Global energy drink Relentless is now in its third consecutive year of sponsorship and speaking at the event Maire Campbell said, “Relentless is passionate in its support of the NW200 and is proud to partner with Ireland’s most prestigious and high octane road racing competition. Not alone does it provide an exhilarating experience for fans but also increases tourism and boosts the local economy especially during this our ‘giant’ year for tourism. Everyone on the Relentless team is looking forward to this thrilling festival of speed, energy and adrenaline.”


Race Plans:

Thursday evening’s LiveWire AV Superstock Race and Saturday’s CP Hire Superstock Race has generated over 60 entries in total and top names include star regulars Michael Rutter, Ian Lougher, Guy Martin and John McGuinness as well as Carrick’s Alastair Seeley, Stephen Thompson, John Burrows and Dunlop brothers Michael and William. Also on the grid are Paul Shoesmith and Simon Andrews as well as Swiss rider Herve Gantner, Dutch based rider Ray Hutchinson, Toni Rechberger from Austria and Brazilian Rafael Paschoalin as well as World Endurance rider Horst Saiger.

The new Vauxhall backed Supertwin class has attracted over 40 entries and top competitors include high profile veteran Jeremy McWilliams, Hampshire based James Hillier, Ryan Farquhar, Olie Lindsdell, Michael Rutter, Ian Lougher, Michael Dunlop and Simon Andrews. Also signed up are Waterford’s Brian McCormick, Paul Shoesmith, Jamie Hamilton and William Davison. New sponsor Vauxhall have secured star legend Carl Fogarty who will be available for a Q&A session at the Vauxhall stand located on the Coast Road, opposite the Start Grid on Friday 18th May from 3pm until 4pm. Also on Friday Michael Rutter ( 10.30am to 11.30am) and John McGuinness ( 2pm to 3pm)will be at the Vauxhall stand with Steve Plater attending on Wednesday 16th May (10.30am to 11.30am).

Both Supersport races supported once again by McKendry Fabrications Ltd and Ballymoney Borough Council have secured 60 entries in total and competitors include top names Seeley, Martin, McGuinness, Anstey, Cameron Donald and the Dunlop brothers as well as Gary Johnston, Stephen Thompson, Olie Lindsdell, Adrian Archibald and Italy’s Stefano Bonetti, Simona Zaccardi and Alessandro La Macchia.

The EventServ Superbike race and the McAvoy NW200 Superbike race have also attracted over 60 entries and set for the superbike grid are favourites Alastair Seeley, John McGuinness, Michael Rutter, Guy Martin, Ryan Farquar, William and Michael Dunlop as well as Simon Andrews, Gary Johnston, Paul Shoesmith, Conor Cummins and Martin Jessopp. Also set to take part are antipodean heroes Cameron Donald, Bruce Anstey and Daniel Jansen. Other riders include American Brandon Cretu, David Madsen-Mygdal, Phillip Crowe, Brian McCormack, Denver Robb, Stephen Thompson, Adrian Archibald and James Hillier.


NW200 Programme:

Currently on sale and costing £15, the Relentless International North West 200 Race Programme has been compiled by local company Profile Publishing and is available on line at http://www.northwest200.org and can also be purchased from individual sellers positioned round the North Coast region as well as through all Alpha Newspaper Group High street offices. The 80 page glossy programme is a vital revenue generator for the event which each year costs over £800,000 to operate. Star of the front cover for 2012 is Honda TT Legends star John McGuinness who is making a welcome return to the North West. The Morecambe star recently celebrated a double whammy with his 40th birthday and also tied the knot with long time partner, Becky.

John is the focus of a special inside feature alongside other stars and NW200 regulars Guy Martin, Conor Cummins, Ian Hutchinson, Michael Rutter, Ryan Farqhuar and Alastair Seeley. Other featured riders include Jamie Hamilton and Bruce Anstey alongside guest articles by top biker photographer Stephen Davison and Newsletter journalist Kyle White. Featured profiles include Swan Yamaha chief Shaun Muir, former champion rider Carl Fogarty who is a special guest at the North West on Friday 18th and Race Day, Saturday 19th May as well as a piece on unforgettable NW200 legends Joey and Robert Dunlop . Other news stories include up to date information on the PSNI’s Bikesafe initiative and a tourism focused feature highlighting the very best visitor attractions and places to see throughout the stunning North Coast region.

New Oil Spill Clean-up System

Coleraine & District Motor Club will introduce a new high tech system for managing oil spills which will be operated by Rostrevor based company Tergo Solutions. Specialist computer controlled equipment regulates the temperature and pressure of the water sprayed onto the road surface with both oil and water vacuumed up and any residue pumped to a holding tank. The new system will be used in tandem with a new mechanical sprayer which has been introduced by Coleraine Club with support from Coleraine Borough Council whose machine also washes the road surface and sucks up water.

Big Screen:

The highly popular large screen which allows fans in and around the paddock area to follow the action around the 8.9 mile circuit has been re-located to the BBC compound providing excellent viewing for spectators seated at all three paddock grandstands and everyone in an around the paddock area. A second screen will be positioned at the Metropole area which can be viewed by spectators who purchase tickets for the embankment.

Whyte thanks Relentless, BBC, Coleraine Borough Council, NITB and all sponsors:

Event director Mervyn Whyte MBE paid tribute to government departments, title sponsor Relentless, media partner BBC Sport NI, Coleraine Borough Council and all race and ancillary sponsors, “Each year we receive excellent support in terms of both cash and in kind help from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, title sponsor Relentless Energy Drink, our regional council Coleraine Borough and all our race sponsors – CP Hire, McKendry Fabrications, EventServ, Ballymoney Borough Council and the McAvoy Group and new 2012 sponsors - LiveWire AV and Vauxhall.

“We are also privileged to have secured support from a huge range of additional sponsors, without whom the event simply would not be able to take place. Therefore I would like to thank Fleet Financial, Lindsay Ford, Vauxhall and Mervyn Stewart Skoda who have supplied course cars and vans as well as corner sponsors Burnside Garage, Select Management, Road Racing Ireland, Pirtek, the Anchor Bar & Restaurant in Portstewart and Right Price Carpets. Belfast Telegraph are once again sponsors of our Media Centre. Also grateful thanks to Starting Lights sponsor Curtis Cars, paddock sponsor North Down Marquees and Blackhorse Motorcycle Finance who are this year supporting the Race Control unit and our flag marshal positions. Also the Lodge Hotel Coleraine, sponsors of the commentary boxes.

“New Supertwin sponsor Vauxhall have also come on board with further support for the event and are providing a range of vehicles including a VXR8 GTS which will be used as the safety car whilst the road opening and closing car will be a VXR Insignia Sport Tourer. NW200 course crew will also utilise a Vauxhall Movano for course set up purposes. Belleek Living have also provide an additional range of trophies.”

Mervyn Whyte also paid tribute to BBC Sport NI and thanked Shane Glynn and his experienced team for the excellent coverage generated year on year. “ We look forward to BBC’s enhanced coverage throughout Race Week across BBC TV, radio and online. Each year they bring new and extra dimensions to their programming and BBC’s highlights and special reports are enjoyed immensely by fans, visitors and volunteers alike.”

Northern Ireland Tourist Board Chief Executive Alan Clarke also attended and spoke at the pre event media conference and outlined NITB’s contribution and support for the international road race:

“NITB is delighted to be supporting the 2012 North West 200 under our international tourism events fund. NITB’s contribution will help to boost activity such as exhibitions, marketing and PR.

The NW200 delivers a competitive advantage for Northern Ireland and has a significant impact on the economy. We have been working with a wide range of key partners, stakeholders & industry, including the organisers of the NW200, to maximise opportunities in 2012. With a series of eight international-scale events to showcase Northern Ireland, £300m investment in tourism infrastructure and Royal Portrush hosting the Irish Open for the first time since 1947, as well as the opening of Titanic Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, there are significant opportunities to build on the legacy of 2012 and create greater revenue and job opportunities through tourism”.

Meet Carl Fogarty:

World Superbike legend Carl Fogarty who clinched two superbike wins at the 1993 North West 200 will be visiting the NW200 Paddock on Friday May 18 as well as riding official demo laps round the 8.9 mile circuit on Saturday Race Day. The eight times Superbike, F1 and Endurance champion will meet and greet fans and visitors in the Paddock area and is also taking part in a special Vauxhall hosted question and answer session on Friday May 18 from 3pm until 4pm at the Vauxhall stand located opposite the Start Grid on the Coast Road.

Coleraine – Home of the North West 200

Coleraine Borough Council Mayor, Alderman Maurice Bradley said, “Coleraine Borough Council continues to provide significant resources to the NW200 ensuring that it attracts tens of thousands of visitors to our beautiful North Coast region. As well as hosting the annual Race Week Festival, we have set up a permanent sign at the NW200 Paddock to welcome everyone to the Coleraine Borough area - now aptly named ‘Home of the North West 200!’ We hope that visitors, residents and competitors enjoy everything that this area has to offer including our sandy beaches, excellent restaurants and a wealth of other activities and entertainment.”

“I congratulate the NW200 management team for developing the exciting new race programme and give my highest praise to Mervyn Whyte for his leadership and commitment to the event. I would also like to thank Council staff for creating a festival and entertainment programme for all ages and to recognise the many volunteers without whose dedication the NW200 simply would not happen. My gratitude also goes out to all sponsors who support the event. We all recognise the benefits that the NW200 brings to Northern Ireland as we endeavour to promote globally the Home of the NW200!”

NW200 Supporters’ Club:

Long serving volunteers Laurits Mackness and Ina McColm continue to co-ordinate the NW200 Supporters’ Club efforts and once again they have been working hard to support the event. Over many years Laurits and Ina have raised huge amounts of cash for the North West and Mervyn Whyte thanked them wholeheartedly for their hard work and determined efforts over many decades.

Miss NW200 and a Question of Sport:

The annual Miss North West 200 competition, which is this year backed by Morellis, takes place on Tuesday evening during Race Week when 18 finalists from throughout Northern Ireland will strut their stuff in the NW200 Hospitality Marquee. The event is hosted and organised by Brian Moore with presenter and journalist Adrian Logan taking on the role of compere. Judges include NW200 riders as well as Untouchables lead singer Brian Giffen, local beautician Ellen Mullan and Local Woman editor Gillian Ireland. The winner will star on the NW200 winners’ podium on both Thursday evening and Saturday Race Day when the cream of the crop will be officially ‘crowned’ Miss NW200 2012.

Wednesday evening at 8pm (May 16) during Race Week features a brand new ‘Question of Sport’ style quiz when four teams will aim to show off their comprehensive sporting knowledge and win the overall ‘just for fun’ award. The four teams will represent riders/NW200 personnel, media, sponsors and local business people and questions in true Question of Sport style will include picture rounds, video clips and what happened next! At the helm and keeping contestants in check will be TV presenter Adrian Logan.

Officials Compound

The officials’ zone adjacent to the start grid has been re surfaced and its layout revamped to provide a more effective and rider friendly area with new and enlarged facilities. The compound includes offices for event director Mervyn Whyte and the management team, Rider sign on and Media Accreditation offices.

Road Racing Ireland and Ballysally Roundabout:

Road Racing Ireland are this year lending their name to the famed ‘magic’ roundabout at Ballysally and Event Director Mervyn Whyte MBE said he was pleased to welcome the top race magazine on board as a new sponsor, “it’s fantastic to secure the support of such a high profile magazine which is highly regarded by race fans throughout Ireland and beyond these shores. We’ve worked with Wallace and Gillian Rollins for over 26 years and I really appreciate their support both in terms of coverage and this year’s new partnership involving sponsorship at Ballysally Roundabout.”

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