By Q Radio news
The North West 200 has been cancelled for the second year in a row.
In a statement - the club committee says it would be impossible to run the event due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19.
It continued by saying the main priority must be to ensure the safety and wellbeing of not only those involved in the event, but also the residents of the north coast area and further afield.
"It is with great regret that the Coleraine and District Motor Club Ltd has to announce the cancellation of the 2021 fonaCAB Nicholl Oils
North West 200.
Organisers disappointed NW200 is cancelled for a second year in a row.https://t.co/wmylMbbmsl
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 20, 2021
"The official advice from government and public health officials has made it clear the effects of Coronavirus will remain with us for some
considerable time to come, despite the roll out of the vaccination programme. In those circumstances, and after much consideration,
the Club committee feels it would be impossible to run this year’s event.
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.
The Coleraine Club’s main priority must be to ensure the safety and wellbeing of not only those involved in the event, but also the
residents of the north coast area and further afield.
It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the organisers to limit the number of people who travel to the area during race week which, in turn, could pose a significant risk to the local population. That is a situation that cannot be contemplated.
Although extremely disappointing, the decision to cancel the NW200 for the second year in a row is the only responsible course of action
the Coleraine Club can take.
We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all of our loyal sponsors, officials and volunteers for their understanding and support.
We also apologise for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation and hope that this timely intervention can assist the teams and
competitors who would normally take part in to our event in making alternative plans.
The Coleraine and District Motor Club would also like to thank everyone who has supported us by retaining their bookings through
this difficult period.
Our reservations team will be in contact in the coming weeks as we now look forward to 2022 when a provisional
date of May 8-14 has been allocated for what we hope will be the return of race week".