NW200: Organisers reveal safety improvements

Organisers of the Vauxhall International North West 200 have taken big steps to further improve safety around the iconic 8.9 mile triangle course in the build-up to this year’s event thanks to a government grant.

In October last year, Northern Ireland communities minister Paul Givan announced the North West would receive £124,000 from the Northern Ireland Assembly to fund safety improvements at the event.

The money has helped provide over 200 new Recticel bales, costing £500 apiece, to be placed in various locations across the course as well as 135 additional kerb protectors and 1.25 miles of new fencing.

As well as this, twelve sets of amber safety lights, used to give riders early warning of incidents ahead, have been deployed around the course.

“The extra funding we have received has allowed us to make significant safety improvements for both riders and spectators.” Event Director, Mervyn Whyte said.

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“As race organisers our top priority is to try to make the racing as safe as possible. The new equipment we have purchased is another huge step in that process and we are very grateful for the support we have received.”

After visiting the circuit on the eve of the event, former communities minister, Paul Givan, said: “We have seen the new equipment today and it is another step forward for the event in terms of safety.

“We want to try to make this great event safer for everyone involved and even more spectacular than it already is.

“Safety is critical in road racing and these measures enhance the safety precautions that are already made by Mervyn Whyte and his team at the North West 200.”

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