MCUI Cancels Northern Ireland Road Racing Events for 2023 Due to Soaring Insurance Costs
On Thursday, the MCUI (Motorcycle Union of Ireland) announced the cancellation of all road racing and short circuit racing events in Northern Ireland for 2023 due to soaring insurance costs. Public liability expenses for event organizers have tripled, from £170k to £410k, creating an unsustainable situation, with the effects of Brexit cited as a contributing factor.
The decision to cancel the season was made by member clubs at an MCUI meeting on Thursday. However, on Friday, organizers for the North West 200 – Northern Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event – stated that they “have not given up” on staging this year’s edition from May 7-13.
“We cannot afford the premium hikes [in insurance costs], but nor can we afford to stop the events.”
- MCUI Chairman John Dillon
In a follow-up statement, the MCUI claimed it is working on a rescue package to “prevent the loss of Northern Ireland’s prime road racing events.” Clubs are willing to cover a portion of the increased insurance costs through additional sponsorship and higher entry fees. Nevertheless, a shortfall of £200k is expected, with a capped £300k excess that will require the organization to raise half a million pounds.
The MCUI is hopeful that it can negotiate a reduction in the insurance premium with insurers, and a crowdfunding campaign is also being considered. As MCUI Chairman John Dillon stated, “We cannot afford the premium hikes [in insurance costs], but nor can we afford to stop the events.” The organization is urgently pursuing various options to save the 2023 road racing season, recognizing that the loss of these events could have long-term consequences for the sport and new riders.
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