Communities Minister ‘races’ to the starting grid at North West 200

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons meets with Michael Dunlop on the grid of the North West 200.

Northern Ireland Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has paid a visit to the Briggs Equipment North West 200, meeting riders and spectators at one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic motorsport events.

Celebrating its 96th edition, the North West 200 — which first took place in 1929 — has long been a fixture on the Northern Ireland sporting calendar, drawing global attention to the triangle circuit that winds through Portstewart, Portrush and Coleraine.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister Lyons highlighted both the historic legacy and the ongoing commitment to safety at the event.

“It was great to meet with so many competitors and fans at the world famous races, which are now in their 96th year,” said the Minister.

“The NW200 continues to deliver a spectacular event and is now one of the largest annual sporting events in Northern Ireland’s sporting calendar.”

The Minister also used the occasion to reaffirm Executive support for motorsport safety, pointing to a recent £187,000 investment aimed at enhancing race safety for both competitors and spectators.

“Safety for everyone is of paramount importance for both the organisers and riders. I recently announced £187,000 of motorsports safety funding and I am pleased to see the new safety bales in place at the event today,” the Minister stated.

“Together with Sport NI, my Department and Sport NI has supported a range of safety features over the years, with the purchase of safety bales, fencing around the paddock and the electronic marshalling warning lights for the track.”

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Mervyn White, Director of the North West 200 and representatives from Briggs Equipment Ireland, title sponsor of the North West 200.

The Coleraine and District Motor Club, which has long spearheaded the organisation of the event, was praised for its dedication and collaborative efforts with sponsors and stakeholders.

“I acknowledge the effort, enthusiasm and commitment of the Coleraine and District Motor Club, sponsors and other partners who work hard every year to organise and run the event.”

Mervyn White, Director of the North West 200, welcomed the Minister’s visit and expressed gratitude for the safety funding.

“I was pleased to welcome the Minister to the event this year and would like to express my thanks to him again for the recent funding which allowed us to purchase safety bales.”

The North West 200 continues to serve as a high-profile showcase for road racing, community engagement, and tourism in the region, blending adrenaline with tradition in a celebration of motorsport excellence.