The dates for the 2018 MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix have been unveiled today, with race week at the world’s fastest road race set to get underway from the 5th of August.
Qualifying action at Dundrod begins on the 8th of the month, with the following day set to be graced by more qualifying competition and the Dundrod 150 races.
Race week concludes on the 11th of August, with the main race day, which if anything like this years is one not to miss.
Photo by Rod Neill
Reflecting on this years action which saw the likes of Dean Harrison, Peter Hickman, Bruce Anstey, Dan Kneen, Ivan Lintin and Davy Morgan all excel, plus looking towards the 2018 meeting, Clerk of the Course, Noel Johnston stated:
“August 2017 saw some spectacular racing at Dundrod, with Peter Hickman scooping a hat trick of wins and the lap record around the 7.4 mile circuit broken three times in one week, eventually being secured by Silicone Engineering Kawasaki rider Dean Harrison at 134.614 mph.
The early indications are that we drew a bigger, and more international audience at the event than ever before, which we’re delighted about.
The challenge for us is to keep raising the bar year on year to ensure those people keep coming back to the event.”
Adding that there could be some changes to the qualifying/race schedule for next year, Noel said:
“Despite the high quality of the racing and the competitors this year, there’s always room for improvement and that’s why we’re working hard behind the scenes to make a few changes to our schedule for next year.
I’m not yet in a position to confirm what we will be doing differently, but watch out for an announcement on 2nd October.”
Words by Stevie Rial