By There was a great turn out for the launch of the 2017 Vauxhall International North West 200, with in excess of 1000 fans in attendance.
A great evening’s entertainment which included the likes of Alastair Seeley, Peter Hickman, Ian Hutchinson, John McGuinness, Lee Johnston and Michael Rutter all on stage speaking about their plans for this years meeting.
They where joined by confirmed newcomers to the Triangle, Dominic Herbertson, Barry Furber, Mark Purslow, Chris Green, Phil Stead and Hudson Kennaugh who is confirmed to compete for Ryan Farquhar’s KMR team on ER6 Kawasaki and S1000RR BMW machinery.
Photo by Stephen Davison
Additional announcements from last evening included changes to the race schedule which are, the feature Superbike race is now scheduled to be the penultimate event of race day, with the second Superstock race now set to end 2017 proceeding’s around the coast roads.
88 years since action first began at Northern Ireland’s biggest sporting event, the North West 200 is year on year growing in popularity around the world.
Commenting on last evening’s event, which in my opinion was a great success, Event Director, Mervyn Whyte MBE said:
“It has been great to launch the 2017 races in the local Causeway Coast and Glens borough.
We try to deliver the message about the North West 200 and the beautiful North coast to audiences all over the world but we also want to thank the local Council and all of the people and businesses in the area who support the event.
With the line-up of great talent and so many top names on new machinery for 2017 plus our loyal sponsors on board the Vauxhall International North West 200 promises to be more exciting than ever.”
Words by Stevie Rial
