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2006 Club Diary
Meet the Riders Chat Show " Thursday evening 17 th August was a bit of a mile stone for the Supporters Club as we presented a " Meet the Riders " Chat Show in the VIP Marquee. Although this was not the first ever Chat Show the Club has presented over the years it has been a long time since our last presentation and there were many concerns as to how it would be received. Thanks to the fantastic organizational skills of Vanda and Gail many of the top riders had pledged their support and promised to attend. George McCann and Chris Kinley had offered to host the show and the Club purchased a few bits and pieces like radio mics and stands etc. Des Stewart provide the PA and technical know how and by 7.00pm the stage was set and we waited to see just who would turn up. By 730pm the only people in the super marquee were committee members and Gail was starting to bite her finger nails, 7.35 saw the arrival of Chris and George then a super cool Guy Martin dandered in clutching a pint of the black stuff and asked were everyone was? Clive Dunns famous quote suddenly came to mind? Dont Panic ... Dont Panic ..... but was our efforts all to be in vain???? All of a sudden the other guest riders started to arrive, Ian Lougher, John Mc Guinness, Martin Finnegan, Ryan Farquhar and Ian Hutchinson along with a husband and wife with a Jack Russell on a lead ..... things were starting to look up. Then suddenly committee member Jim Andrews appeared like the pied piper leading a group of about thirty people into the marquee, asked as to where he rounded up the crowd he replied "they had been all sitting in the beer tent up the paddock" well done Jim. At 7.45pm George McCann lifted the mic and said "lets get this show on the road" he asked for Guy, Ian, Ryan and Martin to take the stage and we started the chat show. I stayed outside with Big Noel and together we managed to coax a few more visitors into the marquee. At 8.00pm I took up my seat in the front row and settled down to what was a hilarious hour of super entertainment provided by the four riders on stage. George presented a small gift to each rider from the Supporters Club and advised the now large crowd that there would be a short interval before he would introduce the next guest riders. Time for a pint and a suck of the pipe ....... Ladies and gentlemen please welcome on stage Mr John MC Guinness, Mr Ian Hutchinson and Mr Philip Mc Callen. I turned round and was amazed to see a packed marquee applauding the named riders onto the stage. The audience had swelled and included riders, girlfriends, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, young and old. not forgetting a Springer Spaniel, Boxer, a Bitsa and a Jack Russel. The second part of the show proved to be every bit as entertaining as the first half, the "craic was mighty" as they say. Sadly all good things come to an end and as Chris and George thanked all the riders for taking part in the show it was time to go home. As Secretary of the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club I have witnessed many highs and lows in the Clubs history, however I have to say that the Chat Show staged in the marquee this year will always be one of my favourite memories to cherish. I would personally like to thank all the riders, Philip Mc Callen, Chris Kinley, George McCann, Gail and Vanda for all their support and I like all the many supporters who attended the event look forward to attending the next Chat Show at the Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week 2007. Popeye.
The Flags are "UP"
Saturday the 5 th August saw the raising of the flags at the pits area at Dundrod. The Dundrod Club have been busy over the last number of weeks preparing the circuit for next weeks event but when you see the flags flying you know the Ulster Grand Prix is on its way. Spectators and competitors will notice the big improvements to the paddock area this year, there is now tarmac walkways around the grandstand and the toilet facilities have been upgraded. There is also a new competitors paddock behind the main pits, this will further enhance the number of team trucks and vans that can be accommodated in this very popular spectator area. There is no doubt that the Dundrod Club have been working very hard in trying to improve the facilities at the circuit for everyone. However it does not come cheap, they have spent a lot of money on these improvements and now depend on everyone supporting the event. At just £15 the 2006 Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week must be the best bargain of the year. SEE YOU ALL THERE
Meet the Riders Chat Show
The Supporters Club will be hosting a special "Meet the Riders Chat Show" in the new VIP marquee at the paddock area on Thursday 17th August. The Show will be hosted by UGP Commentator, George McCann and Manx Radio’s Chris Kinley. The star studded line up will include some of the best riders in the world:
The Show is due to get underway after the
conclusion of the Dundrod 150 races and Parade Lap, but further times will be
announced at a later date. The Club are planning an exciting and
interesting evening, which will include a ballot for a limited edition ‘Rod
Organ’ print etc. Most importantly……..admission to the
Chat Show is FREE ( But a donation to the Club would be nice ) and
everyone is welcome! We look forward to seeing you there!
Corporate Hospitality This Corporate Hospitality will offer VIP
guests exclusive access to an impressive hospitality suite. An unrivalled
catering and race day experience is on offer for this year’s UGP. VIP Tickets
are available at £100 (+VAT) per person. Tickets are limited, so book early to
avoid disappointment. To purchase tickets contact Leslie Moore on 07831 465676
or email info@ulstergrandprix.co.uk UGP Radio
HELP the UGP "Help the UGP" Weekend is on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August. Anyone - young or old - who's willing to help out whether it be painting, fencing, digging or cleaning are invited to come along and show their support and willingness to up lift the image of the UGP for everyone's benefit. This race belongs to everyone and everyone should feel part of it, so if you are free that weekend why not come along and join in the fun.
Camp Site The official UGP Campsite will only cost £30.00 for the week. (Admission programme £15.00 per per person) and you can purchase you site pass by booking with the Dundrod Secretary Leslie Moore on 07831 455676 The Camp Site will be situated behind the Grandstand near the main paddock.
Camper & Carvans To reserve space in the Camper & Caravan parking area beside the Grandstand simply send a cheque payable to the "Dundrod MCC" to the Dundrod Secretary, 22a Lurganure Road, Lisburn, Northern Ireland BT28 2TS. A Ticket will cost £60.00 for the week for a minimum of two people, additional people will be charged the race admission price of £15.00. If booking with Grandstand Package it will only cost £30.00. There will also be a secure camper parking area behind the Ballymac Hotel near Leathemstown corner, £75.00 for the week where the hotel bar, restaurant and toilet facilities are available on site. Contact the Dundrod Secretary on 07831 455676 There will also be a taxi service from the paddock to the Ballymac Hotel throughout the week.
2006 Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week Events The Dundrod & District MCC has released details of the 2006 Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week, the week long festival will start on Monday 14th August and will finish with a full race programme of racing on Saturday 19th August 2006. The event will follow the same schedule as the very successful 2005 UGP Bike Week with a full week of exciting motorcycle events planned. Monday 14th August 7.00pm Dundrod Circuit Ride Out Lap from the pit lane, although the roads will still be open all junctions will be marshaled by DDMCC and the PSNI. 8.00pm Stunt Show Tuesday 15th August 7.00pm Minimoto Races IN the Paddock Wednesday 16th August Practice Sessions for the Dundrod 150 and UGP (Roads close from 1.30pm to 8.30pm) Thursday 17th August Roads Close From 10.00am - 6.30pm UGP Practice Sessions 2.00pm Dundrod 150 Races Race 1: Dundrod National Race Race 2: 125cc - 400ss Race 3: Dundrod 150 Superbike Race Race 4: Dundrod 150 Challenge Race 5.00pm: Dundrod Classic Parade 7.00pm: Stunt Show 7.30pm: Meet the Riders Chat Show in the VIP Marquee 9.00pm Entertainment in the Paddock Marquee Friday 18th August All Day Paddock Village Walkabout 5.00pm: Stunt Show 6.00pm: Vintage Display 9.00pm Entertainment in the Paddock Marquee Saturday 19th August Race 1: Superstock Race Race 2: UGP Superstock 600 Race Race 3: UGP 250 GP Race Race 4: UGP Superbike Race Race 5: Supersport 600 Race Race 6: UGPSC Superbike Race A reminder to all those who booked grandstand seats this year that they have the first choice of re-booking their personal seat numbers until January 2006. The Grandstand package includes your seat, programme and car parking and will remain the same price as 2005, a super bargain at £25.00. So Don't Delay get in Early, Secure Your Place for 2006
Dundrod & District MCC Press Conference Tuesday evening 8 th August 2006 Leslie Moore, the Secretary of the Dundrod & District MCC welcomed everyone back to the Ballymac Hotel for what was the final press conference before the long awaited event. Addressing yet another packed audience he set the scene for what promises to be the best 2006 UGP Bike Week yet. There were no race bikes this week at the Ballymac, instead four top Honda riders: John McGuinness, Ian Lougher, Raymond Porter and Martin Finnegan displayed their skills on two of the worlds most popular bikes, the Honda 90 CUB.
Sitting at the top table the four riders were in great form and they all congratulated the Dundrod Club for all the hard work they had put in upgrading the circuit. With four top riders sitting around one table there was bound to be a little bit of "fencing" however they all agreed that with the new road surface and hopefully a bit of good weather a new lap record was on the cards. The Supporters Club announced that they would be donating £25,000 towards the running of the 2006 event. The Club would also be awarding the Sam Glass Memorial Trophy and £500 to the best newcomer in the UGPSC Superbike Race. The UGPSC Secretary thanked all the loyal Club members for their support and wished everyone an enjoyable and safe Bike Week. Noel Johnston (COC) said that this year was the best entry ever since the Club took over running the event and had no doubt that we were all in for some fantastic racing. As the audience tucked into the sandwiches at the end of the evening everyone agreed that the 2006 Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week looks set to be a real cracker.
Dundrod & District MCC Press Conference Monday evening 31 st July 2006 The Secretary of the Dundrod & District MCC, Leslie Moore welcomed everyone to the Ballymac Hotel for what was a very informative press conference. Addressing the packed audience he set the scene for what promises to be a Super 2006 UGP Bike Week. Phillip Neill from TAS Suzuki announced that they would be putting out one of the strongest teams ever seen at Dundrod since 1982 when Roger Marshall, Mick Grant and Norman Brown represented the famous Japanese Manufacturer. Bruce Anstey, Adrian Archibald and Ryan Farquhar will all be battling for the top positions at this years event. Bruce Anstey winner of four UGP & Two Dundrod 150 races holds three lap records including the current lap record of 129.038 mph. Adrian Archibald winner of four UGP races is the second fastest rider around Dundrod and is pleased to be back with the Tas Suzuki team for this years event. Ryan Farquhar winner of three UGP races is pleased to return to racing at Dundrod and after his Faugheen victory on Sunday must surely be the man to watch. However Leslie Moore announced that they will be up against some stiff opposition with this predicted line up: Cameron Donald, Ian lougher, John McGuinness, Guy Martin, Raymond Porter, Jason Griffiths, Carl Rennie, John Burrows, Ian Hutchinson, Paul Hunt, Conor Cummins, Keith Armor and Martin Finnegan. Leslie Moore also announced that software giant Jester Interactive would be sponsoring the main Ulster Grand Prix Superbike race worth £4000 to the winner. Clark Evans of Jester Interactive said that "Jesters sponsorship of this Superbike race is a great association and we are very pleased to be involved with the sport of pure road racing. Dundrod will hopefully become the Worlds fastest race again judging by this years entry." Clerk of the Course Noel Johnston announced that this year would see the largest number of new comers, forty seven in all competing at Dundrod. Riders from France, Italy, Germany along with some of our British and local talent will grace the famous Dundrod circuit for the first time. Noel commented that this must only be good news for the future of the Ulster Grand Prix and he wished everyone an enjoyable and safe UGP Bike Week. Alderman Cecil Calvert, Chairman of the Ulster Grand Prix Working Group praised the Dundrod & District MCC for all their hard work and said that the 2006 Bike Week was shaping up to be one of the most competitive for many years. Leslie Moore ended the conference by inviting everyone back to the Ballymac Hotel next Tuesday 8 th August when he hoped to announce Honda's line up for the event.
The Forty Third Annual General Meeting The Club held its 2005 annual general meeting in the Lisburn Island Centre on Wednesday 1 st March at 8.00pm. The gathered membership heard the annual reports from the Club Secretary and the Club Treasurer and everyone was in agreement that 2005 was indeed a very good year as far as the Club was concerned. The Club Chairman reported on how the Club had invested time and money to create a more approachable and professional image to the general public. The Supporters Club was still going strong and still supporting the Greatest Road Race of them all forty three years on. The Chairman paid tribute to the Dundrod Club for their organisation of the second new format UGP Bike week, he congratulated everyone concerned with the event for their hard work and professional approach. The Chairman advised that there were a number of plans in the pipeline that he felt would further benefit the 2006 "Ulster" and urged everyone to get behind the Club and help support the event. The Club Chairman stated that he was optimistic that 2006 would also be a good year for the Club, he stated that the committee was fully behind the strategic plan for the further development of the Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Club and thanked everyone on the committee for their support and hard work throughout 2005. 2006 Office Bearers: President: A. Pinkerton Vice Presidents: R Bryans J Courtney R Dunlop B Gardiner A lyons Eric Lyons E Lyons P McCallen H Marshall B Reid R Stewart J Walker Chairman: D Stewart Vice Chairman: T Best Hon Secretary: C Mc Donald Asst Secretary: V Stewart Hon Treasurer: P Mc Govern Asst Treasurer: A Pinkerton Registrar: M Pinkerton Press Secretary: V Stewart Committee: J Andrews B Bradford C Calvert G Carson N Crawford G Matchett V Miskimmon E Mc Cracken B Mc Govern J Mc Keown
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