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A perpetual trophy in memory of record 15-time winner Robert Dunlop is to be awarded to the man-of-the-meeting at this year’s North West 200 on 16 May.
Dunlop’s death after a practice crash cast a shadow over last year’s meeting.
“We believe this is a fitting tribute to a rider who did so much for the North West,” said race organiser Mervyn Whyte at the launch of the 2009 event.
The event will again boast seven races, but the 400cc class, which was run in tandem with the 125s, has been dropped.
“In recent years the quality and number of 400cc entrants has diminished so we believe it’s no longer viable a viable option to continue to run this class,” said clerk-of-the-course Whyte.
The races will again be sponsored by the Kennedy Group, with Coke Zero being brought on board as associate sponsors.
The racing spectacular is celebrating its 80th anniversary, having first been run on 20 April, 1929.
Meanwhile the organising Coleraine Club has announced a change to the running order during both practice nights, with each practice session this year beginning with 125/250 bikes followed by the Superbike and Superstock machines and finally the 600cc bikes.
Michael Dunlop, winner of the 250cc race last year, is hoping to get permission to ride a Norton at this year’s race.
The bike does not meet existing specifications for the Superbike class but the Ballymoney rider is hoping that special dispensation to compete will be granted.
BBC Sport NI will again provide extensive coverage of the event on television, radio and online.
Source: https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/7817993.stm
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