With only 6 months to go to the big event, the Dundrod Motorcycle Club, assisted by Lisburn City Council and with generous sponsorship from Belfast Telegraph, Ulster Grand Prix Supporters’ Club and Rea Estates, are fully committed in making this year’s event the best yet, and are please to announce the Launch of the 2008 Ulster Grand Prix powered by Belfast Telegraph.

Councillor James Tinsley, Mayor of Lisburn City Council and Chairman of the Ulster Grand Prix Steering Group, is looking forward to the races in August, and said: “On behalf of the Steering Group and Lisburn City Council, I wish the Dundrod & District Motorcycle Club every success in 2008 and I look forward to working closely with the Club and all those involved in Bike Week. The Ulster Grand Prix is one of the flagship events in the City of Lisburn and I would encourage everyone to come along to Dundrod in August to sample the atmosphere and enjoy a thrilling and exciting sport.”

Pic : Stephen Davison - Pacemaker Press International

Sports Minister, Edwin Poots, MLA spoke at the event and said: “Motor sport is a key driver in positioning Northern Ireland as a world-class venue for sporting events. The Ulster Grand Prix continues to be one of the most popular motor sporting events in Northern Ireland, and I hope that with the right support from both t he private and public sector, this event will continue to grow in strength and secure its future in the longer term.”

Tonight’s press release is about the Rea Estates 250cc Race. William Rea who is a big motorcycling fan and who originally used to live not far away from the Dundrod circuit, runs a very successful Estate Agency business, both here in Northern Ireland and also in England.

To have Robert Dunlop back in the 250cc class on the Roy Hanna Motors Honda is a tremendous boost to the 250cc race. Robert’s last 250cc race at Dundrod was back in 1993 where he finished 2nd to Phillip McCallan. Knowing Robert as we all do, he won’t want to settle for 2nd in 2008.

Last year’s winner, William Dunlop and brother Michael, along with John McGuinness and Ian Lougher will all have their eyes on the top podium spot.

King of the 250’s Mini Championship - Noel Johnston has spoken to Paul Phillips (Isle of Man TT) and Mervyn Whyte (North West 200) about a 3 Round Championship between the three Internationals based on a points system and an overall Prize Fund. It has been agreed on principle, the finer details just have to be ironed out, so it is definitely going to happen, just watch this space.

The designated charity for the 2008 Belfast Telegraph Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week is Ireland Air Ambulance. A new charity hoping to get a vital Air Ambulance Service off the ground in Northern Ireland, with the aim of getting sick and injured people anywhere in the country to hospital within the golden hour.

Ulster Grand Prix Supporters’ Club, formed in 1963, this small band of volunteers work really hard throughout the year with one aim, to preserve the Ulster Grand Prix. There is no doubt without their help this great Race would have disappeared years ago. Tonight is the launch of their 2008 campaign, so my appeal to everyone is to join up now.

[ view more photos from the press launch ]