Final Day of the 2015 Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week

August 11, 2015

Tens of thousands of spectators lined the roads of the famous Dundrod Circuit on Saturday (8th August) for the final day of the 2015 Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week.

Organised by the Dundrod & District Motorcycle Club, riders from across the globe competed over the world`s fastest road race circuit in seven high speed races, including the eagerly awaited Superstock, Superbike and Supersport classes.

The opening race of the day was the Superstock Race which was officially started by the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett.

Speaking at the circuit, the Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett said, “The Council was pleased to sponsor the opening race today and demonstrate its continued support for the Ulster Grand Prix, which contributes significantly to the economy and profile of the Council area.

“We started Bike Week last Monday at the LeisurePlex with a very successful classic car and bike run to the Dundrod circuit which saw 73 cars and 82 bikes taking part and raising just under £1,000 for my charity, the Mary Peters Trust.

“Today was a great honour to start the opening race and then present the prizes on the podium after such an exciting and adrenaline packed race, which saw a superb first win at the Ulster Grand Prix for Northern Ireland’s Lee Johnston, to the delight of the home crowd”, concluded Councillor Beckett.

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure and Community Development Committee also commented, “It was fantastic to see so many spectators here today, which indicates how importantly the event is viewed, both as a major sporting event in the Northern Ireland calendar and also in the promotion of tourism for the City of Lisburn & Castlereagh.

“May I take this opportunity to congratulate the Dundrod Club for their incredible efforts in organising the event and thank the many volunteers who give up their time in the weeks and months leading up the Grand Prix.

“I would also like to express thanks to the PSNI, Medical Support Services, local land owners and residents for their interest and association, in order that the Ulster Grand Prix continues on the Dundrod Circuit.

Finally, I would like to wish the riders and their support teams a safe journey home and look forward to welcoming them back to the Dundrod Circuit in 2016.”

The Superstock race finished with a sensational six lap thriller, which saw Lee Johnston from Northern Ireland taking the win from England’s Peter Hickman with Michael Dunlop from Northern Ireland taking 3rd.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett and Chairman of the Leisure and Community Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter is pictured with Sports Broadcaster, Claire McCollum, Junior Minister at the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Michelle McIlveen and former NI footballer Keith Gillespie.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett, Chairman of the Leisure and Community Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter and Junior Minister at the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Michelle McIlveen chat on the grid to the Clerk of Course, Noel Johnston.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett, Chairman of the Leisure and Community Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter and Junior Minister at the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Michelle McIlveen wish rider Dean Harrison and Mar-Train Yamaha Team boss Tim Martin every success as they prepare for the Superstock race.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett starts the first wave of the Superstock race which was the first race of the day.

The Chairman of the Leisure and Community Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter starts the second wave of the Superstock race.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett congratulates the top three riders in the Superstock race as they arrive back in the paddock

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett congratulates the top three riders in the Superstock race as they arrive back in the paddock.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett congratulates Lee Johnston on his first UGP win in the Superstock race.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett pictured on the podium with 1st place Lee Johnston, 2nd place Peter Hickman and 3rd place Michael Dunlop