Riders express anger as motorcycle racing future uncertain

Emmet O’Grady at the North West 200 at the weekend. Photo by Mark Kane

Riders express anger as motorcycle racing future uncertain

Local motorcycle racers are frustrated by the growing uncertainty surrounding the sport’s future.

The Road Racing Alliance of Ireland (RRAI) is attempting to revive closed road racing in the Republic of Ireland.

However, licensing issues and potential conflicts with Motorcycling Ireland create complications.

The RRAI is independent of Motorcycling Ireland, allowing it to organise events like the planned Athea Road Races.

Confusion exists regarding licensing. Riders fear that participating in RRAI events could jeopardise their Motorcycling Ireland licenses.

Motorcycling Ireland has not yet released its 2025 short circuit calendar for Mondello Park as insurance negotiations are ongoing.

Licensing fees have nearly doubled, and overseas start permission fees have significantly increased.

The Ulster Centre will continue its road races, including Armoy and the Northwest 200, and has confirmed a full short circuit season.

Southern riders require race licenses and start permissions for Ulster events, with additional fees for Isle of Man events.

“I think most people would be happy with annual fees like that if the organisation behind it was good,” said Tralee racer Evan O’Grady. He suggested a national series combining short circuit events from both sides of the border to eliminate start permission requirements.

“Racers been asking for an All-Ireland Superbike Circuit Championship for years now and seems like it’s farther away than it’s ever been and roads structure is even worse. Not much of a future for the sport for Irish racers at this rate.”

Andrew Murphy criticised the new fees, saying, “Let’s say if you were doing the whole lot this year €250 for license then €600 for start permission for Irish roads then another €700 to do Manx or TT. I don’t how much entry fees are but I presume there going too up too.”

Motorcycling Ireland’s “Holeshot” raffle, intended to cover insurance costs, failed to meet its target.

“The licence fee i don’t mind, especially if there was racing, but it looks like Motorcycling Ireland are making it hard for roads also. If they pull the plug on short circuit racing should everything else not get cheaper? I don’t trust Motorcycling Ireland after the cloak and dagger ‘Holeshot’ draw which turns out was to pay for 2024 insurance,” said Emett O’Grady.

The RRAI is still working to become fully operational. Motorcycling Ireland has not scheduled Mondello events and appears reluctant to sanction road races.

As racers face a lack of events in Southern Ireland and increased costs to race in Northern Ireland.