Ulster Grand Prix road race gets green light for 2022 return

The Ulster Grand Prix is to be revived for 2022 after a two-year hiatus brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and a change in organising committee that assured the under-threat event’s immediate future.

Dubbed the ‘World’s Fastest Road Race’, the Ulster GP regularly attracts a high-quality field of entries and is considered one of the headline events in the road racing calendar.

However, the event ran into serious financial difficulties following the conclusion of the 2019 edition, with host Dundrod Club running up substantial debts before being issued with a winding up order in 2020.

Nonetheless, with the event likely to have been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 anyway due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Ulster Grand Prix is being revived in time for its centenary this year under the steer of the Revival Racing Motorcycle Club this time.

"We understand the unique appeal of the Ulster Grand Prix to riders and fans alike, and we are delighted to bring racing back to this famous track," read a statement from the new organising club.

"It's been a very uncertain time for the sport because of coronavirus and we can't wait to hear bikes roaring down the flying kilo again this summer.

"We are indebted to the volunteers at the Ulster Grand Prix for their collaboration and continuing hard work to stage this famous race in its centenary year.

"More details of the week-long race week programme will be announced soon."

The Ulster Grand Prix regularly vies with the Isle of Man TT for the ‘World’s Fastest Road Race’ mantle. As it stands Peter Hickman’s lap record of 136.415secs on the Dundrod Circuit pips the Manx event’s leading 135.452mph, also set by Hickman.

Photos: Stephen Davison/ Pacemaker, Ulster GP/David Maginnis