Ulster GP admission price rise

The Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club have been forced to increase the price of admission to the 2011 Ulster Grand Prix after sustained a substantial loss following this year’s races.

The club took over running the Ulster in 2002 and in the past 10 years have spent some £500k on safety around the course with the assistance of some funding from Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and 2 & 4 wheels.

This year’s event produced some of the best racing ever seen and the coverage by Greenlight/BBC on the two large screens created a fantastic atmosphere.

The event was a huge success in terms of racing and riders, but even with the added financial support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Lisburn City Council, the cost to the club was £409k.

As a result, the club suffered a serious financial shortfall, not helped by the fact that many so called ‘fans’ avoided paying the £15 admission charge. Despite the huge turnout for the 2010 races, the event actually enjoyed more paying spectators in 2007 and 2009.

According to the press statement announcing the admission price increase, the club; “now believe if the event is to break even then the admission charge has to increase.

“his is not a decision that we have arrived at lightly and we hope that true road racing fans will understand the reasons for this decision and continue to support us.”

As a result, the admission charge for the 2011 UGP will be £25 (including vat) which will allow access to all areas all week, except the grandstands and the pit lane.

Programmes will remain at £5 and the Joey Dunlop Grandstand seats, at the start/finish, will remain at £25.