Whyte appointed NW200 Race Director

Mervyn Whyte MBE has been appointed NW200 Race Director and oversee the overall operation of the event, working alongside a management team of seven personnel who will be responsible for the areas of safety, the paddock, general duties, communications, finance, operations and course set-up. 

Whyte, the former NW Clerk of the Course, explained the background to the new structure: “The workload for the Clerk of Course had grown significantly in recent years and it was necessary to introduce a revamped organisational structure.

Following discussions with both local and national government,  the Coleraine & District Motor Club Ltd is delighted to agree a framework which will secure the future of the North West 200 and help the team deliver a truly first-class event for both participants and spectators.

“Clerk of Course duties have now been divided amongst our seven new managers with the new operations manager being responsible for duties on the grid. We are now all looking forward to building on work already in place for the 2010″

International North West 200 which is set to take place on Saturday 15th May.  
Coleraine & District Motor Club Chairman John Wilson added: “We are delighted that we’ve resolved our organisational issues and are pleased that Mervyn is staying on board and taking on a new strategic role which will help develop the future of the NW200.

“In his new position Mervyn will continue to secure and manage rider teams and participants and will also act as event spokesperson.”

Commenting on the changes, Sports Minister Nelson McCausland said: “The huge potential of the NW200 needs to be strategically managed and Mervyn’s new role in delivery will allow him to concentrate on improving the event for fans and competitors. 

“Over recent years the Northern Ireland Executive, through my Department, has demonstrated its commitment to making this event a success through the provision of over £0.5 million of funding. 

“This funding has been instrumental in improving circuit safety, employing a business development manager, developing the event’s website, resurfacing the paddock area and supporting two new marketing campaigns.”

The NW200 is Ireland’s biggest sporting occasion,  annually attracting a crowd of around 130,000.