Saturday 15th May will be the date for the 2010 Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse. A full week of events is currently in planning for Race Week which last year attracted crowds in excess of 150,000 people as well as some of the world’s top riders.
Welcoming the new and associate sponsors and looking forward to this year’s Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse, Race Director Mervyn Whyte MBE said, “The Relentless brand very much captures the spirit of the sport and we are delighted to welcome Relentless to the International North West 200. For many years, Black Horse has provided valuable sponsorship support to the North West 200 and I warmly welcome them onboard as this year’s associate sponsor.
“Each year, the North West 200 team works hard to ensure an even bigger and better event for riders and spectators alike. With a new title sponsor, refreshed brand and already strong line-up of competitors, we hope the 2010 Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse will be a year to remember”, said Mervyn Whyte.
Riders including Steve Plater, John McGuinness, Alastair Seeley, Bruce Anstey, Ian Lougher, Michael Dunlop, William Dunlop and Michael Rutter were in attendance at the launch, held in the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, to hear plans for 2010. Sports Minister Nelson McCausland wished organisers well. He said, “We have a rich motorcycling heritage in Northern Ireland, and the International North West 200 is a key part of our sporting calendar. This racing event is renowned as a world-class circuit for road racing which is loved by both riders and spectators. In 2009, it saw more than 150,000 bike fans from across the UK, Europe and beyond come to Northern Ireland. Over the years it has become known for exciting and exhilarating races, as the best riders compete over one of the fastest road circuits in the world. It also showcases Northern Ireland as a tourist destination which can host world-class sporting events. I wish the organisers all the best for the North West 200 in 2010.”
Maire Campbell of Relentless said, “On behalf of Relentless energy drink we are proud to be title sponsor of Ireland’s most prestigious motor racing event; the Relentless International North West 200. As a local company, we have been supporting sports in the community for the past 70 years and there is none more prestigious and well renowned than the North West 200. The North West 200 certainly represents an outstanding example of a superb community event.
“The North West 200 brings so much to Northern Ireland not only attracting the highest calibre of sporting personalities which includes our own Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing team, it also attracts tourism and boosts the local economy, giving Northern Ireland international exposure.”
Dave Macey, Market and Franchise Development Manager of Black Horse, said, “Black Horse has been a race sponsor of the International North West 200 since 2002. Each year has seen the event grow from strength to strength and we are delighted to now be associate sponsor of this very special road racing event.”
A new North West 200 logo, designed by Pierce Communications and incorporating the Relentless and Black Horse brands, was also unveiled at the launch event. Redback Creations have designed the official North West 200 website which, to date, has achieved over 25 million hits. For the 2010 event, the website will feature information on how to create the best ‘NW200 Experience’, ranging from accommodation information, vantage points on Race Day to details on official merchandise. The 2010 official website is now live at www.northwest200.org.
Mervyn Whyte MBE said, “The North West 200 team receives so much valuable support from a wide range of organisations and companies. We are deeply grateful for the help from a wide range of organisations including DCAL, Coleraine Borough Council, Sport NI, 2&4 Wheel MSG, NITB and Tourism Ireland as well as our title, associate and race sponsors.
“While we very much look forward to working with Relentless and Black Horse, we are deeply grateful to the Kennedy Group for their financial sponsorship and support over the years. Alistair and Adele Kennedy, in particular, have played a key role in making the North West 200 the truly international event it now is and the company continues to provide Coleraine & District Motor Club with in-kind support. The expertise of David Curry of Redback Creations and Robin Titterington of Event is also greatly appreciated”, said Mervyn.
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Public Affairs and Communications Manager
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