2001
Coca-Cola International
North West 200
Motorcycle Road Races

Official press launch
30th January 2001

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The following article is © 2001 NI Biker and may not be reproduced without permission and acknowledgement.

Photographs used by Permission of Citigate PLPR and Harrison Photography

Today marked the official launch of the 2001 Coca Cola International North West 200.

This year sees the organisation of the event hand over to a new team following the retirement of Clerk of the Course Billy Nutt MBE after last years race.

The new Race Directors, Mervyn Whyte and Eddie Johnston MBE both spoke of their commitment to ensuring that appropriate safety measures are implemented to protect riders and spectators alike, and to maintaining the success of the race.
The new Race Directors Mervyn White (left) and Eddie Johnston MBE are pictured with rider Jim Moodie at the launch Eddie Johnston MBE, President of the Coleraine & District Motor Club, said they would endeavour to make it the safest event yet.

He mentioned improvements required at Station Corner and plans for the introduction of Marshal Stations, which would be situated off the track during racing, to further increase safety.

He also spoke of the necessity to have improved access to the circuit for disabled spectators.
Jonathan Gates, Events Manager of Coca-Cola Bottlers (Ulster) Ltd said Coca-Cola Bottlers would enjoy working with the new team until their sponsorship of the event ceases in 2002 in it's 10th year.   The official charity to benefit this year is Mencap Northern Ireland.   Total Prize Fund is £100,000 with £5,000 going to the winner of the superbike race.

The Mayor of Coleraine Borough Council, Elizabeth Johnston, paid tribute to the organisers and all those involved in the clean up operation after the event. Obviously the race is good for local tourism with an estimated 110,000 people flocking to the North Coast last year.

Also attending the event in the Europa Hotel Belfast, were British Champions Jim Moodie, Callum Ramsay, and local star Adrian Archibald.
600cc Champion Moodie, who had 2 second places at last years event, spoke of his enjoyment when racing on the Nort West circuit. "...it's a road circuit and it's dangerous" he said, adding that it's "...the safest road circuit that you could possibly ride on." Pictured at the launch of this year's Coca-Cola International Nort West 200 are (from left) riders Adrian Archibald, Callum Ramsey and Jim Moodie; Mervyn White Race Director, and Jonathan Gates, Events Manager, Coca-Cola Bottlers (Ulster) Ltd.
Ramsay, winner of the British 250cc Championship, and 3rd in last years Roadside Garages 250cc race at the North West said part of the attraction of the North West is that there is so much to do in the area for those not only interested in the racing. "We really enjoy coming across here and it's a great atmosphere with good racing. I look forward to it every year."

Local rider, Adrian Archibald said... "Obviously the North West 200, being the first of the International Races and my local race as such, I really look forward to it and try to do well." Adrian, who enjoyed numerous top 6 placings at the North West, Ulster Grand Prix and the TT last year as well as 1st placings in both the Lambert and Bulter Championship and Senior Irish Road Racing Championship, looks set for success again this year if his track record continues.

nibiker

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