Coulter praises ‘professional’ Mid Antrim Bike Races
Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner, has praised the “terrific professionalism” of the organisers of the recent Mid Antrim 150 motorbike races.
Assemblyman Dr Coulter, who has also acted as chaplain to the races for a number of years, said the Mid Antrim organisers had built the event into one of the premier tourist and sporting attractions not just in the constituency, but across the whole of Northern Ireland.
“One of the best aspects of the organisers’ terrific professionalism was their ability to bring thousands of people from across the Province and beyond into the constituency.
“It was clear the organisers had put together a programme of events where the underlying factor was quality sporting entertainment. And given the added bonus of the good weather at this year’s races, people associate the themes of enjoyment and fun with this great North Antrim constituency.
“The Mid Antrim 150 has rightly earned itself the accolade of being not just one of the top road racing events in Northern Ireland, but one of the Province’s leading sporting showpieces.
“Road racing in general has faced some sharp criticism in the past. But the thousands who lined the vantage points along the route proved there is still considerable enthusiasm for this superbly and effectively marshalled series of races. Fans and visitors alike could not fail to notice the safety measures which the organisers had thoroughly implemented.
“Given the vast tourism turnover which the Mid Antrim 150 races generate for the North Antrim constituency, I would urge both the locally elected representatives and the business community to give whatever support they can in future years to this magnificent sporting occasion.”
And Assemblyman Dr Coulter also praised those who had supported the Mid Antrim 150’s traditional pre-race annual service held in St James’ Parish Church of Ireland in Clough village, when motorbike enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland packed the church.
The church overlooks part of the race route and the congregation included current racers, former racers and representatives from motorcycle clubs in Northern Ireland, including Christian motorcycle clubs.
There was an especially large turnout from the local Clough club, the Hilltop Motor Cycle Club, and the service was conducted by Dr Coulter, who is a former minister of Clough Presbyterian Church.
There was very enthusiastic singing of the hymns, and after the service, the congregation was entertained to a delicious meal in the village’s Masonic Hall.