Secretary of State pays tribute
to motor sport's role in Northern Ireland
 The
important contribution motor sport makes to the local economy
and to the lives of people living in Northern Ireland was
highlighted at a special reception hosted by Secretary of
State Peter Hain MP for members of the Association of Northern
Ireland Car Clubs at Hillsborough Castle on Monday 8 May.
All of Northern Ireland's 33 car clubs were represented at
the high-profile reception. MSA Chairman Alan Gow, Motor Sports
Council Chairman Graham Stoker and MSA Chief Executive Colin
Hilton were also present at Hillsborough along with many prominent
past and present competitors and personalities from Ulster's
thriving motor sport community. Those attending included rally
legend Paddy Hopkirk, former Formula Nippon champion Richard
Lyons and current Junior World Rally Championship prospect
Kris Meeke.
To illustrate the depth and breadth of motor sport in the
province, Hillsborough also featured a display of selected
competition vehicles: Eugene Donnelly's Irish Tarmac Rally
Championship winning Toyota, Robert Morgan's title winning
hillclimb car and the kart of Northern Ireland Junior Champion
Samantha Thom.
"Motor sport makes a major contribution to the lives
of people in Northern Ireland," emphasised the Secretary
of State. "It not only brings excitement to the spectators
who follow the various sports and great pride to those involved
in organising and competing, it also brings significant financial
benefits to the local economy and beyond."
Peter Hain stated that along with the economic benefits,
the various motor sports have also produced many drivers and
motorcyclists of outstanding calibre who have excelled on
the international stage. He also paid tribute to those involved
in organising events throughout Northern Ireland for their
professionalism and the contribution they make to society
and the economy.
"Without the commitment of the members of the Association
of Northern Ireland Car Clubs and all the other motor sports
organisations, the people of Northern Ireland would not have
the opportunity to enjoy wonderful international events such
as the Ulster Rally, the Circuit of Ireland and the North
West 200. Hopefully next year in conjunction with Rally Ireland
we will have secured a round of the World Rally Championship
in Ireland," concluded the Secretary of State.
"It was a very constructive and productive reception
not only highlighting the huge contribution that motor sport
continues to make to the lives of those in Northern Ireland
but also reinforcing our positive relationship with Government,"
reported Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive. "Peter Hain
is a true motor sport supporter; he regularly attends the
British Grand Prix and has performed a key role in the success
of Wales Rally GB. The MSA is confident that the Secretary
of State's understanding of and enthusiasm for all forms of
motor sport will continue to benefit the motor sport community."
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