New Management Structure Unveiled for North West 200

[Mago]

The International North West 200 has unveiled a brand new operational and management structure set up with support from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Coleraine Borough Council. Within the new format, former Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte MBE will take on the new role of Race Director and oversee the overall operation 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.

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.”

In conclusion the Minister said: “I would like to thank Mervyn Whyte for the hard work, commitment and determination he has given to this event over the years as Clerk of Course. I am pleased that he has decided to stay on in a different role and I have no doubt that he will continue to provide valuable input to what is undoubtedly an internationally renowned event.”

In a first for the North West 200 Coleraine Borough Council will also assign an events co-ordinator to the North West 200 2010 team who will work on a part-time basis supporting Mervyn Whyte and Laura McManus in events and organisational activities. The Council’s executive support is part of an extensive and enhanced financial package which alongside DCAL’s funding will help secure the future of the world famous road race which attracts upwards of 130,000 visitors each year.

The Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr Sandy Gilkinson, commented: “Coleraine Borough Council is pleased to continue its backing for the North West 200 event and has put in place a package of support that will help the Coleraine and District Motor Club to progress with their planning for 2010 and thereafter. This includes some executive assistance from Council for the 2010 event, financial contribution and extensive help in kind.

“Council welcomes the new structure for the event. It is important that the steps are put in place to ensure the long term sustainability of the North West 200. Coleraine Borough Council is committed to working with the club to ensure long term success. “Coleraine Borough Council recognises the excellent work done by the club to bring this fabulous event to the north coast every year. We also commend DCAL for their continued support, their contribution is further recognition of the importance of the North West 200 to Northern Ireland.
“We look forward to working in partnership with the club towards a successful 2010 event”.

New Race Director Mervyn Whyte explained the background to the new structure: “As indicated earlier this summer the workload for the Clerk of Course had grown significantly in recent years and it was necessary to introduce a revamped organisational structure. Following energetic and proactive discussions with both local and national government, 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.”

Whyte is confident the event can now move forward and paid tribute to DCAL, Coleraine Borough Council, NITB and the Coleraine Club for their hard work and support in helping to shape the new structure. “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 following ratification by the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) on 14th November.

Coleraine & District Motor Club Chairman John Wilson said, “Club members are delighted that we’ve resolved our organisational issues and are pleased that Mervyn Whyte is staying on board and taking on a new strategic role which will help develop the future of the North West. In his new position Mervyn will continue to secure and manage rider teams and participants and will also act as event spokesperson.”

The International North West 200 has received many awards in the past few years including Event of the Year at the NITB Awards in 2008, the Freedom of Coleraine in 2003, a CIPR Pride Award for public relations in 2004, a NI Travel & Tourism Award in 2005, a Belfast Telegraph Sports Award for Mervyn Whyte in 2006 and in 2007 Mervyn was awarded an MBE for services to motorsport.