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William and Michael Dunlop have indicated that they will not compete at this weekend’s Mid Antrim 150 races.
“We will definitely not be riding – there is an issue over entry fees, but also other factors,” said William.
“Even if the entry fees were paid now it is probably too late as the boys would need to get the bikes ready.
“The club decided that all riders would pay entry fees this year. We must break even to safeguard the event’s future,” said clerk-of-the-course Jack Agnew.
Both Dunlop brothers had entered for the races but indicated to the organisers this week that they would not be taking part.
“It’s been a busy few weeks so it will be good to get a bit of a rest too ahead of the big one, the Ulster Grand Prix, in a few weeks’ time,” explained William.
Agnew explained that the budget for this year’s event was £80,000 and added that the event had lost a major sponsor at a late stage in the preparation for this year’s race.
“The decision to charge all riders was made reluctantly and is based purely on financial considerations.
“The course is in perfect condition and I hope that Michael and William won’t let us down, but I won’t take the club into liquidation.
“It is not a big amount of money that we are asking for, but we can’t show favouritism. If we make an exception for one or two riders, then the rest could come knocking on our door.
“At the end of the day I must ensure that the race survives and last year we lost around £3,000 as a result of giving riders assistance with entry fees.
“I don’t mind if someone else pays the fees, it doesn’t matter to us.”
The field for Saturday’s event will be led by Ryan Farquhar, with John Burrows, Adrian Archibald and Davy Morgan among the other top names in attendance.
