Fairyhouse To Host The Irish Motocross Grand Prix

Following on from the successful talks held between Motorcycling Ireland and Fairyhouse Racecourse, Irish and international motocross fans will now see the 2008 Irish Motocross Grand Prix on Sunday 31st August at Fairyhouse Racecourse*, just 32kms northwest of Dublin City Centre. Motocross.ie spoke with Motorcycling Ireland's (MCI) president Sean Bissett, the man responsible for the future of the Irish Motocross Grand Prix.

*Fairyhouse Racecourse is located just off the N3 road approximately 32kms for Dublin city centre, 32kms north west of Dublin Airport and 34kms north west of Dublin ferry port.

Sean is extremely proud of what has been achieved to date. When he agreed to rescue the Irish Motocross Grand Prix from a very uncertain future last December. The previous organizers The Northern Ireland Events Company, failed to attend a meeting with the worldwide promoters of Motocross Grand Prix racing, Youthstream. To discuss the then highly anticipated 2008 Motocross Trophee des Nations. This was due to be staged at Moneyglass Co. Antrim which was ultimately moved to another venue.

We asked where do you start to look for a GP venue? Sean said “A number of potential venues were considered, for the staging of the Irish Grand Prix. But one venue stood out from all the rest and that was Fairyhouse Co. Meath. Fairyhouse, more famous in equine circles for the staging of the Irish Grand National Steeplechase Horse Race each Easter Monday Bank Holiday".

Sean continued, “over the years, many organizers of Grand Prix events have constructed superb motocross tracks, but with very little in the way of spectator facilities. Now all we have to do is build a superb motocross track for August 31st, as the existing spectator facilities that are already in place and are most certainly fit for the sport of Kings and will be the best ever experienced at a motocross Grand Prix. The spectator facilities will allow people to watch the entire circuit from under the cover of one of the several grand stands or watch it live or on TV in one of the many superb restaurants and bars located throughout the race course”.

“You will even be able watch the event from your very own executive box of which there are ten available. With you very own catering and bar staff to look after your needs for the day of the Grand Prix. Facilities such as these, which are available at the Fairyhouse venue, will push the sport of motocross into a whole new sphere and will entice entirely new spectators to the sport we will a the venue that is family friendly with a childrens playground, creche facilities, along with a shopping village to cater for all tastes.

Who will be assist you with track design? Sean said "building a course from scratch will allow us to add new features and the latest innovations in track design. A small team has already been assembled to aid in the design of the course ahead of the first Grand Prix on Aug 31st next. Our team has many years of experience, in what is needed to leave the spectators really wowed on the day of racing and too obviously provide the rider's with enough challenges throughout the length course”.

One of the chief designer's is Corkman, Tony Skillington who has years experience as Clerk of the Course at many motocross Grand Prix’ both here and abroad. Is on board to advise us on course design, as is New Zealander Greg Atkins, who is a top designer of many of the Motocross Trophee des Nations circuits (which are considered the Olympics of the motocross world) in the last number of years will also be advising us. One of the great benefits that this track presents is the spectator will see 100% of the track when viewing for the grandstands, which will be a first for any motocross Grand Prix circuit.

Sean continued"we also want to add some uniquely Irish features to the track as well". However, he would not be drawn on what these “uniquely Irish features” would be. "You will have to wait until the track is officially unveiled in the summer".

Sean is also responsible for the last Grand Prix to be held in Co. Meath. He acted as Clerk of the Course for the first ever staging of a motocross Grand Prix in Ireland, back in 1979. This was a round of the 125cc Championship and was won by Harry Evert's at Deer Park in Slane. He is delighted to have secured Ireland's right to hold a motocross Grand Prix’ for the next three years and is extremely hopeful of staging the 2010 Motocross Trophee des Nations at the Fairyhouse venue.

Just imagine, when the horses being replaced with the horsepower of the worlds top motocross rider’s for the next three years. Not that's something for motocross fans to think about ahead of August 31st!

Practice postponed at Gormanston until Wednesday April 16

Due to extreme flood conditions during the weekend essential track maintenance is impossible at Gormanston.  Although the track is rideable, in the interest of safety and enjoyment for all, and in view of the limited dates allocated to the track by Meath County council, the club has decided not to run this Wednesday night. The track will be open for practice in two Wednesday’s time; April 16 from 5 pm.

Apologies to all

Mick Mc Ginn  
Secretary, North Dublin MCC