Vauxhall Motors retains pole position as title sponsor of the International North West 200 in 2016

The International North West 200 is to have the support of Vauxhall Motors Ltd for the 2016 races on May 10-14. This is the fourth year in a row the car giant will be the principal sponsors of Northern Ireland’s leading motorcycle event.

“Vauxhall Motors are delighted to return as title sponsors for the fourth consecutive year and are looking forward to reaching out to thousands of motorcycle fans through our sponsorship of the Vauxhall International North West 200 event,” Gordon Hannen, Vauxhall Regional Operations Manager for Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man said after making the announcement at the Giant’s Causeway on the North Coast yesterday.

Two of the stars of the 2015 event, Alastair Seeley and Ian Hutchinson, who attended the launch also welcomed the new deal.

“It is great to have a big company like Vauxhall involved in bike racing,” Seeley said. “The North West 200 team work hard to put on a good show each year and this support will be vital in helping to make it all come together for 2016.”

The Carrickfergus rider, who equaled Robert Dunlop’s record of 15 NW200 victories last May, will be aiming to go one better in 2016.

Two times North West winner Ian Hutchinson, who has replaced Seeley in the Tyco BMW team for next season, echoed his rival’s sentiments.

“Road racing is riding the crest of a wave at the moment and a big part of that success is being able to attract good sponsors to the sport,” the Bingley Bullet said. “To have Vauxhall back for a fourth year at the North West 200 means it works for them as a company also.”

The North Coast event, which draws thousands of visitors from around the world to the Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine area, will also enjoy the continued support of the local council.

“Congratulations to Event Director Mervyn Whyte,MBE, and his team on taking forward their plans for 2016 and for securing such a high profile company to sponsor this year’s event,” Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan said. “I am an avid follower of the International North West 200 and welcome Vauxhall back to the borough and thank them for their investment in the event and in the area. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will continue to support the event both financially and with staffing expertise.”

The securing of Vauxhall’s continued sponsorship and the support of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is a huge boost for Event Director Mervyn Whyte, MBE, and his North West 200 team.

“Vauxhall provides us with finance, a vehicle fleet and significant branding around the circuit, all of which are vital in running an International event each year,” Whyte explained. “We have enjoyed longstanding support from the local Council and the financial and logistical input we receive is vital in ensuring the International North West 200 continues to attract the best road racers in the world to our grid for local residents and visitors alike to enjoy.”

Vauxhall to add extra Oomph to 2016 International North West 200!

“Alongside financial support and substantial course branding, our sponsorship includes the use of over 50 vehicles for officials including our New 2016 Astra, Astra GTC, Cascada, Mokka, Insignia and the very special course car, the mighty 6.2 litre engine VXR8 supercar,” Gordon Hannen, Vauxhall Regional Operations Manager for Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man explained. “Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles will also feature heavily in the support package including the New Vivaro, Movano & Combo which will be used in the construction of the 8.9 mile North West 200 Triangle circuit.”

“We are also especially excited to announce that we will also be bringing along our VXR race transporter this year, as seen previously at the Goodwood Festival of Speed,” Hannen added. “This will be placed in the paddock, providing seating for up to 300 people with free tea and coffee for current Vauxhall drivers. All other visitors will be asked to make a small donation with all the proceeds being split equally between the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance appeal and the Marie Curie Cancer Hospice in Northern Ireland.”