Motocross seems to have had had a lucky escape from crippling insurance costs that has seen the Ulster Centre of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland cancel all its road racing events for 2023. That includes Northern Ireland’s biggest outdoor event of any kind, the North West 200.

All road racing, short circuit events and trials in Northern Ireland have been cancelled following soaring Public Liability insurance costs in the country which has seen prices triple this year. The announcement made national news all over the UK as well as Ireland today.

“The costs proposed were unsustainable for most clubs in order to provide the required Public Liability cover to run our planned events. The MCUI (UC) will, however, continue to pursue all options for the provision of Public Liability insurance, should they arise in the near future,” said a statement from the Ulster Centre of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland.

“Our immediate attention must now turn to the competitors, who have invested much planning and expense for the 2023 year, to date. To that end, the MCUI (UC) will continue to issue licences and are still endeavouring to procure competitor Personal Accident insurance cover for the 2023 year.

“Although there will be no MCUI (UC) events run in 2023, this will allow MCUI (UC) licence holders to avail of insurance cover required for starting permission applications in order to compete in events elsewhere, outside of the MCUI (UC) jurisdiction.

“We appreciate that this situation is far from ideal, however although we have been unable to secure the running of events for this year, this arrangement and decision will go a little way to at least allowing licence holders the opportunity to engage in competitive events, should they wish, with the appropriate cover and security.”

It comes hot on the heels of riders from southern Ireland, such as Stu Edmonds, struggling with insurance and start permission issues due to similar problems.

Following moves between the ACU and British championship organisers RHL Activities, Revo ACU British Motocross Championship rounds will be inscribed in the FIM Calendar for 2023.

That means riders wishing to compete from Southern Ireland can request a FIM International Non Championship Motocross licence from the MCI, this will allow riders to compete in the British Motocross Championship.