Extra sponsorship a major boost, says NW200 chief
THE fonaCAB International North West 200 in association with Nicholl Oils has been boosted by the news that Coleraine-based online insurance provider MCL InsureTech will sponsor the Thursday evening’s Supertwin race in May.
Gary McClarty, the Chief Executive of MCL InsureTech, said: “We are expanding our business and launching our brands in Northern Ireland, and our involvement in sponsorship of the International North West 200 will help us grow our brand.”
Currently insuring just under a fifth of cars in the Republic of Ireland, MCL InsureTech are expanding into the Northern Ireland market and creating 10 new jobs in the next six months, with a further 40 new jobs envisaged over the next three to five years.
North West 200 event director Mervyn Whyte said: “The North West 200 is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2019 and MCL InsureTech’s Republic of Ireland operation is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
“Both play an important role in the economy of the North Coast region and we hope the global exposure MCL InsureTech will receive as a result of the sponsorship of the Supertwin Race will assist with expansion plans.”
Last year’s opening Supertwin race saw Martin Jessopp speed to success on the Riders ER6 Kawasaki.
Jessopp has announced a cutback in his 2019 road racing activities, but would still like to ride at the North West if suitable machinery can be obtained.
This year, one of the pre-race favourites will be Adam McLean riding the McAdoo Kawasaki.
The Tobermore rider will soon head to Spain for some pre-season testing and will be taking in the opening BSB round at Silverstone on Easter Monday aboard an MSS Kawasaki.
Glenn Irwin is aiming to win a record number of races at the North West and is a brilliant Supertwin rider, as witnessed at the Sunflower last October.