ADELAIDE MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL ‘09
King’s Hall Belfast
Back by popular demand Honda hot-shots John McGuinness and Steve Plater look set to grace the Adelaide Motorcycle Festival which begins a three-day run at the King’s Hall, Belfast on Friday, 13 February.
It just so happens that it coincides with St Valentine’s weekend, just the ideal time to fall in love with the best from the world of biking!
Winner of 14 Isle of Man TT races and the current lap record-holder, 36-year-old McGuinness from Morecambe is a favourite with the Ulster public.
“Judging by the reception which I got last year I know that the show is going to be a huge success,” reflected McGuinness. “It’s also an ideal occasion for the fans to engage in a bit of banter with the riders.”
“This is the perfect shop-window for our sport, it’s an opportunity for the public to catch a glimpse of new machinery.”
McGuinness intends having the Honda Fireblade on which he won last year’s Senior TT race at the Isle of Man on display.
“Clive Padgett from Batley in Yorkshire was responsible for building that bike and he had agreed to make the trip as well,” confirmed McGuinness who will partner Plater in the official HM Plant Honda team this year.
Plater from Woodhall Spa is a late starter so far as real road racing is concerned but he’s rapidly making-up lost ground.
A popular character, Plater was a triple winner a year ago at the North-West 200 where he was man of the meeting!
Another NW favourite hoping to put in a King’s Hall appearance is Michael Rutter.
“We are reasonably confident that the new North-West 200 Yamaha which Rutter will ride this year will have its first public appearance in Belfast,” added Nutt who under the umbrella of Nutt Promotions is staging his 14th show/festival.
Away from the personalities the bikes representing all the major manufacturers through their local dealers will provide plenty of debate in the present economic climate. Clothing and accessories will also play a major role.
Speaking on behalf of the dealers, former rider now turned motorcycle shop proprietor Philip McCallen, commented, “It’s thanks to Billy Nutt that we now have the greatest show in town.”
“This is our third time at the King’s Hall and I’m confident that it will continue to grow.”
David Hailwood along with Ron Mullan will be making a welcome return with some very special race bikes from the past.
One is a 500 Honda previously raced by David’s famous father Mike while an MV, originally raced by Phil Read, will also be on display along with a Vincent Blackshow and a Matchless.
For the first time the 2&4 Wheel motorsport umbrella organisation which represents motorcycle racing both on and off road, karts and cars will be in attendance along with the N-W 200 and Ulster Grand Prix Supporters Clubs
After a year’s absence the Wall of Death stunt show is returning while ‘The Globe’ designed and manufactured by Harland & Wolff will have its own special appeal!
Manxman and former British trials champion Steve Colley will be performing an array of stunts and that includes his remarkable single wheel display.
The chosen charity for next weekend is Ireland’s Air Ambulance Helicopter Appeal. They will have a simulator in the Nugent Hall where show patrons will be able to try their hand at flying a helicopter around Belfast.
The Balmoral Hall will again host the vintage and classic bike displays along with a large autojumble of motorcycle parts and memorabilia.
Motorcycle safety is important to all associated with the festival and the PSNI will have a stand promoting their Bike Safe Campaign.
Through Duke Marketing there will be the latest videos from around the world and that will allow time to rest the weary feet.
The success of the 2008 Festival allowed the organisers to pour some money back into the sport in the form of sponsorship for off-road, short circuit and karting events.
For the fifth successive year Adelaide Insurance Services are the festival sponsors.
Biking buff Sam Geddis is their general manager and he’s delighted to be part of the Festival. “We are on a high after being voted the UK’S Favourite Motorcycle Insurance Broker for 2008,” said Geddis. “We wish the Festival organisers every success.”
Jonathan Rea, Irish Racer’s rider of the year, is due to officially open the Festival on Friday, 13 February, less than 24 hours before he heads to Philip Island, Australia to prepare for his first season in the World Superbike Championship.
“We are appealing to the public to support the Festival that supports the sport,” said entrepreneur Billy Nutt who is now assisted by his son Marty who will be embarking on another British Supersport campaign.
“There is something for everybody,” added Nutt. “Amid all this doom and gloom we need to remain positive---time at the Festival will help to shorten the winter!”
The Festival kicks off at 2pm and runs to 10pm on Friday, 13 February. On the Saturday and Sunday it’s open from 10am to 5pm. Admission is £10 or 10 euro. For OAPs it’s £5 with children under-16 free.
Further information can be had from Nutt Promotions: Tel. 028 7035 1199
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