NW200 Clerk of Course Mervyn Whyte will be flying the North Coast of Ireland flag as he travels to the upcoming 42nd Macau Grand Prix in November as part of a Tourism Ireland initiative with the NW200 Ducati racing team.
Whyte will be part of a small team including top rider Michael Rutter and a technical support team of four who will travel out to the tiny island off the Southern coast of China on November 8th prior to racing on 14th – 16th November, to raise the profile of the 2009 North West 200 and generate interest amongst potential new competitors.
“I’m looking forward to visiting Macau with Tourism Ireland to see another road racing spectacular and further promote our event to an even larger audience," said Whyte.
"Michael’s popularity with race fans ensures he has a great following wherever he goes and helps give the North West 200 excellent global profile to further enhance its reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious road races.
“Michael’s presence at Macau on board the Discover Ireland NW200 Ducati and his bid to secure a record 7th win at the race circuit will give me the opportunity to meet with top international riders including Americans Jeremy Toye and Mark Miller from Corona Extra Honda Racing and Mike Barnes of the Ventaxia VK Honda. Whilst Californian Mark Miller experienced the 9 mile North Coast circuit in 2005 we hope to attract more rookie riders particularly as we are celebrating our 80th birthday in 2009.”
Also on the hard working Clerk of Course’s hit list are German rider Thomas Hinterreiter and Yahama team competitor Rico Penzkofer who hails from Austria. “These riders are pure road racers and I believe they would be a tremendous asset to the North West 200,” explained Mervyn Whyte.
Aubrey Irwin, Head of NI for Tourism Ireland believes the NW200 Ducati team and Mervyn Whyte’s presence in Macau will help play a major role in attracting brand new visitors to the North Coast region. “The North West 200 was recognised in this year’s NITB Tourism Awards as Event of the Year and we believe it’s vital to use our best assets in a drive to market Ireland in new and developing markets.”
