Northwest 200 Clerk of the Course Mervyn Whyte has stepped down from the role, saying that because the job has grown so much it now needs to be a permanent position.

Whyte, who is also BSB's technical chief, has been involved with the race since he joined the Coleraine and District Motorcycle Club in the 1970s but he added he will still be on hand to work with the new clerk and events team

“In recent years the workload has grown significantly and the Clerk of Course role is now a full time, all year round position demanding up to 70 hours work per week especially in the months preceding Race Week," said Whyte.

"The North West 200 generates up to £9 million for the Northern Ireland economy and any other event of a similar size would almost certainly utilise a full team of professional staff. I believe the position and responsibility has now become too much for one person and the North West 200 requires a more shared approach.

“We are currently consulting with local and central government funding bodies and I would urge that the decision process is completed as soon as possible to enable the new team to pick up the baton and forge ahead with the ongoing work and plans for the 2010 North West 200.

“The North West 200 has been a major part of my life since I joined the Coleraine Club in the 1970’s and naturally I want to be on hand to work alongside a new events manager and Clerk of Course.

"As Clerk of Course for the past nine years I have built up an extensive bank of expertise, knowledge and contacts which I want to pass on in a professional capacity to ensure complete continuity for the event. Myself and the Coleraine Club are keen to resolve the situation as soon as possible. However without additional support I will sadly have no alternative but to cease my links with the event.”