Irish Motocross Grand Prix Gears Up

Preparations for the 2008 Irish Motocross Grand Prix which will be held at Fairyhouse Race Course located near Dublin City on Saturday and Sunday August 30th & 31st. Moved up a gear this week following the successful meeting with representatives for the FIM, Youthstream (promoters of the MX1/MX2 World Motocross Championships) and The Motorcycle Union of Ireland at the Fairyhouse Race Course venue.

Youthstream track designer Greg Atkins, along with FIM motocross representative Dave Nicoll, were given a tour of the impressive facilities at Fairyhouse Racecourse by Sean Bissett of the MCUI along with members of the organising committee.

Construction of the circuit will now gain serious momentum, following the successful inspection tour of the Fairyhouse by the officials. Which will see the return of World Championship Motocross to the Rep of Ireland following a gap of twelve years. When the Munster MCC last hosted the FIM Motocross World Championships at the famous Vernonmount circuit, at Cork City in 1996.

Both Greg Atkins and Dave Nicoll agreed that the spectator and trackside facilities at Fairyhouse would set new standards in the world of motocross, for other circuits to follow. The spectator facilities gained top marks for the visiting officials. Who were very impressed that spectators will be able to see the entire circuit. When viewed from anyone of the three spectator Grand stands along side the circuit.

The two visiting officials were also particularly impressed with the Paddock area. Where the rider’s motor homes and team trucks will be parked for the duration of the Irish Grand Prix.

Construction of the race circuit will finish in July. During the track building process, a second inspection will be carried out. This inspection will be to fine-tune any necessary requirements and to homologate the circuit for World Championship racing.

Clerk of the Course Tony Skillington said that “the meeting and inspection tour by the FIM, Youthstream with the MCUI organising committee was very successful and that it had set in place a very sound foundation for not only this years Grand Prix, but for the Grand Prix’s that will follow in 2009 and 2010” at the Fairyhouse venue.

Tony, who has acted as an official at many of the Motocross Grand Prix’s throughout Europe, added that, “I am delighted to be acting, as Clerk of the Course for what is my home Grand Prix. I am especially happy to be working with a group of really dedicated motocross people for this event. Who are all working extremely hard to make this years Grand Prix a major success”

Tony continued the Grand Prix is a major show case for motocross in Ireland which will see all the worlds top riders in attendance and it is quite possible we may very well see a world champion being crowned at the Irish Grad Prix as it is round thirteen of this year’s fifteen round MX1 and MX2 FIM Motocross World Championship

The Fairyhouse Racecourse venue is located on the edge of Dublin city just off the N3 road on the R155. The venue is also close to Dublin Airport and the Ferry terminals. With the abundance of cheap air fares to Ireland the organisers are gearing up for motocross fans from all over the UK and Europe to attend the Grand Prix and enjoy the special atmosphere of the Irish Motocross Grand Prix.