NEW SAFETY measures have been announced aimed at improving motorcycle road racing safety in Northern Ireland.
The new rules will prohibit marshals, photographers and other personnel from being on the course during races.
The decision, taken by the Ulster Branch of the Motorcycling Union of Ireland, follows concerns raised at the recent inquest into the death of road racer John Donnan.
Mr Donnan, an experienced racer and former Irish Superbike Champion, was killed during the 2007 Tandragee 100 event, while trying to avoid another competitor on the track. During the incident, the racer's bike narrowly missed a number of team officials and spectators.
Mr Donnan's former fiancee, Amelia Fowles, had previously called for changes to the regulations following the death of her partner:
“I don’t want to see the sport stopped but I agree that it has to be made safer,” Ms Fowles told the Belfast Telegraph.
MCUI official Bill Kennedy said that "a lot of work has been ongoing" since Donnan's death in May 2007.
"It has been written into track certificates that there will be absolutely no trackside personnel (during races)," added Mr Kennedy.
