The new Northern Ireland short circuit season blasts into action this weekend with the Ulster Superbike Championship kicking off the 2023 campaign.
This Saturday sees the return of motorcycle racing here after there were fears the whole calendar would be wiped out due to soaring insurance costs.
A late deal was finalised last week, paving the way for all racing events to proceed as planned, including May's North West 200.
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But up first it's the opening round of the Ulster Superbike Championship at Bishopscourt, hosted by the Temple Motorcycle & Athletic Club.
"Saturday, March 25 sees the return of motorbike racing after what has been an ominous start to the 2023 season," said a club spokesperson.
"Numerous meetings and hard work behind the scenes by the local Motorcycle Clubs, Members and Delegates have insured that the Northern Irish Short Circuit Races have finally been given the go ahead.
"This is the news we’ve been waiting for."
The Temple Motorcycle Club will host Round One of the Ulster Superbike Championship at Bishopscourt and have promised a thrilling day of race action.
"Motorcycle Racing in the south of Ireland is still in doubt and all Southern Riders are welcome to join us and make the most of what is set to be another fantastic season of high speed, action packed racing," the organisers added.
"Entries are open and flooding in, with top local teams and their riders from both sides of the border expected to show up and show off their incredible skills and fearless talent in pursuit of the USBK Championship 2023 title.
"Both the Temple 100 & The Sam McBride Cup will be up for grabs on Saturday at Bishopscourt as well as points from the opening round heading into a now promising season of motorbike racing."
Alastair Seeley will head into the new Ulster Superbike Championship as favourite after he clinched the title last year.
Seeley cleaned up at Round One at Bishopscourt in 2022 on his IFS Global Logistics Yamaha, but there were plenty of contenders up for the challenge.
Jason Lynn, Carl Phillips and Christian Elkin were all hot on his heels last year, with Jeremy McWilliams and Cameron Dawson battling it out on the day.
"It’s anybody’s race to win and we expect to see big names appearing yet again this season, all of them in it to win it," the organisers said.
"There is nothing that compares with being at a race day, walking the pits, experiencing first hand the commitment involved and witnessing the work that goes into the teams, their pit crews and sponsors, who are mentally, physically and financially invested."
They added: "The sport of Motorcycle racing has never needed the backing and support of the Northern Irish fans like this before we expect a fantastic turn out on Saturday at Bishopscourt, a show of solidarity with and appreciation for those teams and riders who put themselves out there and ride for the thrill of the race and for our enjoyment.
"The Ulster Superbike Championship is set to be an even closer encounter with Motorcycle racing at its very best and a day not to be missed in this years racing calendar.
"They never let us down! Let’s not let them down!"
Admission on Saturday is £12 at the gate Under 16’s go free. First race starts at 11am.
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