As Fast Bikes went to press, there was some stunning news coming out of the island of Ireland about the future of road racing there. The MCUI (Motor Cycle Union of Ireland), which looks after racing in the north of Ireland, and MCI (Motor Cycling Ireland) which does the same in the south have both been struggling to find insurance cover for their race events. The blame has been spread about online, with Brexit, insurance firms moving out of motorsport, and large outstanding claims all being cited. Whatever the causes, the situation at the start of February 2023 was that there would be no Irish road racing: the NW200, Ulster GP, Tandragee, Armoy and even the Sunflower Trophy at Bishopscourt all facing cancellation.
Campaigns have been set up to raise funds and awareness, to find possible solutions though, and the North West 200 organisers in particular have been vocal that they will find a way round the problem.