The likeable Steve Plater who can reflect on eight wins at the North-West 200 is revving-up for the annual Adelaide Motorcycle Festival which begins on Friday at the King’s Hall Pavilion in Belfast.
A late recruit to road racing, 40-year-old Plater, born in Luton but now living at Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, is a former British Supersport champion.
Back in 2008 he won the same class at the Isle of Man TT and the following year he won the Senior TT.
“We are privileged to have Steve with us on the Friday and Saturday,” said Billy Nutt who is promoting his 18th Show.
Nutt added, “Steve had a bad crash during practice for the North-West in 2010 but he still has a huge fan club on this side of the Irish Sea.”
“Yorkshire’s Ian Hutchinson who has scored eight TT wins, five of them in 2010, will also mingle with the informed race goers.”
“Honda hot-shot Alex Lowes from Lincoln along with Kawasaki rivals Ben Wilson and Alistair Seeley look set to further spice-up what is really a huge social occasion.”
“This is primarily an opportunity to showcase all that’s new in the biking world,” added Nutt. “But the riders also have a special appeal.”
“Just like previous years I would hope to put some funding back into the sport and that’s more crucial now in these times of recession.”
“The success of the Show depends on public support and judging by previous years I’m confident that we will attract another bumper crowd for what can best be described as the social highlight of the winter.”
“So far as Lowes is concerned he became one of the biggest talking points last year following his strong end-of-season charge.”
“On that occasion when he not only made the British Championship Superbike Showdown, but he also won both races at Silverstone to end-up fourth in the premier British series.”
The Dunlop brothers, Michael and William, will also be dropping-in over the weekend.
Michael is preparing for his Honda Legends debut while William will fly the flag for the Milwaukee Yamaha squad.
Keith Farmer, twice a British champion from Clogher and now based with his team boss Paul Bird in Cumbria, is bound to receive a rousing reception as he prepares for the British Superbike championship.
Opening
Alderman Gavin Robinson, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, will officially open the Show on Friday.
Details of the popular Adelaide Masters series which takes in races at Mondello Park and Bishopscourt are due to be announced during the Show.
So far as the King’s Hall is concerned Nutt is delighted to have the likes of Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph, Yamaha, KTM, Ducati, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi all on board.
“Following a year’s absence Harley Davidson and BMW are making a welcome return while Victory and Husqvarna are new to the Show,” confirmed Nutt.
“All the floor-space has been snapped-up.”
Race & Road & Off Road
“Under the auspices of the MRA and the Off-Road dealers we will have a special off-road village concentrating on motocross, trials and enduro machinery.
Both Sections of the North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club will be in attendance next weekend,” confirmed Press officer Malcolm Beattie.
He went on, “The Tarmac and Off- Road Sections will be joined by the Tandragee 100 Supporters Club to promote the Club and its events for 2013.”
“With recent increases in insurance costs, the Tarmac Section and the Supporters Club will be selling various promotional items, clothing badges etc., alongside the Supporters Club to raise money for the 53rd Tandragee 100 running on May 4 as well as memberships, quizzes etc.”
“The Off Road Section will be in the new Off Road Village section of the show. Organiser, Billy Nutt is a fervent off-road fan, supporting Motocross Championships for many years. The Club will be selling memmberships and promoting the five Championship races.”
The 2 & 4 Wheel organisation will be there under the banners of MCUI (UC) and the NIKA Karting clubs. There will be information on both stands of this year’s activities for road racing, short circuit and karting.
The title sponsors, Adelaide Insurance, have struck-up a useful working partnership over the last 10-years with Nutt Promotions.
Opening Times
On Friday the Show opens at 2pm and runs until 10pm.
The opening times for Saturday and Sunday are 10am to 5pm on both days.
Admission: Adults £10 / €10, OAP £5 / €5, children under 14 free.
Further information can be had from: Nutt Promotions at:
billy@nutttravel.com or telephone 028 7035 1199.
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