Michael Dunlop set to thrill fans at NI Motorcycle Festival

The 11-times Mountain Course winner will perform demonstration laps in his Mk2 Ford Escort rally car.

Promoters Billy and Marty Nutt’s eagerly anticipated annual show has changed venue in 2016 to the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park on the former Maze Prison site in Lisburn and will take place on February 5, 6 and 7.

Fans will have the opportunity to win laps around the venue alongside Dunlop in his rally car – an experience certainly not for the faint-hearted – with details on how to stake your claim for a thrill ride with the Ulster road racing king due to be announced soon.

Dunlop produced an excellent drive in his first attempt at the prestigious Rally Isle of Man in September.

All the major motorcycle manufacturers and dealerships will be represented at the 2016 Northern Ireland Motorcycle Festival under one roof and special discounted admission tickets are available now from most motorcycle dealerships throughout Northern Ireland.

Billy and Marty have put together a feast of biking entertainment to suit all tastes, with kart racing, stunt riders and Supermoto experts showcasing their skills and a multitude of trade stands offering a huge range of motorcycling products at fantastic prices.

Many of the sport’s biggest names will be in attendance throughout the three-day biking extravaganza and the full line-up will be unveiled over the coming weeks.

The organisers are also delighted to introduce free parking in 2016 at the new venue at Balmoral Park, with admission costing only £12/€15 or £6 for senior citizens, with children up to the age of 14 admitted free.

Confirming Dunlop’s participation at the show, Billy explained: “With Michael Dunlop only too pleased to come along and do demonstration laps in his rally car, it’s set to be something extra special next February.

“Michael has also kindly offered to give people the chance to win a spin in beside him in his Ford Escort, if they’re brave enough!” he added with a smile.

“We’ll be revealing more details on how you can win a lap or two in beside Michael soon.”

The Northern Ireland Motorcycling Festival opens on Friday, February 5 from 2pm-10pm and continues on Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7, with doors open from 10am to 5pm.

More details of the festival are available online at www.motorcyclefest.tv or to book a stand at the venue, contact 028 7035 1199 or 0044 28 7035 1199 from the Republic of Ireland.