NORTHERN IRELAND’S REME UNIT GETS STUCK IN AT THE NORTH WEST 200

The International North West 200 is Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event, attracting crowds in excess of 100,000 as well as the biggest names in motorbike racing.  Building upon last year’s engagement, 157 Field Company REME (R) assisted with course preparation as well as providing Scrutinising Assistants during Race Week and assisting with dismantling of the Circuit and returning the area to normal.
 
Taking place annually in May, the International North West 200 Circuit runs between the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine – an area of outstanding natural beauty known as the “Triangle”. To transform the 8.9 miles of open road into an International Standard Circuit requires a lot of work and the cooperation of many local authorities and departments. REME assisted the Course Hardware Managers by providing suitably qualified personnel over three weekends to install lorry loads of the specialist safety equipment. 

During Race Week, 157 Fd Coy conducted various activities including assisting with the Scrutineering process which involved checking the standard and fit of all the competitors’ helmets, leathers, boots and gloves. The bikes are also mechanically and technically checked to regulation –  “Core REME Stuff”.  

The REME personnel also assisted with fund-raising at the event, getting t-shirts signed by all of the competitors, which were then auctioned off by The Air Ambulance Northern Ireland  and competitor Lee Johnston’s F13K Cancer which raises money for the Marie Curie Cancer Charity. 

In appreciation of their hard work the unit was presented with a framed aerial photo of the circuit from the Officials at the event.  This will take pride of place at their Kinnegar base.