Noel Johnston says Ulster Grand Prix is under threat

Noel Johnston is clerk of the course at the Ulster Grand Prix

The 2010 Ulster Grand Prix is under threat because much needed funding has not materialised, says Noel Johnston, clerk-of-the-course at the event.

"Last year we were told that the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure had earmarked £50,000 for essential maintenance and paddock improvements.

"The necessary work has been carried out and we have been trying to retrieve this money for a number of months."

DCAL has denied that it committed any money to UGP paddock improvements.

"The club is out of pocket and we can't see a way forward," said Johnston.

Johnston said that the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) had informed the race organisers that the money would be forthcoming.

"We were given guarantees and assurances by a number of people regarding this money, and hence carried out the necessary work.

"For a number of months we've been trying to retrieve this money via the Two and Four Wheel Motorsport Steering Group.

"The bottom line is that we currently cannot see a way forward.

"We wouldn't have spent the money without the assurances that we received.

"This money is vital to the running of the UGP and we need it now to ensure that there is another year of great road racing at Dundrod.

"The Ulster Grand Prix can take place this year, but only if this issue is addressed as a matter of urgency."

A DCAL spokesperson said it "did not earmark in 2009 any money for paddock improvements at the Ulster Grand Prix".

"DCAL did not give any commitment for paddock improvements at the Ulster Grand Prix and has not received an application for this expenditure from the Ulster Grand Prix.

"SportNI is responsible for the distribution of funding and in the case of motorsport works through 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Ltd."