This year's Ulster Grand Prix will have a record prize fund of £42,000. The event will form part of a week of racing, with the Dundrod 150 taking place on Thursday 11th August and the Ulster GP forming part of a six-race programme on the Saturday.

In another positive move, BBC Sport have agreed a new four-year deal to provide both radio and television coverage of the event.

Finally, more good news for Northern Ireland’s racing calendar as the grounds of Stormont Castle will host a round of this year's Supermoto World Championships, pencilled in for Saturday/Sunday 10th/11th September 2005.