Minister Danny Kennedy will be a pillion passenger on a practice lap of the 2014 International North West 200 with Steve Mercer from Team Traction Control. (above)

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has given his support to the organisers of this year’s International North West 200 and has accepted a personal challenge from the race organisers.

Speaking at the press launch in Belfast, Danny Kennedy said: “The International North West 200 is a truly spectacular event, attracting spectators from home and abroad.

“The weather is always an unpredictable factor in the race programme, however, organisers are in a very much stronger place this year in terms of dealing with adverse weather conditions.

“Since the introduction of amendments to the legislation around road closures in Northern Ireland, organisers now have up to two contingency days if the weather forces changes to the race programme.

“I wish the organisers and riders every success with this fabulous event and I look forward to be one of the many tens of thousands of spectators heading to the ‘North West’ in May.”

Danny Kennedy, a keen supporter of road racing in Northern Ireland, did not hesitate in accepting a personal challenge from the organisers.

The Minister has agreed to complete a practice lap of the internationally renowned circuit as a pillion passenger with professional rider Steve Mercer from Team Traction Control managed by ‘Prodigy’ band member Keith Flint.

With a pillion passenger, on a practice lap, race bikes can reach speeds of around 185 miles per hour on the public roads making up the course running between the towns of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush.