250's Axed From North West 200

It is sad that I have to report the 250 race has been axed from the race programme for the 2010 North West 200 in Northern Ireland. We were due to ride Sean Kelly's beautiful 2007 model Honda RS250 (pictured left) that we rode at the Scarborough Gold Cup last year but unfortunately this will now not happen. The text below is taken from the NW200 website as to the reasons why the race has been cancelled. We will try to secure a bike to compete in one of the othe races and wil kepp you up to dat on how we progress.
North West 200 Revs Up for 2010 Race 09/12/2009
International North West 200 organisers Coleraine & District Motor Club Ltd will next year promote a six race programme following a decision to remove the 250cc race category. The revised programme will comprise a 125cc and Superstock race, two 600cc Supersport and two Superbike races.
Speaking on behalf of the new management team, Race Director Mervyn Whyte MBE said, “Having considered this option for the past couple of years we now believe the time is right to discontinue the 250cc category. Two stroke bikes no longer feature in Grand Prix or British Superbike race programmes and as a result manufacturers have reduced the number of models and ranges produced each year.”
“We therefore don’t have the same number of teams nor individual competitors wanting to enter this particular class and having taken all these factors into consideration, felt it was appropriate to promote a strong six race event in 2010.”
The NW200 management team have also proposed significant changes to the Thursday practice session. “In response to competitor and team feedback, the Coleraine Club is examining opportunities to hold our traditional Thursday Practice Race during the day as opposed to later in the evening. We would anticipate roads closing on Thursday morning at 9.30am and re-opening at 3pm and believe it would cause less disruption to residents and the business community as well as providing important additional machine set up and practice time for riders and in particular event newcomers.”
Coleraine & District Motor Club is currently consulting with key organisations and business people as well as local residents. Tuesday evening practice and Saturday Race Day timings are set to remain the same.