North West 200: Mervyn Whyte to step down as Event Director of international road race

North West 200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte is to step down from the role after being at the helm of the international road race for 20 years.

The organising Coleraine and District Motor Club are to begin the process of finding a successor to Whyte.

"I had intended to retire at the end of 2019 but the club asked me to stay on for another season which I agreed to do," Whyte explained.

"Having turned 70 I feel that this is the right time for me to step aside."

This year's North West 200 was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic and Whyte has admitted that he has concerns the 2021 event could also be in jeopardy.

Plans are already in train for a 15 May main race day date but Whyte told BBC Sport Northern Ireland that a possible delay to August or September is being considered.

"If we can't run it in May 2021 how would things look in August or September? We've looked at a number of possibilities around that. Hopefully the virus will die down and give us the opportunity to run the event in 2021."

Mervyn Whyte (right) says motorcycling is "part of the heritage of Northern Ireland".

Government funding is urgently required - Whyte

Whyte added that it would be a "major blow" if the event couldn't take place for second successive year in terms of keeping the North West organisational team together and also retaining sponsors - in addition to the economic impact.

The departing Event Director also insisted that the Northern Ireland Executive and government needed to look "very, very quickly" at giving additional funding to motorcycling to help stabilise the sport's future.

"The event has brought in £12.5m to the local economy and I've no doubt it not going on was a major, major blow for the economy in Northern Ireland this year.

"Motorcycling events are part of the heritage of Northern Ireland. Funding is required. There is no doubt about that.

"We are providing funding for numerous other organisations and events at the present time and I think motorcycling should be at the top of the list."

'Some exciting days and some sad ones'

Under Whyte's stewardship the event has consolidated its position as the largest outdoor sporting attraction in Northern Ireland.

The Limavady man's involvement with the North West 200 began in 1973 when he volunteered as a marshal and progressed through various posts including Race Secretary and Clerk of the Course.

He became Event Director ahead of the 2001 meeting, receiving an MBE for his services to motorcycling in 2009 and the Freedom of the Borough in 2017 from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

"There have been so many exciting days as well as some sad ones," he added.

"Along the way I have had the pleasure of working with a very committed and enthusiastic club, staff, a great management team and many fantastic sponsors, teams and riders.

"To ensure the smooth transition of responsibilities, I will continue to provide support with regard to sponsors, teams and riders in a consultative role."

Coleraine & District Club Chairman, John Bolton, said Whyte had "provided superb leadership over the last two decades" as part of his involvement with the event which stretched to almost 50 years.