‘I’m not walking away’, says Whyte
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Mervyn Whyte will be stepping down from his role as North West 200 Clerk of the Course after the 2009 event, however, he will remain involved with the day to day running of the event in a managerial capacity.
NORTH WEST 200 Clerk of the Course Mervyn Whyte will be stepping down from his role after the 2009 race day, however, the man who has become the face of the International road races held on the Triangle course fully intends remaining involved with the event in an advisory and consultancy capacity, and will also be involved in negotiations with teams and riders, plus an ambassadorial role.
“I have been thinking about stepping down from my position of Clerk of the Course for about a year now," commented Mervyn. "It really won't make that much difference because the role of the Clerk of the Course is mainly over a two week period and there will be very little difference noticed by people with regard the running of the North West 200.
“We haven't got anyone for the role yet but we have had some discussion and whoever will be taking over the role will work alongside me, shadowing me at the 2009 event.
“It is difficult to get someone, because you are dealing with a Club of volunteers, it isn't like a structured organisation because people have full time jobs and families and are working 9-5.
“I can assure people that I am not walking away, I am still working full time at the office day and daily, it never stops but I intend to take on a more managerial role and oversee matters.
“At present we are taking on a Business and Operations manager which will be a major help and we are short listing at present from 125 applicants with the aim to have someone in place by February.
“With regards the 2009 North West 200 we are busy working away. I am looking at the possibility of tarmacing more of the paddock, in fact I would like to see it done completly and we are speaking to government personnel about that. I am also following up on contacts made with regards bringing newcomers to the North West.
“I was in Macau for the Grand Prix recently and have a few follow ups from there. Macau was a completely different event to the North West 200. the organisation is excellent but very different and the budget they have to work with is massive, which makes all the difference!
“They also get tremendous backing from their government both with regards people on the ground and financially. When I was there I talked to a number of riders, European and American and I have received a great deal of interest.
“Jeremy Toye partnered Mark Millar at Macau and he is very keen to come and race with us. Mark of course knows all about the North West having raced here himself and it would be great to have his Corona team mate make his debut.
“Hopefully some of the riders I was chatting with in Macau will be joining us on January 8 when we host out first press conference in the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.
“So its full steam ahead for 2009 and everything is ticking along nicely at the moment."
