UTV sign new three-year contract for North West 200

The Coleraine and District Motor Club and UTV have signed a new three-year television agreement for coverage of the International North West 200.
North West 200 and TT winner David Jefferies flew into Belfast to attend the press conference where Mr Michael McGimspey, Northern Ireland Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, announced the new three-year contract at UTV's offices.
Mervyn Whyte, North West 200 Clerk of Course, said: "This is very exciting news for Coleraine and District Motor Club, promoters of the International North West 200. This year's programme was bigger and better with the introduction of a full week of events, excellent racing and crowds of 120,000 attracted to the triangle area. With the support of UTV we can continue to grow from strength to strength."
Alan Bremner, Director of Programming, UTV said: "The International North West 200 is the single biggest event in the Northern Ireland sporting calendar and we are absolutely delighted to secure the TV rights for the next three years. This represents a significant investment by UTV in local sport and we look forward to working with the organisers to build on the success of the event over the coming years.
"This year our coverage was the best ever with nightly reports on UTV Live as well as three special programmes which proved extremely popular with viewers throughout Ireland. Adrian Logan and the UTV Sport team have even more programmes planned for 2003."
(GB)