2026 Race Week:
CP Hire Celebrates 50 years of Supporting the North West 200
CP Hire will celebrate a landmark 50th year as a sponsor of the Briggs Equipment North West 200 during the 2026 Race week on May 4-9.
CP Hire (originally Coleraine Plant Hire) is a family-owned Plant Hire company that was founded in 1971 by Castlerock man, Norman Hutchinson.
With Norman’s sons, Andrew and David at the helm today, the company now has seven depots in Northern Ireland and two in Great Britain.
Sport played an important role in Norman Hutchinson’s life. He believed strongly in the value of physical activity, teamwork and community spirit and took great pride in seeing local clubs thrive whether through direct involvement, sponsorship or simply by attending events.
In 1976, Norman was approached by the then North West 200 Clerk of the Course, Billy Nutt, requesting sponsorship for the north coast motorcycle races. Norman agreed and now 50 years on, CP Hire continues to proudly sponsor Ireland’s largest road race.
In 1989 Billy sought further financial assistance from Norman during a period when the event was experiencing significant financial difficulties and needed strong support to ensure its future. Recognising the importance of the race to the local community, economy and tourism, Norman and his brother, Allan, the proprietor of Hutchinson Tiles, became title sponsors of the North West 200 from 1989 until 1992.
The Hutchinson family’s financial backing came at a vital time for the north coast race meeting and helped maintain the high standards and international reputation the NW200 had built over many years as one of the world’s premier road racing events. Norman Hutchinson’s dedication to supporting sport on the North coast has left a lasting legacy within Northern Ireland’s motorcycling community.
Fifty years on, that commitment to the North West 200 continues with Norman’s sons, Andrew and David, proudly maintaining their father’s legacy as the sponsor of the CP Hire Superstock race which will take place on May 9. The Hutchinson family’s ongoing involvement reflects a deep connection to the event and a lasting family tradition of dedication to one of the world’s most iconic road races.
‘The North West 200 and Irish motorcycle racing in general owes a great debt of gratitude to the Hutchinson family.’ Race Director, Mervyn Whyte, says.
‘Their support over the last five decades has been vital in building and sustaining the NW200’s international reputation. The Coleraine and District Motor Club are very grateful to Andrew and David as we look towards a future of continuing shared success.’
Briggs Equipment North West 200 Race Director, Mervyn Whyte and race, Richard Cooper join CP Hires Andrew and David Hutchinson to celebrate the Coleraine companys 50th anniversary as a race sponsor of the north coast motorcycle event during the 2026 race week on May 4-9.
Picture by Stephen Davison
