In 2009, an Economic Evaluation survey undertaken by Visit Chester and Cheshire on behalf of The North-West Development Agency, showed that the Thundersprint brought £4.37 million to the region in the form of participant, trader and visitor expenditure.
This year, a similar survey indicated a rise to £6.4 million Not only did Northwich, and its surrounding districts, benefit from what is now a two night and two day event but Thundersprint visitors were filling hotels throughout the region - and beyond. In fact, visitors are now complaining at the distance they have to stay from Northwich such is the shortage of bed space in the area during the Thundersprint weekend. 84% of participants, and 65% of traders, interviewed at the event indicated that they were staying overnight in the region, their average stay being 2.5 days. Better still, the Thundersprint was given as the main reason for visitors coming to Northwich and fans then stayed on in the area. 68% of respondents said that the Thundersprint was the only reason for them to visit Cheshire. Customer satisfaction with the Thundersprint was incredibly high. 64% of those interviewed had been to the event before and 35% had attended four times or more. The survey reported that: “…the findings indicate a very strong and loyal customer base for the event.”
Cllr. Mike Jones, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “The Thundersprint is one of the region’s success stories both in terms of the amount of revenue it generates but also in the way that it provides an event which the whole community can enjoy. “The Thundersprint is also very important because it puts Northwich on the map and is a key driver for the local economy, being one of the major events in Cheshire West and Chester.” Thundersprint organiser, Frank Melling, was just as enthusiastic: “The Thundersprint is a huge credit to Cheshire West and Chester Council without whose support the event would not happen. For me, the most exciting thing is that with the help of the Council we are able to provide a world class event which has free admission, free parking and free grandstand seating. This means that the whole community can enjoy the Thundersprint instead of being excluded by the high admission fees prevalent at many other events. “The interest in next year’s Thundersprint from riders, traders and the public is already incredible and we are looking forward to making Thundersprint 2011 the best ever.”
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