By Sinéad Kelly
Preparations are in full swing for this year’s Northwest 200 across Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush which kick-starts in just 2 weeks from the 4th- 9th May.
The 9 races along the 8.9-mile circuit includes 4 classes (Supersport, Superstock, Superbike, Supertwin). With speeds topping 200mph, and returning stars like Michael Dunlop, Davey Todd, and Peter Hickman.
PR Officer and Northern Ireland motorsport photographer Stephen Davidson said this year’s events will be “watched by those all over the world, the Northwest 200 has a huge reach to millions.
Adding: “The Northwest 200 marks the first major international road race of the year which puts us in a prime spot.”
There are some significant changes set for this year’s races , with the event set to host a round of the European Series Road Racing Superbike Championship (ES). Which replaces the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) .
Stephen said: “This will attract a lot more European riders, who previously competed in the international road racing championship. It’s truly an international field at the Northwest 200” featuring regulars such as Finland’s Erno Kostamo and Switzerland’s Lukas Maurer.
There will also be some top class new commers such as Austrian rider, Florian Aster, Isle of Man racer, Iliam Quayle, Co Derry’s Sean Brolly and British Champion racer Storm Stacey.
According to Event Director, Mervyn Whyte, this year will see an impressive list of new talent. Adding: “It is important that we make sure newcomers are properly prepared for their first outing on the Triangle course.”
This year also marks the return of Glenn Irwin, who sat out last year’s race after wanting to take a break from road racing. Irwin has had the most superbike wins on the 8.9-mile Triangle course remaining unbeaten in eleven successive races between 2017 and 2024.
This comes as Micheal Dunlop announced on social media that he is set to ride a Ducati V4 Superbike this year and the Isle of Man international road races. Saying: “Our little V2 was getting lonely…so we went out and got her a best mate in the V4 RS”. Previously riding on a Honda in 2024 and a BMW in 2025, moving to a Ducti means he will have ridden three different bike manufacturers in three years.
Over the week there will be four hours of exciting, timed practice sessions on Wednesday & Thursday, Thursday Night Racing, Saturday Racing All Day and a Riders Meet & Greet.
The North West 200 isn’t all about the racing, the week also includes events such as comedy nights, live music events, family fun days, charity nights, chat shows with some of the riders and talks from world class athletes, business leaders and innovators.
Celebrating it’s return, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver Mc Mullan described the event as “One of the largest events in our calendar and provides an incredible boost to our local economy.
He added: “The North West 200 typically attracts over 100,000 visitors, many of whom return year after year…and brings in around £10 million annually in direct economic activity. This has a positive impact on our hotels, guest houses, restaurants and retail outlets.”
There will be widespread coverage of the events online live on BBC I player, BBC Sport and audio commentaries on BBC sounds and Radio Foyle. There is also some expected travel disruption with road closures scheduled for Wednesday the 6th of May from 9AM TO 3PM. Thursday from 9AM to 3PM and 4.45PM- 9PM and closing from 9AM- 7PM on Saturday.
For more information visit: https://northwest200.co.uk/
Sinéad Kelly
Student journalist UUC