North West 200: NI's biggest sporting spectacle is BACK
Last updated 10th May 2022
The North West 200 returns to the north coast Tuesday after a three-year absence due to the covid pandemic.
In the past the extravaganza - one of Northern Ireland's biggest sporting spectacles - has attracted crowds of up to 150,000.
The opening practice session takes place from 9.15am - followed by another one on Thursday morning.
Then, on Thursday evening racing will begin in earnest - with a further five races scheduled for Saturday.
In an interview with Downtown Radio & Cool FM, race boss Mervyn Whyte said it was vital to have the event up and running again.
"It's great to be back - I think we will have a massive crowd for this year's event and we have a fantastic entry," he said.
Meanwhile, Jeremy McWilliams (pictured below) and Alastair Seeley enjoyed pre-North West 200 shakedowns at Kirkistown at the weekend.
McWilliams (58) was having his first ride on the Burrows Engineering/RK Racing Yamaha R6 that he will race in both Supersport races at the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils backed event this week.
Also in action in the Dungannon team's colours was last weekend's Tandragee 100 Supersport race winner, Dominic Herberston, who will also ride a R6 Yamaha for the team on the north coast.
Alastair Seeley debuted the new IFS R1 Yamaha superbike he will chase his 25th North West victory aboard at this year's races.
And Michael Dunlop unveiled the machine he will race in the Superbike races.
He has turned to his old friends, Stuart and Steve Hicken of Hawk Racing, who have produced a superbike-spec GSXR1000RR Suzuki for the Ballymoney man at the eleventh hour after his split with the PBM Ducati team.
“It has been one of those situations where I have had to go back to someone I can trust.” the 33 year old said.
“Stuart has always said to call him if I needed anything. I made the call and they have built this Suzuki for me. Steve and Stuart might not have the biggest budget in the world but they always give 100% and that is all you can ask for.”
Dunlop won the Senior TT on a Hawk Racing built Suzuki in 2017. He previously rode for the Hicken owned team in 2014, 2015 and 2016 on BMW machinery.
“Everyone else has had three years to prepare for this week but we have had just three days.” Steve Hicken joked.
“It is just another one of those deals that happens between Hawk and Michael but if you win five TTs with someone there is a respect so let’s see what we can do now.”
All you need to know at a glance:
Tuesday 10th May Practice 9.15am – 3.15pm
Thursday 12th May Practice 9.15am – 3.15pm
Thursday 12th May Evening Racing 5.00pm – 9.00pm
Saturday 14th May Race Day 9.15am – 9.00pm