WATCH: Race Day begins at North West 200

The first competitive races of the North West 200 get under way tonight (Thursday).

Practice sessions begin from 9.15 this morning until 3pm.

Then the opening races take place from 5 until 9pm.

Carrick rider, Alastair Seeley will be again among the big favourites.

The 24-time winner will be looking to improve on his impressive honours haul in the Superbike section.

He told Downtown & Cool FM that his preparations had gone well during the first practice sessions at the start of the week.

“With no new tyres put on the bike – we just stayed out on the same tyre – we put seven laps on it which is what we are going to race with.

“It is a good idea what the tyre is going to look like after the race – and it looks ok.“

And he added: "It’s a case of doing nothing silly, gathering up the laps laps and learning the bike. It feels good and it will feel even better going up the big, long straights at the North West."

Motorcycle legend Phillip McCallen believes the line-up is one of the best ever.

“This definitely is one of our strongest fields for many years,” he said.

“There are going to be a lot of riders pushing each other for the win.

“In the Supersport race, the first one – Michael Dunlop and Alastair Seeley will be among the favourites but Lee Johnston and James Hillier will also be worth watching.

• NW200