2024 North West 200: road closures, vantage points, weather and more

Road racing fans are gearing up for a huge week on the Triangle Circuit 🏍️

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 7th May 2024
Last updated 7th May 2024

The North West 200 attracts the finest line-up of road racers of any race on the planet, drawing thousands of visitors to the iconic 8.9 mile circuit that links the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.

The sporting spectacle is set to attract around 100,000 visitors to the area, with the week-long programme generates between £18 - 20 million pounds for the local economy.

Hitting top speeds of over 200mph, racers like Michael Dunlop and Glenn Irwin will take to the historic triangle circuit.

NW 200 Circuit Map & Vantage Points

There are a total of 15 vantage points to get the best view of the action. Each is close to refreshments and toilet facilities. And this year the NW team have introduced a Fan Zone, that's where you'll spot the Downtown bus, hosting Downtown Breakfast's live show with Gary & Glen (Wed-Fri).

NW200 Road Closing Times

Wednesday 8th May 9.00am – 3.00pm PRACTICE

Thursday 9th May 9.00am – 3.00pm PRACTICE

Thursday 9th May 4.45pm – 9.00pm EVENING RACING

Saturday 11th May 9.00am – 7.00pm RACE DAY

NW200 Race Schedule

Thursday 9th May – Race Schedule (4.45pm to 9pm)

Race 1 BRIGGS EQUIPMENT SUPERBIKE RACE (4 LAPS) 5.30pm approx

Race 2 FRASER HOMES SUPERSPORT RACE (4 LAPS) 6.30pm approx

Race 3 AMICI RISTORANTE SUPERSTOCK RACE (4 LAPS) 7.15pm approx

Saturday 11th May – Race Schedule (9:00am to 7pm)

Race 1 MILLTOWN SERVICE STATION SUPERTWIN RACE (4 LAPS) 10.00am (approx)

Race 2 ANCHOR BAR SUPERBIKE RACE (6 LAPS)

Race 3 TIDES RESTAURANT SUPERSPORT RACE (6 LAPS)

Race 4 CP HIRE SUPERSTOCK RACE (6 LAPS)

Race 5 JOHN M PATTERSON SUPERTWIN RACE (4 LAPS)

Race 6 MERROW HOTEL AND SPA SUPERBIKE RACE (6 LAPS)

NW200 Roads comprising the Course

• Route B185 (Station Road – Cromore Road), from its junction with Portrush Road, Portstewart, Route A2, to its junction with University Park, Coleraine Unclassified No.3522.

• Route A29, Ring Road Coleraine, from its junction with Cromore Road, Route B185, to its junction with Bushmills Road Roundabout, Route A29.

• Route A29 (Atlantic Road – Coleraine Road – Eglinton Street), from its junction with Burn Road, Coleraine, Unclassified No.3526, to its junction with Sandhill Drive, Portrush, Unclassified No.3543.

• Route A2 (Portstewart Road – Dhu Varren – Ballyreagh Road – Portrush Road – Portmore Road) from its junction with Coleraine Road, Portrush, Route A29, to its junction with Atlantic Circle, Portstewart, Unclassified No.3534.

• Unclassified No.3303 Glenmanus Road, Portrush, from its junction with Glenvale Crescent, Unclassified No.3545, for a distance of 100 metres in a southerly direction.

• Route A2 Crocknamack Road, Portrush, from its junction with Eglinton Street, Unclassified No.3543, to its junction with Hopefield Avenue, Unclassified No.3304.

NW200 Getting There and Parking Information

Motorists attending the practice sessions and race events are urged to arrive in good time and expect delays. This year's event is expected to attract record crowds.

Two main carparks are positioned on the Coast Road, one beside the Inn on Coast and secondly The Golf Course beside the Paddock.

Please note that both these carparks are ticket only.

Disabled Parking is offered on the grass on the Golf Course Car Park situated beside the paddock area. Parking is subject to space and allocated on a first come basis

Other Car & Bike Parks are found in the following locations 👇

-Opposite Portrush Police Station - Bike Parking

-West Bay Car Park at Metropole, Portrush - Car & Bike Parking

-Ballyreagh Golf Course (opposite Inn on the Coast Hotel) - Bike Parking

-Quarry Hill - Cars

The cost per day for both car parks are

Cars - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - £10 & Saturday -£15

Bikes - Wednesday , Thursday, Friday and Saturday - £5 per day

What will the weather be like for the 2024 NW 200?

Wednesday: Most of the day will be dry with some hazy sunshine. Outbreaks of rain will spread from the west in the evening. Maximum temperature 17 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Cloudy start on Thursday, otherwise dry with some warm sunshine. Fine and dry with some warm sunshine on Friday and Saturday.

If you're heading up to the races, come on over and say hey to Gary & Glen 👋

How to listen to Downtown Country:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for Country music, Downtown Country on online, on the Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Downtown Country’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the best Irish and American country music, from Victoria Quinn in the morning, to Big T’s legendary evening Country show.