2025 North West 200: road closures, vantage points, weather and more

Dean Harrison and Peter Hickman at the 2018 NW200
Author: Emma DicksonPublished 6th May 2025
Last updated 6th May 2025

The North West 200 will attract the finest line-up of road racers of any race on the planet this week, drawing thousands of visitors to the iconic 8.9 mile circuit.

The sporting spectacle links the seaside towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.

Downtown Radio's Gary & Glen will host their breakfast show live in the paddock Wednesday 7th - Friday 9th May - catching up with event organisers, riders and listeners all week long.

If you're visiting the popular seaside spot this week to enjoy the racing, there's some important info you need to know before you go!

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.

This year the NW team have introduced a Fan Zone, that's where you'll spot the Downtown bus, hosting Downtown Breakfast's live shows with Gary & Glen (Wed-Fri).

NW 200 Road Closing Times

Wednesday 7th May (Practice) CLOSED 9AM – 3PM

Thursday 8th May (Practice) CLOSED 9AM – 3PM

Thursday 8th May (Evening Racing) 4.45PM – 9PM

Saturday 10th May (Race Day) 9AM – 7PM

NW200 Race Schedule

Thursday 8th May – Race Schedule (4.45pm to 9pm)

Race 1 - MILWAUKEE 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 10th May – Race Schedule (9am to 7pm)

Race 1 - MAXWELL FREIGHT SERVICES SUPERTWIN RACE (4 LAPS) - 10am approx

Race 2 - BRIGGS EQUIPMENT 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)

Practice Schedule

Wednesday 7th May – Practice Schedule (9AM to 3PM)

1st Session - NEWCOMERS ONLY - 9.45AM

2nd Session - SUPERBIKE - 10.30AM

3rd Session - SUPERSPORT - 11.45AM

4th Session - SUPERSTOCK - 12.45PM

5th Session - SUPERTWIN - 1.45PM

Thursday 8th May – Practice Schedule (9AM to 3PM)

1st Session - SUPERBIKE - 9.45AM

2nd Session - SUPERSPORT - 11AM

3rd Session - SUPERSTOCK - 12PM

4th Session - SUPERTWIN - 1PM

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

There are a number of official car parks around the circuit. All car parks are clearly marked with signage and we would ask that you please support the event by using them.

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 - tickets can be bought through Buy TicketApp.

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

A blue badge drop off area at the Startline Grandstand; to enable car passengers with reduced mobility to exit vehicles safely onto the pedestrian area which leads to the grandstand can be pointed out by Stewards.

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

This Evening and Tonight: This evening will be dry. Then the rest of the night will be dry with variable amounts of cloud and some clear spells. Light winds. Minimum temperature 5 °C.

Wednesday: Another dry and settled day with some sunny intervals. Feeling pleasantly warm in the afternoon sunshine. Maximum temperature 18 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Remaining dry and settled with sunny spells but some cloudier weather at times too. Warm in any afternoon sunshine.

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.