A Weekend At The North West 200 Races

Northern Ireland is the proud home of motorcycle racing on closed public roads and every May the picturesque setting of the Causeway Coast is showcased on the world stage as one of sport's most spectacular events- the International North West 200.

The beautiful Northern roads are set for a greater influx of spectators this year as the event celebrates its 90th anniversary. Many great racers have graced the closed roads circuit linking the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine since the inaugural race on April 20, 1929.

From the race schedule to road closures and supporting events, all the details for 11-18 May are detailed below.

The event attracts the finest line-up of road racers of any race on the planet, drawing thousands of visitors to cheer on the sidelines of the super fast 8.9 mile circuit. Hitting top speeds of over 200mph, racers like Michael Dunlop, Glen Irwin and Lee Johnston thrill over 80,000 fans who enjoy the festival of speed on roads that local people normally use to make their way to work each week.

A mecca for motorcycle fans, spectators can explore the history of road racing while enjoying the high speed thrills of a week of racing action on the Thursday evening and the Saturday.

Eight races will take place over four exciting classes: Supersport, Supertwin, Superstock and Superbike. Petrol heads can enjoy four hours of exciting practice sessions, as well as the following attractions:
• Riders meet & greet
• Vintage bike & car display
• Live music & entertainment
• Joey & Robert Dunlop Memorial Gardens
• The Vauxhall International North West 200 free app, bringing all the latest race news to your fingertips
• Family motor festival
• Family fun village
• Miss North West 200

Race and Practice Schedule

With the main race day on Saturday 18th May, the schedule for road closures leading up to the event will be as follows:
Practice Days:
Tuesday 14 May, 9.15am-3pm
Thursday 16 May, 9.15am-3pm
Evening Racing
Thursday 16 May, 5pm-9pm
Race Day
Saturday 18 May, 9.15am- 7pm

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.

Supporting Events

Fans can expect a warm welcome as they take in the theatre and drama of the North West 200 and fill their downtime by attending any number of the supporting events. These include vintage and classic bike and car runs, a fireworks display, paddock walkabouts, live music in the hospitality marquee and a free outdoor concert, all set against the stunning Causeway Coastline.

Local Attractions

Situated in the popular tourist destination of the Causeway Coast & Glens, there's an activity or piece of scenery to suit everyone. Whether its the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge or Dunluce Castle, there's plenty of places to pass a few hours and escape the sound of racing bikes. The North Coast also features many film locations from Game of Thrones and miles of stunning beaches to relax on.

Accommodation

Accommodation is as varied as the area itself, with quality hotels, guesthouses and B&B's in and around the famous NW200 triangle circuit. Enjoy the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine, as well as the picturesque seaside resorts of Portballintrae, Downhill, Castlerock, Ballycastle and Bushmills. Many visitors also stop off in Ballymoney, the home to the Dunlop memorial gardens and museum. Close by are the towns of Limavady and Dungiven, famous for the Roe Valley and surrounded with fabulous scenery and great accommodation.

Parking

There are a number of official car parks around the circuit. All car parks are clearly marked with signage and are for the use of cars and bikes only- no motor homes or vans will be permitted!
Disabled parking is available at the area beside Inn on the Coast Hotel & on the Golf Course car park beside the Paddock Area. These are on a first come basis.
Car & Bike Parks can be found in the following locations:
• Opposite Portrush Police Station (bike parking)
• West Bay car park at Metropole, Portrush (car and bike parking)
• Grass area beside Inn on the Coast Hotel (car parking)
• Ballyreagh Golf Course, opposite Inn on the Coast Hotel (bike parking)
• Quarry Hill (car parking)
• Golf Course, beside the competitors paddock, (bike & car parking)



(JG)