Home fans celebrate on opening night of race action at the Briggs Equipment North West 200
MICHAEL Dunlop gave the home crowd the result they wanted with a brilliant double during the opening night of racing at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 on Thursday.
The Ballymoney man, who hadn't won a race at Portrush since 2016, took victory in the Fraser Homes Supersport race on his Milwaukee V2 Ducati and steered his MD Racing BMW to a second Thursday night triumph in the Amici Ristorante Superstock event.
"It's nice to win in Northern Ireland again at international level!' the Ballymoney rider smiled after leading Richard Cooper (Russell Racing/BPE Yamaha) home by 0.378 sec in the Supersport encounter with Davey Todd 0.121 sec behind on the Milenco Padgett's Honda.
'I knew I could win here again and the local fans are fantastic so I really enjoyed it. We struggled a bit with the bike at the beginning of the week and there's still more to come from it but having been on the wrong end of things in the past I pulled my finger out to make sure I was in the right place at the right time this time around.'
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BACK ON THE PODIUM: Dunlop hadn't won at the NW200 since 2016 and the fans loved seeing him back on the podium after winning the Fraser Homes Supersport Race
Credit: Stephen Davison
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GOOD SPORT: Northern Ireland First Minister, Michelle O'Neill joins Fraser Homes Kim Cunningham with Briggs Equipment North West 200 Supersport race winner, Michael Dunlop, runner-up Richard Cooper and third placed Davey Todd on the podium on Thursday evening
Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON
Dunlop came off his Ducati at the Magherabouy chicane during a qualifying session earlier in the day, but showed no signs of that getting in the way of victory.
He was joined on the Supersport race rostrum by Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, who was making her first visit to the north coast races.
'The slipstream here means you can pull people back with a couple of good sectors.' Dunlop explained.
'I was strong in the second half of the race, which I needed to be as Davey (Todd) and Richard (Cooper) are good riders and on good bikes.'
Cooper, who won the same race 12 months earlier, reflected on what might have been.
''I felt I had to be at the front at all times so I could keep my cards close to my chest especially as a four-lap race is quite short. I could hear the big Ducati behind me but I wasn't prepared for the speed of it when it came by me at Magherabouy. That was pretty special and it felt like a superbike! My Yamaha was fantastic though and whether the result is first, second or third, I always give everything and always enjoy the battles. I need to mention the boys who passed away at Oulton at the weekend. I would have loved to have won it for them as I worked with Shane and it's a tough time for Hannah and the kids and the whole family. As racers, we're selfish and you push these things to the back of your mind but it's not that we're not thinking about it."
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SUN KISSED: A huge crowd enjoyed the action on the opening night of racing at the Briggs Equipment North West 200
Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON
"Third's not the position I wanted especially having fought for the win for the majority of the race.' a disappointed Davey Todd said.
'To end in third is disappointing but a couple of bikes out there are pretty fast and when that Ducati came past, I couldn't even stay in the slipstream. The Padgett's Milenco Honda was superb so we'll have to try again in Saturday's race."
Dunlop was elated to make it a double in the final race of the evening as he claimed victory from Dean Harrison by 2.659 seconds on the Honda Racing Fireblade.
And third placed Ian Hutchinson, who finished a further 5.815 seconds back, gave Michael Laverty's new road racing team- MLAV Racing BMW- it's first between the hedges rostrum result.
"I rode hard for that one and I think I deserved the win.' Dunlop said.
'It was tough at the beginning and I could see Davey (Todd) getting away so I'm delighted to get another win. We had a little setback with the spill this morning and we've had an issue with the Superbike which hopefully the boys back in Germany can sort but it's great to get another win. It's been so long since winning around and it's felt like a kick in the teeth year on year whilst there's always been meetings where I haven't been fit. Winning again takes a bit of the weight off my shoulders."
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TAKING STOCK: Michael Dunlop on his way to win the MICI Superstock race
Credit: Stephen Davison
Dean Harrison, who was appearing on the podium for the second time during the evening as he continues to chase his first win at Portrush, said he was happy to finish runner-up after making a bad start to the race.
'I was down in eighth at the beginning but Peter Hickman overshot Magherabouy and Davey ran on at University so I was able to pick my way through. We missed half of the practice session and I was struggling to shift through the first three gears in the race and I had nothing left at the end.'
For Hutchy, who was making his first trip to the NW200 rostrum since 2017, third place was a morale boosting result.
"Michael Laverty gave me a call in November about getting involved in the project but it's literally only come together these last four weeks! It's my first podium here since 2017 and I've had a nightmare since then but I never stopped believing in myself and just kept going. I hope my daughter's watching back home as daddy can still ride!"
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FIRST NW200 SUPERBIKE WIN: Davey Todd wins from Dean Harrison and Peter Hickman during the Mikwaukee Superbike at Briggs Equipment North-West 200 on Thursday
Credit: Rod Neill/Pacemaker Press
It was a brilliant day for Monster Energy athletes as Davey Todd won the opening Milwaukee Superbike race, his first NW200 victory in the premier class, and his team-mate, Peter Hickman was third.
Joining them on the podium was Dean Harrison while fellow Monster athelete Dunlop was fourth on this occassion.
'A Superbike win is the one that's been eluding me for quite a while so to finally get it done is really special, especially with Pete on the podium as well.' Todd smiled.
'The team's been set up in the space of about eight weeks so a massive shout out to all the boys and the sponsors for making it happen and they've pulled it out of the bag. A first and third is a good way to start. I've been struggling to get off the line with the bike which is unlike me as that's normally one of my strengths, but I nailed it in the race which is when it counts. I wanted to lead from the front, so I set a steady pace and was ready to push harder at the end if need be. This one's special.'
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AND THEY'RE OFF: The opening Milwaukee Superbike Race during Thursday evening's North West 200
Credit: Stephen Davison
Hickman lost ground after making a mistake at York Corner on the opening lap, running wide.
'I wasn't too bothered though and was happy with what I was doing.' Hickman said.
'But Dean bridged the gap to Davey quicker than I was able to do. I'd caught them up by the last lap but then lost the rear at Church and whilst a 1-2 would have been nice for the team first time out on the roads, we've got to be happy with a 1-3. I get quicker as the race goes on so with Saturday's races being longer maybe that will play into my hands.'
'Peter overshot York on the first lap which pulled me wide as well but I managed to drag Davey back in although I struggled to pull out of his slipstream.' Harrison explained.
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'As soon as I did I was being buffeted all over the place. I was also struggling to get the drive out of Black Hill and then ran deep into Juniper but I'm happy with second.'
Before the opening Superbike race of the evening was flagged off all of the competitors in the event observed a minute's silence in honour of VE Day.
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RESPECT: Briggs Equipment North West 200 competitors observe a minute's silence in honour of VE Day before racing commenced on Thursday evening
Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON
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The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Sunshine, controversy and spectacular racing at Saturday's Briggs Equipment North West 200
A weekend of unbroken sunshine saw tens of thousands of race fans flock to the north coast on Saturday for six races on the 8.9 mile Triangle course at the 2025 Briggs Equipment North West 200. The opening Supertwin encounter saw Richard Cooper (Jack Reid Cars/KMR Kawasaki) take victory by 0.280 seconds from Adam McLean (Flitwick Motorcycles/SMV Yamaha). Advertisement Veteran Jeremy McWilliams completed the podium a further 8.056 seconds back on the JMcC Racing Aprilia. "Good to get the first race out of the way as everyone has come here to watch the racing!' Cooper smiled as he made it a Twins double following his Thursday evening victory in the same class at the event. 14 TWIN IT TO WIN IT: Richard Cooper and Adam McLean battle it out during Saturday's first race, the Maxwell Freight Races Supertwins Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press 14 SUPER COOPER: Richard Cooper celebrates winning the Maxwell Freight Supertwin race Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press 'I made a small mistake on the first lap coming into the start and finish chicane when I ran a little bit wide. There was a little damp patch and taking to the grass was the safer option. After that it was a fantastic race with Adam and his bike was working really well. I settled into the race but I knew Adam was strong in the last sector so needed to get ahead of him before then. I defended the line into Juniper and it's nice to get another win' McLean, who led through the start and finish for two of the four laps, was left to rue his impatience on the final circuit. Advertisement "I showed my hand a wee bit early.' he said. 'Richard's riding really well but I tried to control the pace from the front. He played his cards well. He was always going to be tough to beat but I'm happy to have challenged for the win and be back on the podium.' 14 WIN NUMBER THREE: Michael Dunlop on his way to his third victory in the Briggs Equipment Superbike race at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Next up was the six lap Briggs Equipment Superbike race which ended in controversy after Michael Dunlop was declared the winner on the MD Hawk Racing BMW from 8Ten Racing BMW duo, Davey Todd and Peter Hickman. Advertisement Dunlop was battling for the lead on the opening lap with Peter Hickman when they both missed the entrance to Mather's chicane. Hickman attempted to pull up in the stop box as Dunlop carried on through without stopping. Most read in Motors Although a ten second penalty was initially imposed on the Ballymoney man because of the Mather's incident, it did not stand and Dunlop, who lost a lot of time to race leader Todd because of the incident before eventually closing him down, set the fastest lap of the race at 125.539mph and took victory by 1.984 seconds. "It was a good ride but the other riders are complaining.' Dunlop said. 14 ON HIS TODD: Davey Todd comes under pressure as Michael Dunlop closes in during the Briggs Equipment Superbike Race Credit: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press Advertisement 'I ran on at Mather's after Pete got deep and he jumped off the grass to go through the stop box which I thought was dangerous. I opted against that for safety reasons and didn't gain any advantage by not going through the stop box." "You can't start swerving across the road so I made a decision and can't see what the fuss is. I caught everyone and won the race. It's just good to win Superbike races again in front of my home crowd." he added. Todd and Hickman took a different view. "As far as I'm concerned I won the race but it's his backyard isn't it?' Todd, who revealed he had mechanical issues with his M1000RR, said. Advertisement 'Michael's riding well and P2 is the official decision but I've no words.' "It's dead simple if you run on at the chicane, you stop in the stop box otherwise you get a ten second penalty.' Hickman, who refused to take his place on the podium, said. 'I stopped but Michael didn't so that's a ten second penalty. That's the rules. Aside from that, the 8TEN Racing BMW was running well but I was a bit slow at the beginning when the tyres were coming up to temperature." "Michael's riding well, which is great to see, and he's got a full factory BMW from SMR like Toprak's, so fair play to him. He's got the best bike on the grid and it's great to be in the battle but I put my foot down in the stop box and did what you're supposed to do.' Advertisement 14 GOOD SPORTS: Richard Cooper is chased down by Dean Harrison during the Tides Restaurant Supersport Race at the North West 200 Credit: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press The Tides Restaurant Supersport race was next up. Scheduled to run over four laps, it was red-flagged at half distance following an incident at Church corner. A non-racing emergency caused a further delay before Richard Cooper ran out the winner by 0.140 seconds on the BPE/Russell Racing Yamaha from Dean Harrison on the Honda Racing CBR600RR with Michael Dunlop in third place on the Milwaukee Ducati. Advertisement Cooper was delighted with his victory which was achieved after a frenetic dash involving all three frontrunners through Juniper chicane on the final lap. 14 TASTY RACING: Race 3The start of the Tides Restaurant Supersport race during Saturday's Briggs Equipment North West 200 Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press "I thought to myself 'I'm having this one'.' Cooper smiled. 'Michael beat me fair and square on Thursday and he had that one but this one today, no way. If you are going to beat a man there is no better place to do it than in his back garden. I got through the chicane on the last lap and we come here to win. We're up against the best road racers in the world and I'm a part time racer but we beat the best." Advertisement "There was no other option at the chicane other than to go straight on and after that I was in the wrong gear but controlled myself, found the right gear and drove to the line, knowing it would take a brave man to pass me at the final corner. I enjoy winning Supertwin races but to win on the 600 is something special." "I knew at the start it was going to be difficult as four-lap races always are and any time someone came by me, I got straight back past.' Dean Harrison explained as he claimed the first of three runner-up finishes on the day. 'Michael had a do at me at Metropole on the final lap and there was a bit of a coming together but then I had a go at Richard going into the final chicane. I tried to go up the inside but the front was protesting and if I'd squeezed the brake any more all three of us would have gone down. When you're battling like that on the track, there's nothing else like it." 14 PAUL TO PLAY FOR: Paul Jordan races the Jackson Racing/Prosper2 Aprilia to victory in the John M Paterson Supertwin Race Credit: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press Advertisement "It was a great race and after everyone was squealing about my Ducati on Thursday, you could see today all the bikes are equal.' Dunlop said after the titanic tussle that saw the top three separated by just 0.294 seconds. 'The two boys went straight on at the final chicane and I knew they were going to make it. They gained a clear advantage over me but what do you say. Yes, I went straight on at a chicane in the Superbike race but lost time, they didn't, they gained time. It was always going to come down to the final chicane and I knew Dean was going to have a lunge. I knew what was coming but it was a frustrating end to the race." Davey Todd (Milenco Padgetts Honda), Peter Hickman (Trooper Beer/PHR Triumph) and Alastair Seeley (CD Racing by MSS Performance Kawasaki) completed the top six as Jeremy McWilliams escaped uninjured from a crash at Mill Road. 14 TAKING STOCK: The pack races down into Millbank at the start of the CP Hire Superstock race during the Briggs Equipment North West 200 Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Advertisement The CP Hire Superstock race was an equally intense battle with less than a second covering the first three riders as 8TEN Racing teammates Davey Todd and Peter Hickman were separated by Honda's Dean Harrison in the charge to the chequered flag. "I'm over the moon with that one and I was really fired up after what happened earlier in the Superbike race.' Todd said after getting the verdict by 0.586 seconds. 'The way the day's gone has wound me up a bit and we've not had a lot of luck but the team have done a brilliant job to get the bikes together and we're testing all the time and making changes and improvements all the time. To have both bikes on the podium again is brilliant. It's great racing with Dean and Pete, hard but fair, and the Honda has some top speed on it. It nearly pulled the stickers off the bike. The Superstock's my strongest class and I'm as hungry as I've ever been." 14 HIRE POWER: Davey Todd celebrates winning the CP Hire Superstock race at the 2025 Briggs Equipment North West 200. Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Advertisement "It's great for the team to have two bikes on the podium again.' Hickman, who set the fastest lap of the race at 124.236mph, said. 'Not quite a 1-2 again but good nonetheless. I was up into second at one point and braked earlier than normal at Metropole only to run on so I had to do it all over again. Overall, I'm really happy and I feel really strong on the bike, it's handling so good along places like the coast road, the Link road and at the Roundabout so that bodes well for the TT. It's a double podium again and as a team we can't ask for much more." Harrison, who is still chasing his first win at the North West, said he was 'hanging in there' during the six lapper. 'I was struggling to keep Pete behind me but the Honda's so fast I was able to get back by him.' he explained. Advertisement 'It was hard work and the race took a bit out of me but I'm enjoying riding the bike and it's just good fun out there." Alastair Seeley (SMS/Nicholl Oils BMW) finished fourth, a further 6.792 seconds in arrears as a revitalised Ian Hutchinson took fifth on the MLAV Racing BMW. Paul Jordan completed the top six on the Jackson Racing Honda. 14 GREAT START: Race winner Davey Todd (74, 8TEN Racing BMW) leads off the line in the feature Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike Race Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Advertisement Richard Cooper and Adam McLean renewed their Supertwin rivalry in the JM Paterson sponsored event with McLean leading Cooper and setting the fastest lap before the pair collided at Juniper chicane and crashed out without injury on lap three. That left Paul Jordan in a commanding lead on the Jackson Racing by Prosper2 Aprilia, eventually claiming his first NW200 victory by 9.818 seconds from Michael Sweeney (MSR Aprilia) with Barry Furber (DC Autos Yamaha) 5.729 seconds further back. "It's unbelievable.' a delighted Jordan said. 'We didn't have the best practice and had trouble again in the first race and I was struggling to stay with Richard and Adam. Obviously, I hope they're both OK but I'll take the win any day of the week. Paul Jordan- 'International Race winner'-I can't believe it. It's great to see Micko on the podium too after all he's been through." Advertisement 14 SMILES BETTER: Paul Jordan, Michael Sweeney and Barry Furber celebrate their first, second and third place finishes in the JM Paterson Supertwin race Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press Sweeney was equally ecstatic as he banished all memory of his 2023 crash at the seaside event with the rostrum result. "This is the stuff dreams are made of, it's something special.' the Skerries racer said. 'I've always dreamt of finishing on the podium at an international road race and to do it here, after my accident a couple of years ago, I can't believe it. We put the bike together ourselves and the last lap felt really special. People were waving at me from the Mill Road roundabout onwards and it's something I'll never forget." Advertisement South Africa's Allan Venter (TH Racing/Hywel Griffiths Kawasaki) finished fourth ahead of Darryl Tweed (Novo Gen by FAO Racing Aprilia) and Jonathan Goetschy (Optimark Aprilia). 14 SUPERSTARTS: Davey Todd leads Dean Harrison on his way to winning the Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike Race Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press The feature Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike race brought the curtain down on a scintillating week of road racing in unbroken sunshine along the north coast as Dunlop, Todd, Hickman, Harrison and Seeley renewed their rivalry in the premier class. Hickman retired on the opening lap, leaving the remaining quartet to battle it out over the next three laps before Dunlop also retired on the fourth circuit at Mather's chicane having posted the fastest lap of the race at 125.480mph. Advertisement Todd and Harrison were locked in a scrap for the lead when the red flags appeared on the fifth lap after a rider crashed out at Quarry Hill. The rider, who suffered non-life threatening injuries, was treated at trackside before being flown to hospital by the NI Air Ambulance. 14 BURN BABY BURN: Davey Todd celebrates winning the Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike Race Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press With the leading group having completed two thirds distance, Todd was awarded the victory by 0.398 seconds from Harrison with Alastair Seeley claiming a podium finish on his return to North West 200 competition in third. Advertisement Ian Hutchinson (MLAV Racing BMW), Josh Brookes (Jackson Honda Racing by Prosper2) and John McGuinness (Honda Racing) completed the top six. The race also saw North West 200 veteran, Michael Rutter, complete 100 race starts at the seaside event where he made his debut in 1992. Read more on the Irish Sun 'I'm over the moon to get the feature Superbike race win, it's the one I've been chasing for the last few years but has always eluded me.' Davey Todd said as he was also presented with the Robert Dunlop trophy as the Balloo Hire Rider of the Meeting award. 'The Superbike win on Thursday was great but what happened in the first one today when I 'won' but had it taken away from me fired me up for the rest of the day. I'm normally relaxed when I go racing but from that moment I was fired up. I don't get angry, but I did today. I wasn't able to get away in the race and Dean kept me honest all the way so hats off to him. It was fantastic to see all the fans and people have been cheering us on all week.' Advertisement 14 ON THE BALL: Davey Todd receives the Balloo Rider of the Meeting Award from General Manager Kieran Carville Credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Home fans celebrate on opening night of race action at the Briggs Equipment North West 200
MICHAEL Dunlop gave the home crowd the result they wanted with a brilliant double during the opening night of racing at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 on Thursday. The Ballymoney man, who hadn't won a race at Portrush since 2016, took victory in the Fraser Homes Supersport race on his Milwaukee V2 Ducati and steered his MD Racing BMW to a second Thursday night triumph in the Amici Ristorante Superstock event. "It's nice to win in Northern Ireland again at international level!' the Ballymoney rider smiled after leading Richard Cooper (Russell Racing/BPE Yamaha) home by 0.378 sec in the Supersport encounter with Davey Todd 0.121 sec behind on the Milenco Padgett's Honda. 'I knew I could win here again and the local fans are fantastic so I really enjoyed it. We struggled a bit with the bike at the beginning of the week and there's still more to come from it but having been on the wrong end of things in the past I pulled my finger out to make sure I was in the right place at the right time this time around.' 7 BACK ON THE PODIUM: Dunlop hadn't won at the NW200 since 2016 and the fans loved seeing him back on the podium after winning the Fraser Homes Supersport Race Credit: Stephen Davison 7 GOOD SPORT: Northern Ireland First Minister, Michelle O'Neill joins Fraser Homes Kim Cunningham with Briggs Equipment North West 200 Supersport race winner, Michael Dunlop, runner-up Richard Cooper and third placed Davey Todd on the podium on Thursday evening Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON Dunlop came off his Ducati at the Magherabouy chicane during a qualifying session earlier in the day, but showed no signs of that getting in the way of victory. He was joined on the Supersport race rostrum by Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, who was making her first visit to the north coast races. 'The slipstream here means you can pull people back with a couple of good sectors.' Dunlop explained. 'I was strong in the second half of the race, which I needed to be as Davey (Todd) and Richard (Cooper) are good riders and on good bikes.' Cooper, who won the same race 12 months earlier, reflected on what might have been. ''I felt I had to be at the front at all times so I could keep my cards close to my chest especially as a four-lap race is quite short. I could hear the big Ducati behind me but I wasn't prepared for the speed of it when it came by me at Magherabouy. That was pretty special and it felt like a superbike! My Yamaha was fantastic though and whether the result is first, second or third, I always give everything and always enjoy the battles. I need to mention the boys who passed away at Oulton at the weekend. I would have loved to have won it for them as I worked with Shane and it's a tough time for Hannah and the kids and the whole family. As racers, we're selfish and you push these things to the back of your mind but it's not that we're not thinking about it." Most read in Motors 7 SUN KISSED: A huge crowd enjoyed the action on the opening night of racing at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON "Third's not the position I wanted especially having fought for the win for the majority of the race.' a disappointed Davey Todd said. 'To end in third is disappointing but a couple of bikes out there are pretty fast and when that Ducati came past, I couldn't even stay in the slipstream. The Padgett's Milenco Honda was superb so we'll have to try again in Saturday's race." Dunlop was elated to make it a double in the final race of the evening as he claimed victory from Dean Harrison by 2.659 seconds on the Honda Racing Fireblade. And third placed Ian Hutchinson, who finished a further 5.815 seconds back, gave Michael Laverty's new road racing team- MLAV Racing BMW- it's first between the hedges rostrum result. "I rode hard for that one and I think I deserved the win.' Dunlop said. 'It was tough at the beginning and I could see Davey (Todd) getting away so I'm delighted to get another win. We had a little setback with the spill this morning and we've had an issue with the Superbike which hopefully the boys back in Germany can sort but it's great to get another win. It's been so long since winning around and it's felt like a kick in the teeth year on year whilst there's always been meetings where I haven't been fit. Winning again takes a bit of the weight off my shoulders." 7 TAKING STOCK: Michael Dunlop on his way to win the MICI Superstock race Credit: Stephen Davison Dean Harrison, who was appearing on the podium for the second time during the evening as he continues to chase his first win at Portrush, said he was happy to finish runner-up after making a bad start to the race. 'I was down in eighth at the beginning but Peter Hickman overshot Magherabouy and Davey ran on at University so I was able to pick my way through. We missed half of the practice session and I was struggling to shift through the first three gears in the race and I had nothing left at the end.' For Hutchy, who was making his first trip to the NW200 rostrum since 2017, third place was a morale boosting result. "Michael Laverty gave me a call in November about getting involved in the project but it's literally only come together these last four weeks! It's my first podium here since 2017 and I've had a nightmare since then but I never stopped believing in myself and just kept going. I hope my daughter's watching back home as daddy can still ride!" 7 FIRST NW200 SUPERBIKE WIN: Davey Todd wins from Dean Harrison and Peter Hickman during the Mikwaukee Superbike at Briggs Equipment North-West 200 on Thursday Credit: Rod Neill/Pacemaker Press It was a brilliant day for Monster Energy athletes as Davey Todd won the opening Milwaukee Superbike race, his first NW200 victory in the premier class, and his team-mate, Peter Hickman was third. Joining them on the podium was Dean Harrison while fellow Monster athelete Dunlop was fourth on this occassion. 'A Superbike win is the one that's been eluding me for quite a while so to finally get it done is really special, especially with Pete on the podium as well.' Todd smiled. 'The team's been set up in the space of about eight weeks so a massive shout out to all the boys and the sponsors for making it happen and they've pulled it out of the bag. A first and third is a good way to start. I've been struggling to get off the line with the bike which is unlike me as that's normally one of my strengths, but I nailed it in the race which is when it counts. I wanted to lead from the front, so I set a steady pace and was ready to push harder at the end if need be. This one's special.' 7 AND THEY'RE OFF: The opening Milwaukee Superbike Race during Thursday evening's North West 200 Credit: Stephen Davison Hickman lost ground after making a mistake at York Corner on the opening lap, running wide. 'I wasn't too bothered though and was happy with what I was doing.' Hickman said. 'But Dean bridged the gap to Davey quicker than I was able to do. I'd caught them up by the last lap but then lost the rear at Church and whilst a 1-2 would have been nice for the team first time out on the roads, we've got to be happy with a 1-3. I get quicker as the race goes on so with Saturday's races being longer maybe that will play into my hands.' 'Peter overshot York on the first lap which pulled me wide as well but I managed to drag Davey back in although I struggled to pull out of his slipstream.' Harrison explained. Read more on the Irish Sun 'As soon as I did I was being buffeted all over the place. I was also struggling to get the drive out of Black Hill and then ran deep into Juniper but I'm happy with second.' Before the opening Superbike race of the evening was flagged off all of the competitors in the event observed a minute's silence in honour of VE Day. 7 RESPECT: Briggs Equipment North West 200 competitors observe a minute's silence in honour of VE Day before racing commenced on Thursday evening Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
The 2025 Briggs Equipment North West 200 is in for some scorching weather and racing
THE sun is set to shine on the north coast for the rest of the week as race day gets under way on Thursday in the Briggs Equipment North West 200. With Glenn Irwin, the winner of the last eleven Superbike races in a row sitting out this year's meeting, the three premier class races at Ireland's biggest road race are more wide open than ever. Local favourite Michael Dunlop said he wants to be a winner again around the 8.9 mile Triangle course after notching up a maiden victory on his new M1000RR BMW at the recent Cookstown 100. The local favourite, who hasn't won a race at Portrush since 2016, has made a major machinery change for 2025, switching from a Yamaha R6 to a Ducati V2 Panigale in the Supersport class and opting for BMW power in the Superbike and Superstock classes. 8 CROWD PLEASERS: The Briggs Equipment North West 200, Ireland'Õ's biggest road race, attracts 100,000 fans Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON 8 LOCAL HERO: Michael Dunlop will be riding his new Ducati V2 at the NW200 Credit: Rod Neill The Ballymoney man will debut a superbike-spec version of the M1000RR when qualifying for the three-day event begins on Wednesday morning. The action will be hot and furious as Dunlop faces stern opposition in his quest. Alastair Seeley, the north coast event's most successful rider, will be one of his biggest challengers as he returns to the NW200 fray following a 2024 sabbatical when he was unable to secure suitable machinery. The 45 year old will be mounted on a SMS/ Nicholl Oils Racing M1000RR BMW in the Superbike and Superstock classes this year plus a CD Racing by MSS Performance ZXR 636 Kawasaki in the Supersport races. The all-time record holder at Ireland's biggest road race will be chasing a landmark 30th victory at the seaside event where he won his first race in 2008. 8 GOOD SPORT: Alastair Seeley will to ride a CD Racing/MSS Performance ZXR 636 Kawasaki in the Supersport races Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON Honda Racing's Dean Harrison has stood on the NW200 podium five times over the last two seasons but has not been able to break his victory famine around the high speed course. Most read in Motors The Bradford man will line up in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes this year with seven chances to make his breakthrough. 8TEN Racing duo, Peter Hickman and Davey Todd, will also be chasing their first North West 200 Superbike victory. The duo will face an uphill battle however as they race against time to prepare their new Superbike and Superstock-spec M1000RR BMWs for the high speed encounter at Portrush. Todd enjoyed a hat-trick of wins in the Supersport and Superstock races at last year's event and Hickman scored a double in the Supertwin races aboard a Swan Yamaha. 8 ON YER BIKE: Peter Hickman enjoys a ride on a slightly different motorbike at Curry's amusement arcade Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON In the smaller capacity classes Todd will campaign a CBR600RR Honda in Milenco Padgett's colours this year while Hickman will be aboard a Supersport-spec Triumph and a R7 Yamaha in the 'Twins class. But with the clock running down to the start of the road racing season, neither rider has enjoyed much testing or race laps on their new for 2025 mounts which is far from ideal preparation ahead of the NW200 speed fest. Former North West winner Ian Hutchinson will line-up alongside Cork's Mike Browne on another pair of BMWs in Michael Laverty's newly formed team. Described as the busiest man in bike racing, the former British Supersport champion from Toomebridge, who is now a MotoGP TV pundit, looks set to be juggling a lot of plates at Portrush. Former NW200 outright lap record holder and double British Superbike champion, Josh Brookes, is another leading name who will be trying to get his name on a NW200 Superbike trophy for the first time. Brookes will have a Jackson Racing Honda at his disposal in the premier class events this year. Each race is packed with talent and a host of riders who could make their mark on the 2025 NW200. 8 SUPER COOPER: Richard Cooper inspects the new road layout between University Corner and the Ballysally Roundabout on the Briggs Equipment North West 200 course with Race Director, Mervyn Whyte. Credit: STEPHEN DAVISON Richard Cooper has become something of a Triangle course specialist since making his North West debut in 2019. The 42 year old added a maiden win in the Fraser Homes Supersport race on Alastair Russell's R6 at last year's NW200 to his four previous Supertwin victories at the north coast event with Ryan Farquhar's KMR team and he is staying put with the same teams for 2025. Jamie Coward will return to the north coast with his KTS Racing squad after a three year break. Previously a podium finisher at Portrush, Coward will have his sights set on a similar result at least in the Supersport and Supertwin classes in particular. Manxman Conor Cummins will be hoping to impress as he makes his NW200 debut with the RK Racing/Burrows squad team on BMW and Ducati machinery and Finland's Erno Kostamo is always one to watch in the big bike events. 8 VETERAN RACER: MIchael Rutter has 97 race starts at the north coast event and is set to hit the 100th milestone during 2025 race week Credit: David Maginnis Two men who have well and truly served earned their NW200 stripes are veterans John McGuinness and Michael Rutter. Rutter will be aiming for his 100th race start this year having competed in 97 races since making his debut in 1992. Only Alastair Seeley and 15 times winner, Robert Dunlop, have been more successful at the North West 200 than the Englishman who will ride a BMW in the Superbike races and a R7 Yamaha in the Twins class this week. Honda Racing's McGuinness, who made his debut two years after Rutter, will be hoping for a similar result to last year when he received the loudest cheer of the day as he climbed on to the rostrum after finishing third in the CP Hire Superstock race. 8 I'LL DRINK TO THAT: Monster Energy crew at the 2024 North West 200 It's a Monster of an event The Briggs Equipment North West 200 is delighted to welcome Monster Energy on board for the 2025 race week on May 5-10 2025 once again sees Monster Energy partner with Briggs Equipment North West 200 as its official energy partner, following a stellar debut partnership in 2024. In addition to its strong presence on track, Monster Energy brings product sampling stations throughout the event for thrill-seeking fans to fuel-up as they prepare for the week's action. Also on offer are esteemed activations, including Monster Energy's 'Beast Parlor'. Hosted in the Fan Zone, fans can enjoy Monster Energy tattoo and haircut stations, amongst a range of best-in-class experiences. Fans can also interact with Monster Energy's world-class sporting legends and current riders, adding to a North West 200 to remember. 8 AND THEY'RE OFF: The start of the 2024 North West 200 Superbike race Credit: Stephen Daviso Race Schedule The action begins on Wednesday morning with roads closing between 9am and 3pm for Newcomer's practice and qualifying. Final qualifying resumes on Thursday between 9am and 3pm before roads close again at 4.45pm and the racing begins with the Milwaukee Superbike event at 5.30pm, the Fraser Homes Supersport race at 6.30pm and the Amici Ristorante Superstock clash at 7.15pm. All three races will be run over four laps with roads scheduled to re-open by 9pm Read more on the Irish Sun On Saturday the roads are scheduled to close at 9am and the action set to begin at 10am with the Maxwell Freight Services Supertwin race (4 laps) followed by the Briggs Equipment Superbike race, the Tides Restaurant Supersport race and the CP Hire Superstock race, all run over 6 laps. The 4 lap JM Paterson Supertwin race over is the penultimate event with the 6 lap Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike race bringing the curtain down on the high speed festival on Saturday evening with roads scheduled to re-open by 7pm at the latest.
