´óÏó´«Ã½

Now that the event is over and we can all catch our breath, we would like to share some of your messages and pics sent in via text and email. As usual, we received well over a thousand of your comments, so apologies if the commentators didn't get to mention yours, but they would need to stop commentating to read out every single one!

Despite the connectivity problems we experienced at the paddock, which periodically affected our streams throughout the week and even with the helicopter grounded on the morning ofÌý race day - due to a broken part - the vast majority of the NW200 online fans loved the action and content streamed live on the practice nights and race day. Some of you contacted us to mention the problems so apologies if you suffered buffering and loss of the web stream at times.

However, from Baku to Equatorial New Guinea, from NYC to Auckland and closer to home, from all over the UK, we heard how and where you were watching.

Thanks very much for your correspondence it's much appreciated. Here are a few of your contributions:

"I'm well ill with flu, but you are all making me feel better ! Chris in Chester" This is Chris below !


After seeing Steve Plater's injury update on our blog Lee Brown sent us this message with an accompanying pic below:

"Hi Guys...Great racing!! Tell that Steve Plater to get well soon, I ride an R1 with one arm so no excuses...Happy Days, Lee."



George Hagan from Batesville, Indiana in the states sent in this message with accompanying pic, below:
"Hi Guys,Loving watching the NW200 live streaming.Ìý Much more exciting than the Indy 500 which is only 70 miles from here.Ìý Indy 500 practice/qualifying starts today.Ìý Keep up the great work, guys.Ìý Hope the big race stays dry.Ìý By the way, I ride 1995 Honda VFR750.
George Hagan
Batesville, Indiana - USA"

"good job guys !! and come on Bonetti ... italian fastest rider
ÌýNicola from Italy."

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"Just a wee line for the commentators, Keith's name is pronounced Amor with a hard A as in able, not soft like amber.
Well done today Keith.
Eric in Falkirk."


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"Thanks Guys for a great day's racing. I originally came from Carryduff and used to play trumpet with Stephen Watson!!! tell him to keep blowing his trumpet.
Paul H isle of Man."

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"Best of luck to Steve Plater, wishing him a speedy recovery. Congratulations to Alistair Seeley on his two wins!"

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Ìý
"Thanks so much for the great streaming video. So glad you got the helicopter back up.
ÌýBest regards,
ÌýGeorge Broaddus
Cocoa, Florida"

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"Can't afford line rental for internet, so watching this in the library-tip top coverage. Come on Ian Lougher!!
Ianto
Bridgend"

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"it's interesting to see the lack of yamaha r1s in the superstock and superbike events. The crossplane crankshaft must not suit roadracing.
Dave, enniskillen"

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"Mick Hughes from Belfast but living in USA...
Can't believe I'm watching the NW200 live, making me homesick but GREAT COVERAGE!!!
Hello MUM!!!!THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MICK HUGHES
Pittsburgh"


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"Great coverage of the NW200 watching from New York City Well Done Keep it up.
Marc Carter"


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"Hi Guys, loving the red button and web coverage. I was supposed to be in the paddock today to sample all the excitement but couldn't walk far enough after picking up a football injury yesterday.Ìý I'm gutted, but still enjoying all the coverage and the view from my in-laws house in Dhu Varren.
ÌýCormac Kernan"


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"Hi Richard and Steve,
I'm currently squeezed into a cramped, sweaty internet cafe in the centre of Jakarta, Indonesia. I'd far rather swap these surroundings and my shorts and flip flops for a peter storm jacket and Metropole bank! I'm devastated I can't make it this year but could you say a quick hello to Cyril, Susan and Sam who are sitting at the Metropole. Hope to see you all at next years event!
Thanks,
Neil Morrison"


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"Hi Steve, I´m Antonio Maeso a TT rider and I met you once two years ago at Trimby´s house in the IOM.Ìý I´m watching the live stream sitting in my garden in the sunny Almería city and just would like to express my envy for those riders on the nw200 grid as I´d love to be there but I have just managed to put again a project together for the TT where I´ll be again in a few weeks time
Best Regards
Antonio Maeso."


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"Really enjoying the internet coverage down here in Melbourne.
Big hi to all the members of the MCUI Medical team.Ìý Hope that you all have a quiet day.
AndrewÌý (normally one of the medical team) ".

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"Wish we were there, just down the road in Clough, Ballymena
Fantastic ´óÏó´«Ã½, well done. Safe day to all.
ÌýAmanda and Clara Duffy"


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"I am sitting in the warmth of my lounge, with my computer plugged into my plasma TV....It is superb....I am able to have a few while I am watching.
Please say hi to Bruce Anstey for me, I look forward to seeing him on The Isle of Man very soon.
Best wishes
Ian TT Fan Huntly"


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"Our US buddies may say "awesome" but here in the good ole UK we say "immensely awesome" .... just so we go one better.
Brilliant racing guys and hughie shots are just amazing.
Can you do this at the TT too? .... please.
Great all round coverage of this event - may we please have more of this?
Regards.
Ted Smith"


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"IÌý am very emotional here in Cape Town,you made this proud Ulterman feel so good..what can I say? AWESOME COVERAGE GUYS.
ÌýLes Calderwood Wild Colonial boy in Africa"


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"hello, 13 year old Aylish here.
Thanks so much for keeping my dad off my neck, he's sitting glued to the T.VÌý watching you guys. if it wheren't for you guys I'd still be grounded ( I could get away with murder now )
thanks from Spain."

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"Parish you must have your own chopper to sort this problem out !!!Ìý
Great work guys keep it up. Jason Davies."


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"Hi Guys, lovin todays coverage, wish I was there, watchin online in my shed, in Beith in west coast of Scotland
Keep up the good work.
PS lets get bsb and wsb online cause I've only got council telly.
Chap frae Beith"


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"hi guys my name is andrew phillips originally from wanganui nz, home of the cemetery circuit now living brisbane australia. really enjoying the coverage online, it keeps buffering but ill put up with because i love road racing, something Australia doesn't do. long live road racing.keep it up. Phillips"

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"I can't believe what Phil McCallen just said!
The smoke may not be too environmentally friendly but it's certainly not "horrible"! There's no greater smell in the world than 2 stroke!
Eddie in Woking."

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"Im watching your coverage from my ship in the middle of the Irish Sea!
Isn't satellite internet wonderful Great stuff!! Come on Bruce!!
Ventura"

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"I live right beside the course near metropole but sitting at my computer for the great coverage! Great work even though you dont have the helicopter!
Chris Hamill"

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"From paul stockell. watching on net, originally from Liverpool now living in Norwich. Steve Brogan fan, wish he was there, as he was in 2008, when I was with 4 friends. Just like to say thanks to all the riders, they are all heroes. Can't wait to say hi at Snetterton. NW200 just the best."

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"Hi guys! We are so happy that we can see the live coverage of the NW200 races today by internet! We are watching live from Holland and thinking about to visit the races next year! Keep up the good work and fix the helicopter ;)"


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"Hi everyone.
Thanks for the excellent coverage of the NW200.
I'm watching this on my laptop, but have the F1 qualifying on't telly in the background and I'm listening to Pink Floyd at the same time. Pure Bliss!!!!!
Ìý (Good job, though, that I can multi-task!) Anyway hope everyone has a good 'un and a safe 'un and I look forward to seeing you all in a couple of weeks for the TT!
Boakesey Jurby, Isle of Man"

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"This is very poor i cant believe it as taken so long to get a part for a helicopter this is the year 2010 not 1980 come bbc get it sorted and bet you wont read this one out.
ÌýRegards Darren, a paying tv licence man"

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So for Darren and everyone else, here is the part in question which sheared off.... not once, but twice....and is called The Generator Drive Shaft. Most definitely gremlins at work in the paddock this year.

We could add hundreds more, so once again thanks for taking the time to get in touch. See you in 2011, when we hope the helicopter and technology holds up for another great week of racing.

What a great day's racing. It all looked a little shakey to start with, what with the weather and the absence of Steve Plater but once it got going the sizzling hot action soon dried out the track. Great to see McGuinness get another Superbike win and a superb double (could have been more due to slow starts /Ìý shortened races) for the wee wizard from Carrick Alastair Seeley. How popular was he when the gloves came off and flew up into the crowded grandstand?



Hutchy rode well all day and I have never seen anyone so disappointed with a second place in my life but it definitely gave him the inspiration he needed to go out and win the 2nd Supersport race in a most un-Supersport fashion, by a country mile.

Lastly hats off to Keith Amor, with what was probably the worst way possible to go about preparing yourself for the NW 200 (splitting with the JMF team, only picking up his Supersport bike and suspension for the 1000cc BMW the weekend before and arriving at Portrush without a wheel turned in testing). To not only qualify so well but to take victory in the Superstock race is outstanding. Living with Johnny Rea must be rubbing off on him, watch out everyone at the TT.

And so to the NW200 predictor game, all you armchair know it all's, how did you all get on? I suppose top bragging rights must go to Teamac, but then again if I had topped the list then you would be shouting fix!!! We'll see next year!

Top 6 for the Overall Game

1ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý TeamMacÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý 2925
2ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý coatesyscrashersÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý 2900
3ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý aggieÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý 2750
4ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý SicknoteÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý 2650
5ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý thomas46ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý 2575
6ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý TooFamousRobÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý 2575

Well the final (unofficial) results are in and it was very close at the top of the overall leaderboard. The injury to Steve Plater and the success of Keith Amor - finishing in the top six in every race he entered and winning the Superstock class - provided an interesting change to proceedings post Thursday practice night predictions.

Alastair Seeley's two wins - Superbike and Supersport - were very popular with the race fans in the gallery and on the predictor game.

So, top dog in the overall league goes to.......TeamMac, with Coatseyscrashers in second place and aggie taking third. The top twenty are shown below and if you can see the full results by checking your dashboard on the Podiun Predictor site.



In the Expert Predictions league it was nip and tuck in the end. At one stage ex-NW200 champion Phillip McCallen was miles behind Stephen Watson and Steve Parrish in the points stakes, but just like his racing style, he came from the back of the grid to pip Steve Parrish on the last bend. Both ex-riders posted the same final score but McCallen took the podium, as had more accurate predictions in order.

We hope you enjoyed playing the game and that it added a fun element to the banter bewteen your friends and colleagues while watching the race atction develop over the week.

Well, it's been a great day's racing as usual up on the North coast, with plenty of astonishing action across all classes. Alastair Seeley ended the drought for Northern Irish riders in the superbikes with a storming victory in the penultimate race of the day, after his Supersport win earlier. There was also local success in the shape of Paul Robinson in the 125cc class, while Keith Amor scooped the Superstock spoils and John McGuinness took the top step on the podium in the first Superbike race. Ian Hutchinson rounded things off with a masterclass in the second Superstock race.

Top six standings for all six races are below...

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Supersport, Race 2

• 1 - Ian Hutchinson 18:29.915
• 2 - Keith Amor + 3.288
• 3 - Bruce Anstey + 10.620
• 4 - Alastair Seeley + 10.695
• 5 - Michael Dunlop + 10.949
• 6 - John McGuinness + 11.581

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Superbike, Race 2

• 1 - Alastair Seeley 17:41.186
• 2 - Stuart Easton + 1.143
• 3 - John McGuinness + 1.294
• 4 - Guy Martin + 7.214
• 5 - Ian Hutchinson + 9.809
• 6 - Keith Amor + 9.974

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Superstock

• 1 - Keith Amor 22:46.565
• 2 - Ian Hutchinson + 0.169
• 3 - Ryan Farquhar + 0.573
• 4 - Alastair Seeley + 0.939
• 5 - Michael Rutter + 8.185
• 6 - Michael Dunlop + 14.838

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125cc

• 1 - Paul Robinson 22:09.114
• 2 - Jon Vincent + 8.613
• 3 - Renzo van der Donckt + 20.224
• 4 - Neil Durham + 25.893
• 5 - Stephan Savelkouls + 26.420
• 6 - Sam Dunlop + 26.577

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Supersport, Race 1

• 1 - Alastair Seeley 23:19.992
• 2 - Ian Hutchinson + 0.720
• 3 - Michael Dunlop + 1.235
• 4 - Keith Amor + 1.332
• 5 - John McGuinness + 1.755
• 6 - Ryan Farquhar + 2.074

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Superbike, Race 1

• 1 - John McGuinness 17:58.937
• 2 - Conor Cummins + 0.217
• 3 - Alastair Seeley + 0.553
• 4 - Keith Amor + 7.520
• 5 - Stuart Easton + 16.668
• 6 - Bruce Anstey + 17.246

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Congratulations to all concerned!

The bad news we all had to wake up to this morning was that one of the favourites for the podium, Steve Plater, will not be taking part in the race on Saturday after his high speed crash on the final corner on the second lap of the SuperbikeÌýpractice on Thursday afternoon. We all wish him a speedy recovery and are relieved to hear the injury isn't serious.

On a positive note, with the practice off last night it was a little more relaxed than normal, and the production team were able to wrap up earlier than the usual wee small hours of Friday morning.ÌýWith the evening off, I joined the film crews and editors for some light refreshments, which made a nice change.

It was back to work this morning though and the first task on my agenda was to take a competition winner for a spin around the fullÌýnine mile circuit followed by a rendezvous with the Kawasaki team who are making a big effort here at the NW200 and have 2 competitive riders, Ryan Farquhar and Conor Cummins, riding in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport 600 classes. Both these guys have big potential for podium positions on Saturday. And on that note, it's still not too late to enter our challenge by the way.

Back to the TV and Radio work now, andÌýwe are all just out of a brief for tonight's TV and radio coverage. Everything is in place now and the countdown has begun!

Jackie Fullerton's radio coverage is on from 7pm - 8pm followed by the all-important preview programme after the 10 o'clock news at 10:35pm where Stephen Watson will be giving the low-down on all things North West. And between you and me, I plan to make an surprise appearance by gatecrashing the show on a Kawasaki GTR 1400 so keep your eyes peeled for me (I doubt you'll be able to miss it).

Also, if you have a few minutes to spare check out the video below of my journey to the Giant's Causeway with Guy Martin.ÌýOur chit-chatÌýabout mental stability, among other things,Ìýleft me a little confused.

Catch up with you after the raceday tomorrow for my thoughts on all the day's events.

Friday isÌýa day of rest for the riders, a chance to relax and prepare for the big day on Saturday. There was good news and bad news on one of the race favourites, Stevie Plater, after his crash near the end of Thursday practice.

The bad news is that he is definitely out of the racing tomorrow, but the good news is that it is thankfully not much more than that after an horrific fast cornerÌýincident in the final qualifying session which saw Steve end up through the fencing and down the banking on the coast side of the road atÌýQuarry HillÌýin a 100mph accident.

On a lighter note,Ìýa birthday bash for the legendary Albert Kirk (a UTV cameraman much loved by everyone up here)Ìýwas a huge success at Joey's Bar in Ballymoney last night, with even Stephen Watson getting up for a song on the karaoke.

He ended up wimping out early though, claiming that he had a load of work to do today, so it was left to the rest of us to party away into the wee small hours of the night / morning. Thank goodness that today is a day of rest for the riders!!

Steve Plater is recovering after a high speed crash at the NW200 in Thursday night's practice session. The Lincolnshire rider has a broken arm after coming off at Quarry Hill. Read the full account below from HM Plant Honda's PR team.

photo : Pacemaker Press International

"HM Plant Honda's Steve Plater and John McGuinness have experienced some highs and lows during this week's practices for Saturday's North West 200 races, with both riders securing leading positions in the practice timesheets but also with Steve Plater sustaining a broken arm leaving him unable to compete on Saturday.

Steve and team-mate John entered today's Superbike practice session in first and second positions respectively following Tuesday evening's practice. However on the second lap of his outing, Steve crashed at the last corner, Quarry Hill, when he lost the front end of the bike and slid heavily into the safety fencing.

Steve was immediately attended to by marshals and medics on the course and taken to Coleraine hospital where he underwent a full examination. It was quickly evident that his head, main body and legs were fine and that the main injury was to his left arm.
X-rays have confirmed that Steve has a broken left arm at the mid forearm point - with clean breaks to both the ulna and radius bones - and he will need an operation to have both bones plated. Steve's arm has been plastered and he will remain in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure, ahead of his operation tomorrow.

Steve is fortunate to have come away from his high speed crash with relatively minor injuries and this is testament to the FIM approved safety bales which absorbed the majority of the impact, the quality of Steve's leathers and helmet and also his quick thinking, as when he knew he was sliding towards the kerb he picked his legs up to minimise any further injury.

Steve remembers the whole accident and, although in pain, was talking to paramedics and HM Plant Honda's team manager, Harvey Beltran, before being taken to hospital by ambulance - in fact the first thing he said was to ask Harvey to call Vicky (his wife) and reeled off her number!

Whilst being incredibly disappointed to be missing Saturday's North West 200 races, Steve would like to thank everyone for the numerous good wishes already received. And, in his true determined spirit, Steve plans to watch Saturday's races from the pits and is already focusing on what he needs to do get back on the seat of his HM Plant Honda Fireblade as quickly as possible in order to retain his current lead in the British Superstock Championship.

In the meantime, John McGuinness will line up on the grid for an action packed day of North West 200 racing, with two Superbike races, two Supersport races on the CBR600RR and one Superstock race."

As you can see Steve is in good spirits as he recovers in hospital after an operation to set his broken arm.

We sent Gavin Andrews to visit Steve in hospital in Londonderry. You can watch the video here.

Conditions were extremely changeable during Thursday's daytime practice, with spits and spots of rain falling intermittently over the triangle. The top six standings (includingÌýthe associated fastest lap times)Ìýfor the Superbike, 125cc, Supersport and Superstock classes are below.

Steve Plater's NW200 is over thanks to a crash at the Quarry Hill section of the course on his Superbike. The HM Plant Honda rider suffered a suspected broken arm. Read more here.

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Superbike

• 1 - Keith Amor 4:35.561
• 2 - Conor Cummins 4:35.729
• 3 - Guy Martin 4:36.283
• 4 - Michael Rutter 4:36.486
• 5 - Alastair Seeley 4:37.249
• 6 - Ryan Farquhar 4:37.764

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125cc

• 1 - Paul Robinson 5:35.468
• 2 - Paul Jordan 5:47.001
• 3 - Neil Durham 5:50.528
• 4 - Nigel Moore 5:52.595
• 5 - Daley Mathison 5:55.669
• 6 - Wayne Kennedy 5:57.728

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Supersport

• 1 - Michael Dunlop 4:41.775
• 2 - Keith Amor 4:42.573
• 3 - Steve Plater 4:42.595
• 4 - Ian Hutchinson 4:42.605
• 5 - John McGuinness 4:43.174
• 6 - Alastair Seeley 4:44.134

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Superstock

• 1 - Conor Cummins 4:35.648
• 2 - Ryan Farquhar 4:37.084
• 3 - Keith Amor 4:37.817
• 4 - Alastair Seeley 4:38.196
• 5 - Ian Hutchinson 4:38.305
• 6 - Steve Plater 4:39.111

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Here's a big bag of highlights from the first practice session at this year's North West 200, on Tuesday 11th May. Enjoy...

We're priviledged to have an access all areas pass or two up here at the North West 200, and get to see some of the weird and wonderful goings on in the paddock area. For those of you unable to sneak a peek behind the fence, follow us as we take a pit stop at the garage to meet , the scrutineering tent to check that everything is up to scratch, hear what's behind the charity stall and bump into , competing at the North West 200 for the first time...

For tomorrow's practice session... looks damp and drizzly in the morning... drier but cloudy for afternoon.

Saturday is a tricky one, but looking at the current chart, the North coast may be one of the drier spots.

Rain not far from the southwest though, but has been shifting run to run... so I'd have to say, be prepared for a few showers.

American forecast model has it dry though, but at this point the wise money would be on the possibility of at least a shower or two, but hopefully we'll get more dry than wet.

Prognosis may settle down in next 24 hours, giving a better idea, but until then, keep your eyes on the skies!

With the weather predictions for rain coming in there was a little tension with the riders in the paddock not knowing what to expect, but the atmosphere and the excitement gathered and, although it was cold, the sun stayed out. The 125s got off to a pretty fast first section and followed it up with a second lap speed in the Superbike practice of 204mph by Stuart Easton. So, the pace was set and practice was now off to a seriously good start. The new chicane had to be treated with care as we have suddenly turned a 160mph corner into a 30mph chicane.

My job with briefing the newcomers and taking them round on a guided bus tour was much appreciated by the new riders. This makes the first few laps a little less daunting as, for some of these riders, it will be the first time they have ever done over 150mph never mind 200mph! One newcomer who did particularly appreciate this was Gary Mason, currently a very successful British Superbike rider. In his interview after his first official practice session he was just blown away by his first roadrace experience and said there was nothing in the world like it and that he would be going home to tell all his mates about it. One of his most shocking experiences was when he was sitting up breaking hard from 200mph when Steve Plater came blasting past still tucked in behind the screen with throttle on the stop. With a few less newcomers competing this year, it was decided to start them at the back of normal practice sessions in their appropriate class with their own instructor, rather than their own seperate, introductory practice session as in previous years. After guiding them for three laps, myself and the other instructors pulled in and let them continue with the rest of the qualifiers.

At 6.30am this morning I was off to the Giant's Causeway to do some filming with the Greenlight boys and with Guy Martin as my sidecar passenger in a 1939 Ariel Sidecar Outfit. It was was a beautiful fresh morning as Guy and I toured the coastal route. I continually tortured him with questions, trying to work out has he really got the potential to win a Superbike race on Saturday. I believe he has the talent and the machinery to do this, but only he knows if mentally he is capable of this.

I am rushing off now to see the preview of Joey Dunlop Remembered, a new film for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Northern Ireland about the legacy of the legendary Joey Dunlop, sadly lost to the racing world ten years ago. I was honoured to take part in the programme dedicated to such a local racing hero. The film goes out on ´óÏó´«Ã½ One Northern Ireland at 10.55pm on Saturday, 15th May. There is also a ´óÏó´«Ã½ website where you can trace Joey's life and send in your memories and photographs at www.bbc.co.uk/joeydunlop.

On Friday I'll be back to give you my thoughts on Thursday's practice.

Feet held up for the first practice session - even though, as expected, I got no sympathy from anyone on the grid!

Freezing last night - rider Jimmy Moore from Alaska was complaining - so it really must have been bad.

Going to a premiere showing of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ documentary Joey Remembered this afternoon - the programme will be broadcast on ´óÏó´«Ã½1 NI on Saturday night at 10.55pm, as we approach the 10th year anniversary of his death.

The NW200 wouldn't be the same without the Dunlop name - and I was really impressed with both William and Michael last night - do you agree with me that there could be a Dunlop double on Saturday?

Don't forget our preview programme, live from the paddock on Friday night - we'll be broadcasting on ´óÏó´«Ã½1 at 10.35pm from the HM Plant and RiderMotorcycles garages - it's a busy place at the moment as Michael Rutter has major Ducati Superbike problems!

In the show we'll have loads of features including at home with Ryan Farquhar, behind the scenes with Alistair Seeley, the inside track on the new Mathers Chicane, and today we've been filming with Gary Mason, Steve Plater, and Stuart Easton at the famous Dunluce Casle... we'll also have special guests dropping in to see us including one who's flying in specially, from America!

Look forward to hearing from you.

NIFTY NICHOLS

BIOGRAPHY

Richard Nichols has been a motoring journalist, writer and broadcaster for more than 30 years. With many years of experience in circuit and television commentary for all forms of motorsport, he includes Formula One, Moto GP and FIA GT on his CV, but bike fans will know him for the 15 years as principal commentator on the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s coverage of the Isle of Man TT races.

First night of practice got under way in bright and sunny conditions...but bitterly cold. I caught up with a few of the top riders and got their opinion of the new chicane at Mathers.

The general view was..."not another chicane." (number five on the circuit). Cameron Donald's feelings cannot be printed here!

Steve Plater was more philosophical about it as it's the same track for everyone and it could provide over-taking possibilities.

The provisional top six positions at the minute are :

125cc : William Dunlop, Chris Palmer, Renzo Van Der Donckt ( as tipped by Phillip McCallen !), Sam Dunlop, Jon Vincent and Nigel Moore.

Superbike : Steve Plater, John McGuinness, Stuart Easton, with Michael Dunlop the top Irish rider in 4th, Conor Cummins 5th and Ryan Farquhar in sixth.

Supersport: Bruce Anstey, William Dunlop, Keith Amor (on Johnny Rea's WSS 08 bike ) Ryan Farquhar, Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop.

An oil spillage put paid to the Superstocks tonight so Thursday's practice had better be rain free for these guys.

Stuart Easton, The Flying Scotsman, went straight out of the pits in the Superbike practice and posted 204mph through the speed trap on his Swann Honda Fireblade ! Unofficially this is a new triangle record ! Michael Rutter's crown has gone....

All in all, a good and safe evening's practice...apart from the stockers of course.

Hopefully the weather forecast for the rest of the week is wrong, but if you are coming up multiple layers and waterproofs are the order of the day. Must go back and check my Podium Predictor results. Hopefully won't be too far away!

PIT LANE LARRY

BIOGRAPHY

Now in his fourth year with the ´óÏó´«Ã½ at the North West 200, the unmistakeable voice of the pit lane in British Superbikes, or "Scoop" as his BSB sidekick Fred Clarke affectionately refers to him, has been a professional motorsport broadcaster and journalist for the past ten years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.

He has a unique rapport with the riders and teams, many of whom are good friends, and can be relied upon to get the very latest news and information in his inimitable and enthusiastic fashion as well as commentating in his own right.

A former multiple club champion back in the 1980s, he has also competed at the North West 200 and Manx Grand Prix but nowadays, on his rare weekends off, confines his on-track action to four wheels where he races and rallies his own Peugeot 206 with reasonable success (he says).

Stephen Watson faces his own race to be ready for the NW200. As the pic below shows, the NW200 presenter is struggling to be fit for next week's race fest. Too many miles at the Masters and too much cantering at the Cookstown 100 have left his legs in bad way.

Fallen arches, damaged achilles and now a dodgy knee, mean he's laid up at home trying to balance all the prep for the live preview TV programme along with his plans for the rest of race week, culminating in a full day of presenting from the grid come race day on Saturday 15 May.

However, he is undeterred : "I'll definitely be there, there is no way I'd miss the NW200. .....I don't know what shape I'll be in by the end of it, but I can't wait for it to start"

If anyone has any homemade remedies or suggestions for his creaking joints please post them here.

GRID GAFFER

BIOGRAPHY

Adrian Coates, or "Coatesy"- I'm sure he has another nick name but he's a very quiet lad - is our grid commentator and analyst. The Former British 250cc Champion is part of the Radio Ulster and Online NW200 team.

Adrian, still a spring chicken (30 years young....plus V.A.T ) can be relied upon to dish the dirt on any paddock gossip, which can also deliver the latest technical news on the bikes.

COATES' TAKE ON 2010

"Well folks the 2010 Relentless International North West 200 has rocked around again and what a mouth-watering prospect it is sure to be!

With a list of possible winners as long as your arm, I was given the unviable task of predicting a top six for each race, which took me more than an hour or two I can tell you. By the time race day comes, it will probably be so far from the actual podium positions I may as well have been predicting the general election results!

Again the ´óÏó´«Ã½ coverage of the event just gets better and better with all the usual television, on line blog and radio broadcasts, we now have the NW200 predictor game to add to the fun and allow all you "armchair know-it-alls" to step up to the mark and put your reputations on the line!! (no pressure....honest!)"

PREDICTIONS QUOTE

"With the all new practice schedule for Thursday and a new layout at Mathers Cross (the hateful stop start chicane syndrome for safety) the action on track increases and so long as we get our year's worth of summer weather in the 2nd week of May, then we are all guaranteed a fabulous festival of fun, so get your thinking caps on, get predicting!"

COATES' TOP SIXES

NW200 LEGEND

Picture © Pacemaker Press Intl

BIOGRAPHY

Phillip McCallen is regarded as a living legend of Irish motorcycle racing with a racing career from 1984 to 1999, in which he won 11 TT races, including an unequalled four races in one week in 1996, a memorable five wins from six starts at the 1992 North West 200, and five wins in one day at the 1996 Ulster Grand Prix.

Add to these the numerous British Supersport wins, participation on the world stage in the old Formula One series, the Thunderbike series and the prestigious Macau Grand Prix.

Phillip is now a member of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ NI NW200 commentary team and is involved in mentoring newcomers to the NW200 each year...no pressure on them then.

PREDICTION QUOTE

"Well here we go again folks another week of high octane racing at the triangle. It's going to be dog eat dog out there especially in the Supersport class. The new chicane will be a brand new test for everyone and may well suit the BSB riders. It's hard to look past Alastair Seeley for multiple wins in 2010."

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MIC MAESTRO

BIOGRAPHY

Steve Parrish started driving motorcycles and cars around his father's small farm at the age of 9. He turned professional in 1976 at the age of 22, joining Barry Sheene in the Suzuki GP team.

In 1978 and 1979, he clinched the British Motor Cycle Championships, and then in 1980 he joined Yamaha - winning many European and British races. He retired from two-wheel riding in 1986 and managed the UK Yamaha Superbike Team, taking three British titles.

In 1990, he joined the ´óÏó´«Ã½ as technical presenter and commentator for British and World Motor Cycle Championships.

Steve is our anchor commentator for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sport NI at the NW200. He also has a wicked sense of humour!

PREDICTION QUOTE

"From the raw power of the Superbikes to the screaming engines of the 125's on these tight B roads, I can't wait until this year's NW200. One less class with the 250's going but an even bigger change with a brand new chicane at Mathers Cross. The Supersport race has six, seven, or even eight riders, side-by-side, flying down the long straights. Predicted this lot will be a hard, hard task. "

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THE MEDIA MAKER

BIOGRAPHY

Stephen's media roles have taken him to the World Cup Finals, golf's Masters Competition, The Ryder Cup, and the Commonwealth Games. But it was as a teenager that Stephen first got the biking bug, spending many summer holidays spectating at the NorthWest.

His first media work at the circuit was back in 1993, and over the last 17 years he's undertaken many different roles: reporter, producer, circuit commentator and post race interviewer.

But it's his current job, at ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sport NI, fronting the coverage on the grid for the live web streams during practice and race day, that he relishes the most.

Other biking duties have included reporting at MotoGP, World Suprbikes, BSB, as well as the other top road races like the TT, Ulster GP and the Cookstown 100.

PREDICTION QUOTE

"Picking a winner at the NW200 is never an easy job, so this year I let my heart rule my head and plumped for a few local winners!

Alastair Seeley to be the first Superbike winner from Northern Ireland since Phillip McCallen is a big call, I had to make these predictions quickly and now looking back I can't believe I ruled Michael Rutter and John McGuinness out of my top six - I wouldn't be surprised if they prove me completely wrong!"

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