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The grey skies over the North West paddock don't bode well for riders' preparation. We will just have to keep our fingers crossed that the rain can hold off until after tonight's practice. The paddock looks as busy as ever with everyone getting prepared for first night's practice. Teams will have to do their Michael Fish impersonation when it comes to predicting the weather, as tyre choice will be crucial. It will be particularly daunting for newcomers, gaining their first experience of the North West track will be a bum-clenching experience.

Even for the more experienced riders tyre choice will be critical. I see that teams are already moving their tyre racks armed with every kind of tyre under the sun mounted up and on warmers. Lets hope the power stays on.... unlike the ´óÏó´«Ã½ portacabin!

I was wandering around the paddock earlier, talking to a few of the guys. I had a good chat with a couple of local riders - first timer Jamie Hamilton and Steven Thompson. The nerves seemed to be building but I'm sure they will be gone as soon as the practice session starts and they get going. I'm expecting some good lap times straight off this evening if the conditions are dry for the start of the session, considering that come Thursday we could have heavier rain. It's not going to be one of those years where you have the luxury of bedding yourself in gently, knowing that the weather conditions will be great on Thursday and you can get your good laps in then.

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As we have seen on a number of occasions in the past, some top riders get caught out by the weather conditions and don't manage to qualify, meaning they have to be seeded at the back of the front group.

Cross everything for dry conditions.