NW200: New Superbike race added to Thursday schedule

There will be an extra Superbike race at this year’s North West 200 after organisers added a four-lap event to the Thursday schedule. 

Thursday’s practice sessions will take place as usual, with four sessions taking place in the morning after the roads are closed at 9:15am. The first Supertwins race will now happen immediately after those practice session, instead of its usual evening slot. 

The roads will close again at 5pm with the new Superbike race kicking off the evening’s racing action. The Superbike race will be followed by the first Superstock and Supersport events. All of Thursday’s races will be run over four laps, with the roads being re-opened at 9pm. 

“We have listened very carefully to the teams and riders who have lobbied for a Superbike race on Thursday,” NW200 Event Director, Mervyn Whyte, said.

“This new schedule will allow the superbikes to compete in a sprint type race ahead of Saturday’s two longer events, providing more track time and a greater spectacle for everyone involved. From the spectator’s point of view, it will be exciting to see every class and all of the top riders in action on Thursday.”

Tuesday’s practice schedules and Saturday’s races remain unchanged. They’ll be five practice sessions on Tuesday, and five races on Saturday. The race format remains the same for all five races.

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