North West 200 Highlights - Part 2 Bikes!

This programme was recorded before the death of rider Simon Andrews.

His parents confirmed they are content for tonight's programme to

be broadcast. There is possibly nowhere more

beautiful in the world than the north coast of Northern Ireland. It

is a spectacular backdrop for a stunning sporting event, the

international North West 200. Some of the world's best road racers are

here for one of Northern Ireland's biggest and most prestigious

sporting events. Coming up, we've got some more breathtaking action

for you, but first here is a reminder of what happened so far.

And they're away! This is about 175mph. There he

comes. And they're doing 195mph in these

wet conditions. Owe, he has over did it. William

Dunlop, look at the concentration. Here we go, Michael is on the

inside. He did that excellently and he shuts the door on him as well!

Racing has been sensational so far. There is no doubt that motorcycle

road racers are some of the most competitive sportsmen in the world!

It doesn't matter what they're doing, they always like to win! As

Steve Parish found out when he took up an invitation from Northern

Ireland's most successful rider, Ryan Farquhar.

# Bang, bang, that awful sound. # Well, we're at a shooting ground and

there is a whole bunch of motorcycle racers here and we will find out if

any of them are any good. Guys, have you shot clays before? No. Are you

up for it? I'm up for it. I'm sure Ryan and Jeremy have been doing a

lot of it? They know what they're doing. You look like you could

handle a gun. LAUGHTER

Yeah. Well, I reckon I can put a bullet in him. I don't think you

should be doing that. How about Maria? I had a go a long time ago.

Jeremy has got the shooting jacket and everything. He has the full gear

on. Stuart? No. The only gun I fired is a cap gun. Should we going and

hiding somewhere? Maybe. Have you done it before? I've shot an AK-47,

but never a shotgun. What's this clay pigeon med larky? We have done

a bit of shooting. A few of the lads have done nothing. It will be

interesting. There is a big trophy going? There is three trophies for

the two top riders and the top journalist, you never know, Steve,

you might get taking it home with you. Worked any excuses out yet?

Cartridges? Gun length? Gun was too length. I was feeling pressure. I

felt like it was the start of the race. Was the practise better? The

practise was better. I hit three practise shots and hit everyone and

then I missed my first three. You get a buzz whenever you go out and

have a good day. It is like playing golf, if you have a bad day it gets

frustrating. But I love it. Was there anyone in the team that let

your side down? Just one. What was his name? You, Steve!

LAUGHTER It's a great sport. I'm struggling

with it. Well, we've got the main man, here, Darren. I understand you

are having a good season? Yes. Leading the championship? Number

one. Have you seen any talent here today? A lot of talent. But not

really shooting? John McGuinness. You reckon he has a future? Yes. You

don't fancy swapping and having a go on the bikes? Definitely not. How

much is your gun worth? ?13,000. ?13,000. Yes. The one I was shooting

wasn't worth that much, that must be the difference. I don't think so.

Will you be watching the races? I'll see you on Saturday. Thank you very

much. Well, Ryan Farquhar, the clay pigeon

shooting winner will be hoping for more success in the next race, the

Supertwins. One of the North West 200's successful riders is with me.

The first Supertwins race didn't go well for Ryan Farquhar's team? It

was disaster. They had three bikes on the rostrum in previous years. It

was disaster. Jeremy McWilliams finished down the field. Ryan

finished down the field. Another rider was taken out in the first

lap. Four bikes finishing nowhere really. Lee Johnston the first race

winner isn't going to give them an easy time. Lee Johnston who, of

course, had that crash at the Met met Metropole Corner. Lee, how are

you? Yeah, fantastic. A bit sore. A good job the air fencing was there.

It could have been a lot worse. I was panicking a bi We're going to

the TT after here. These things happen, I don't know what he was

thinking really. It was a brain lapse or something happened. He

collected me and we both ended up into the fence. He was happy enough

to say sorry there and then on-the-spot. I don't know. That's

done and dusted. Hope for another race win here for County Fermanagh

and Northern Ireland. It is time to join Steve and Richard.

Well, that would be excellent for Northern Ireland. We have Lee

Johnston on pole position. What a first wave that is going to be as

the riders prepare for this race. The first one was a cracker on

Thursday night. It's not nice weather. They've got a mix of tyres

as they start this Supertwin race and who has got the start? It is the

pole man. Ivan Lintin has gone for the drier tyresment we are bon board

with -- on board with Ryan Farquhar. The rain is drizzling. It is very,

very slippery. There is James Cowton. There are there is pushing

and shoving. That's very mean spirited. Look who grabbed the front

in that procedure. That's Ryan Farquhar and then Lee Johnston and I

think that was Michael Dunlop in third. Yes, it was. It is at the

charge of the light brigade as they climb the hill. A lot of

charge of the light brigade as they got back up on the bike after that

crash. Graham English leads them away. Look at Ryan Farquhar. A

tricky situation here as they head off down towards. Here they are

right now and it is that man number 77, Ryan Farquhar. We have been

calling him the Dad's Army and he would have to be Captain Mannering!

Ryan Farquhar gets drafted, does he? Oh yes, he does. Lee Johnston

alongside. Equal power. Very much so. Lee Johnston, I

alongside. Equal power. Very much the wet tyres. Ryan Farquhar has got

a rear dryish tyre. He might struggle in the wet sections and

there it is, the number 75, the struggle in the wet sections and

young man. Four abreast, down towards University. The bikes

pushing on 155mph. Keith Amor, the number 72 machine

and Gareth Keys. It is Ryan Farquhar the man that puts a lot of these

bikes together. He designed this series really. Most of these bikes

are 650 cc, but they are touring bikes. They are not really race

bikes, but they are here today. I think Keith Amor might be suffering

with his tyre choice. Look at that,

with his tyre choice. abreast. The youngster's got his

foot down. He's fallen at the first chicane at Mathers cross! You could

see in his body language he was thinking, oh drat! It started on

that white line. They were never as grippy as the black stuff, but he is

perfectly OK. Keith Amor has definitely not his tyres wrong. I

think he happen. Lee Johnson battling with Ryan Farquhar. Ryan

Farquhar squeezes in there. Where is Jeremy McWilliams? I think he's at

the back of the pack. Farquhar and Johnston shaping up to be the battle

of this race. Look at who is closing in on the black machine. The number

five bike of Alan Duncan is in the -- Alan Dunlop is in the race.

Everyone is hoping the track will dry out. I think if you have wet

tyres on will you be hoping for a bit of rain. Dan on a Cookstown

Engineering machine having a good year. James Hiller also shows up

well. Very much so. And there's the number five machine of Michael

Dunlop. Ducking and diving. This is tricky in the braking area. One part

of the track is dry. Farquhar takes that dry line. Surely Michael isn't

going down the inside? James Cowton is having a look, but on a drying

track it is harder to pass. This is a clear indication of just how close

and hard... Look at Michael Dunlop hanging off that bike. Amor sets the

fastest lap and pulled in. An unfortunate weekend for Amor. A good

weekend for Johnston. unfortunate weekend for Amor. A good

might snap him up, unfortunate weekend for Amor. A good

concentrates too much on catching Ryan Farquhar, he might go past him.

Ivan Lintin having a look down the inside. He was the early leader of

this race on Thursday. He fade towards the end.

this race on Thursday. He fade start. We think he's got the wrong

tyres on this time around. He's trying to come back now. There

tyres on this time around. He's more rain in the air. James

tyres on this time around. He's is going past Michael Dunlop. Dunlop

wasn't ready for that. He is going past Michael Dunlop. Dunlop

the weight factor, as he's a tiny little youngster with a big future.

Farquhar kept the throttle on longer than Johnston. Along this straight

there'll be a lot of passes taking place. Lee Johnston going back. Ryan

Farquhar... They are all thinking about. This James Cowton trying to

stay in front of Dunlop and Dunlop is finding his way through the pack.

He's going to do them both! We are going four abreast into University.

He's going to do them both! We are Jostling for the dry line. Farquhar

trying to squeeze back and there's Johnston into the braking zone.

There is that narrow strip of dry line. It is Johnston, Farquhar and

then Cowton and then Dunlop. You can see rain on the camera from the

helicopter. It is still drizzling. No-one's going to get past that 77

vote. Farquhar making it twice the width with his el Bose. Ryan

Farquhar once again leading Lee Johnston. Dunlop start starting to

harass James Cowton. Just look at his body movement. It is spinning

up, sliding around. It is like walking on a tightrope. You can't

believe how close they are together. McWilliams behind them. We know

Jeremy's got the McWilliams behind them. We know

have to see if he can close these guys down. Campbell on the line. If

the rain comes back, it might pay off for him. This slipstream might

pay off for Dunlop as he passes Cowton. Hiller is behind them at

Mathers Cross. After riding the superbikes these bikes feel

pedestrian but it takes just as much skill and talent. Sometimes the lean

angle is more. You have to make it up on the corn corners. Johnston

streaks ahead of Ryan Farquhar. James Cowton is in fourth place.

This is only a short race, only four laps. Will the weather play a part?

Has Johnston got win number two in his pocket? He's got a decent lead.

You can see Jeremy McWilliams closing down. He's at the back of

this pack, just behind these guys. Michael Dunlop looking to get past

Ryan Farquhar. James Cowton looking to get past Michael Dunlop. That

unmistakable Dunlop riding style. Uses his weight to man handle the

bike along the coast road, where everyone else is trying to finesse

it. Sometimes in the wet, sometimes off-line has more grip. Here he

comes! Dunlop around the outside. We off-line has more grip. Here he

are coming up to a braking zone. Ryan Farquhar back in front of

Dunlop. He wasn't close enough. Looks like Lee Johnston has six

lengths. Is that enough? Has Johnston made the break? Ryan has a

quick look over to a man he's raced a few times over the years. 200 wins

Ryan Farquhar's got. Again neck and neck, elbow to elbow. Farquhar gave

Ryan Farquhar's got. Again neck and Dunlop the minimum of room there.

Farquhar and Cowton... Elbow Dunlop the minimum of room there.

elbow! The youngster looks to Farquhar, clearly the more

experienced, but it is tough race tlxct Farquhar showing know mercy

and knowing none to James Cowton. They were side by side. Look what

that's done to Farquhar! It didn't slow the youngster. Help was passed

by both. Dunlop then McWilliams, then Cowton and Farquhar. Somewhere

in front is Lee Johnston. He's trying to hold the youngster back.

Jeremy McWilliams would have been laughing at it. McWilliams must have

got to biggest toe of the week. He is all over the shop! He's on the

grass. He wants a bit of the bank. That's ruined it for him I think.

But not number 13, Lee Johnston, who won on Thursday. He's proving he

But not number 13, Lee Johnston, who do it in any conditions. This is

Jeremy McWilliams. He couldn't get that turn. He managed to get the

third part. He would have been better on the grass, but that's

dropped him off the pack. It is going to be Lee Johnston. And for

second will it be Cowton or Dunlop? It is going to be James Cowton.

Dunlop holds him off. Into the flip-flop Lee Johnston is in front,

Dunlop is in second place, James Cowton in third. Michael Dunlop

won't be happy with second but a podium on a new supertwin will do

for him What a race. A terrific result from Lee Johnston, the double

at the North West 200. We are all breathless. I bet they are as well.

We came here wanting to win but that was taken from us and we had to

regroup and get back out for this. Cheer up Lee Johns town, top of the

podium for the second time in a week. It's been a great North West

200 so far for Northern Ireland. Away from the racing there are so

many other activities to do on the north coast and the riders always

like to take advantage of that to relax on their day off.

You can't really get much more of a contrast with the hard world of road

racing than a spot of tranquil lake fishing. We thought we would give

three of its stars a chance to relax and try it for themselves. You tried

your hand at fly fishing. How do you think it went? Pretty average I

think. I don't know if you can see Keith, he's determined to catch

think. I don't know if you can see fish so he ask say he's beaten me at

something. It was really join. I think it is like anything, you've

got to have a knack and I think it will take more than half an hour to

find out what it is. I've got a few bites but I didn't actually land

one. Probably not as exciting as bites but I didn't actually land

going down the link road at 200 miles per hour wheel to wheel with

some other boys. The 20th year you've

some other boys. The 20th year 200. What is it that keeps you

coming back here? Just the feeling you get when you drive through them

gates. You are welcomed with open arms. You see the face and you get

parked up. There's nothing like arms. You see the face and you get

Irish hospitality anywhere in the world. Your preparation this year

has been hampered. What's happened to your wrist? I've broken a borne,

it is a useless bone that floats around in your hand until you brake.

Surgeon is happy with it. Nothing is going to stop me coming to the North

West 200. What do you get out of showing the younger ones around? I

keep these boys right and tell them a thing or to. It is OK until they

get too fast and then I won't tell them any more. Event been have

having tuition from John and others. It is all a bit new to me. It is

good to have a good lap around the circuit with the boys. Fingers

crossed I can put their advice to good use. The North West 200 North

West 200 has been good to me over the years. Are they a quiet bunch to

be with? They are fierce rivals on the track. If you see them at the

pool table... It worries me a bit. They are good friends off the bike.

It is going be an interesting year. I can't wait to get going. It's

funny the North West 200. I've led races on last laps. You think back

and think maybe shy have had one or two wins. But on the wrong place at

the wrong time you can get zapped and then you are off the podium. If

I don't, it won't be for lack of trying. Unfortunately McGuinness's

injuries caught up with him and he is a non-starter in this Superstock

race. Alan Duncan looking for his win in -- -- We were racers. We

think we are tough and we get up and go again. To be honest our

confidence takes a dent and we get up again. It could be more serious

for Alastair. He's in an injection to try and take the pain away. I

think he might struggle. You need must toll turn these bikes. He's

only a wee man. Towards the end of the race it might start showing on

them. Alastair, how are you feeling after that off? I feel a bit better

now. I missed the race, had to gooing back to my motor home and lie

down. I've got some ice to my legs. When I get into the squad position

it is as if I have a dead leg. I must have hit my leg. Have you and

Lee Johnston made up OK? Yes, after the incident I asked him if he was

alright. He was lying in discomfort, so I went back to the medical van,

the centre, and he came. In I said, sorry about that. He said, I suppose

that's us even now after what happened on Thursday in the

supersport race. No bad feelings. We crack on and see what they can do

the last two races. Thank you Alastair. Over to Steve and Richard

with the grid. Coming up Martin Jessopp and Horst

Saiger the lap record holder from Thursday night. Gary Johnson, Lee

Johnston and John McGuinness. We're ready to go as the wait for the

lights to go out. Michael Dunlop with his head down and Seeley behind

Rutter. Again, a tricky situation with tyres. Some have got try and

some have got intermediates. It is about whether it rains and whether

they can stay on the dry stuff. There is Conor Cummins. There is

Gary Johnson. Look at Michael Rutter on this first section of the

circuit. That was a start and this is the lead. Alastair Seeley. Oh,

look at these boys barging into turn one. This is so rough this corner.

Guy Martin had a problem and got caught up in it. Wave two gets

underway headed up by King and Hamilton got left behind and Michael

Dunlop almost lost the front on the brakes. That big BMW will be fast

around here. Some have the road spec tyres and some have gone for full

intermediates. Clear visors and iffy on the weather as we ride with Dean

Harrison. A great start the he moved to the grippy part of the circuit.

You have got to be brave to go around the outside, but it allows

you the inside line. Michael Rutter disappeared on the BMW, number eight

bike as they flash past our camera down at Station Corner. The draft is

moving the corner never mind the bikes! I don't know how sore he is,

it is his hip, his pelvis, it is difficult moving around on the bike.

He must be uncold fortable. -- uncomfortable. There is Simon

Andrews. You saw the speeds and 170mph, look at that number seven,

Johnson was on the verge. Splashing through. 190mph, 195mph. Those vil

little Supertwins doing 150mph. And it looks relatively dry down here at

the roundabout. You can tell by the lean angles they have got on the

bikes. Most of them are dry tyres. There is an occasional intermediate

creeping in here and there on the back wheel, but most of them on full

dry tyres and you can see how dry it is compared to half an hour earlier.

The wind dried this. Dean Harrison getting a tow.

How much longer has Michael Rutter got in the sunshine before Gary

Johnson or Michael Dunlop comes to close him in? He nearly didn't make

that corner, but he managed to get it stopped through there. Michael

Rutter who finished second, Gary Johnson wriggling around. He is

trying to hold it as straight as he can. Even the road bikes are close

to 200 brake horsepower and nearly 190mph. They will be with the tail

wind on this part of the circuit. Rutter trying to get his arms and

elbows and head and everything underneath the screen until he gets

to the braking zone and then you sit up and use your body as a road bike.

It Talk about a chicane, that was a triple chicane for Gary Johnson. He

had to back the bike up up. Again. Decides the front was tucking a

little bit. He made a stop and made a gap as well. At the front... He

put his foot down too, I bet! That's Michael Dunlop in the lead. Oh

Michael, he runs deep, Michael Rutter. When he ran out wide, he was

on the wet part. Mick eight Rutter didn't -- Michael Rutter didn't need

a second invitation. That's the first time they get to test their

braking points on the first lap. Church you were the hill towards the

bridge. A good view of Conor Cummins as he rides from kerb to kerb trying

to straight line this Coast Road section.

to straight line this Coast Road This is Conor Cummins adventure

through the chicane, is it? He didn't lose as much time. He managed

to get didn't lose as much time. He managed

obstacles. So Michael Dunlop, can he take his third win at the North West

200? take his third win at the North West

wounded when Conor Cummins rides past

wounded when Conor Cummins rides Alastair Seeley is not giving us

wounded when Conor Cummins rides best work. This corner so, so busy.

The helicopter is up in the skies. In a minute that thing will have its

nose down and be trying to chase the bikes as it is now. You can't keep

up with them, bikes as it is now. You can't keep

Rutter again. He nearly blew our camera over! Here comes the

slipstream. What are we going to see from it this time?

slipstream. What are we going to see Almost certainly Michael Dunlop will

be able to use the tow, you can see him being thrown out of the seat.

185mph, 186mph and Conor Cummins gets blasted. And still accelerating

and Michael Dunlop accelerating to pass mick eight resulter -- Michael

Rutter. Dunlop has got it done. Just about stands it on its nose towards

University. Michael Dunlop has an intermediate. Oh, that was Martin

Jessopp having a bash intermediate. Oh, that was Martin

Saiger, the lap record holder, but they came close to taking each

Saiger, the lap record holder, but out there. I don't think either of

them knew what the other one was doing at that point. They're both in

their own world. Gary Johnson looking ahead and way up the road.

Someone has got problems. Hand up. Whether they're going to pull over

or whether they missed a gear. Michael Dunlop, the front wheel

rears up. Michael Rutter is trying to make his as wide as possible

because he will know when they get to the braking zone it will be very,

very close. Rutter body movements. Slides over the bike. Shifts through

there. It is important to get t run-off. He has a look over his

shoulder and what does he see? That man again. Michael Dunlop! He has

the inside line. He will try and shift back over to the right-hand

side to get a better entry into the Metropole Corner. Michael Dunlop is

a fierce man on the brakes. Michael Rutter is trying to increase his

tally of wins, he has 13, the same as Joey.

It is tricky out there now as Joey.

Rutter seems to revel in these type of conditions. He does have, Michael

Dunlop. Michael Rutter does have a dry one. Gary Johnson gets some lean

angle there. It is dry now, isn't it? He has Horst Saiger in front of

him. He slips through there. Gary Johnson has done a terrific job

climbing back up to a podium potential. A battle going on between

Michael Dunlop and Michael Rutter who has been so impressive this

week, Michael Rutter. He is a at the age where most of us want to mow the

lawn and sit-in a deck chair. Look, he is out there racing with the

young guns and showing how it is done. We look back from Alastair

Seeley who we know is injured. There is Lee Johnston behind him. And this

is the race really for fifth and sixth position. Well, a pair of old

crocks at back then! Lee Johnston is a young gun. Alastair Seeley is

getting better. He was shaky at the start of this race, but Seeley seems

to be finding his seat as the laps unfold and he is looking more like

his old self. Gary Johnson, Horst Saiger. There is

Seeley. The track is drying a lot now. You can see the damp patches

which are horrible to ride overks but you have got so much heat in the

tyres as it wriggles and squirms. Horst Saiger, what a weekend he has

had. He is the lap record holder. It won't be broken today even by

Michael Dunlop, but it won't be broken today with these conditions.

No, Steve, I looked away from that one. Michael Dunlop was over the

tank of that machine trying to get the fronts stuck down and get it

turned. Daep Harrison Dean Harrison making good speed and Michael Dunlop

making better speed. We're talking 196mph and Michael Dunlop leading

mick eight Rutter as Seeley slows down for Mill Road and comes out.

Now, watch the speed build. We are about to go through a fast right

turn here and it is all very, very tricky. 150mph through a damp

corner. That is quite extraordinary on what is road tyres.

Michael Dunlop seems to have broken the toe with Michael Rutter.

Alastair Seeley gets in the slipstream. He mistimed that a bit,

didn't he? Horst Saiger and Gary Johnson at the front.

Rutter is less ferocious of the front end of that BMW than at Mill

Road Roundabout. I'm wondering what settings these have got? I don't

know if they have got a North West 200 damp setting. I think - oh look,

a big cloud of smoke. Who is that? Martin Jessopp. That's the end of

the run for Martin Jessopp for the rider's motorcycle BMW.

He is just trying to frighten Michael Rutter, if you're going to

stay with me, you have to ride like this. Alastair Seeley made that move

on Horst Saiger. He did it under brakes at the chicane. Lee Johnston

just behind being what he can do -- seeing what he can do. Look at that.

Rutter as well. Back wheel is up in the air and those tyres are just

squirming around, just putting about 175mph, 180 kilos of bike, plus 85

kilos of rider stuck on the front end of the bike. Rutter needs speed

if he wants to be close enough to outbrake Michael Dunlop. Is he

getting enough toe to close up and have an outbraking competition? I

don't think he is close enough. The slipstream only comes into play

about 50 meters back and that's further. He has got to make up time

on the Coast Road if he wants to be in a position as they head back out

to University of the Michael Dunlop has kind of broken the toe to

Michael Rutter. Under the bridge and has kind of broken the toe to

away up to the Coast Road. This one will be interesting. We've got a red

flag. We've got a red flag. Well, that will go back to the end of lap

three. We're on lap four. But that will go back to the end of lap

three. Will it be a two race aggregate? What will happen? We will

have to find out what is the nature of that incident? There was a nasty

accident at the Metropole Corner. That is the result. Michael Dunlop,

mick eight Rutter, Gary Johnson on the podium.

It was a good old race. It is fantastic. The BMW is class. The BMW

bike, we never ride it in wet. To do that there in the wet, says a lot.

Nobody wants to win the race of the back afred flag. The record books

will show this as a win. It has been an eventful North West

200. Alastair Seeley has involved in great battles on the

track, but we wanted to see how he would get on with our own Steve

Parrish, a man who raced bikes, cars, planes, in fact, anything with

an engine. Well, we're down on a hovercraft.

Alastair, have you ever driven one of these? No, I've never rode these.

I'm looking forward to it. And two-stroke and you have probably

never ridden anything which has vents out the back to steer it. Are

you going to have a bet with me? Yeah. I'm used to tracks. That might

work well? Maybe throwing your Yeah. I'm used to tracks. That might

weight about might go against me. Five? Tenner. Right, we'll go and

get our gear on and see how good or bad we are. I'm nervous. There is

?10 riding on this! Are you ready? There is a tenner on

this! Here we go. I'm passing Alastair

Seeley! It is not fair. He is lighter than me! Oh, I wish I had

gone for wet tyres! Brakes. Brake, Steve.

Thank you. Good on you, might. A weight advantage. What tyres have

you got on? 100m. I owe you a tenner. I wonder if I will ever get

the money, eh? It looks like great fun but now it is time for the last

race, the Blue Riband North West 200. Philip, a race you won many

times. Who do you fancy for this one? I have to go back to Michael

Dunlop, who is more confident. Seeley seekers how much he's

injured, we don't know -- Alastair Seeley. It is time to rejoin

It is the last race of the day, the last grid of the day. On pole

position, Michael Dunlop on the BMW, Michael Rutter alongside, Alastair

Seeley as well. Guy Martin, Michael Dunlop and Bruce Anstey on the

second row. A roll of honour. Condition conditions aren't the

best, everyone has dry tyres on. The green flag at the back. The 2014

North West 200 is go! A lot of horsepower there. Is Michael Rutter

going to get the whole shot one more time? No. Alastair Seeley will have

more confidence. There is Brookes brooks, number three. -- There is

Josh Brookes, number three. Nicely through that but Michael Rutter was

the first one into that corner. Josh Brookes on the mill walky Yamaha.

He's tested a great deal. He's second in the British superbike

championship. Josh Brookes has got past Rutter. We

are on board with Bruce Anstey. There goes Martin Jessop. The front

wheel comes right off the ground. Dean Harrison having a look at John

McGuinness. He was chasing McPint. We are on

McGuinness. He was chasing McPint. Seeley. Brake towards University

Connor. Michael Rutter in front. Josh Brookes the early leader. Can

he do what he always said head would do give an clear road and that is

clear off and win from the front? He will be putting a lot of effort into

this. He's just signed for Yamaha this year. He's got a lot to prove

on that machine. We know how fast it is and what a rider he is. The cream

of the road racing team. is and what a rider he is. The cream

trying to get that bike. Guy Hart very fast, Alastair Seeley, Conor

Cummins, Michael Dunlop. Speeds build here. This is one of the

faster parts of the circuit with that tailwind. As Michael Rutter is

passed by Alastair Seeley. And passes him back. I think Michael

Dunlop picked up a place under brakes. Alastair Seeley fending off

Michael Rutter. Injection must be working. What have they given Josh

Brookes for his breakfast? Remember who is out in front. Josh Brookes on

that Milwaukee Yamaha. Three abreast behind Seeley see. Michael Rutter

has the inside line. Guy Martin's nose is in front. Dunlop is trying

to get through there. This Josh Brookes, surely he can't pull away,

the cream each the road racers are chasing him down. Alastair Seeley

has won two races already this weekend. Under the bridge and up to

the coast road. Seeley doesn't look quite as comfortable and we've seen

him before. Dan Kneen making up ground. Martin Jessopp -- -- it is

looking damp out there. It can scare the life out of you if you get on

them. I suspect we might see the lap record go. The longer it goes on, it

was cut from seven to five laps. Towards the end I suspect

was cut from seven to five laps. see lap records tumble. If Guy

Martin turns around now he might get the life scared out of him.

Martin turns around now he might get that number 8 B MW. And Michael

Rutter. It is Yamaha leads suck universal

credity leads BMW. They've all got over 200 brake horsepower. We've

seen 197 miles per hour punching into the wind.

You can see the wind isn't favouring them on this part of the circuit. At

195 miles per hour after 15 seconds at full throttle. It is what the

North West 200 is all about. at full throttle. It is what the

Kneen is pulling out. He's out of the race. And Hutchy. Whether it is

an injury to his finger or the bike packed up. We don't know. Alastair

Seeley towards station corner. Josh packed up. We don't know. Alastair

Brookes still leading this. Michael Dunlop looking very racy in third, I

have to say. Alastair Seeley, Dunlop looking very racy in third, I

coming to this bike, is the race coming to him or is the pain coming

to him instead? He's not quite as mobile as you would expect. He's not

as smooth as you expect. This is Alastair Seeley's bit of the North

West 200. You get to see how bumpy it is when you saw that rear

suspension. Seeley on the inside. Into juniper and he's tucked into

that nicely. Now Into juniper and he's tucked into

going to get to see the master and this circuit and see if he ask pick

up a slipstream. I think the number eight bike over Michael Dunlop looks

ominous. He looks hungry. He won his first race of the weekend. I think

that answers question about Alastair Seeley, whether the pain is getting

to him. He rode the coast road as if he was uninjured. He's now got Josh

Brookes hounding him and he's doing a fine job of keeping him behind. It

is all about who can brake late into York. Brookes is following in the

wheel tracks of Alastair Seeley. Michael Dunlop is riding close

behind. Is he going to try to get back and come storming past? Brookes

took a peek over his shoulder and that there was the number 8 BMW.

Brookes is so fast on the slow corners but it doesn't help. It is

getting the exit speed where it counts. Unfortunately even if you

get a good competition, you are bound to get past. Sixth year, they

roll the throttle a tiny bit. And here he comes. Oh what! He pushed

Seeley out. He went, he wasn't expecting it. That was to the

detriment of his speed, as Dunlop gets past him. That cost Alastair

Seeley not only the lead but second place as he tries to slipstream

Michael Dunlop. Here comes Seeley but it's not enough. Dunlop's going

to stay in second place. but it's not enough. Dunlop's going

just get to see Brookes roll the throttle but he rolled it later than

Seeley see. Over the link road. We are with Alastair in third spot.

Josh Brookes is using a wired line. We heard Alastair Seeley say some

users use that slip road. But he doesn't and he is fast. The race is

still on isn't it, and it is between this man and Michael Dunlop. This is

the battle for the lead of the race. The big event, the North West 200.

It is the one that everybody wants to go home winning. And Josh Brookes

is here for his second... Look! A short circuit and up the bank again.

That's twice he's done that. Not quite as much altitude that time.

Josh Brookes has to have a trial riding background the way he's able

to do that on wet grass on slip tyres. Unfortunately he went across

the first part and then the high bank. Look at him trying to get that

bike stopped but he can't. He tries to turn on the tar mark. He's got

that high bank run nailed. He must have thought, I've done this before,

I will do it again. It would have thought, I've done this before,

probably be easier to go down the slip road. Guy Martin is chased by

Conor Cummins. He's made it back again. Josh Brookes has soon

regroup. It hasn't put him off. Is he going to do that again, going

through Station Corner? That was brave the last time. Probably

Alastair Seeley will be waiting for it this time. On the brakes. Brookes

seems to be faster here. They go over the dirty part of the circuit.

If he does it this time around, Alastair Seeley will be getting

cross. Has he got it covered? Brookes didn't even wait. He's

through before they even get there. 171 into it and 165 through it.

Hardly worth rolling it off for five miles per hour is it - he says from

the seat! It is still a long way to. We are out in front with Michael

Dunlop. We ride with William Dunlop. And check those eyes out.

He's on his way. Mike Dunlop isn't going to be bested in this race.

He's just won the Superstock. The crowd are going absolutely wild. He

has a couple of seconds advantage. Looks like he's going to take his

second win this weekend, taking his tally to four to equal his brother.

Alastair Seeley, no fairy-tale for him after that tumble at the

Metropole. Michael Dunlop is so far out in front. He's stamped his

authority on this racetrack, on this race and on this field. Another

class performance from the race and on this field. Another

as he gives that BMW maximum beans all the way round the last couple of

corners. Throwing it at the racetrack and that there is the

chequered flag. What a win for Michael Dunlop. Josh Brookes takes

the lap record on the final laughter. See the relief and

terrorism in Michael Dunlop's body language. Yes, he says, I did that

one right. Michael, congratulations. I think we

can see exactly what has means to you. Yes, I knew I could do it. That

first race, I knew I could do it. I didn't know how much I was leading

bit. I pushed that last lap. All I didn't know how much I was leading

could hear was (Inaudible) let's have this. The BMW is class. It's

been a class week. And Mike Dunlop takes the Robert Dunlop trophy as

well. Our first North West 200 superbike

win for Mike Dunlop. A deserved man of the meeting. Without a doubt. To

win his first superbike race here, I know how hard that. He deserves that

award. A great event for the whole Dunlop family and for Northern

Ireland. Yes, a great event all round. Robert Dunlop, his father, he

would have been so, so proud. round. Robert Dunlop, his father, he

Northern Ireland it puts this race back on the status it deserves and

the world stage. Philip, thank you for your company. You can see our

highlights programmes again on the iPlayer. We of course will be back

on the grid next year. For now from all of us here on

with candidates standing in our 11 new council districts, and it's time

for you to choose who will be our representatives in Europe.

BBC News NI will bring you the results as they come in,

with live coverage from all the count centres.

We'll have reaction, expert analysis,

and, of course, a chance for you to have your say across TV,