North West 200 - Part 3 Bikes!

The spectacular Causeway Coast is home to one of Northern Ireland's

biggest, fastest and most exciting sporting events, the International

North West 200. Welcome to our third highlights programme from this year

's motor cycling festival. There's been some fantastic racing so far.

Here's a reminder of what's happened. Would you look at that?

There it is, Jessop gets his first north-west wind. -- win. Oh no!

Alastair Seeley, there's the chequered flag.

He's in the dirt. Martin Jessopp, his second Northwest 200 win.

Oh no! Does it again, he's untouchable.

First Superbike race of the weekend. Unbelievable. Alastair Seeley. And

lots more high-speed drama coming up.

We've got three more races around this unique street circuit. The

SuperStock. A thrilling Superbike showdown. And a memorable battle for

the smaller machines. Next up is the superb twins race and I'm joined by

British Superbike rider Michael Lafferty. The first race was very,

very competitive, how do you see the second race panning out? Mike Jessop

looked really strong, Daniel Cooper looked strong, Lintin hasn't shown

the pacey showed last year yet. It could be a mixed bag. Weather

conditions will be critical because of the tyre choices. Lee Johnston

said he wanted full wets and the other wanted drive. It will be a

mixed bag. Time to join our commentary team. Richard Nichols and

Steve Parish. The grid forming up for the second

super twin race of the week. The track is drying out. Wet tyre on

number 20. Michael Rutter... Lee Johnston had a bit of a moment as

well off the line. There are wet patches. Looking back for Martin

Jessopp. No wonder is close to Rutter, not even Martin Jessopp.

Rutter knows the conditions a fair bit as he gets away. He has 13 winds

around the North West 200. We are with Paul Jordan. The track is

drying out all the time, getting better and better. Number 100 in the

mix. Barry Ferber got away best. No wonder is getting way in this.

Certainly not. We are with James Calton. Lee Johnston on the Quay are

machines, another 13. Very busy at the end of that run.

Michael Rutter has made the break. I wonder if he can make this stick? It

would be good if he could. 13 victories around here but the last

one was five years ago. He is ready for one. Daniel Cooper has the wet

tyre on the front, should be good at the beginning but I'm not jock at

the end because the track is drying out. Everybody trying to look at

each other's tyres. Everybody hates those conditions. Everybody more

less on the setting apart from... Losing a load of time. Closing down

Michael Rutter. Slipstreaming past that machine of Michael Rutter.

Cooper thinks he's got to make his move now while the track is as wet

at -- as it is while the wet tyre gives him an advantage. Rutter is a

maestro in the rain. He is, and he has the right tyres. Intermediate

tyres. A few tread grooves in them. Lee Johnston still hanging in at the

back, he broke down in the first race. Jessopp, the winner from

Thursday night. Was that Cowton behind him or Johnston? We with

Cooper. Last year he was involved in the Ryan Farquhar crashed and didn't

write here. I think Lee Johnston is closing down the gap touch. Cooper

gives us the ride. Rutter is in the lead. Jessopp is in touch. There's

nobody behind in fourth place, or there is, but there's a huge gap.

Rutter using all the road. Up to fourth gear as they go down through

here. They dropped down to York Corner. James Cowton is fourth. You

can't quite see him at the top of the picture, just a glimpse of him

out of the chicane and he's a long way back of these three. Having a

look down the inside. You can't get too tight. Jessopp has the faster

bike. There he goes. Martin Jessopp on cue. Look at the way he goes past

those guys. They'll be having a conversation, what on earth has he

got that engine? It's all about aerodynamics. They play such an

important part. People try different things to see if it will give them

an advantage. It seems to be working for Martin Jessopp. It does.

Aerodynamics are no -- more important than engine power,

realistically. Anything past 150 mph, it takes huge power to push it

through the air. Drag increases with the square of speed or something

like that. Computational fluid dynamics sits will know that kind of

stuff! A clean bike is a quick bite. Rutter had made a break but he was

reeled in quickly by the slipstream. Jessopp disappearing. Rutter is good

on the Coast Road, on these parts, and he'll be building up his

confidence. Ivan Lintin is out. He's had enough. Did he run deep? Maybe

ran deep. Rutter goes down the inside. He squeezes himself down the

inside. It would be lovely for Ryan Farquhar, the nightmares he's gone

through with his accident, if he still puts a good team together.

This bike has been put together a specially for Michael Rutter. It was

originally going to be ridden by Hudson Kenner, but Rutter has it.

The Coast Road, the experience of Michael Rutter. Jessopp and Rutter

are old rivals, they know each other's style very well. Rutter has

just under nine miles to go. I think there would be more passing going

on. Jessopp will be able to get past Rutter down the straight. Of the

Coast Road counts on the last lap. Jessopp already building. Will he

drag banged Cooper with him? -- Daniel Cooper. There's that

invisible pocket of air you can get into. Cooper getting 80 as well.

Rutter getting a better one from Jessop. Rutter pulls out of the

slipstream and tea will break last and latest and longest.

Cooper saw that and nipped through. Rutter back in front. Cooper in

second and Jessopp a little way back. Then the Coast Road again.

There's this one, in fact four, because they go up towards the

chicane now. They do slipstream on the Coast Road. That's how powerful

these bikes have become. They have so much power. When you were racing

here you didn't have this kind of power at your disposal. We didn't.

And we didn't have as many chicanes. We called it the nine mile triangle.

We went even further to the hairpin and then back. There's arguably just

one place for the Jessopp to use the speed of the bike. I'm not sure if

he is close enough. It's all about this section. Michael Rutter looks

like he's got it. Looks like he will take his 14th win. He doesn't

normally make any mistakes. Is he going to get that victory after five

years drought? Everybody thinks the own, they are cheering him on. This

would be a popular win. Over the line ahead of Daniel Cooper. Martin

Jessopp third. There's the confirmation.

Absolutely amazing, proper ride. I tried so hard. I didn't want to lose

that one. Martin's bike is so fast. I had to hold him up a bit and

getting his slipstream at the right time and somehow it paid off. After

what you went through last year, to come back and put this team together

and get this victory must be very, very special. So emotional, I'm

trying not to cry. I've been to hell and back. Only Karen knows what I've

been through. Every month I'm getting stronger. Karen has helped

me. All my mates. Everybody has chipped in to make this possible.

I'm so pleased, it means the world to me. Michael Rutter proving that

experience counts around the north-west. Next up, the SuperStock

stop Alastair Seeley no doubt will favourite again. Indeed. He'll be

looking to get off the treble Marco. He's only ever won three in a day of

this is his opportunity to make it four. I can see Ian Hutchinson being

a big challenge. He's had a quiet day. These machines go almost as

quick as the Superbikes. Sometimes over 200 mph. Unbelievably so. The

lap time Alistair did in the first race was only .7 of a second off the

best at this circuit. I can see this being a fight at the front. Very

interesting race. Over to Richard and Steve. Now it's

fine and day and day for the SuperStock race. Still a bit damp

and there's rain in the air. This is the second superstock race. He the

grid. -- here is the grid. Rutter in the middle, Sealey on the

outside. Who gets the start? Johnston. We ride with William

Dunlop. It is Harrison with Johnston right behind him and Seeley is in

third place. You can see the dark clouds above. That was a flying

start from Dean Harrison. Hatch has gone deep and wide. He couldn't get

it stopped. It is a bit scrabbling around there in the first corner of

the race. Harrison back out in front with a good lead over Lee Johnston,

who did get away well but Hutch will be kicking himself. 47 in there,

Allister Coetzee. 45 going through. There's nothing like this in the

Czech Republic. James Hillier, looking back. There is Michael

Dunlop, the number three Suzuki. Look at this lot swarming down.

Extraordinary stuff. Saiger on the number 22 bike about to be passed.

So much of that going on. They punch bigger holes in the air. Number 34,

Alastair Seeley, gets to the front straightaway. You can see the dark

clouds. We are riding with Dean Harrison. He's had a very good North

West 200, but so has Michael Rutter. A fairly widespread of performance.

Hutchinson has been a demon on the brakes all week. The key is having a

bike that tracks well over the bumps, stocks well and is fast. And

a rider who does all that. Nothing wrong with that Silicon engineering

on the cow was IT. They are just touching each other. -- Calor Zaki.

Dean Harrison, make sure you stop. Disappointing for Dean Harrison. He

got wrapped up in the moment. He got a bit excited. Hutch and Seeley,

touchy-feely. Here they go. He was on the paint, didn't want to pull

the brakes too hard in the middle-of-the-road. Imagine taking

out Alastair Seeley. Is that Dan Kneen? It's not. Didn't see a

number. Rutter is fast through there. Round the outside, Seeley,

does he have the speed? Once again, Hutch is late on the brakes.

Absolutely flying. Seeley has been the master of this course and these

conditions. Break adjustment from Ian Hutchinson, in the chicane. I

wonder if that was to do with him going straight on earlier.

Hutch in front, Seeley third -- Seeley second. Is this the breakaway

group? It looks like it. Have a look at this. The Red Arrows have nothing

on these boys. Outstanding. Alastair Seeley using the slipstream,

Hutchinson using the slipstream. Three abreast. Rutter trying to get

through. Over the link road, up towards the

roundabout. Where is Seeley? Has he got away? No. We are on board with

William Dunlop. Was that Martin Jessopp rolling off? Possibly. We

are now with William Dunlop. Here it is the battle for the lead, and it

is a battle. Someone else down the slip road. I think that was Dan

Kneen. Alastair Seeley making no mistakes. He's leading at the

moment. This is a long race and he might not be informed all the time.

He knows you need to be leading as you go over the line. Hutchy doesn't

want that, doesn't really care about that, they will battle this out

between them. Trust me, if you're on it, you would want to be, simple as

that. If you see it on screen, you can really feel it on the bike.

Trying to get the throttle wide open is the important part. Michael has a

look over his shoulder, basically saying you can go past. Michael

Dunlop gave his brother that place quite easily. But he didn't know who

it was. He just has a problem. A problem with Hutchy! There's a lot

of this going on this weekend and we are finding places to overtake that

never used to exist before. Hutchy switches back to the inside.

Seeley had a lovely sweep into the chicane. No point arguing about it

on this lap, but on the last lap that might be worth fighting over. I

think so. Johnston clinging onto the back of them. Rutter is still there,

can't shake him off. Somebody has put something in his porridge this

weekend, Michael Rutter. He's rejuvenated. Front wheel... He would

have lost some time with that. It must have been Hutchy who stopped

because Hillier is still going. -- it must have been Jessopp who

stopped. It's all very well behaved this time. Saving themselves. Is it

raining? That was an unusual slip. Horst Saiger having a wonderful day

today, he loves this circuit. He charges up the inside. Michael

Dunlop is not having a lovely day. But he's getting on with things. And

William Dunlop has started to show us what we remember of his form. He

hasn't had a lot of opportunity lately. Put that front wheel back on

the ground! You have to jam on the rear brake when that happens.

Rutter... Rutter is still in there. Rutter was looking for a place to

get through but he couldn't find one because there are so many motorbikes

in front of him. Lee Johnston goes through on the big BMW. Lee Johnston

in second place at the moment, splitting Seeley and Hutchy. Hutchy

now back in front with Seeley behind him and Johnston in third. Rutter in

fourth. This is a great race. The bikes are so equal, they are just

about all BMWs. In fact, the top five are BMW sumac. These are fairly

heavily modified. They have different ignition is. Not a cheap

bike. Ostensibly, standard. They go on to the coast road.

This is some talent. A lot of North West 200 winners we are looking at

the moment. Alastair Seeley now has 20 victories to his name, this would

make it 21. They are all in this. Look how close they are. Anything

could happen, anybody could win this. Across the start finish line,

chicane... It will go quickly because there's no space between the

five, really. It only needs a slight mistake from anyone for Hickman to

be up there. The wind is still blowing as they head up towards the

university. This is the left turn where they'll start heading up

towards university. This is where you need all the traction control

you can get. Round the roundabout. Out onto the

fast part of the course. This is the speed section, through station

corner. So important to get this right. It's dry enough for the guys

to keep the throttle open through there.

Rutter just coming through on the inside. Sneaky old boy. No room to

get through! Who's that? Engine blow up. A big cloud of smoke. No oil on

the track as a result. Oil and water are a bad combination. It was Andrew

Duggan. Back to the front. Back on board with James Hillier looking at

Harrison Brewer hide him. -- behind him.

Seeley, has he made the split? I doubt it. Hutchy has got himself in

the slipstream. He's good on the brakes. Ian Hutchinson having a

great ride. Rain! That's not what we want. I didn't see where that

umbrella was up. Lee Johnston up the inside. Banking over to the

right-hand side. Looks dry. It's probably further around the course.

The marshals will put out a red and yellow flag if it is raining to

indicate diminished grip levels. White lines are not the place to be

with diminished grip levels. Trying to keep the bikes as straight as

they can. He just doesn't know when to stop, Michael Rutter. Is there

rain here? The wheels of the bikes... Looking dry as they come up

Juniper. Seeley leads again for the time being. Can he keep the lead?

Will they let him keep the lead? Hutchy with a bit of a spill up

there. Hickman is right on their tail. Definitely in it. I don't

think saving countered any rain yet. I haven't seen any indication. One

assumes it's not this part of the course. It must have been around

station. The last place you want to see the flag out indicating rain.

Seeley tucked down behind the bubble. Tom -- Hutchy, Rutter... The

road looks fine. There are some spots. I don't know if that's rain

on his camera. Horst Saiger still in there. It looks dry. Here comes

Hutchy on the slipstream. Rutter can see the race track in front of him!

Over they come. Hands are art. Hutchy wants it stopping. It's

raining a lot. They are going very gingerly. That's it. It will go back

a lap. That spoilt a really cracking race.

You're seemingly unbeatable around here at the minute. I just like the

place, I've fallen in love with it and it loves me too. Don't get

jealous! Seeley's scintillating run continues. Road racing is part of

Northern Ireland's sporting DNA. Tens of thousands of people flock

here every year to watch their heroes compete. Why is this form of

motorcycling so popular here? I caught up with two former racers to

find out. It's in our heritage. Road racing is

Northern Ireland. We just love racing. You can say what you like, I

could ride around Silverstone all week long, it would never give you

the same satisfaction as the North West 200. The speeds, the hedges

flashing by. The craziness, I guess. The madness. These roads are closed,

they all go one way and you are racing on them.

Joey Dunlop, multi-F1 world champion. You never forget him, a

fag in his mouth, greasy hands, working on his bike, engine in the

van. I'd be thinking, he won't be a threat. He would put it together and

we never saw which way he went. The Dunlop name is known worldwide. I'd

be world down the street in Japan with Joey Dunlop and hundreds of

people would appear. He was rather special and such is smooth and

stylish rider. I've raced against some of the best road races in the

world. And Carl Fogarty, King of the jungle. The hairs on the back of my

neck stand up when I see the pack head.

They are doing 208 mph. It's hard to blame to anyone. Look at the fans

that come here. 100,000 people. The North West 200 is where I've made my

name. I came here in 1992, wanting to win races. I did something no one

else ever did, I won five international road races in one day.

Alastair Seeley sensational once again and he now chases another

record. He will try an equal Bismah Maroof Philip McCallum's record of

winning five North West 200 in a single event. Do you think he can

equal your record? I think he can. He's riding superb. He's master

today this. Andy Goodwin five in an event. But Steven, I won fired in a

day. You will still have the bragging rights? I will. It is four

today, hopefully he will be aiming for that and one on Thursday. There

is one man who will cause him big trouble today and that is Glenn

Irwin. I really think Alistair's biggest rival in this race will be

Glenn Irving. -- Glenn Irwin. This is their biggest race of the week,

North West 200. Sit back and enjoy. COMMENTATOR: The final race of the

day. We've been waiting a long time for this. Glenn Irwin on the front

row with Alastair Seeley. Slick tyres. Dunlop, Dunlop and

Hutchinson. William Dunlop has come on strong this afternoon. And James

Hillier. Lee Johnston on the Honda, and of course the rest of the guys

getting ready for the lights to go out. Who will get the best start as

the Turner gets underway question what this is the feature race, the

big one. It is a cracking start from Glenn Irwin. We ride with Dan

Shields. Number two, Glenn Irwin on the Ducati gets out on front. Only

11 laps to practice, this will be like a big practice session. Michael

Rutter showing he is still up for this. In second place now. Glenn

Irwin almost pulling away from him as they go round your corner. Tyres

coming up to temperature as we ride with Martin Jessopp. Climbing up the

hill towards the Mill Road roundabout. It is that man Glenn

Irwin. He has had a second year in Supersport, first time on a

Superbike here. This is a proper tool, this machine. Look behind, 182

of the line is Denis. Back on board with Martin Jessopp. There is Ian

Hutchinson charging past on the Tyco BMW. Trying to get in the slipstream

of Michael Rutter. And it does. Both BMWs there. It is still Glenn Irwin.

Jessop goes through there. Alastair Seeley, he has a sniff on these

guys, has the magnets on. Alastair Seeley isn't worried about being

this far back this early in the race but doesn't like to fall a long way

back. They run down towards the braking zone. Is he going to do

another one on brakes? Not really close enough. Not really. This is a

seven lap race, nearly 70 miles of racing on these roads around here.

The crowds are loving this one. They've all dried out nicely and are

ready for this big race. It's been awhile since we had a form race like

this with this kind of talent in it. Great Ducati's here. The rain has

come and gone during the day, it has left the circuit patchy but it is OK

for racing on. We have got a full race in front of you. We are just

coming to the race of the first of those seven laps and Glenn Irwin,

surprising a lot of people... Is this Bruce Anstey going slowly or

still on the pace? He is still on the pace. He has had a torrid time

of things so far. The Honda has not been working for him but it is

working for this man. Hutchinson, sliding into the corners using the

rear brakes. Sealey neat and tidy. Michael Dunlop on the big Suzuki,

number three, first time out for that bike. 1000 R, very powerful.

Michael Dunlop a formidable competitor. Hutchinson is the man

behind them. Glenn Irwin, should he be doing this? Alastair Seeley does

on this to happen, does he? He has his sights on this bid of equalling

the record of winds that are North West 200, even if he can't do it in

a single day. At the time he is tracking James Hillier with Michael

Rutter breathing down his neck. Irwin is the way up the road. Very

much so. Sealey far through station corner. He will be tracking Jessop,

as you can see. Closing. I think he is going to pass him. He does. Look

at the way he is fighting that bike. Only a little guide that he is

tenacious. It's got himself through station corner, going absolutely

full on, about 185 miles an hour. There is Jessop in the slipstream.

The front wheel comes up in the air. The wind starts getting under it, he

climbs up to the bikes, pushing himself up

off the foot rest, trying to get his weight there. Jessop looking for the

inside line as they come to the braking zone. Rutter has two bikes

in front of him but he goes round them. Is a demon on the brakes.

On-board Jessop. It is Rutter. Get past those guys into third but Glenn

Irwin was still leading. Ian Hutchinson, right on his back wheel.

This is super bikes for the price of a 600, they are scrapping like

circuit races. Hutchinson, late on the brakes. Is he going to get it

stopped? He slams it down in front of Glenn Irwin. Almost sideswiped in

going through. A very committed pass. A committed overtake from

Glenn Irwin. Here is the replay. Slithering and sliding. This is

short circuit racing. You can see the little clip off. Here he goes in

the slipstream. Glenn Irwin late on the brakes. Very, very late on the

brakes. This time Hutchinson didn't have a chance as they go to the

chicane. Glenn Irwin through the chicanes have so much confidence

that Ducati. Look how much he stretches himself on the exit. Get

on the power and use that rear tyre. Manage the chicane very cleanly MED.

Back on board with Martin Jessopp. Here is Glenn Irwin with Hutchinson

behind him, Hutchinson is going to follow him around. Both of those

right on the last inch of braking zone. They couldn't have left that

any later. They couldn't. As I said, that Suzuki is brand-new. Hutchinson

doing everything he can to cling on the back of the Ducati right now.

And again, every time of the corners use the Glenn Irwin in that Ducati,

a twin cylinder, lots of torque and grip. Using every bit of his skill

he's got coming off bursts corners. Let's see what Michael Dunlop has...

Going down the inside, is he going to squeeze through? Not this time.

Sealey now in third place. Alastair Seeley has really got to get a move

on. The other two are scooting off up the road. Glenn Irwin, his deadly

rival... What a shame. Bruce is out. Terrible day for Bruce Anstey.

Martin Jessopp still in the middle of this but what we want is the is

if Seeley... Dunlop goes passed easily in the slipstream. Closing

and closing any has that speed through their very much so. He will

be going past in a minute. Dunlop, I'm sure, Michael Dunlop will be

pleased with this Suzuki's performance. They are trying to get

this bike sorted out. Most importantly, this is the battle for

the lead. Look at them, fighting the bikes. When they get in the dirty

air, it start upsetting the bike and they start wriggling around. Glenn

Irwin's bike seems to wriggle around on its own. Not the best handling

bike out there but he is youthful enough to fight it. They have all

done a bit of wriggling in the course of these last few laps. On

board with Martin Jessopp, looking back at Peter Hickman. I think

Dunlop is away and up the road. So is Glenn Irwin. Alastair Seeley is

coming. You work together, probably won't want to work together. Seeley

using the slipstream, charging down there. Same deal, coming up towards

the coast road. Who will be the fastest? I think Glenn Irwin is

learning every single lap what this bike is doing. He only had 11 laps

practice prior to this race. Every single lap years working out where

the line and grip is. Irwin, Seeley, Hutchinson. These three are close

enough together. Any of them could win it. They could cross the line

almost side by side the way they are going at the moment. Irwin, a bit of

a shock to everyone, I think. Especially Alastair Seeley. Nobody

expected someone... Hutchinson! Slides it in a really -- and really

aggressive on the rear brake. Hutchinson broke that left leg badly

and has shifted to a right shift. Mr get coming out of the chicane. If

Rutter can capitalise remains to be seen. Irwin hasn't seen as much of

this racetrack as of them. Alastair Seeley has won 18 times and an 18

laps, and now he is out in front. There is the replay of Hutchinson

slithering in their nicely. And again, wriggling around. Very, very

fast. Rather nervous. It comes Hutchinson on Seeley, this will help

them both pull up towards. You can see them closing on Glenn Irwin. One

either side. Surely. He is holding onto it. He is. I think it is

arguably the most powerful bike here today. I think it is probably the

slip wrist. Look at that, like red arrows formation. He is up to his

elbows in it, Glenn Irwin. Hutchinson and Seeley side-by-side

that he is so cool. Michael Rutter is not done with yet. Number 11 on

the back of this four. Just behind them is Michael Dunlop. We have a

long, long way to go for this race yet. Wouldn't want to put any money

on anyone at this moment in time. Seeley looking for another win. That

would give him his maximum amount of wins here on any occasion. But a lot

of work to do. It would upset Philip McCallum if he did it. A long way to

go yet. Glenn Erwin. If you can sit moving from here, trust me, if you

were on it would horrendous. It starts barking around. It look so

balanced by comparison... Desperately late on the brakes. When

that we'll came down it was locked up and went sideways. Look, again

trying to get on the power, trying to put that 200 and odd horsepower

on the break. And now again, you can see him fighting, the big exhaust

pipe sticking out the back and rattling around everywhere. On board

with Martin Jessopp, very calm and collected. These boys all ought to

be behaving like grown-ups. . Not at all. There goes Dean Harrison down

the inside on the Kawasaki. Look at this, Hutchinson, back wheel up in

the air and when it comes down, sideways. Glenn Irwin thinking he

will never make it. How close was that?! Alastair Seeley on the

outside not close enough. Hutcheon on the inside not close enough.

Glenn Irwin, he hasn't got the experience of the others. He might

not have that bike set up as neatly as they have for the high-speed

straights. If he comes back next year, will know an awful lot more

than he does now. He certainly will. They have found another formidable

competitor here. Paul Byrd will be loving this one, I'm sure. I think

Glenn Irwin is enjoying himself as well. Michael Dunlop likes winning

races, but with a brand-new motorcycle, he is setting up for the

season. He is probably thinking, this is coming together nicely. I

would say he's very happy with his performance and where he is at the

moment. With the other bikes that are sorted and fixed up. Glenn Irwin

looking best of all. Seeley and Hutchinson side-by-side out of the

chicane. I think Michael Dunlop is waiting for these boys to bump into

each other. Or at least go up the slip road something! Glenn Irwin

said he is to come here and write his BMX bike on the golf course, I

know you shouldn't have done that, and dreams are coming to race here.

I imagine he dreams of winning here as well. Still a long way to go. So,

so fast. Look at that! He has pulled out a lead again, six or seven bike

lengths in front. Seeley and Hutchinson are tripping over one

another a little bit. The Ducati off the corner seems to have that

advantage, that lovely growl. They Paul Lim in under braking. That is

often a fast way of doing it, slow in and fast out. The important thing

around the north-west is being fast on the exits. Every five miles an

hour you carry from the corner you are carrying down the straight. No

point trying to get into a corner too fast and then screwing it all up

and not getting a good exit. Are they close enough? Yes, they are.

The helicopter doing its best up there. It can't keep up, absolutely

flat out. We are seeing exhaust pipes here. The big double pipes out

the back of the bike. Not able to get past. It is like a formation.

Erwin, foot comes down. He is punching the hole in the air and

bringing them forward, they don't seem to have anything left to go

past. It's like in order to go past him they need another gear they

never even thought of fitting to the bikes. That they never even dreamt

would be needed. The trouble is, for those guys, he is so good on the

brakes, Glenn Irwin. Ray Sharp, been on the podium twice in Superbike

races this year. He's on top form. I think our breaking him is going to

take another of those wild dives from Hutchinson. Maybe it will be

Seeley for us. Alastair Seeley has the run on in this time, on the

inside for the corner. Look at it now, wriggling around. Unreal!

Hutchinson again, again! CHUCKLES That was very forceful from Ian

Hutchinson. There is no other way to get through and get past that

machine but he definitely stuck it to Glenn Irwin. Glenn Irwin coming

back at him out of the slipstream, using the power of the Ducati,

alongside Ian Hutchinson. There is Hutchinson. This temple might go

straight in front of him and closes the door. Inches away at 185 miles

an hour. On the brakes again, Irwin jammed against the fuel tank. 1.5

Gs. Michael Dunlop at about it is looking very strong. An excellent

weekend at the North West 200. He has.

This man we are looking at has 21 wins, Seeley. Irwin on the inside.

Slithering into the corner. Is this it, is this the moment Seeley has

been waiting for? Is this the moment where he goes, I'm free and clear

and going to break away? That's how he likes to write his races. He will

have to be very good on the coast Road to do it. I don't think there's

any way he can pull away on the straights. On the corner, Glenn

Irwin jams it down the inside. That might be Seeley's chicane but Glenn

Irwin has taken charge of it, he has adopted it! That was stern stuff

from Glenn Irwin. He is so determined, isn't he? We are looking

at Derek Sheils, as you can see. Getting a good idea of how much work

is going into this if you are actually in the sea doing that. Look

at Glenn Irwin. I think Glenn Irwin has worked it out. If there is any

chance of rain and a red flag, if it goes back a lap it will be his, I

think that's what he's working out. You never know. Look at the people

stood there, clapping and cheering. Trying to get some clear vision.

Michael Rutter... Having a battle of their own at the back. This is just

an extraordinary performance from Glenn Irwin. A Superbike rookie

around here effectively. So few laps on that machine, and yet look at the

way he is riding. Making Seeley right out of his skin, isn't he? --

ride out of his skin? Brakes, going down through the gears going through

the chicane. Seeley lady running into the back of him that time.

Glenn Irwin punching off the corner, using drive and grit. It is all very

well having power but you have to have good throttle feel. Seeley is

gaining. Is he going to try and passing before they get to station

corner? They won't get through two abreast. Seeley drops back. The

crowd loving this and so I! Hutchinson Aubert up the back of

Michael Dunlop. Michael Dunlop moving forward and Seeley still

stuck behind Glenn Irwin. I'm surprised all those people weren't

running away! What I can tell you, the performance of these bikes, it's

going to happen on the Coast Road, as it often does that the North West

200. I don't see Seeley getting away. Each time he tries it, Glenn

Irwin comes back at him. As they do it again and again. Just look at

theirs. They keep saying, if I was in the draft I'd be all right.

You're not planning anything here. They are just racing and scratching

and taking what they can when they can. It's just going to go on like

that until they run out of laps and whoever is in front will be the

winner. Absolutely right. I think the plans have all gone out the

window. Michael Dunlop looking good. He has adapted to that bikes.

Ridden so many different bikes run here. Last year he started with a

Yamaha and then switched back to the BMW after a few races. He has ridden

BMWs around this course. OK, helicopter view. This time around

Glenn Irwin gets through the chicane first. Gets through without being

attacked by a sliding Hutchinson. There's no question that tyres will

be past their optimum. I know it's not a hugely long race. Here he

comes. Seeley jamming it down the inside. Neck and neck on the braking

zone. Who dares wins. Who will break the latest? Who has the wheels on

the ground? Round the outside... Surely not! He does it. Did not want

to be beaten into the chicane, Glenn Irwin. Generally you would say

whoever has the inside line, has the corner. He had track position but

Irwin had his eyes shut, I think. Or didn't know the rules! Now a

splinter group, just about got away from Hutchinson, I think. What an

extraordinary races has turned out to be. A long wait for the final

race of the day at the North West 200 but was it worth waiting for?

Hutchinson, Dunlop hunting him down. Seeley likes the Coast Road and

overtaking on these sweeping corners. Glenn Irwin doesn't like

being overtaken and is resisting fat. They turn left into the Juniper

chicane. Seeley on the gas as fast as he can but Irwin is faster.

Hutchinson and Dunlop closing in. The gap is closing down. It might

well be. This looks like a two horse race at the moment. Both riders from

Carrickfergus. Surely Seeley isn't going down the inside here? There is

a wet patch there, watch it. If they were better friends you would call

them the Carrick Crusaders. Not that I know of. But I'm going to say they

will have a lot of respect for one another at the end of this race. It

has been a proper duel in the sunset here tonight at the North West 200.

Still more laps to go. Who is getting tired? Alastair Seeley on

his fitness, is done about five races so far today. That's a point.

Glenn Irwin is fresh out of the box. We are on the final lap. That thing

is all over the place going up to the roundabout. Seeley Solder and

tries to come round the outside. Glenn Irwin having none of it. Stops

in the middle of the corner, pretty smart. Really backed it down the

corner, in the middle of the roundabout, so he could fire it off

the corner. They might do now. Seeley has got the run out of the

chicane and wriggling all over the place. Oh my goodness me. It's like

a broken toilet seat. That BMW is normally so tidy and shipshape with

him on board. Slipstream city here we go. Seeley in the slipstream,

going to go left or right. Oh, he's on the grass! My goodness me.

Seeley, the camera, the road dragged him into Annie had to shut the

throttle. In the dirt at 175 miles an hour. Hutchinson took advantage.

Probably got sprayed in water and stones. I cannot believe what I have

seen. Alastair Seeley back on the throttle. Glenn Irwin breaking into

the corner but Seeley right behind Hutchinson. He should have been

passed by Michael Dunlop and Michael Rutter in theory. Look at that. The

wheels are in the dirt on in the gutter at that point. He just had to

roll out of it. That was so close to the edge. That would have confuse

the traction control. I would have been off to the toilet myself!

Alastair Seeley has just got back into gear. He's coming again. It's

not over yet. We have half a lap to go. Irwin won't know what happened

behind him, he won't know that Seeley shouldn't be doing this at

this particular time. He's going to treat him like he has throughout the

race. Closing on traffic. This is a black marker was going through the

bottom of the screen. Here's another 24, that could be awkward. Andrew

Sellars. He will get a lesson in a minute because these two are

charging through. This had to shut the throttle a little bit. Seeley

has gone down the inside into Church. I think we still have

another run down to the Juniper hill chicane. Over the top of Blackhill

in a minute. That was close. No question Glenn Irwin had to just

compromise his line, shut the throttle of it. Seeley didn't need a

second invitation. Irwin is slipstreaming him up the hill.

Coming out of the draft and going over the top. This is close. Seeley

is wriggling around! Now Irwin has the inside line. That was a

magnificent charge from Glenn Irwin. Alastair Seeley almost out of

control trying to stay out in front and couldn't do it. Irwin just went

sizing past him so neatly. Look at them, power sliding through June

poll that my Juniper. Seeley hasn't got a chance of going past as they

go towards the line. It is Irwin and Seeley and Hutchinson. What a

breathtaking, what a fantastic race that was. That was an astonishing

performance from those two. Absolutely stunning. 0.1 72. Irwin

with his first-ever win here. Great drive, 20 wins run here, can't

disrespect him. We've had our differences in the past for him and

Ian to race that close, I didn't look behind, I don't know who else

was there. It's insane, it's awesome, the best sport in the

world. The way the confidence carried from my wins it would be an

epic battle. It was just made for good entertainment. What an

incredible finish to this year's North West 200. Unbelievable. It has

been an awesome week. Thursday's races were great but Saturday blew

my head. That finale, the Superbike race was unreal. Glenn Irwin rode

well beyond his years. In some ways a little disappointed for Alistair

because he was the man. He won four times. His best ever North West 200

and will go home to a bit disappointed not to win the big one,

the one they were all after. Thank you very much for your company this

week. We have more North West 200 highlights for you next Sunday

afternoon on BBC Two. All television programmes available on BBC iPlayer

as well. But for now, from all of us here on the north coast, until this

time next year, it's bye-bye. First up, Monaghan take on

Fermanagh,