The 2019 North West 200 Is In The Books

Racing the 8.9-mile Triangle course is a preview of the Isle of Man TT.

Despite a massive soaking on Saturday’s race day, organizers managed to run four of the five scheduled races.Shaun Lewis

It's been said (probably in a pub) that there are three religions in Northern Ireland: motorbike racing, and the other two. Proof of that was evident last week as local heroes Michael Dunlop, Glenn Irwin, Alastair Seeley, and Lee Johnston represented their home country in the 80th running of the International North West 200. Drawing nearly 150,000 spectators, the NW200 is Northern Ireland's largest annual sporting event.

Favorite son Michael Dunlop was back and aboard the latest BMW S1000RR showing no ill effects from a recent wrist injury.Shaun Lewis
Kawasaki rider Glenn Irwin absolutely shone in the North West 200, winning the Superbike race in dramatic fashion.Shaun Lewis

Weather along the Causeway Coast is always challenging, but fortunately the rain held off for the qualifying sessions as well as Thursday’s racing. Saturday’s forecast however, was right on target. Wet. Despite the soggy conditions which caused numerous red flags and delays, race organizers managed to pull off four of the five scheduled races, only having to cancel the second Superbike race.

Peter Hickman, campaigning the Smiths Racing S1000RR, gave the new BMW its debut roadracing win in the Superstock race.Shaun Lewis
Dean Harrison nabbed the fastest Superbike lap in opening practice, a scorching 121.21 mph.Shaun Lewis

England’s Four Horsemen—Dean Harrison, Peter Hickman, James Hillier, and Ian Hutchinson—were all on hand to battle it out on the hallowed ground northwest of Belfast. Michael Dunlop was back aboard the Tyco BMW S1000RR, and also putting in an appearance was 47-year-old John McGuinness, back at full strength after missing the last two years due to injury. He rode the SG8 Norton (using the 1,000c Aprilia V-4 motor), as well as the British manufacturer’s new 650cc Superlight bike. All the perennial TT front-runners had a good showing and race fans were witness to a preview of the upcoming IOMTT races, which begin on May 25.

American Patricia Fernandez rode her Magic Bullet Motorsport Kawasaki ZX-10R to 19th place in the Superbike race at her first North West 200.Shaun Lewis
Twenty-four-time IOMTT winner John McGuinness piloted the shiny SG8 Norton Superbike, though not with Norton’s new engine in it.Shaun Lewis
James Hillier won Saturday’s Superstock race in his NW200 debut.Shaun Lewis
Roadracing fans were treated to a weekend of dramatic finishes sure to heighten the anticipation for the upcoming Isle of Man TT.Shaun Lewis

2019 International North West 200 Results

Thursday, May 16

SUPERTWIN

  1. Stefano Bonetti
  2. Jamie Coward
  3. Michael Rutter

SUPERSTOCK

  1. Peter Hickman
  2. Glenn Irwin
  3. Michael Dunlop

SUPERSPORT

  1. Lee Johnston
  2. Dean Harrison
  3. James Hillier

Saturday, May 18

SUPERTWIN

  1. Jeremy McWilliams
  2. Christian Elkin
  3. Michael Rutter

SUPERSTOCK

  1. James Hillier
  2. Richard Cooper
  3. Davey Todd

SUPERSPORT

  1. Davey Todd
  2. Derek McGee
  3. Conor Cummins

SUPERBIKE

  1. Glenn Irwin
  2. James Hillier
  3. Conor Cummins
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