Run every May since 1929, the North West 200 is one of the fastest road races in the world — Superbikes hitting over 200mph on closed public roads around the “Triangle” of Portstewart, Coleraine, and Portrush. The 8.9-mile circuit mixes long straights, fast bends, and tight chicanes, and spectators line the streets, often within feet of the bikes.
It’s really a week-long festival, not just a race day: practice sessions early in the week, racing on the closing days, plus a vintage bike and car run, live music, a family fun village, and fireworks.
The course record
The outright lap record now belongs to Glenn Irwin, who set 125.779mph on a Hager PBM Ducati in 2024 — beating the table below, which reflects the top laps as of 2022:
| Rider | Bike | Year/Class | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Hickman | 1000cc BMW | 2022 Superbike | 124.799mph |
| Glenn Irwin | 1000cc Honda | 2022 NW200 | 124.656mph |
| Richard Cooper | 1000cc Suzuki | 2022 NW200 | 124.545mph |
| Davey Todd | 1000cc Honda | 2022 Superbike | 124.519mph |
| Dean Harrison | 1000cc Kawasaki | 2022 Superbike | 123.454mph |
| Michael Dunlop | 1000cc BMW | 2016 Superbike | 123.207mph |
| Josh Brookes | 1199cc Ducati | 2022 NW200 | 123.141mph |
| Alastair Seeley | 1000cc BMW | 2017 Superstock | 122.898mph |
| Lee Johnston | 1000cc BMW | 2022 Superstock | 122.894mph |
| Ian Hutchinson | 1000cc BMW | 2016 Superstock | 122.702mph |
Alastair Seeley holds the record for most career wins at the event; Michael Dunlop, Glenn Irwin, and the wider Dunlop racing family are among the names most associated with the race’s history.
Tickets and viewing
Grandstand tickets, paddock passes, and race programmes go on sale via the official North West 200 site. Most roadside viewing spots are free — you park and walk to the course.
Staying for race week
Portrush and Portstewart hotels and B&Bs book out fast for race week — reserve well ahead. Camping options:
- Official event campsite — around £300/week including two paddock passes at time of writing, no electric hookup.
- Highview Holiday Park, Portrush — caravan and tent pitches, electric hookups, laundry, play area.
- Maddybenny Farm Campsite — just north of Portrush, views over the town and Scotland, 10 hardstanding pitches plus 14 grass tent pitches, 16 electric hookups, dogs allowed.
- Juniper Hill Caravan Park, Portrush — close to the circuit, modern facilities.
Getting around during race week
Parking in Portrush and Portstewart gets difficult with road closures — basing yourself in a well-connected neighbouring town is often easier. Trains run Portrush–Coleraine (about 10 minutes) with onward connections toward Derry~Londonderry (Castlerock) or Belfast (Ballymoney). Buses from Portrush run along the coast to Portballintrae, Bushmills, Ballintoy, and Ballycastle — useful if part of your group would rather sightsee than watch racing.
