The North West 200 is buzzing with excitement as the races unfold on the stunning north coast of Northern Ireland. The action kicked off on May 10, 2025, with Richard Cooper claiming an exhilarating victory in the Supertwins opener, setting the stage for a thrilling day of motorcycle racing.
Fans flocked to the event, with road closures in effect from 9 AM to 7 PM to accommodate the massive turnout. The atmosphere was electric as spectators filled the stands to witness some of the best riders in the world compete on the 8.9-mile Triangle circuit.
Cooper's win in the Supertwins race was nothing short of dramatic. In a nail-biting final lap shootout, he edged out Adam McLean, who had led the race until the very end. McLean, who finished second, was just 0.244 seconds behind Cooper as they crossed the line. "It was a fantastic race with Adam McLean there. His bike was working really well, and I actually just settled into it and let him lead a lap or so and figured out where I could possibly make the move," Cooper said after his victory. "I learnt a lot from Peter Hickman last year when he did that to me. We made the win, and to start the day off with a win, I'm very happy."
Jeremy McWilliams rounded out the podium in third place, finishing eight seconds back. "It was an OK ride. I wasn't sure what happened to Peter Hickman. I could have done with him as he might have brought me back into the mix!" McWilliams reflected on his performance.
Meanwhile, the legendary John McGuinness, who made his debut at the NW200 in 1994, is celebrating a remarkable return to form after a devastating crash in 2017 that nearly ended his career. The 53-year-old finished third in the Superstock race last year, and his emotional journey back to competitive racing has inspired many. "When I went through the fence in 2017, I was determined to come back and do a decent job. I never thought I would feel that feeling again," McGuinness shared, reminiscing about the overwhelming support he received from fans during his comeback.
As the day progressed, the excitement only intensified. The Superbike races were set to follow, with Davey Todd looking to build on his recent success. After winning his first Superbike race at the NW200 just two days earlier, Todd expressed his desire for a fast start to maintain his momentum. "With the new Superbike, I’ve been really struggling to get off the line at BSB at the weekend. I wanted to lead from the front and with it being such a short race, I wanted to stay at the front as long as I could," he stated confidently.
On the other hand, Dean Harrison, who finished second in both the Superstock race and the Superbike opener, is eager to secure his first win at the NW200. "I’ve certainly had many worse Thursdays than this. We’ve had lots of sunshine and a couple of podiums, the team’s happy, so we’re in a good place," Harrison said, hinting at his determination to improve.
The NW200 is not just about the races; it’s also a celebration of motorcycle culture and community. On May 9, stars of the event participated in the Meet the Riders Day in Coleraine, where they greeted fans and shared their experiences. The event drew a significant crowd, showcasing the strong connection between riders and their supporters.
As the riders prepare for the upcoming Superbike races, the stakes are higher than ever. With the memory of the tragic loss of Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson from the previous week still fresh in the minds of the competitors, the atmosphere is charged with both excitement and solemnity. Todd dedicated his recent victory to his fallen friends, stating, "This one’s for the boys. I’m thinking about them and hope they’re riding in the skies."
With the racing season in full swing, the NW200 promises to deliver more thrilling moments as the best riders battle for glory on the iconic circuit. As the sun sets on this action-packed day, fans are left eagerly anticipating the next round of races and the chance to witness history in the making. The North West 200 is not just a race; it’s a testament to resilience, passion, and the unbreakable spirit of motorcycle racing.
The races continue, and with each lap, the excitement builds. Who will take the top spot in the Superbike races? Only time will tell as the North West 200 unfolds its story on the beautiful north coast of Northern Ireland.
