Manx riders gearing up for 2026 North West 200 

Northern Ireland meeting is due to get underway today (6 May)

Multiple Manx riders are in Northern Ireland this week and gearing up for the start of this year's North West 200 which gets underway this morning (6 May).

Those Island competitors will be among some of the biggest names in road racing taking on the 'Triangle Course' from today until Saturday (9 May).

Those effectively representing the Isle of Man there have headed over there with a blend of different levels of experience of the event.

One of multiple local newcomers to the meeting this year is Grant Thomson.

He says he's relishing the prospect of a new challenge after a good racing campaign on Island in the last year:

Santon man Michael Evans is one of those Island riders who now has several years of experience at the Triangle Course under his belt.

As well as this week's event being a major road racing occasion in its own right Evans - like many others - also uses it as valuable preparation for the Isle of Man TT Races which get underway later this month.

Whilst he says there isn't a direct comparison between the North West and the TT, the Northern Ireland races are good in getting riders up to speed physically and mentally for the challenges of the Snaefell Mountain Course:

The 2026 North West 200 is due to start with opening practice today, currently due to take place between 9am and 3pm on the Triangle Course.

In the event of alterations, organisers do have the option to utilise a contingency session between 5pm and 9pm if required.

All timings remain subject to change.

You can view the full 2026 North West 200 schedule below:

2026 North West 200 schedule

(Timings are approximate)

Wednesday, 6 May

Practice

9am - Roads Close
9.45am - Newcomers Only
10.30am - Superbike
11.45am - Supersport
12.45pm - Superstock
1.45pm - Supertwin/Sportbike
3pm - Roads Reopen (at the latest)

Thursday, 7 May

Morning and Afternoon Practice

9am - Roads Close
9.45am - Superbike
11am - Supersport
12pm - Superstock
1pm - Supertwin/Sportbike
3pm - Roads Reopen (at the latest)

Evening Racing

5pm - Roads Close
5.30pm - Milwaukee Superbike Race (4 Laps)
6.30pm - Fraser Homes Supersport Race (4 Laps)
7.15pm - Amici Ristorante Superstock Race (4 Laps)

Saturday, 9 May  (Roads closed from 9am until 7pm at the latest) (First race start 10am approx.)

Race 1 - Maxwell Freight Services Supertwin/Sportbike Race (4 Laps)
Race 2 - Briggs Equipment Superbike Race (6 Laps)
Race 3 - Tides Restaurant Supersport Race (6 Laps)
Race 4 - CP Hire Superstock Raec (6 Laps)
Race 5 - John M Paterson Supertwin/Sportbike Race (6 Laps)
Race 6 - Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike Race (6 Laps)