The 20-year-old only decided to compete in the event at the last minute in a gesture of support to his older brother William, who committed himself to riding at the North West to pay tribute to his dad, Robert, who died following a crash during practice on Thursday.

However, William's PJ Flynn Honda seized on the warm-up lap, ruling him out of the race, but to the delight of the massive crowd on the north coast, Michael rose to the occasion as he emerged on top of a three-way scrap for the lead involving last year's winner, Christian Elkin from Macclesfield and John McGuinness on the Padgetts Racing Honda.

"I'm so proud today and I want to thank everyone for their support. My dad was the best around here," he said.

"I only went out there to support William and I found myself at the front and on the last lap I thought there's no point in stopping now.

"I made my move and I hope my dad is proud of me."

Robert was killed following a practice crash during Thursday evening's final practice for the event after an apparent mechanical failure caused him to be thrown from his bike and into the path of an oncoming rider.

NW200 Ducati rider, Michael Rutter, won the first Superbike race from Guy Martin, John McGuinness and Steve Plater, who went on to win both Supersport races on his AIM Yamaha in addition to the feature NW200 Superbike race.

Alastair Seeley won the Superstock race for Ballymoney team, JMF Millsport Racing, with 2007 winner Bruce Anstey second and Aussie Cameron Donald third.

Plater, from Woodhall Spa, stood on the top step of the podium in the first Supersport race, which he won from Northern Ireland's Alastair Seeley, Ian Lougher, Ian Hutchinson and Ryan Farquhar from Dungannon.

He also repeated his victory from last year in the feature NW200 Superbike race, which he went on to win after Lincolnshire's Guy Martin was forced to retired while holding what looked like being an insurmountable lead on the penultimate lap.

Cameron Donald was second, with Michael Rutter and Bruce Anstey completing the top four.

Martin crashed without injury in the second Supersport race, which was red-flagged and re-started over the full five-lap distance. Plater again reigned supreme, with Carickfergus ace Seeley second and Ian Lougher third.

Michael Wilcox clinched the 125 race, with Olie Linsdell the top 400cc competitor.

The organising Coleraine and District Motor Club ran a slick meeting and the event has been described as one of the best North West 200 races ever witnessed on the north coast, with the winner always in doubt until the final lap of every race.

For all the results go to:
RESULTS AND TIMES