North West 200 gearing up for red-carpet launch of Charley Boorman's new documentary charting history of legendary motorcycle race
A fascinating documentary charting the history of the legendary North West 200 motorcycle races is gearing up for an exclusive red-carpet premiere in Belfast next month.
Produced and directed by presenter, travel writer and actor Charley Boorman, ‘Bigger, Better, Faster’ was filmed at Northern Ireland’s leading road race this year.
Created by Luke Whatley-Bigg in May, the eagerly anticipated launch of the film will take place at Movie House CitySide at Yorkgate in Belfast on Monday, November 9.
Commissioned by leading baselayer brand Zerofit, the documentary showcases the highs and lows connected with the 97-year-old race, which takes place annually around the high-speed 8.9-mile ‘Triangle’ course linking the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.
Bike fan Boorman talks to some of the event’s greatest names, including record 12-time Superbike race winner Glenn Irwin from Carrickfergus, and takes a deep dive into the storied past of those riders who have gone before.
The film features Carrickfergus man Irwin as its central character on his return to the North West after a year’s sabbatical.
Irwin was seeking to extend his remarkable run of victories in the premier Superbike class and further enhance his legacy after he became the most successful rider in the blue riband class in 2024, surpassing the North West 200’s most celebrated racer – Joey Dunlop – and England’s Michael Rutter, who both won nine Superbike events.
The famous race’s top official, Event Director Mervyn Whyte, and his team granted the filmmakers unprecedented access throughout race week to competitors and the organisational staff, enabling Boorman to get up close and personal as the event unfolded.
A new star emerged this year as British Superbike prospect Storm Stacey triumphed on his debut, winning two races, while Irwin marked his comeback with yet another Superbike success.
Road racing’s current biggest star and home-grown hero Michael Dunlop from Ballymoney delighted his fans with a victory in the Supersport race, but the 2026 meeting was tinged with sadness after Czech racer Kamil Holan was killed following a crash in qualifying.
The film also shines a spotlight on the people behind the racers, with Boorman spending time with Irwin’s parents, Alan – himself a former top road racer – and Margaret, and his partner Laura.
As well as the North West 200’s most recognisable names, Boorman also meets riders and teams who are completely self-funded such as Carlton Bell Racing, highlighting the stark contrast between the big names fighting at the front for the victory spoils with the backing of the biggest teams, and those privateer riders operating on a shoestring budget purely for the love of the sport.
Hailed as an insight into the North West 200 like you’ve never seen it before, ‘Bigger, Better, Faster’ is a treat for hardened race fans and casual supporters alike.
The film will be shown in Movie House Cinemas across Northern Ireland in late November, before being available globally on streaming services from early 2027.