NW200 2026: Practice, race schedule and road closing times for Northern Ireland's biggest motorcycle race
The world’s top road racers will descend on the north coast for the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200, which takes place from May 6-9.
Northern Ireland’s biggest motorcycle race, first held in 1929, takes place on public roads linking the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine around the 8.9-mile ‘Triangle’ course, where riders reach speeds in excess of 200mph.
The practice and race schedule, and the all-important road closing times for race week are as follows:
NW200 PRACTICE/QUALIFYING
Wednesday, May 6 (Roads closed 9am-3pm)
Session 1 – Newcomers Only (approx. 9.45am)
Session 2 – Superbike
Session 3 – Supersport
Session 4 – Superstock
Session 5 – Supertwin/Sportbike
Thursday, May 7 (Roads closed 9am-3pm)
Session 1 – Superbike (approx. 9.45am)
Session 2 – Supersport
Session 3 – Superstock
Session 4 – Supertwin/Sportbike
RACE SCHEDULE - THURSDAY
Thursday, May 7 (Roads closed 4.45pm-9pm, first race approximately 5.30pm)
RACE 1 – Milwaukee Superbike (4 laps)
RACE 2 – Fraser Homes Supersport (4 laps)
RACE 3 – Amici Ristorante Superstock (4 laps)
NW200 SATURDAY RACE SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 9 (Roads closed 9am-7pm, first race approximately 10am)
RACE 1 – Maxwell Freight Services Supertwin/Sportbike (4 laps)
RACE 2 – Briggs Equipment Superbike (6 laps)
RACE 3 – Tides Restaurant Supersport (6 laps)
RACE 4 – CP Hire Superstock (6 laps)
RACE 5 – John M Paterson Supertwin/Sportbike (4 laps)
RACE 6 – Merrow Hotel & Spa NW200 Superbike (6 laps)