Race Director Mervyn Whyte plans for 'slicker' North West 200

North West 200 Race Director Mervyn Whyte says new plans are in place to promote a 'slicker' running of the event in 2016.

These include quicker starts to the race following sighting laps, unless there are sudden changes in the weather, fewer riders on the grid for the races and just two waves of competitors rather than three.

Whyte confirmed that "a number of Europeans would be coming for the first time" to boost an already healthy entry, but added that Glenn Irwin, such a sensation on his debut last year, was very unlikely to take part this year.