Philip McCallen
11-time race winner at the NW200

To put more money up for the Superbikes is great and it will make better racing as well.

There will be more people wanting that money and it's better for spectators.

Richard Petrie
BBC Sport at the North West 200

Glenn Irwin will be hoping for better fortune in first qualifying than he has had in recent years when set-up issues have hindered his progress.

The Carrickfergus rider struggled to get his Kawasaki to handle as he would like in 2019, his Honda initially proved troublesome in 2020 and last year Irwin explained how his Ducati was proving very unstable in the high speed sections.

On each occasion Irwin has recovered to secure victories on raceday and add to his domination of the premier big bike blue riband class of the meeting.

Davey Todd leads Glenn Irwin across the line as the riders complete their first flying laps.

It's Irwin on his Ducati with the fastest time so far as he pops in a 4:26.925, with Todd just behind with a 4:28.834.

There are many who feel that this could be a constant theme this week.

John McGuinness MBE speaking to BBC Sport NI on the grid: "Those Superstock bikes are so fast and I have been riding them week in week out. I have to be positive and think we can do a good job on it."

At just 25 years old, Nathan Harrison has already had to overcome many setbacks in his attempts to fulfil his motorcycle racing dreams.

A serious accident during his teenage years left the Manxman with multiple injuries from which it took almost two years to fully recover.

His mother's cancer diagnosis and subsequent passing in May 2023 came as a devastating personal blow to his closely knit racing family, her death coming just days after Nathan crashed at the North West 200, ruling him out of the Isle of Man TT in his first year as part of the Honda Racing factory team.

Then in March this year, Harrison underwent minor surgery on an injury to his left ankle following a crash during pre-season testing at Andalucia in southern Spain.

Read more of Richard Petrie's article from his interview with Nathan Harrison here.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Glenn Irwin speaking to BBC Sport NI on the grid: "You leave your confidence behind, yes we're sharpened and physically I'm up to speed but I think maybe next year we can enter the Cookstown and get a feel of the furniture because, as you have seen in my previous years, it takes me a couple days to get warmed up.

"There's no prizes for Wednesday, but, as always it's an honour to line-up."

Glenn Irwin and Dean Harrison lead the Superbikes away as their opening practice session is off and running!

Michael Dunlop speaking to BBC Sport NI on the grid: "I feel good and feel no difference, I'm ready to go and I'm just a bit late getting stuff together. Stephen had me working really hard last night to get the bike ready.

"It hasn't helped being so late back and the issues we all know has occurred with them has come back to haunt us a little, but we'll see.

"This Superbike has never turned a mile so it'll be interesting to see. I'll take it steady for a lap but when you're going 200 mile an hour, I don't know what he wants me to do!

"As I said, I'm looking forward to it and I have no problem going doing the road on a brand new bike that they built as I know what Steve and the boys do for getting them right."

Michael Dunlop speaking to BBC Sport NI on the grid: "The weather is looking decent, it's not often you say that when you come here! I'm looking forward to getting stuck in.

I did a lot of miles (at the 24 hour) which was good but obviously on the old bike and then obviously took a tumble on my own stupidity. I got plenty of miles under the belt and you really need it competing against the guys who do BSB every week."

Philip McCallen
11-time race winner at the NW200

Michael Sweeney has been about for a long time and he has worked so hard. We were here when he had that crash last year, it's horrific injuries to have and to recover from that is pure determination.

He is very competitive and had a couple of good rides and he goes to the Cookstown last week and to stand on the top step is unbelievable.

You do be nervous, I have had some bad crashes, but none as bad as that. Your first time back on that course your being a little but careful and knocking off a bit early but once you get a few laps, he'll be back on the pace.

Lee Johnston
Five-time winner at the NW200

This is the best part of the track for me, if you can ride a motorbike through this section and out of Blackhill well, you have a good chance of winning any race.

Becca Keegan
BBC Sport NI at the North West 200

The Superbikes are warming up on the grid for the first timed session of the 2024 North West 200.

There's some experience in this conversation between John McGuinness, Glenn Irwin and Davey Todd. I wonder what is being said here...

Below, James Hillier and Ian Hutchinson are pretty handy on a bike too. It's all very relaxed before we get under way.

Apologies - we are experiencing some issues with the stream for our international viewers.

We are working to fix it as quickly as possible.

The Newcomers are still heading around on their first laps of the Triangle circuit.

Given the North West 200's reputation you may not believe us here - but the weather is beautiful!

I know, I can't believe I'm typing that either.

Philip McCallen
11-time race winner at the NW200

I think we're all watching Glenn Irwin and he's maturing more and more and he is also studying a lot of psychology now.

This bike is now working before it came here, it'll be out in practice just to dial the suspension and get the gearing and braking right. In his head he's on the rostrum, but he's not boasting or saying that, he's being pretty humble, but deep down he should be favourite.

Philip McCallen
11-time race winner at the NW200

We don't know yet how serious his injury is, we'll find out. But Michael Dunlop has adrenalin that other people will never find so his pain tolerance will be pretty high.

Lee Johnston
Five-time winner at the NW200

Getting home to that famous Northern Ireland culture and the fans here are second to none with their knowledge, they tell me things I didn't even know about myself!

It's amazing being home it's the first public event I've been to since getting injured and the support is second to none.

Honda Racing riders Dean Harrison, Nathan Harrison and John McGuinness will not ride Superbike or Supersport machinery at this week's North West 200 international road race.

In a change to the team's previous plans, the trio will compete on Superstock-specification bikes in all of the 1000cc classes, taking in all three Superbike races and the two Superstock outings.

Dean Harrison is in his first year with the Honda outfit after several years riding a Kawasaki in the big bike categories and is aiming for a first win over the Triangle circuit after eight previous podium finishes, three of those coming last year.

McGuinness is a six-time winner at the event while Nathan Harrison has overcome a spill in testing in March to take part in the meeting in which he crashed out 12 months ago, sustaining a broken collarbone.

"Due to the demands of the 2024 calendar and schedule, combined with challenges in the supply chain regarding parts and materials, Honda Racing UK will not be running Superbike or Supersport machinery at this year’s NW200," read a statement issued by the team on Tuesday.

Read more here, external.

Image source, Pacemaker