Irwin is so late on the brakes into Juniper and just manages to get his Ducati stopped!

Todd slots in behind and this is going down to the final lap!

Image source, Pacemaker

Irwin is biding his time here and is sitting behind into Metropole. He's shadowing his rival and friend!

Irwin pokes his nose in front on the run through Mather's, but Todd is later on the brakes and holds on.

There is nothing between them!

Irwin thinks about a move into University but holds off. He's closer on the run through Ballysally as he has been so far!

Both riders have SMASHED the lap record on that lap.

Irwin gets the edge by less than two tenths, but to highlight the pace of these men the previous record was a 4:18 from Hickman - Irwin and Todd are in the 4:16s!

Irwin is right on Todd's wheel coming over the line, the gap is 0.155! So close.

Dunlop is in third but 10 seconds back - this is a two horse race!

Again, Irwin is right on Todd's back wheel on the run into Portrush. They are tied together!

Lee Johnston
Five-time winner at the NW200

Davey [Todd] is really strong through Station. Whether that's on the electronics or whatever but he's committed through there. That's not bike's speed, he's made the speed up through that corner.

Like on the previous lap, Irwin closes right up on Todd heading into Mather's Cross but he keeps in behind.

Is this strategy or does Todd have the advantage?

This is unbelievable pace from the top two. They are miles clear from the rest.

Irwin is struggling to reel Todd in on the run to Coleraine.

Don't forget, these two are good friends, but that will go out the window on track!

It's still Todd ahead of Irwin heading through York corner.

Behind, Dean Harrison hit the kerb heading onto his second lap, and that allows Dunlop back into third!

Todd pulls away again on the run to Juniper, but Irwin is still right there.

The noise as they roar past the start/finish - wow! The margin is 0.371.

Dunlop is almost five seconds back!

Lee Johnston
Five-time winner at the NW200

Honestly, this is the one I was the most nervous for. Once you get the first race out of the way, even if it is the smaller bike category.

But it just seems to be the one with the most tension.

Irwin reels Todd in on the run to Portrush, the top two are tied together!

Todd covers the inside and Irwin slots in behind. They are miles clear as they head up the hill!

Davey Todd was 207.8mph through the speed trap on the first lap....THE FIRST LAP!

Wow, and Irwin wasn't far behind!

The top two hold position on the run into Mather's Cross!

Todd and Irwin are breaking away already! It's the BMW rider who leads the local favourite!

Harrison and Dunlop are going side-by-side going into University!

Davey Todd gets the jump into York corner!

Can Irwin respond on the long run to Station corner?

Image source, Pacemaker

A look to the lights, the engine notes rise.......LET'S GO RACING!

The famous call rings out - 'clear the grid please, clear the grid'.

It's almost time!

Philip McCallen
11-time race winner at the NW200

Glenn [Irwin] is a local lad. He's in top form, he's come for three wins and he wants this win.

But, let me tell you, Davey Todd's not going to give it to him that easy. He's also been under the lap record.

Also, Michael [Dunlop] beside him too.

It's going to be interesting!