Becca Keegan
BBC Sport NI at the North West 200

Here's the view from the grandstand that overlooks the grid at the North West 200.

There are plenty of empty seats at the moment, but I'm sure they will be packed later on for the three races.

Image source, BBC Sport

Lee Johnston
Five-time winner at the NW200

I don't know how that last session went for Mike [Browne].

It's a bit unfortunate really as he is definitely a contender here in a few classes so it would be good to see him up there for the entertainment value and the interviews if nothing else!

We thought we wouldn't have long to wait for some fast times and the riders have duly delivered...yesterday's fastest speeds are already being obliterated as the racers make best use of the improved conditions.

Richard Cooper is fastest so far at 4:33.627, an average lap speed of 118.015mph.

That's merely six tenths of a second outside Peter Hickman's lap record of 118.273mph set 12 months ago.

Davey Todd is next quickest on the Ducati with 117,723, 0.6 seconds slower than his first-placed compatriot.

Republic of Ireland rider Mike Browne sits third on 116.534, then Michael Dunlop fourth with 116.461.

Browne is Yamaha-mounted, while Dunlop has switched from that Japanese manufacturer to Triumph for his 2024 campaign.

Lee Johnston
Five-time winner at the NW200

Honestly there are three guys on the grid who believe they are going to win each one of these races in all three classes so this is going to make a good racing

Michael Sweeney speaking to BBC Sport NI:

"Not as good as yesterday, but went out this morning and tried a few changes with gears and suspension but the chicanes are damp this morning so we didn't get in a good lap.

"Superbike, I went out a three or four laps and the same again, trying out a few things.

"So I think we have it right now for the Superstock qualifying."

Richard Cooper speaking to BBC Sport NI:

We did a podium last year with a second and a third and Davey [Todd] was the man to beat and he is looking like the man to beat this year.

However we have found a bit more about the road racing and it felt good yesterday, we topped the session, we might have got towed but that's motorcycle racing for you.

I love the Supertwin and I love the Supersport and ideally I would like to win a Supersport race this week for sure.

As his usual practice Michael Dunlop goes out at the very back of the field hoping for some clear road in front of him.

The riders riders are completing their first lap - having got some heat into their tyres and with more rubber laid on track expect the fast speeds to develop before very long...

We are missing a potential race winner in this class due to the fact that Honda Racing have not provided Dean Harrison with a Supersport machine for the North West.

Of course we are also without the absent Alastair Seeley who has won a record 13 times in the Supersports and also the injured Lee Johnston, a 600cc victor in both 2019 and 2022.

Keith Huewen
BBC Sport NI commentator

Richard Cooper was quickest yesterday and he will be looking to do it again.

There is no doubt about it, Richard Cooper has nailed his results to the mast already that he wants for the week.

He wants to win both the Supertwins, which has been controversial for him in the past when he lost it and then got it back a couple of years ago.

Supersports are heading out on the track for the opening lap of their second and final qualifying session...nice and easy usually does it for their first lap 'sighter'.

With temperatures rising and the roads now dry expect some fast speeds in this Supersport session.

Yamahas, Ducatis, Triumphs, Hondas, Suzukis, Kawasakis...we have them all out in this middleweight class.

It promises to be fast and furious.

Kevin Keyes speaking to BBC Sport NI:

"We have worked so hard behind the scenes, the team has worked for hours and hours and so have I training and studying.

"Just to be here is mind blowing, I've sat on that footpath for many years helping Michael Sweeney and just itching to be sat on a bike myself so it's one of the dreams come true for myself."

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at the North West 200

Michael Dunlop has quietly been going about his business so far, as he likes to do.

He was walking about with some strapping on his injured hand or wrist, but it didn't seem to hold him back too much on Wednesday - or in the Superbike qualifying as he stuck his Honda third behind Glenn Irwin and Davey Todd.

Can he improve on third position in the Supersports?

Image source, BBC Sport

Glenn Irwin speaking to BBC Sport NI:

"There is more to come, obviously going to see if there are any changes to be made, but to do the fastest ever lap out there is cool and a tag I have never had. I love this place.

"I expect a strong challenge tonight, Davey [Todd] is riding really well and Pete [Hickman] and Dean [Harrison], they are all strong characters, resilient and winners at the top level.

"I don't expect it to be easy and I know where to improve."

The next practice session today is for the Supersport machines.

Yesterday's best speed was set by Richard Cooper at 117.767mph, the Nottingham rider seeking to build on the four Supertwins successes he has enjoyed in the last two years.

Cooper became the fastest ever newcomer at the event when he made his debut in 2019 but while he made an early impact in the bike bike classes he has focused his efforts more on the smaller capacity classes this year and last.

As was the case 12 months ago, he rides a Yamaha for the Northern Ireland-based BPE by Russell Racing team this year.

Dale McIlveen of Davey Todd's Milwaukee BMW team, speaking to BBC Sport NI:

"We have a plan for both days and the plan is going according to plan.

"No doubt about it tonight, we'll be there.

"Glenn [Irwin] well done, qualifing times make it interesting for sure."

Alan Irwin, dad of Glenn Irwin, speaking to BBC Sport NI:

"Fantastic. It is a fast thing and absolutely nerve-racking for me.

"He is riding out there fantastic. He was 1.2 seconds down in sector two there so we take it maybe another rider held him up, so it could have been quicker. You're talking three seconds under the lap record here with that, so yeah it's fast."

The Superbike session is over and the leading grid positions are decided by today's times. Here are your top six.

1 Glenn Irwin (Ducati) 125.928mph

2 Davey Todd (BMW) 124.842

3 Michael Dunlop (Honda) 123.756

4 Dean Harrison (Honda) 123.104

5 Peter Hickman (BMW) 123.059

6 Conor Cummins (Honda) 122.203

Image source, Pacemaker Press

David Johnson speaking to BBC Sport NI:

"It's a lot to take in, a brand new team and new bike as well.

"Lots of little small problems and we're trying to get up to speed today.

"It's a lot more competitive [since the last time he competed at the North West] but we'll keep working at it and see how we go and hopefully get a bit higher up."

Michael Browne speaking to BBC Sport NI:

"We ran out of time to get a tyre changed to try to put in a good lap and I'm not consistent enough with my laps, which is a bit annoying.

"It's a Superstock and I'm in a Superbike class so I'm just going to give myself a breather for now."