Plans have just been finalised for the roads to be closed on the Thursday of practice week from 9.30am to 3pm to allow for extra track time for the competitors.

Race director Mervyn Whyte said: “Our NW200 management team is proud of the event’s ongoing growth and development but are mindful that safety must always be our top priority. The new daytime practice on Thursday will replicate Race Day conditions such as road temperatures, setting sun and timing, so enabling riders to become very familiar with course layout.”

Although Steve Plater has been a regular competitor and multi race winner at the North West 200 he was pleased to see the extra practice time being made available to the riders this year.

“Seasoned riders will be more relaxed and less likely to make mistakes whilst rookie riders will have additional time on their own to get to know the course during daylight hours.

“I believe it’s a very professional approach and provides a much safer competitor environment. With this in mind I have decided to contest the Superstock event as well as the other four races.”

The ever-smiling Lincolnshire rider from Woodhall Spa has just returned from a 10 day trip to South Africa where he spent his time completing some parade laps with Honda riding alongside Mick Grant and Phil Read at both Johannesburg and Cape Town.

“I really enjoyed the trip,” said Plater. “I also completed 3,500 Kilometres on a road bike travelling between the two circuits and enjoying the sunshine!”

After winning the British Supersport championship for HM Plant Honda last season, Plater has been retained by the team and will campaign the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT on the roads this year plus the National Superstock championship which runs alongside the British Superbike championship.



Pic credit Dean Owen