Storm Stacey steals the show in dramatic North West 200 finale

North West 200 race 1 Supertwin Sportbike Race 2:

Storm Stacey celebrates winning the final race of the day the second Superbike race todays International North West 200.

(All photos: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press unless otherwise stated)

Storm Stacey delivered one of the standout performances in recent North West 200 history on Saturday as the English newcomer stunned the road racing world with two race wins, a lap record, and a fearless display across a dramatic day dominated by crashes, red flags, and high winds.

Seven red flag stoppages disrupted the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 programme, while strong coastal winds tested riders throughout a chaotic afternoon on the Triangle circuit.

But despite the delays and incidents, fans lining the north coast roads witnessed a series of memorable battles involving some of the sport’s biggest names — including Glenn Irwin, Michael Dunlop, Peter Hickman, Jeremy McWilliams, Dean Harrison, and Alastair Seeley.

North West 200 Race 1 Supertwin Sportbike Race 2

Storm Stacey celebrates winning the final race of the day, the second Superbike race at the International North West 200. Dean Harrison 2nd ,and Glenn Irwin 3rd.

The biggest breakthrough story, however, belonged to 23-year-old Storm Stacey, who arrived as a newcomer and left as one of the event’s defining stars.

Stacey makes North West 200 history

The Alpha Racing by GRYD BMW rider became the first newcomer to win a race on North West 200 debut since Christian Elkin in 2007 when he sensationally claimed victory in the CP Hire Superstock race.

The race itself had already been interrupted by a red flag following an incident involving Richard Cooper at University Corner before restarting over four laps.

When racing resumed, Stacey produced a fearless ride against vastly more experienced opposition, going wheel-to-wheel with Michael Dunlop in a high-speed battle around the 8.9-mile Triangle.

North West 200 race 1 Supertwin sportbike race 2:

Storm Stacey leads Dean Harrison and Glenn Irwin during the final Superbike Race at the North West 200.

North West 200 race 4 Superstock:

Storm Stacey (79) on his way to his maiden victory during International North West 200.

North West 200 race 3 Supersport:

Josh Brooks 3rd during Saturday’s International North West 200.

The Englishman eventually crossed the line ahead of Dunlop after also setting a new lap record at 124.498mph.

Josh Brookes secured another podium finish in third on the DAO Racing Honda, while Ian Hutchinson, John McGuinness and Mike Browne rounded out the top six.

“The goal was to just come and have a good, successful North West 200 and go home happy,” Stacey said afterwards.

“But you get a bit carried away when you’re racing. And I really enjoyed that race, partly with Michael because it’s a new thing for me.

“I’ve never raced with Michael but it was good having some duels. You’ll see on the helicopter we were looking at each other on the streets, and there was a bit of who dares wins on the brakes.”

Stacey’s remarkable day was not over.

Oil spill ends feature race early

Storm Stacey (CD Racing Alpha Racing BMW) leads the pack at Black Hill during the Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike race at the Briggs Equipment NW200 on Saturday.

The feature Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike race ended prematurely after an oil spill along the coast road forced organisers to stop the contest.

The race had been flagged away by TV personality and Long Way Round adventurer Charley Boorman before quickly developing into another fierce contest involving Stacey, Glenn Irwin and Dean Harrison.

Stacey grabbed the lead from Irwin at York Corner on the opening lap before Harrison briefly moved ahead at Magherabouy.

The trio exchanged positions throughout the opening laps in one of the fastest and closest battles of the week.

However, as the riders crossed the start-finish line to begin lap four, red flags were displayed due to oil on the circuit.

With organisers unable to clear the spill before the 6.45pm road reopening deadline, the result was declared after three laps — handing Stacey his second victory of the day.

“It is unbelievable,” Stacey said.

North West 200 race 4 Superstock:

Storm Stacey (79) on his way to his maiden victory during International North West 200.

“I couldn’t ask for any more. With two wins to my name already and a lap record it doesn’t really get much better.”

Glenn Irwin (Nitrous Competitions Racing Ducati) leads Dean Harrison (Honda Racing Honda) during today's Briggs Equipment Superbike Race at the North West 200 in Portrush

Glenn Irwin praised the newcomer’s performance after finishing second.

“Storm was riding mega, Dean as well. We all took turns at sharing the lead,” he said.

North West 200 race 4 Superstock:

Storm Stacey (79) on his way to his maiden victory during International North West 200.

Dean Harrison added:

“An eventful North West 200. I think that’s what makes the North West what it is.

“The weather’s been a bit up and down throughout the week. Today’s been good, barring a little bit of wind.”

Irwin returns to winning ways

North West 200 race 2 Superbike race 1:

Glenn Irwin celebrates winning the first Superbike race during International North West 200. Dean Harrison 2nd and Michael Dunlop 3rd.

Earlier in the day, Carrickfergus rider Glenn Irwin marked his return to the North West 200 with victory in the Briggs Equipment Superbike race after missing the 2025 event.

The Nitrous Competitions Ducati rider was pushed all the way by Honda Racing’s Dean Harrison in an intense six-lap duel that followed an earlier stoppage caused by an incident at Church Corner.

Harrison, who topped qualifying, shadowed Irwin throughout the race before briefly moving ahead on lap four.

Irwin fought back immediately and held off the Yorkshireman by just 0.181 seconds at the flag to secure his 12th North West 200 Superbike victory.

North West 200 race 1 Supertwin sportbike race 1:

Jeremy McWilliams (99) leads Peter Hickman (60) during International North West 200.

Michael Dunlop completed the podium more than 14 seconds further back, while Peter Hickman, Josh Brookes and Ian Hutchinson filled the remaining top-six places.

Storm Stacey also continued to impress, setting the fastest-ever newcomer lap at 123.725mph.

Irwin admitted afterwards he had been struggling physically during the race.

“My biggest thing is my arm,” he revealed.

“After a couple of laps, I’m in a lot of trouble and I can’t use my strength in braking. I tried to manage my body on the last lap.”

Dunlop edges dramatic Supersport battle

Michael Dunlop (Scars Ducati By MD Racing) leads Dean Harrison (Honda Racing Honda) during Tides Restaurant Supersport Race at the North West 200 in Portrush.

(Photo: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

Michael Dunlop added another major victory to his North West collection in the Tides Restaurant Supersport race.

The Ballymoney rider took victory on the Scars Ducati by MD Racing machine after a race interrupted twice by separate crashes at Mill Road Roundabout involving Ian Hutchinson, Richard Cooper and Paul Jordan.

All three riders escaped unhurt.

Dean Harrison set a new Supersport lap record at 118.748mph during the contest but narrowly missed out on victory as Dunlop held on by 0.292 seconds.

Josh Brookes finished third, with Alastair Seeley fourth ahead of Carl Phillips and Mitch Rees.

Michael Dunlop wins the Supersport race, Dean Harrison 2nd and Josh Brooks 3rd during International North West 200.

“I take my hat off to the SCARS Racing team,” Dunlop said.

“The wee bike is lovely. It’s working really well and I was keen to get one under my belt today.”

McWilliams rolls back the years

Jeremy McWilliams (Flitwick Motorcycles By SMV Aprilia) leads during John M Patterson Supertwin-Sportbike Race at the North West 200 in Portrush

(Photo: David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

Veteran Jeremy McWilliams on his way to victory in the second Supertwin Sportbike race during International North West 200.

Veteran Jeremy McWilliams on his way to victory in the second Supertwin Sportbike race during International North West 200.Celebrating with his wife Jill

Veteran rider Jeremy McWilliams proved age remains no barrier after starring in both Sportbike/Supertwin races at 62 years old.

The Newtownabbey racer was involved in a thrilling opening battle with Peter Hickman in the Maxwell Freight Sportbike/Supertwin race.

The pair traded the lead repeatedly before Hickman made his decisive move at Juniper chicane on the final lap to snatch victory by just 0.46 seconds.

Alastair Seeley completed the podium, while Paul Jordan recovered from an early overshoot at University Corner to finish fourth and set the fastest lap of the race at 112.231mph.

McWilliams later complained that no final lap board had been displayed, leaving him believing there was another lap remaining.

Peter Hickman (60) celebrates winning the opening race during International North West 200.

Hickman, however, was delighted to bounce back from last year’s disappointment at the event.

“After last year’s disappointment, it is absolutely fantastic,” he said.

McWilliams would not be denied in the second Sportbike/Supertwin encounter later in the day.

The veteran rider seized control at University Corner on lap one before pulling clear to beat Hickman by 5.8 seconds.

Paul Jordan claimed second place with another fastest lap, while Seeley again completed the podium.

“That’s been coming a while,” McWilliams said after finally sealing victory.

“I’ve been waiting for that. It’s an awesome bike and we made it a bit better for the second race.”

Seeley’s wait for 30 goes on

There was disappointment meanwhile for Alastair Seeley as his pursuit of a landmark 30th North West 200 victory remains unfinished.

The Superbikes blast off the line during International North West 200. Dean Harrison (3) and Glenn Irwin (2)

The serial winner showed strong pace during qualifying and remained competitive throughout Saturday’s programme but was unable to add to his tally despite multiple podium finishes.

“We came here to get the 30th win but it didn’t happen,” Seeley admitted.

“We’ll have to come back.”

Rider update following qualifying crash

Organisers also confirmed Ballymoney rider Darryl Tweed remains in hospital following a crash during Thursday evening’s final qualifying session.

Tweed was injured after crashing his Stanley Stewart Racing Novogen Triumph at The Whins in Portrush.

Saturday’s action ultimately delivered everything fans expect from the North West 200 — speed, unpredictability, controversy, and moments of genuine sporting drama — but it was Storm Stacey’s fearless arrival on the Triangle circuit that will dominate conversation long after the roads reopen.