Magic of North West 200 brings thousands to NI each year... yet it’s left to run on fumes

John McGuinness leads the way during a Superbike race at the 2012 North West 200

Jim Gracey

Sunburned, rain-soaked, bomb scares, oil spills, abandonments and call-offs... all set against a backdrop of ever-present danger. Even on the best of days, the worst can happen.

I’ve experienced it all in a love affair of ups and downs approaching 50 years, never knowing what is going to happen next at the North West 200.