The Newcomers

The excitement has started for another year. My main objective today is to look after the newcomers competing at the North West 200 for the first time, make sure they're looked after and get the first night of practice over safely.

We had the newcomers' briefing at 1.30pm and then at 2 o'clock we put them on the bus with my special helper Roger Marshall. Then we take them on a complete circuit of the course and give them both technical and safety advice for each section of the course.

There were a few worried faces for the first few corners, but the time we had finished everyone was much happier.

It was the first chance for these guys from all over the world to see the NW200 circuit up close and personal.