BBC Northern Ireland sports presenter Stephen Watson assesses the importance of the North West 200 to the Northern Ireland sporting calendar

In the past 10 years the North West 200 has developed from a major event in the motorcycling calendar to the largest single spectator sporting event in Northern Ireland.

Much of the transformation has been due to a substantial cash injection from title sponsors Coca Cola.

The efforts of the organising Coleraine club and increased television coverage have also played a major part.

The race has attracted many top riders over the past decade, several of whom are not renowned road racers.

Improvements to course safety have contributed to the success story.

Many testify however to the intoxicating atmosphere and seaside location as providing much of the attraction.

Chicanes have been introduced to the course and resurfacing carried out but the circuit has retained its character as a pure road racing track.

Niall Mackenzie, Terry Rymer, Matt Llewellyn, Steve Hislop and Carl Fogarty are just some of the established names who have graced the seaside circuit over the past decade.

Others such as Ian Simpson, David Jefferies, Michael Rutter, Iain Duffus and Jim Moodie have been regular visitors.

The growing popularity of the event is evidenced by the number of visitors from across the United Kingdom and beyond who now attend the meeting.

This can only be enhanced by the introduction of a week-long festival of events including stunt shows, aerobatic displays, chat shows and fireworks.

If a road closing order could be provided, I would even like to see some of the racing extended to the Friday night to make it an even bigger festival of racing.

While some road races are struggling to attract young riders who prefer the more controlled environment of circuit racing, the North West 200 continues to boast a high quality entry.

Memorable races

This being the case, the future of the race looks secure as long as a major backer can be found to succeed the present sponsors whose contract runs out this year.

Once again the Coleraine club has signed up a class field to contest the race with John McGuinness, Michael Rutter, Jim Moodie, David Jefferies and Ian Lougher among the field.