The North-West is Ireland's biggest motorcycling event

The North-West is Ireland's biggest motocycling event, attracting 140,000 spectators to the Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart area in May.

Coverage will include preview and highlights programmes on television, live commentary on Radio Ulster, plus a dedicated website.

The 2007 races will take place on Saturday, 12 May.

BBC NI's head of sport, Mike Edgar, described the three-year deal as the icing on the cake.

"We have wanted this for years - to add the North-West to our portfolio of motorcycling coverage which includes the TT races and Ulster Grand Prix," he said.

"It is a massive event and we will give it the most extensive coverage ever."

The deal will provide fans with enhanced coverage throughout the week-long festival across BBC televsion, radio and online.

Coverage of the NW 200 festival on TV will include preview and highlights programmes, live reports from the circuit each night on BBC Newsline and enhanced onboard and road-side footage.

The special website will include live streaming of practice sessions and some of the races.

Radio Ulster will have live coverage of the main races on Saturday Sportsound with features, build-up and live reports on a number of programmes throughout the week.

Mervyn Whyte, North West 200 clerk of course, said: "We believe our partnership with BBC NI will help the Coleraine Club take the event to an even higher professional standard, bringing it to a wider audience and helping secure its future."