North West 200 - Thursday races: As it happened

Irwin takes the top step, with Todd in second and Dunlop third.

Six time WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea is here! He is doing a lap of the circuit on a R1 Yamaha.

A brilliant opening race to the 2024 North West 200.

Glenn Irwin also equals Joey Dunlop's tally of nine Superbike wins at the North West 200.

GLENN IRWIN WINS! 9 Superbike wins in a row! A brilliant battle with Davey Todd. Michael Dunlop finishes in 3rd.

There is nothing between the front two! Half a lap to go.

Irwin leads as they end the third lap! Fantastic stuff.

Todd still leads but Irwin is all over the back of him as they come on to the coast road. It's going to be a last lap shootout!

Todd & Irwin are both under the existing lap record by two seconds! Incredible, they start lap 3 with a ten second advantage from Dunlop in third, Harrison fourth & Hickman in fifth.

Todd clocks 208.5 mph through the speed trap towards University corner! Irwin is right behind him on the Ducati. Dunlop can't run with them at the front, the pace is incredible from the leading two.

Todd leads from Irwin, Harrison third and Michael Dunlop in fourth.

WE ARE RACING! Todd leads into Turn 1

Peter Hickman might be on a Superstock machine, but don't rule him out. He starts from fifth on the grid.

Glenn Irwin is looking to make it nine Superbike wins in a row, he's starting from pole... He's the pre race favourite.

Hello everyone! Welcome to Crash.net's LIVE updates for the first three races of the 2024 North West 200.  The first Superbike is scheduled for 17:30, it should be a cracker!