2026 North West 200 Qualifying Session 1 : Wednesday 6th May 2026 :

Cooper and McWilliams Master the “Triangle” in Rain-Hit NW200 Opener
The North Coast of Northern Ireland welcomed the road racing elite today for the opening practice sessions of the 2026 North West 200. While the atmosphere in the paddock was electric, the weather proved a temperamental host. Heavy rain spells and shifting winds across the 8.9-mile “Triangle” course forced riders to contend with a stop-start schedule and a rapidly evolving track surface.
Despite the tricky conditions, two names dominated the conversation: Richard Cooper and the ageless Jeremy McWilliams.
Superbike: Cooper’s BMW Masterclass
The premier class hit the tarmac under a grey, damp sky that tested both courage and tire choice. Richard Cooper proved he is the man to beat this week, navigating the BMW to a blistering 4m 51.332s lap. He finished a comfortable 2.6 seconds ahead of Honda’s Paul Jordan.





