Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

So, that's the end of another very successful NW200, and it has been one that will live long in the memory. Saturday was so eventful! Every race was a dogfight in which no-one could pick a winner until the bikes were round the last corner and heading towards the finish line. It also featured what was surely the most emotional victory ever in the North West 200, when Michael Dunlop triumphed in the opening 250cc race after a titanic battle with Christian Elkin, dedicating the win to his father, Robert Dunlop, who had tied so tragically in Thursday's practice session at the event.

The most unlucky rider of day had to be Guy Martin, who was riding the race of his life in the second Superbike race until a jubilee clip on his water hose broke, and the rest of the results of the day confirmed that the Honda and Suzuki domination of the NW200 over the last few years is well and truly over.

The most successful rider of the day was Steve Plater on the Yamaha, with three wins - two on the Superbike and one on a Supersport. He rode brilliantly and was prepared and backed brilliantly by a professional and well run team.

Another big story of the day was the fact that the Irish are back. Alastair Seeley rode brilliantly all day to claim a win the Superstock class as well as a couple of second places in the Supersport races. He has served his time at the NW200 and proved himself to be a true winner yesterday. I feel he has the potential to be my successor - could he now one day make it five wins in a day? Add to this Michael Dunlop's incredible victory, which set the tone for the day and helped turn tragedy into a fairytale ending, and you have double Irish winners. Hopefully the shape of things to come.

And that's all from me for this year's NW200 blog. Thanks for your comments and maybe we'll be back next year to chat some more.