The weather was perfect and light was 'just so' to make the colours pop for the motorcycles as well as the riders' helmets and leathers. I had my 200-600mm long range lens with me, which allowed for some amazing shots using fast shutter speeds.

I'm by no means a road racing expert but everything about the North West adds up to an amazing experience. Without doubt, the biggest surprise of the day came from British Superbike rider Storm 'Lord' Stacey making his debut on the circuit.

Since he was new to the course, he had to wear an orange bib. I had no idea though who he was (see ... I told you I wasn't an expert!), but he was exciting to watch, going to battle with established road racers such as Michael Dunlop, Dean Harris, John McGuiness etc.

Storm definitely had a style all of his own that just added to the spectacle. My favourite image of the day is below where Storm is 'tipping it in' at York corner in sync with Michael Dunlop and Kevin Keyes.

For the first part of the action I was seated on the grandstand at York corner (officially now known as Amici Corner, but I still call it York). Leading the action was former Moto GP rider Jeremy McWilliams ahead of crowd-pleaser Peter Hickman.

There was plenty of close and fast racing from all the riders, but personally, the competition between Michael Dunlop and Storm Stacey was the most entertaining. Inches off each others wheel and sometimes even closer to the kerbs on the pavement (sidewalk). In fact, if you look closely, you can see that Storm's knee is actually over the top of the kerb.

Precise, on the edge of your seat excitement. Complete professionals who put on a great show for the spectators.

While the conventional racing line would normally be sticking close to the inside, using the kerbs as an apex, Storm was bold to use the outside (and longer line) to his advantage. As you can see, Michael Dunlop was chasing him closely, but Storm just had the edge. Amazing for a 'newcomer' to the circuit.

You have to admire the aggressive and competitive spirit of Storm for his debut, even when inches away from Dean's rear tyre and even closer to pavement.

The riders approached York Corner with precision, scrubbing off the speed quickly to make it around. Just look at the 'angle of lean' intensifying in a remarkably short distance, with knees out and close to the ground.

Storm had a particularly interesting strategy at times. Carrying a LOT of speed and taking his left foot off the peg to help maintain control. Scary, but effective.

York Corner can get crowded very quickly (especially on opening laps), with riders often going four abreast.

Close-up shots at York corner are great for two reasons - the precision of the riders negotiating the corners, inches from the ground as well as the intensity of their facial expressions. Take a look at the eyes of long time crowd favourite John McGuinness - pure concentration and in control.

Michael Dunlop never ceases to impress me. A man on a mission who lives to race.

Concluding Thoughts

Unfortunately the racing action was very much a 'stop-start' affair due to racing incidents. Safety must always come first though. With that said ... riders being required to do post-race interviews (while their machinery was being brought to the grid), as well as prize givings and national anthems after EVERY race just strung things out longer. At the very least, have prize giving ceremonies AFTER all the racing has been done?