A new Storm - Stacey passes his test at NW200

TL;DR

Storm Stacey successfully passed his test at the North West 200, impressing spectators with his riding skills. The 23-year-old British Superbike Championship star made a notable road racing debut.

Key points

Storm Stacey passed his test at the North West 200
He is a talented 23-year-old rider
Stacey is a rising star in the British Superbike Championship
He made his road racing debut on the north coast
Expectations were high, and he exceeded them

Storm StaceyNorth West 200British Superbike Championship

On the back of Storm Stacey's helmet was a learner plate and a tongue-in-cheek message saying, 'How's my riding? Call me'.

Pretty good, it turns out.

A talented rider with a big personality, Stacey arrived at the North West 200 as one of the most high-profile newcomers in recent years in Northern Ireland.

The 23-year-old is a rising star in the British Superbike Championship and he was making his road racing debut on the north coast.

People had high expectations, but he exceeded even his own high standards.

After impressing in qualifying, he won his second-ever race after out-duelling home hero Michael Dunlop on the final lap of the Superstock race that had those in attendance on the edge of their seats.

Better was to come in the feature Superbike race - the North West 200's blue ribband event - when he led front the front and was the beneficiary when an oil spill stopped the race after three laps.

After it was deemed it would take too long to clean up before roads would have to reopen to every day traffic, Stacey was declared the winner to make it a debut double.

"You can never ask for more than that," Stacey summed up.

Mentored by Michael Rutter, a 14-time winner at the North West 200 and veteran of the sport, Stacey's breakthrough win showed that he was a fast learner.

In the initial start, he missed his braking point on the long run to University Corner and ended up taking a detour into the grass run off.

A reg flag led to the race being restarted from their original grid positions, and Stacey made his second attempt count as he traded places with Dunlop - a nine-time NW200 winner - on several occasions on a thrilling final lap.

In doing so, he became the first winner in their debut year since Christian Elkin in 2007.

Dunlop is the one of the sport's biggest names, and the adulation Stacey received after defeating a fan favourite showed how he had been adopted by the local support.

There was a long queue outside his merchandise stall after his win and the top hats - which Stacey wears to promote talking about mental health and in tribute to his late father - were long sold out.

"I didn't think in my wildest dreams that he would be here winning two races, so he deserves all the credit in the world," said event director Mervyn Whyte.

Rivals impressed as Stacey pays tribute to Holan

His rivals were equally as impressed. Glenn Irwin had been talking about his British Superbike rival ahead of the event and wasn't surprised that he delivered.

The two had gone head-to-head in the final Superbike race, and Stacey's victory ended Irwin's 12-race winning streak in the category.

Irwin was circumspect, saying you "win some and you lose some" and added that Stacey "had done an incredible job".

Q&A

Who is Storm Stacey and what is his background in racing?

Storm Stacey is a 23-year-old rider known for his talent in the British Superbike Championship, making his road racing debut at the North West 200.

What were the expectations for Storm Stacey at the North West 200?

Expectations were high for Storm Stacey as he was one of the most high-profile newcomers, but he exceeded even his own standards during the event.

What does the learner plate on Storm Stacey's helmet signify?

The learner plate on Storm Stacey's helmet humorously indicated that he was a newcomer to road racing, accompanied by a playful message asking for feedback on his riding.

How did Storm Stacey perform in his debut at the North West 200?

Storm Stacey performed exceptionally well in his debut at the North West 200, impressing both spectators and himself with his riding skills.