BBC film gets under the visor of motorcycle road racingpublished at 10:04 9 April
Richard Petrie
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Lee Johnston has won five races at the North West 200 road races
"Do you really understand what living is if you never put your life at any risk?"
This reflection by long-time race chaplain Reverend John Kirkpatrick is one of several thought-provoking moments in a new BBC film goes behind the scenes of motorcycle road racing to examine what motivates riders to risk their lives in their chosen sport and how they deal with the inherent dangers.
'Ride or Die', a DoubleBand Films production, airs on BBC One across the UK at 22:40 on Thursday 10 April and is available to view on demand on BBC iPlayer.
The programme follows three riders in the weeks leading up to the North West 200 international road races on the north coast of Northern Ireland where riders hit speeds of up to 200mph in their pursuit of glory and high-speed thrills.
Fermanagh native Lee Johnston, a five-time winner who now resides in Huddersfield, had a near fatal accident at the event in 2023 and as he recovers from his extensive injuries he finds himself in a race of his own to be ready for the 2024 meeting.
Johnston, one of the most accomplished and most popular riders in the sport, explains what drives him to return to the saddle despite his brush with death.
Trailblazing female racer Maria Costello is one of only a handful of women in the sport. Having raced for 30 years, Maria explains that it was often in defiance of her mum's wishes that she raced.
However she is now in a different place. Having recently lost her mum to cancer, Maria is determined to get back racing, noting that it gives her something that she needs as she tries to come to terms with her sense of loss.
Republic of Ireland competitor Kevin Keyes is an accomplished short circuit racer but is participating in the much more dangerous sport of road racing for the first time. We join him on his journey as he prepares to tackle the nine-mile Triangle circuit and shares something of his faith and beliefs.
Sense of community
Those taking part are supported by family – who are there to help, count down the laps and to worry.
The film hears how they watch from behind the barriers as their loved ones push the limits and conveys something of the anguish they go through.
We are also told of the very personal journey of the family of Jamie Hodson from Wigan, who was killed at the 2017 Ulster Grand Prix.
His brother Rob recalls how he was involved in the accident. A stark reminder of the grief which results when things go very wrong on the track.
Through the work of retired Presbyterian minister, Reverend Kirkpatrick, the film also examines the relationship between some of those involved in road racing and the Christian faith.
As a race chaplain for more than 30 years, Rev Kirkpatrick has officiated at the funerals of several riders who have lost their lives competing in the sport.
He helps foster a sense of community in the paddock while examining the conflict between the sanctity of life which underpins his Christian faith and a sport that involves great risk but brings great exhilaration and personal fulfilment.