Backlash from Road Racing Fans over BBC’s New Documentary Title ‘Ride or Die’
Ardee News and Sport – Backlash from Road Racing Fans over BBC’s New Documentary Title ‘Ride or Die’
A wave of criticism has erupted among road racing fans following the announcement of a new BBC documentary titled Ride or Die, which is set to air this week. The programme, which explores the high-stakes world of Northern Ireland’s North West 200, has drawn ire from the racing community over what many see as a deeply insensitive and poorly chosen name.
The documentary, premiering Wednesday 9 April on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer, promises to delve into the passion, peril, and purpose behind one of the world’s most iconic road races. But instead of excitement, the title has left a bitter taste among fans who feel it sensationalises the very real risks faced by riders.
Mark M, a long-time fan of the sport, said: “The stupidity of the name alone makes me want to give it a miss.” Anita M echoed his frustration, stating: “Absolutely pathetic name. Those boys are skilled riders. They don’t go onto the starting grid to die! Who picked that name? BBC, how and why did you allow this title?”
Another fan, William B, summed up his disapproval with: *”Will not be watching. What a title!”
The North West 200 is a cornerstone of international road racing, attracting around 100 riders each May to the treacherous Triangle circuit between Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush. The event is revered for its history, speed, and the skill of the competitors who take on its challenging roads, often hitting speeds of over 200mph.
While Ride or Die is described as a “gripping” look into the mindset of riders who risk everything for the sport they love, many believe the title undermines the professionalism and dedication of these athletes by focusing on the element of danger above all else.
The programme is produced by DoubleBand Films with support from Northern Ireland Screen, and was commissioned as part of the BBC’s Hot House initiative.
As the air date approaches, the controversy surrounding the title continues to grow, with many in the racing community calling for greater sensitivity when it comes to portraying a sport that has seen both triumph and tragedy.
Ride or Die premieres on Wednesday 9 April at 10:40pm on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer, and will also air Thursday 10 April at 10:40pm on BBC One.
🏁 The History of the NW200
The North West 200 is Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event. The first event’s organisers could not have imagined how the event would grow over the years. In 1964, the North West 200 event was handed over to the Coleraine & District Motor Club Ltd who continues to run the event today.
What’s in a name?
Many people ask why the North West 200 is called the North West 200. The answer lies in the spawning of the event. History reveals that although the Club’s original choice of name for the race remained, their original choice of venue did not. The name has continued to generate some confusion amongst those who are unaware of the event’s origins. The inclusion of “200” simply indicates that the event was originally run over a distance of 200 miles. “North West”, reflects the original intended, location of the race, i.e. on a public roads course in the North West of Ireland.
The North West 200’s first organisers could not have imagined how the event would grow over the years. In 1964, the North West 200 event was handed over to the Coleraine & District Motor Club which continues to run the event today. In 2007, around two million people logged on from nearly every part of the world to watch what has become Ireland’s largest sporting event and one of the world’s fastest road races.
Visit https://northwest200.org/
