New ‘Ride or Die’ Road Racing Film to be Aired on the BBC
A new road racing film named ‘Ride or Die’, centred around three racers including five-time North West 200 winner Lee Johnston, will be shown on the BBC
‘Ride or Die’ is a new road racing film centred around faith, family and how the risk of fatality pushed three different racers, including five-time North West 200 winner Lee Johnston, Maria Costello MBE and Kevin Keyes to their limits in the lead up to one of the biggest road races. It’s set to be aired on the BBC.
The film has already been aired on BBC One Northern Ireland (9 April), but viewers across the UK can also watch the hour-long film tonight on BBC One at 22:40.
The race in question is the North West 200 where Johnston is the most successful of all the riders that the film is centred around, but the Northern Irish racer suffered a life-threatening accident in qualifying for the event in 2023, and has not raced there since.
Riders reach speeds in excess of 200mph on narrow roads, which like the Isle of Man TT, takes place in front of tens of thousands of spectators. ‘Ride or Die’ also tells the tragic story of Wigan racer Jamie Hodson, who sadly passed away following a crash at the now-defunct Ulster Grand Prix.
His brother, Rob, still races today and in the film he recalls how he was caught up in the fatal accident at the Dundrod course. Jamie’s parents are also interviewed as they tell the story of how their son’s death made their faith stronger.
“For many of those who do it, it’s an all-consuming passion - providing a sense of purpose, community and fulfilment,” said a BBC statement previewing the show.
“For some religious faith plays an important, but often hidden, role in the lives of many of those involved. But for others faith in themselves, an undying love for the sport, and a belief in plain good luck is what fuels them.
“Road racing is part of who they are. And it’s something that informs how they think about the risks associated with a sport they love but which is often dangerous and sometimes fatal.”
Costello takes centre stage in the film as the only female racer of the line-up. She remains one of only a handful of women to have raced at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.
During the film Costello reveals how she defied her mother’s wishes to race on dangerous road racing courses.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
