All we know About Ride or Die (2025) film: Inside the High-Stakes World of Road Racing & the North West 200

The highly anticipated BBC film Ride or Die is gearing up to take audiences on an unforgettable journey into the high-octane world of road racing. With its raw and emotional storytelling, the film explores the lives of racers and their families as they face the brutal realities of competing in one of the world’s most dangerous sports. 

It's a unique insight into the human side of racing, where passion and risk go hand in hand. Ride or Die promises to captivate viewers with its personal and compelling portrayals of the racers’ lives in the lead-up to the North West 200.

What does the film reveal about the high-speed thrills and heart-stopping risks of road racing? How do the racers and their families cope with the dangers they face? Get ready for a deep dive into a world where life is lived on the edge, and every race could be the last. Stay tuned as we continue to update this space with new information!

Release date & Where to Watch

Ride or Die will air on BBC One Northern Ireland on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10:40 pm and on BBC One on Thursday, April 10, 2025, also at 10:40 PM.

What is the plot of Ride or Die?

Ride or Die explores the intense world of motorcycle road racing, focusing on how faith, grief, and the constant risk of fatality push a diverse cast of racers to their limits. Each May, around 100 motorcycle racers from across the globe descend on Northern Ireland for the iconic North West 200. 2025's North West 200 takes place from May 7-10 along the coastal roads of Portstewart, Portrush, and Coleraine.

For many of these competitors, racing at speeds exceeding 200mph on closed public roads is more than a sport; it’s a passion that offers a sense of purpose, community, and fulfilment. The film dives into the personal journeys of racers like Lee Johnston, a five-time North West 200 winner.

After surviving a near-fatal accident in 2023, Johnston embarked on a recovery journey to prepare for the 2024 race, facing his own battles to be ready. Along with him, the film also covers the story of Maria Costello MBE, a trailblazer in the world of road racing and one of the few women in the sport.

She shares how racing was often in defiance of her mother’s wishes. After losing her mother to cancer, Maria was determined to race again in the hopes of finding solace in the sport she loves. As one might expect, family plays a crucial role in the racers' journeys, offering support, counting down laps, and often worrying as their loved ones push their limits.

Ride or Die also explores the emotional impact of high-speed racing on the families through the story of Jamie Hodson from Wigan, who tragically died racing at the Ulster Grand Prix. His brother, Rob, and their parents discuss how their faith helped them cope with the loss.

The film also delves into the role of Reverend John Kirkpatrick, a retired Presbyterian Minister and race chaplain for over 30 years. Reverend Kirkpatrick has officiated at several funerals of riders who lost their lives racing. He explores the conflict between the sanctity of life and the risks inherent in road racing, fostering a sense of community within the paddock.

That's not all. While dangers abound, there's plenty of thrill in racing, and Ride or Die makes viewers feel it through the eyes of Kevin Keyes, an accomplished circuit racer from County Offaly. A rookie, he faces the dangerous world of road racing for the first time.

Is There a Trailer for Ride or Die?

A trailer hasn't been released yet, but we'll update this page as soon as it's available.

Behind the Scenes

Ride or Die is a DoubleBand Films production for BBC Northern Ireland and BBC One. Commissioned as part of the BBC's Hot House initiative and supported by Northern Ireland Screen, it is also part of the BBC’s Faith and Hope season, returning in 2025.