James Dickson, a 41-year-old tattoo artist from Ballymena, operates a mobile tattoo studio at the North West 200 fan zone between Portrush and Portstewart. The studio, branded by Monster energy drink as Beast Parlour, includes a barbershop and a DeLorean car. Dickson runs Studio 16 in Ballymena.

Bookings for free tattoos fill up within five minutes of opening at 8am each day. Dickson and artist Lewis Galloway expect to tattoo about 100 people over the event. Customers select from 14 pre-designed options, including a North West circuit outline, pistons and roses. Access to the fan zone requires a ticket.

The barbershop at the setup comes from Outsiders Male Grooming in Bangor and sees high demand. Dickson, a former motorcycle racer, assists competitor Richard Cooper. He suffered injuries from a crash at an English meeting that damaged his back and wrist, ending his racing career.

Dickson has completed test days and considers returning to racing after the NW200. A meet-and-greet with riders takes place today in Coleraine town centre. Adventure biker Charley Boorman attends to film a documentary on the event's history and competitors.