A Belfast-based online game company has raced ahead of the competition after being signed up by the BBC for this year's North West 200 motorbike race.

Finisco Limited's interactive solutions team has developed an online predictive game designed around the racers in the NW200 which aims to boost audience engagement throughout the event coverage by BBC Northern Ireland.

The NW200 site links broadcast material and offers expert views, social networking and fan interaction via a prediction game, showcasing how a sporting event can converge with the internet to maximise audience engagement.

Commenting on the launch of the game, Finisco's business development manager Joe McClelland said: "What's important is that the game delivers something to the fans.

"The fans stay engaged throughout the pre-event build-up, during the event and post-event experience, keeping up-to-date by regularly returning to the site."

He added: "Fans will not only compete against the entire competition but can also set up mini competitions inviting their own friends or colleagues. This increases the number of fans playing the game and engages non-core fans of the sport to take part."