NW 200 gears up for big finale
WITH racing set to get underway in a matter of hours on the north Coast, riders and teams will be gearing up for another hectic schedule.
Last Thursday presented some of the best racing at the event in recent years as race fans gathered to watch some North West 200 history. Lee Johnston, Peter Hickman and Stefano Bonetti clinched victory in their respective races and they will all be aiming to continue their winning form in today’s races.
Roads close around the Triangle circuit at 9:15am and spectators are urged to get in their positions early. There will be two Superbike races as well as Superstock, Supersport and Supertwin races.
Glenn Irwin will be hoping to hold on to his Superbike crown as he has dominated the class in recent years. Alastair Seeley will also fancy his chances on the PBM BeWiser Ducati whilst Peter Hickman, Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop are not to be discounted.
In the Superstock class, Peter Hickman was the man to beat last Thursday night as he led the six lap race from start to finish making it a night to remember for the Smith’s BMW team. Glenn Irwin came home in second spot ahead of Michael Dunlop, two riders that will be hoping to improve on Saturday.
Lee Johnston picked up his fourth North West 200 win in the opening race after a super battle with Alastair Seeley who slipped off in at the Juniper Hill chicane after a last ditch attempt for the win. Johnston has gelled well with the Ashcourt Racing Yamaha R6 and will be aiming to do the double in the Supersport race.
The Supertwin class has proved to be one of the tightest races recently. Stefano Bonetti was the victor in the opening race, as he became the first ever Italian winner at the event. He will be hoping to make it two-out-of-two but will face stiff competition from Jamie Coward, Michael Rutter, and Glenn Irwin.
Jeremy McWilliams will be aiming to make amends after a spill in the opening Supertwin race whilst Derek McGee will also be hoping to improve on the KMR Kawasaki.
With the weather forecast looking kind, race day at the International North West 200 has all the ingredients to be a cracker as the event celebrates its 90th-anniversary