North Coast gears up for North West 200
By Aaron O’Neill
With just hours to go until the first practice session for the 2018 Vauxhall International North West 200 there is yet another star studded line-up of runners and riders ready for the challenge of the 8.9 mile Triangle circuit.
The North West 200 is the first International event of the road racing season giving the sport’s biggest names in road racing the chance to write their name in the history books.
Last year’s event served up some of the closest and most memorable battles in recent years. Who could forget the thrilling Superbike race which Glenn Irwin pipped Alastair Seeley to victory claiming top spot on the podium in the blue ribbon event and event organisers will be hopeful of history repeating itself this time around.
Alastair Seeley holds the record for the most wins at the North West and the Carrickfergus man has been tipped as one of the favourites to add to his tally of 21 wins.
Last year’s winner Glenn Irwin will also be in contention should he perfect the setup on his PBM Ducati. The Carrickfergus man will be one to watch as he already demonstrated his versatility in 2017 and will be gunning for further success this time out.
Michael Dunlop is set for his maiden voyage on-board the Tyco BMW in the Superbike class. A proven rider and machine combination in the past means Dunlop has emerged as a front runner. The Ballymoney man will also run his own Superstock and Supersport machines under the MD racing banner.
Manx man Dan Kneen will join up with Seeley and Dunlop in the Moneymore based Tyco BMW stable. Kneen will be hoping to prove his worth after impressing at the 2017 Ulster Grand Prix, a feat which earned him a factory ride for 2018.
Honda duo Lee Johnston and Ian Hutchinson are set to mark their return to competitive action this week following horror crashes at the 2017 Isle of Man TT. Last season was rather frustrating for Honda due to the well documented issues surrounding the new SP2 Superbike machine, however 2018 provides ample opportunity to set the record straight.
William Dunlop will be flying the flag for the local talent on-board his Temple Golf Club backed Yamaha machinery. Dunlop will compete in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes hoping to add to his podium tally on the International stage.
Tobermore man Adam McLean will be hoping to add to his ever growing pedigree at the 2018 North West 200. McLean is set to partner James Cowton under the backed by McAdoo Racing Kawasaki banner whilst Davey Todd and Derek Shiels will spearhead the Burrow’s Engineering team’s bid for success.
Peter Hickman has had a short walk to victory on the roads to date, a relevant newcomer to the roads scene however, the Lincolnshire based rider has enjoyed a wealth of success to date. Hickman will sport the colours of Smith’s Racing BMW in the Superbike and Superstock classes with Triumph being his choice of machinery in the 600cc class.
Englishman Dean Harrison will be hungry for success after a positive campaign on the roads in 2017. Harrison will compete on Kawasaki machinery once again under the Silicone Engineering banner.
Michael Rutter seems to have become part of the furniture on the North Coast and the veteran rider will once again compete on his Batham’s backed BMW.
Conor Cummins marks his return to the North West after sitting out last season’s event due to injury but will be raring to go on Clive Padgett’s Hondas this week. Gary Johnson will also make a welcomed return to the North Coast after his absence from the event in 2017.
Below is the full schedule for the 2018 Vauxhall International North West 200:
Tuesday 15 May - 09:15 BST to 15:00 BST - Roads closed for practices
Thursday 17 May - 09:15 BST to 15:00 BST - Roads closed for practices
Thursday 17 May - 17:00 BST to 21:00 BST - Roads closed for racing
Race 1 - Supersport Race 1 - 6 laps
Race 2 - Superstock Race 1 - 6 laps
Race 3 - Supertwin Race 1 - 4 laps
Saturday 19 May - 09:15 to 19:00 BST - Roads closed for racing
Race 1 - Supersport Race 1 - 6 laps
Race 2 - Superbike Race 1 - 7 laps
Race 3 - Supertwin Race 1 - 4 laps
Race 4 - Superstock Race 2 - 6 laps
Race 5 - NW200 Superbike Race 2 - 7 laps