Irwin/Todd Optimistic Of Strong Performances On The Coast Roads

Irwin/Todd Optimistic Of Strong Performances On The Coast Roads

Honda Racing’s Glenn Irwin and Davey Todd are both optimistic of enjoying productive North West 200 tenures in May, which marks the maiden International roads outing for the much hyped, talked about it, already hugely praised CBR 1000RR-R Fireblade model.

Combined four times NW200 race winner Irwin and 2019 IRRC Superbike Champion Todd, without question give the works Honda roads squad, now run again under the Honda UK banner, one of the strongest rider line-ups for this May’s competitive action.

TT bound for the first time this year, unofficial outright Triangle course lap record holder Irwin stated recently about the challenges ahead with the new Fireblade, which he recently tested in Superstock trim at Almeria, Spain.

“We will have plenty of testing but will everything be in place by April or May? Probably not because that is just how racing is. But by the time the North West comes around I think we will be starting to find our feet with the bike.

Anyone who comes to the North West and says they aren’t trying, well I’ve raced with them all and I think they are trying harder than me!

We all know everyone wants to win here. Look at the fight Michael Dunlop put up to me two years ago. He was the only one who came.

Peter Hickman didn’t come, Michael Rutter didn’t come. None of the short circuit men came, but the man who was going to the TT with probably more pressure on him than anyone else came.”

Photo by Stephen Davison

Commenting on his imperious record to date on the world-famous coast roads, the affable five times International Road Race winner stated:

“I’ve won a last lap race at the North West and I’ve come around on the first lap five seconds ahead of everyone.

I’ve made a mistake and recovered and pulled away again. I’ve won in the wet. These are all things I didn’t think I would do and I can’t doubt what I can do because I have now won four in a row.

I am happy because when you win somewhere that feels like home you can take that tag. I feel like this is my house.”

New Honda Racing stable mate Davey Todd, who joined the NW200 winners circle last year, is widely regarded as England’s fastest next generation roads talent.

Keen to keep up the impressive progress which has seen him take as aforementioned an IRRC title, the 2018 TT Privateers Championship crown, Ulster GP podium finishes, race wins at Imatranajo, Circuit De Chimay, Horice, there’s no doubt he’s capable of providing stiff opposition to the regular Superbike front runners.

Looking ahead to his third Triangle course venture, competing alongside modern day NW200 great Glenn Irwin, he stated:

“Glenn is on a different footing at the North West than he will be at the TT. He is the target man at the North West but our mindset is to try to work as a team.

We have talked about it and we want to try and help each other. I have a bit more experience than him at the TT and he can help me out at the NW. It would be silly not to. Then it will be every man for himself.

Once the flag drops, we will both want to win and I would love to be battling at the front with Glenn.”

Reminder the 2020 FonaCAB & Nicholl Oils North West 200 which alongside Honda’s Todd and Irwin, has also attracted entries from the likes of John McGuinness/Alastair Seeley (Quattro Plant Bournemouth Kawasaki).

James Hillier/David Johnson (OMG Racing), Peter Hickman (Smiths Racing), Conor Cummins (Milenco by Padgetts) and Dean Harrison (Silicone Engineering Racing) takes place from the 10th-16th of May.

Words by Stevie Rial quotes courtesy of Stephen Davison

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