By Ian Lougher’s Team ILR outfit have announced that their 2019 North West 200 tenure, will see them join forces with two notable event debutants in the form of 2018 Junior Manx GP winner James Chawke, and former Adelaide Masters Supersport champion Carl Phillips.
Phillips and Chawke’s maiden ventures into competition on the fabled Triangle course, will see them pilot this May, S1-R Paton machinery, which has been supplied by road racing super fan, aficionado and loyal backer of the sport, Mark Coverdale.
Whilst Team ILR’s new employees are both prospective North West 200 debutants, both have differing levels of experience when it comes to the roads scene.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Rathkeale’s Chawke, Super Twin Manx GP lap record holder, has in recent times established himself amongst Ireland’s fastest rising roads talents, excelling in particular on the mythical Mountain Course, whilst also showing strong form at selected national meetings.
New Team ILR stable mate Phillips, although boasting a racing CV which includes podiums, race wins within the BSB affiliated National Superstock 600 Championship, plus a top ten finish within the Brands Hatch Indy circuit round of last years BSB series, has no previous pure road racing experience.
Photo by Rod Neill
In spite of this, it wouldn’t at all be a surprise to see the ambitious Phillips rise to the fore in May and emerge amongst the leading NW200 newcomers.
The latest in a growing list of hungry, talented racers to confirm that their maiden International roads voyages will arise at the North West 200, both Phillips and Chawke have no question the machinery, team around them to impress and some on the fast flowing, technical Triangle course.
Words by Stevie Rial
