By Adam McLean’s enforced absence (due to an-upcoming operation) has meant a last-minute rider-change for the SMV Engineering backed Flitwick Motorcycles team, ahead of the Briggs Equipment Northwest 200.
The Flitwick R7 Yamaha for Super Twin/Sportbike races will now be rode by none other than 250cc Grand Prix winner, former Moto GP rider, three times NW200 winner, Jeremy McWilliams.
Reacting to the latest NW200 rider/teams’ news burst, he said:
“Very pleased to have the opportunity to ride for Team Flitwick Motorcycles/SMV and to ride their Yamaha R7.
The Super Twin class is ultra-competitive and to have the support of one of the best bikes on the grid gives me a lot of confidence going into the Northwest 200.”
David Linsdell, Dealer Principal of Flitwick Motorcycles, stated:
“We have hugely enjoyed the last two years with Adam riding our R7 and his input has led the development of the bike so far, showcasing its potential at the Northwest and TT in 2025.
Unfortunately, he needs a procedure to correct an issue that will put him out of those two meetings this year, but the team and our sponsors at SMV are fully behind his recovery, recognising that his health is absolutely the most important thing.”
Linsdell continued:
“The Northwest 200 is very important to us, and we are heading into the meeting simply delighted that we have been able to secure a rider of Jeremy’s calibre at such short notice.
We are confident that the experience he brings to the team will be invaluable in the continued development of the bike and he has shown us in recent years at the NW200 that he has lost none of the ability or hunger to contest the win at the event; we are confident of putting a bike under him that will allow him to continue those performances into 2026.”
The Flitwick Motorcycles/SMV Engineering squad have also disclosed revamped TT 2026 plans, running two still to be confirmed racers on a brace of R7 Yamahas.
Quotes courtesy of David Linsdell
Photo credit: Tommy Vennard
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
