By Prospective Briggs Equipment Northwest 200 debutants, undertook recently two days of learning, gaining tips a plenty from NW200 Superbike wins record holder Glenn Irwin, rider-liaison officer, eight times event victor Steve Plater, ahead of their first Triangle course racing ventures.
Notable racers in attendance included 2023 Senior Manx Grand Prix Champion, Scott Racing’s Joe Yeardsley, due to jockey in May 660cc, 1000cc Aprilia’s and R6 Yamaha metal (ran under his own teams’ banner).
Explaining why now is the right time to take in the NW200, the highly rated Laxey rider stated:
“The reason I haven’t raced at the Northwest 200 before now was down to finance. But I got an invite this year from Mervyn Whyte and now that I am working with Trevor Scott it is possible this year.
It is going to be a big learning curve, but I am here for the rest of this week and will be doing laps of the Northwest course with Glenn Irwin. And I hope to be doing the rest of the Irish Nationals this year as well.”
Another rider heading towards NW200 competition with a notable reputation, is last year’s F900R BMW Cup series runner-up, seventh place finisher in the National Superstock 1000 Championship of 2010, Barry Burrell.
Burrell set for big-bike contests astride Halliwell Jones BMW’s (M1000RR steed), stated:
“I’ve finally made up my mind to take the plunge and make my road racing debut. I am good friends with Richard Cooper who has done well here, and I think now is the right time to do it.”
Others confirmed yesterday to be building towards maiden NW200 explorations were:
Parker Transport Racing’s Jamie Cringle, OME Racing’s Oliver Morgan Edwards, top twenty TT finisher David Brook, Aberdare Park race winner Will Burchell.
Super Twins specialist Darragh Crean, Austen Webster, Andrew Herd and fastest Manx Grand Prix first-timer of 2024, Galashiels Johnny Stewart.
Quotes courtesy of Stephen Davison.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Davison.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
