By This week, twelve prospective Triangle course first timers, arrived at the Northwest 200’s home, taking part in the annual Newcomers introduction day.
Racers gaining advice from none other than Steve Plater (Superbike NW200 feature race winner in 2006, 2007 and 2008) included:
Team ILR with Frog Vehicle Developments Illiam Quayle, STS Racing’s Chris Cook, Scott Racing’s Caomhan Canny, Grant Thomson.
ESR (European Series Road Racing) entrant Florian Astner, 2025 Ulster Road Race Senior Support Champion Sean Brolly and roads scene newcomer, eighth place finisher in last season’s Ulster Superbike Championship, Mark Hewitt.
News Reaction:
Mervyn Whyte:
“We have an impressive list of new talents in 2026, and it is important that we make sure newcomers are properly prepared for their first outing on the Triangle course.
Steve Plater has been there and done it at the Northwest so he can provide invaluable guidance based on that experience.”
Illiam Quayle:
“I just want to come to the Northwest to qualify, learn and understand. This will be my first season of road racing, and I know that it is going to be hard and different, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
I want to keep building to a road racing future.”
Sean Brolly:
“I will race a Ducati in the Northwest Supersport races and an Aprilia in the Twins events.
I’ve been doing lots of homework and I am flat out watching onboard laps on the internet.”
Quotes courtesy of Stephen Davison.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Davison.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
