By Ex Moto GP, British Superbikes racer Jeremy McWilliams 2022 North West 200 challenge, sees him switch to Italian exotica machinery, piloting an IFS/Bayview Hotel supported S1-R Paton.
Super twins race winner times two at the Ulster Superbike Championship season opener at Bishopscourt, the three times NW200 race winner explained recently why he will have the Paton factor next month.
“I did consider riding Ryan’s (Farquhar) bike again and I would do so in the future but it is just the way things have worked out.
During lockdown not much was happening and Ryan wasn’t sure what he was doing. The rules for the Supertwin class have been changed recently and that has definitely shaken up all of those teams that are using 650cc engines.
Graeme Hanna from IFS bought a Paton and told me if I wanted to use it, I could work away.”
He continued:
“The Paton’s were strong in 2018/19 but the rules have changed since then and we will just have to suck it and see.
There is nothing as special as riding into that winner’s enclosure with your whole team waiting to meet you.
My age has given me an extra motivation because I am almost always battling against somebody half my age or less who is also trying to get in there.”
Victorious within the Baggers class at this year’s Daytona 200, the veteran racer went onto add:
“The North West 200 isn’t only about racing and winning. It’s also about being able to meet and chat with the people who want to give you a handshake or a good luck message, or even a pat on the back.
Through most of my racing career almost no-one was allowed into the paddock but at the North West we meet everyone who comes to experience the event.”
Reminder the eagerly anticipated returning FonaCAB & Nicholl Oils North West 200, runs from the 8th-14th May.
Quotes courtesy of Stephen Davison
Photo by Stephen Davison
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
