By As has been the case since super twins where integrated into the North West 200 schedule, the vast majority of the field will once again be ER6 Kawasaki mounted.
Twice super twins winner around the Triangle, Ryan Farquhar is confident that his own teams ER6 Kawasaki, can propel him to another victory at the Giant Causeway based meeting.
Photo by Rod Neill
Although he’s not as dominant as he once was on the 650’s, Ryan is still one of the classes leading lights.
KMR Kawasaki team mate Jeremy McWilliams, is bidding to make it a hat trick of NW200 victories, having in 2015 clinched his second victory on the coast roads.
He’s more than capable of dominating both super twin encounters. The KMR Kawasaki line up is completed by newcomer Danny Webb and Canada’s Darren James.
Devitt RC Express Racing’s Ivan Lintin, will start as one of the firm pre race favourites. Regarded by many as the leading 650 exponent on the roads, Ivan has enjoyed many a golden moment in the popular class.
Which has included his memorable 2015 lightweight TT victory, plus victories at the Ulster Grand Prix, Southern 100 and Scarborough Gold Cup.
Will he add a North West 200 victory, to his current collection of four international road race victories, next week? it would not surprise anyone.
James Hillier has the proven pedigree on the twins, to be victorious in both races. Piloting Quattro Plant Muc Off backed ER6 Kawasaki, the 2013 lightweight TT winner, he’s another pre race favourite.
Photo by Peter Leverton
Additional riders in contention for podium finishes include 2014 Duke Road Race Rankings champion James Cowton, Cowton Racing by Radcliffe’s ER6 Kawasaki, Dan Cooper CMS Racing ER6 Kawasaki, Christian Elkin, Martin Jessopp and Michael Sweeney.
Competing for the first time on super twins machinery, Peter Hickman is one to watch on Cookstown BE Racing’s ER6 Kawasaki.
The reigning Macau Grand Prix winner’s entry into the 650 races, adds a further touch of star quality to the entry list.
Cookstown BE Racing team mate Malachi Mitchell Thomas, although a newcomer is in my opinion in contention for at least top six finishes.
Photo by Rod Neill
Same notion applies to fellow newcomers Shirlaws Motorcycles backed Kris Duncan, Stewart Smith Racing’s Michael Booth and Adam McLean.
Currently leading the Duke Road Race Rankings champion, Malachi recently won an enthralling super twins race at Cookstown.
Paul Jordan declared rider of the meeting at the Cookstown 100 and Sam West of Ice Valley Racing by Motorsave Ltd, both have the rising momentum on the roads, to spring many a surprise or two.
Added accomplished roads competitors entered include Spain’s Antonio Maeso, Paul Shoesmith, Maria Costello MBE, Bruce Birnie, Adrian Clark, Paul Gartland and Dave Madsen Mygdal.
Round Up:
If there is a disappointment regarding the super twins entry list, for the 2016 Vauxhall International North West 200 it’s that in my opinion with only two manufacturers represented, where missing a touch of variety to the entry.
Where guaranteed though, top class action around the Triangle, as 35 riders take to the grid.
Words by Stevie Rial
