By Since been incorporated into the race schedule in 2012, the Super Twins class at the North West 200 has largely been dominated by top level independent teams, running 650 Kawasaki machinery, which includes of course class specialists KMR Kawasaki.
Their latest upcoming NW200 quest sees them join forces again with event returnee Jeremy McWilliams.
Although now considered a veteran at 54 years of age, the ex 250 GP race winner has lost none of his desire to add more rostrums to his North West CV, which includes two race wins and in total five podium finishes.
Photo by Stephen Davison
Joining McWilliams to form a three man team next week for Ryan Farquhar’s KMR outfit, are Canada’s Darren James and Irish road race Super Twins champion Derek McGee.
Mullingar’s McGee, in my opinion vastly underrated, has the undoubted raw talent, speed, grit, determination and confidence in his Kawasaki steed to be a dark horse for race honours.
You can apply the same line to the rider who pushed him all the way, during last weekends Super Twins race at Tandragee, leading next gen roads competitor Adam McLean.
Having shown formidable form so far this season, McLean like many fellow rising roads exponents, heads into NW200 competition in great form and full of confidence and self belief.
Photo’s by Tommy Vennard
Four stroke McAdoo Kawasaki team mate James Cowton, is another talented racer more than capable of sealing podium’s/race wins, which also applies to Stroud’s CMS backed Dan Cooper, who’s showcased in recent years a deft touch on 650cc steeds.
Winner of last years opening ‘Twins’ race, Yeovil’s Martin Jessopp, like all the racers above has all the components needed to enjoy more success around the Triangle.
Outside of the anticipated front runners, York’s Joe Thompson progress will be worth keeping an eye on, as he pilots a factory backed Paton for Ian Lougher Racing.
Amongst the leading Triangle newcomers in 2017, the young Yorkshireman whilst still learning his craft at the international meetings, wouldn’t surprise many if he records at minimum top five finishes.
Others capable of chalking up impressive results include Craig Neve, Super Twins Manx GP winner Darren Cooper, Christian Elkin, Maria Costello MBE, WH Racing’s Dominic Herbertson, Optimark Road Racing’s Xavier Denis, newcomers Jamie Williams and Daniel Mettam.
Sole Suzuki mounted racers entered are two meeting stalwarts from Scotland, Sandy Berwick and Bruce Birnie.
Notable non entrants include Dafabet Devitt Racing’s twice Lightweight TT champion Ivan Lintin, plus Jamie Coward and Derek Sheils who are both set to sample the 300 Curves of Gustav Havel meeting in the Czech Republic.
Photo by Rod Neill
Whilst the class entry, maybe smaller in comparison to the four stroke classes, it doesn’t make it any less likely that this years NW200 Super Twin races will be thrilling, pulsating, drama filled and most of all ultra competitive.
Words by Stevie Rial
