Only one race went ahead in last year's event, won by Alastair Seeley - Photo Credit: North West 200
Jeremy McWilliams will race in this year's Relentless International North West 200 after signing a deal with Ryan Farquhar's KMR Kawasaki squad. The 47 year old started 177 Grands Prix during his career and took a victory in the 250cc class along the way.
And now, the Northern Irishman will head to Coleraine for the road racing spectacular in May, where he'll compete in the Supertwin race, and admits he will be fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
“The North West 200 is renowned in the world of motor sport, I’ve been attending it as a fan since I was a teenager and I'm really looking forward to experiencing it at first hand. The North West 200 has a unique atmosphere and exceptional racing. I'm hoping that I can be a competitive newcomer, I’ve some great competition just from my team mates! It would be a fairytale to win the new Supertwin race but I have to be realistic. I'm really happy with my bike and it's been great to work with Ryan Farquhar who is no stranger to winning at the North West 200.”
Team Owner Ryan Farquhar believes the signing of McWilliams gives him the perfect team to challenge for victory this year.
“Having Jeremy make his North West 200 debut on one of my bikes is a fairytale for me. I've been involved in the Supertwin class from 'day one' and promoted it as best I can. It's a perfect bike for both newcomers and experienced riders and I don't think I could have a better team with Jeremy and newcomer Jamie Hamilton.”
Farquhar admits that McWilliams wasn't his initial choice but an injury to one of his riders forced him to make alternative arrangements.
“The whole idea came about when I was invited to an international road racing event at Philip Island (Australia) last February. Lee Gourley was meant to be my team mate but was injured so I asked Jeremy to step in. He agreed, we had a great time and got on really well. It was in Australia when I first said to Jeremy about riding on one of my Supertwins and he was willing. The rest, as they say, is history! Jeremy then rode at the Sunflower and finished first and third and was keen to do it again. Thankfully, I secured sponsors which has made our North West 200 dream a reality. We're really looking forward to it.”
North West 200 technical director Mervyn Whyte MBE is thrilled with the news and expects one of the strongest fields in the event's history.
“Jeremy McWilliams is nothing short of a living legend in motorsport and no doubt our fans will be excited at the prospect of watching him race at the Relentless International North West 200. The Supertwin class is a new race for the North West 200 this year and we are pleased to be introducing it with such a high calibre line-up.”
