GLENN IRWIN CHASING SUPER SIX WITH KAWASAKI POWER AT 2019 INTERNATIONAL NORTH WEST 200
(Above) Glenn Irwin.
Glenn Irwin, the winner of both superbike races at last year’s International North West 200, will be gunning for a record six victories at this year’s event.
Having made the switch from Ducati to Kawasaki power for the 2018 British Superbike championship, the 28-year-old will race a Quattro Plant Wicked Coatings ZX-10RR in both of the big bike races at Portrush on May 12-18.
Irwin will also break new ground at the 90th anniversary of the North Coast races by competing on a stock version of Quattro Plant’s ZX-10RR in both Superstock races alongside riding an ER6 Kawasaki for the CMS/KW Electrical team in two Supertwins events.
The winner of the last three NW200 superbike races has never competed in either category on the roads before but with six wins possible from six starts, Irwin says he is aiming high.
‘I am giving myself every chance to win six races at this year’s North West.’ the Carrickfergus man smiles. ‘It has never been done before and I will be trying my hardest to win every race I start in.’
In 1992 Phillip McCallen won five races in a day on the 8.9 mile Triangle course, losing out on a sixth victory when he slid off at Church Bends whilst leading the 250cc race. Never short on confidence and with his switch to Kawasaki complete, Irwin believes he can outdo that legendary feat.
‘The ZX10RR is a lovely bike to ride and I think it will allow me to bring some aggression back into my riding style and really show what I can do.’ he explains.
Peter Extrance’s Kawasaki squad is riding the crest of a confidence wave after winning this year’s Superbike title with Leon Haslam in the saddle.
‘There is a vibe in the team that will bring out the best in me and after riding in a test in Spain in November I feel at home with the boys and part of everything already.’
Having previously raced a Supersport spec Kawasaki at the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix, the Carrick racer’s decision to opt for the Supertwin class over the 600s might seem surprising but Irwin says it is a carefully considered decision.
‘I haven’t raced a 600 on the roads since 2016 and you have to ride very hard to win a Supersport race, really committing to the corners.’ he explains.
“I always try to err on the side of safety on the roads and having really enjoyed racing and winning on a supertwin at the Sunflower meeting in October I want to race one at the North West.’
Irwin was speaking just a few days before he heads off to Spain to begin a new training regime ahead of the 2019 season.
‘It is all about preparation.’ he explains.
‘I will be riding motocross, doing some cycling and lots of fitness training before we start testing in March.’
Irwin, who finished third in last season’s BSB series on the PBM Ducati, is determined to be race ready for his 2019 NW200 and BSB challenges.
‘When I raced at last year’s North West I had a lot in hand.’ he says.
‘Even when I made a mistake in the first race I had such a big lead that I wasn’t under any real pressure but it might be different this year. All road races are very competitive now and although I will be stronger in 2019, so will the others.’
Irwin points to Peter Hickman, this year’s Senior TT winner and new Mountain course lap record holder, as his biggest threat.
‘Peter is a good friend of mine and the best road racer in the world at the moment after what he did in 2018. He still hasn’t won a superbike race at the North West and he will be out to put that right in May.’
Irwin remains confident he has the machinery and speed to keep the threat from Hickman and the rest of the superbike pack at bay.
‘There will be other riders who will be very competitive this year but I will concentrate on me and I will be at the North West dedicated to the cause, chasing that first six-timer.’ he smiles.