A sunny weather prediction drew a massive crowd to the north coast on Saturday, May 11 for the main race day of the 2024 Briggs Equipment North West 200. Race enthusiasts left satisfied after witnessing a day of record-breaking performances on the 8.9-mile Triangle course, with Glenn Irwin clinching his 11th consecutive Superbike victory, cementing his status as the most successful premier class competitor in the event’s history.
Irwin had already matched the nine Superbike wins record held by the late Joey Dunlop and Michael Rutter during Thursday’s Briggs Equipment Superbike race. His triumphs in both the Anchor Bar and Merrow Hotel and Spa sponsored events on Saturday, riding the PBM Hager Ducati, completed a hat-trick of Superbike wins at this year’s event. However, Irwin faced stiff competition from Davey Todd on the Milwaukee BMW in both races.
In the Anchor Bar race, Irwin led for five of the six laps, eventually crossing the finish line just 0.382 seconds ahead of Todd. Despite a strong performance, Michael Dunlop finished over 19 seconds behind the winner, attributed to an error at Magherabouy chicane. Irwin set the fastest lap of the race at 124.854mph.
Reflecting on his achievement, Irwin expressed mixed feelings about surpassing Joey Dunlop’s record but emphasized his dedication to improving his performance through rigorous training, diet, and mindset adjustments. Todd, though disappointed with his loss, acknowledged Irwin’s strength and expressed frustration at encountering a slower backmarker during the race.
Irwin’s dominance continued in the Merrow Hotel and Spa event, securing his third win of the day and completing a perfect run on the PBM Hager Ducati. Todd remained a formidable opponent, with Honda Racing’s Dean Harrison also in contention. Despite Todd leading initially, Irwin seized the lead at Juniper and maintained it until the chequered flag, winning by 0.464 seconds.
Irwin celebrated his historic 11th consecutive NW200 victory in the premier class, expressing his love for the event and gratitude towards his team. He described the victory as “special” and credited his success to hard work and belief. With dreams fulfilled and a hat-trick of victories at both the NW200 and Oulton Park, Irwin considered it his best week in racing yet.
Supertwins
Peter Hickman secured a double victory on Saturday, triumphing in both the Milltown Service Station and JM Paterson Supertwin races from his pole position start on the Swan Racing Yamaha.
In the first race, Hickman emerged victorious after a closely contested battle with Richard Cooper of Jack Reid Cars/KMR Kawasaki, crossing the finish line 0.489 seconds ahead. Mike Browne achieved his maiden NW200 podium finish, claiming third on a Scott Racing Aprilia, with Jeremy McWilliams of IFS/Bayview Paton trailing by 10.4 seconds.
The second Supertwin race saw a repeat performance from Hickman and Cooper, with Hickman executing a decisive move on the final lap at Metropole to snatch the win by 0.855 seconds. McWilliams secured third place, 5.2 seconds adrift of Cooper, while Browne finished fourth, 6.1 seconds behind.
Supersport
The Tides Restaurant Supersport six-lap race delivered an exhilarating showdown between Davey Todd and Richard Cooper of Russell Racing/BPE Yamaha, with Michael Dunlop and Mike Browne also in contention. Todd, piloting his Powertoolmate Ducati, clinched victory by a mere 0.462 seconds after a fierce battle throughout the race with Cooper, marking his second triumph at this year’s NW200 following his Superstock win on Thursday.
Despite threats from Cooper’s teammate, Mike Browne, and Michael Dunlop of MD Racing Triumph, Todd and Cooper gradually edged ahead by the halfway mark. Todd ultimately secured the win, crossing the finish line just ahead of Cooper by 0.462 seconds, with Dunlop trailing by a further 0.3 seconds to round off the podium.
Superstock
Davey Todd completed a remarkable hat-trick at the 2024 NW200 by securing a 1.57-second victory in the CP Hire Superstock race aboard his Milwaukee BMW, besting runner-up Peter Hickman on the PHR Performance BMW.
However, the most resounding cheer of the weekend resonated for third-place finisher John McGuinness. The 52-year-old veteran of Honda Racing made his debut at the north coast event three decades ago, amassing a devoted following among Irish race enthusiasts over the years.
The six-lap race encountered an initial red flag due to a crash at Magherabouy on the opening lap. In the restart, Todd seized the lead, closely pursued by his Honda Racing teammate Dean Harrison, until Todd managed to open an 0.8-second gap by the halfway point. Meanwhile, Peter Hickman held onto third position ahead of James Hillier (WTF Honda), with McGuinness in fifth. When Harrison retired, McGuinness inherited the final podium spot after a fierce battle with Hillier.
As the crowds dispersed along the coast road following a week of sunny racing, Glenn Irwin was rightfully named the Man of the Meeting, earning the prestigious Robert Dunlop trophy along with a £6000 cheque as the Milwaukee Superbike Challenge winner.
The title of Around a Pound-sponsored top newcomer was bestowed upon South Africa’s Allann John Venter, while Erno Kostamo received the Ramore Restaurant Best Overseas Competitor award. Milwaukee BMW claimed the Station Bar Best Team trophy, while Peter Hickman was honored with the Spirit of the North West 200 award, sponsored by Domino’s Pizza in memory of the late Daley Mathison.
Pictures NW200 Press Release
