MOTORBIKES: Nothing comes close to winning at North West 200, says Jeremy McWilliams

East Antrim rider rider McWilliams, who pipped his SGS/KMR team boss, Ryan Farquhar to the post in last year’s Supertwins race, will ride a Farquhar-prepared ER6 Kawasaki at Portrush. He also won the race in 2013.

“No race meeting comes close to the North West for atmosphere and I have enjoyed it so much,” the 51-year-old star said.

“Everything is sorted with Ryan and we are ready to go again.”

The duo fought out fantastic battles in both Supertwin races last year.

“Ryan and I have become good friends off the track but come the weekend, when you are racing with your friend, everything is different.

“Ryan puts everything into preparing the bikes and they were dead even last year. That is why it was a race to remember.”

The Newtownabbey man keeps his hand in by racing classic machines all over the world during rest of the year alongside his development work for various motorcycle manufacturers.

“The first time I will ride the race bike will be in Tuesday practice at the North West but I will be hoping that it still feels like my bike and I am able to get up to speed quickly,” he added.

“You don’t go to the North West just to make up the numbers. I am hoping to add to the tally of wins because nothing comes close to the feeling of winning a North West. I want to get back up on that podium and feel some more of those highs!”