JEREMY MCWILLIAMS JOINS BURROWS ENGINEERING/RK RACING SQUAD FOR fonaCAB AND NICHOLL OILS NORTHWEST 200

Three-time Northwest 200 winner, Jeremy McWilliams, is a last minute entry in both Supersport races at next week’s fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200 aboard a Burrows Engineering/RK Racing Yamaha R6.

The former MotoGP star, who raced a Mar-Train Yamaha in the 600cc class at the north coast event in 2016, will replace the injured Mike Browne. The Cork man’s NW200 debut stalled after he broke both of his ankles in a crash at the Cookstown 100.

“I am sure Mike would like to be lining up on the grid next week but I wish him a speedy recovery.” McWilliams, who will also ride an IFS Paton in the NW200 Supertwins events, said.

“I am hopeful of a decent result on the 600 next week on what I know is a well sorted machine and I am looking forward to working with John and his team.”

For team boss, John Burrows, having the former Grand Prix racer aboard one of his blue and yellow liveried machines is a dream come true.

“As long as I have been following racing, I have always admired his talent and skill on a bike and still do to this day.” the Dungannon man said.

“I have only ever attended one 500cc Grand Prix and it was won by Valentino Rossi with Jeremy in third at Donington in 2000. I am under no illusions as to how tough the 600cc class will be next week, however I honestly feel Jeremy will give a great account of himself in the Thursday and Saturday races and I am really looking forward to working with him. Obviously, I was looking forward to coming here with Mike, but its not to be this time and we are still hopeful he is fit for TT.”

The addition of McWilliams name to the Supersport line-up strengthens even further the impressive entry list recruited for this year’s NW200 by race boss, Mervyn Whyte.

“We are all disappointed that Mike Browne cannot make his Northwest 200 debut next week but we will be ready to welcome him in 2023.” Whyte said.

“It is great to have Jeremy back racing in the Supersport class again as he is a huge favourite with the fans on the north coast and it will add an extra bit of spice to the two races on Thursday and Saturday. To have him coming back with a top local team is also great news for the event.”