MCLEAN EYES MAIDEN WIN AT 2024 BRIGGS EQUIPMENT NORTH WEST 200

A double podium finisher at last year’s north coast event, Tobermore’s Adam McLean will be in action on a fleet of JMcC Kawasakis at the 2024 Briggs Equipment North West 200.

“I will run a ZX10 in the Superbike and Stocker classes, a new ZX6 in the Supersport races and a 636cc ER6 in Supertwins.” the 28 year old explained.

Fully recovered after a prolonged battle with an arm injury sustained in a crash at the Tandragee 100 during 2019 and aggravated in another fall 14 months later, McLean raced the JMcC ER6 Kawasaki to a brace of third place finishes in the Twins class at Portrush last May.

After finishing behind Richard Cooper and Jeremy McWilliams in the opening encounter, he chased Cooper and Paul Jordan home in the second race. With those first NW200 podium successes under his belt, McLean will be targeting similar success on Supersport machinery this time around as he eyes a maiden win on the north coast.

“I would be disappointed if I was going home from this year’s North West without a trophy of some description but it would be nice to get my first win.” McLean says.

Carrying out all his machine preparation by himself in his Tobermore workshop, McLean has strengthened his Supersport arsenal with the acquisition of a new ZX6 Kawasaki for 2024.

“I’ve always been there or thereabouts in the 600cc class at the North West with four fourth place finishes but I haven’t made the podium yet.” the father of two explained.

“Last year I rode my own bike, a Yamaha R6, and although I was able to run with the leading group it just wasn’t good enough. The Kawasaki will put me on a more level playing field in terms of speed this year although the 765cc Triumphs will still have an advantage in engine capacity.”

McLean knows he has a battle on his hands to hit the heights at the North West.

“There is so much difference between a good bike and an average machine in terms of speed, especially at the North West.” he says.

“With the level of riders competing there you need to be 100% on your own game and to have the self belief that you can do it. I have lacked that in the past but I’m working to improve on it now.”

PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 2024: Adam McLean will be chasing his first victory at the 2024 Briggs Equipment North West 200 on the JMcC Kawasakis.
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON