Having already equalled the record on Thursday evening with his ninth all-time victory, Glenn Irwin became the most successful Superbike rider in North West 200 history on Saturday with two more wins. Perhaps even more incredibly, his eleven successes in the top class have all come consecutively in what has been an unprecedented period of dominance.
“In a way, it feels wrong taking a record off Joey Dunlop but I am incredibly proud to have done so.” beamed Irwin after his success on what was a beautiful afternoon on the North Coast.
Irwin was quick to heap praise on the riders who pushed him all the way, particularly Englishman Davey Todd, who he only pipped to the chequered flag by 0.382 seconds in the Anchor Bar sponsored six lap race to claim the victory that saw him break the record shared by the late, great Dunlop and Michael Rutter.
“Hats off to Davey. I sat behind him for a couple of laps so knew where he was strongest but I know I have another level I can go to.”
Michael Dunlop had also kept the pace at the front for much of the race but, after overshooting the chicane at Magherabouy, he finished well off the front over 19 seconds behind Irwin, who set the fastest lap of the race on his PBM Hager Ducati at 124.854mph for good measure.
Todd was disappointed not to follow up his victory in the Superstock race on Thursday with another here having led for parts of the race.
“I was gutted not to get a win on the Superbike today as my team gave me a really god bike and, having shadowed and led Glenn out there, I knew he was strong but felt I could have him on the last lap.”
However, Irwin and Todd’s Milwaukee TAS bike came across some of the back markers on that final lap which slowed them both down and made overtaking next to impossible.
In the second Superbike race of then day, it was Irwin and Todd going toe-to-toe again only this time they had Dean Harrison’s Honda for company. It was a back-and-forth race with Todd again leading early and holding it for the first two laps out of the six. However, Irwin came back and the two exchanged blows in the final lap with Todd leading out of Juniper before record-breaker Irwin roared back at University to hold on by 0.464 seconds for win number eleven. Harrison finished just 2.9 seconds further back to claim a deserved podium spot.
Irwin could not wipe the smile off his face after his Saturday double secured a hat-trick at this year’s event.
“I love this event. It is my favourite event in the world so to win three this year and break the record is incredible.
I love this bike and the team behind it. We have responded to so many challenges this season and we had to hold off brilliant riders like Davey (Todd) and Dean (Harrison)”
The Carrickfergus native believes he is in the form of his life, having also secured a treble at Oulton Park in Cheshire last weekend which sees him six points clear at the top of the British Superbikes standings.
While he is basking in the glory of his success on the North Coast, Irwin is already looking forward to next year’s event.
“This has been my best week of racing and to win eleven in a row here is so special. Dreams really do come true. Let’s sign that contract to come back next year!”
