Glenn Irwin wins North West 200 Superbike, takes 12th Storm Stacey

storm stacey became Glenn Irwin’s on Saturday when he won the Superbike race at the North West 200 and took his 12th Superbike victory at the event. Dean Harrison finished second, 0.181 seconds behind, after a late fight at the front.

Michael Dunlop took third, with Peter Hickman just half a second behind him. The result left Irwin with another event win at a meeting that featured a Saturday six-race programme, and the Supersport race was next on the track.

Glenn Irwin and Dean Harrison

Irwin said he returned to keep his winning run going. After the race, he said: “I came back to continue my winning streak.” He also said the week had been difficult because of weather and a lack of miles.

He added: “They are all as special as each other. Dean was riding incredibly well. We struggled with fuel, and the plan was never to break Dean, which I don't think was possible anyway - he is the first rider to pass me into Juniper. It has been a challenging week with weather and a lack of miles.”

Irwin also said: “The biggest thing is my arm, I'm in a lot of trouble after a couple of laps. I tried to keep some energy. I want to say a massive thanks to my team and sponsors. Dean is the nicest guy in the paddock, he pushed me to the limit today.”

Dean Harrison's response

Harrison said he did not want Irwin left clear at the front. “I feel like I'm riding quite well. I thought someone had to take on Glenn Irwin, I couldn't let him ride around on his own. I'm happy with that. I've got a few more races to go so we'll see how we go. I had a couple of looks at Glenn but he kept driving past me,” he said.

He added: “I feel good, the bike's good and the team's good so I'm in good stead for later on.”

Michael Dunlop and Peter Hickman

Dunlop said his machine left him with too much work to do. “I had that bad a start so I didn't know who was at the front. We have a bit of an issue with the bike, the engine doesn't have the right ratios. We struggle a lot out the back, but hopefully we'll make steps for the next race,” he said. “It's great to have the support, it's just a shame I wasn't closer to the front. Hopefully we ge off the line and hang with them at the front.”

Earlier on Saturday, Hickman won the Supertwin and Sportbike race over four laps. After the Superbike result, the next race was the Supersport race over six laps.