The BBC Bikes Podcast with Jeremy McWilliams
Jeremy McWilliams expresses feeling "happier than I've ever been" as he aims to extend his tally of three North West 200 race wins this week at age 62.
The Glengormley rider has competed worldwide throughout a lengthy and distinguished career, including a notable victory in the 2001 Dutch world championship 250cc round at Assen.
Since making his North West 200 debut in 2012, McWilliams remains motivated by the prospect of further success at the iconic road racing event and emphasizes he would never participate simply to "make the numbers up."
"All the rulebooks say you shouldn't be racing or as competitive, or your reactions slow down or some nonsense like that, which I can tell you they definitely don't," McWilliams told the BBC Bikes Podcast.
"It's a self-belief thing. If you believe and you have the confidence and you're fit enough to do the job, it gives me great pleasure to be able to run at the front, particularly in this class [Supertwins]."
McWilliams' Experience and Recent Changes
McWilliams recently made a last-minute change of bikes for the North West 200 event.
His extensive career includes competing at the highest level in the MotoGP class, where he raced alongside nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi.
Since his North West 200 debut 14 years ago, McWilliams has accumulated 13 podium finishes, including five second places and five third-place finishes, in addition to his three Supertwins victories.
With over a decade of experience on the Triangle circuit, McWilliams notes he no longer feels the "stress" of race week and highlights the atmosphere as a significant factor in his continued participation.
"Riding here on the coast, in front of the home fans, when you see so many people turning up at the North West, just how many people come through the paddock on race day, it's jammed," he added.
"It's a good feeling, meeting people and chatting to them. It's not normally how I raced in the World Championship. You were kind of taken off the pit lane and into your garages.
"This is much more open and accessible. It's fun because you meet people you haven't seen in a few years.
"It's a good place to be. I love racing on the north coast. It's a really exhilarating race, whatever class you're riding in. It's hard going, it's tight and it's fun to be competitive and riding with guys that are younger than me."
- North West 200 - all you need to know & BBC coverage
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