North West 200 history-maker Glenn Irwin hails 'greatest achievement'

Glenn Irwin described the past week as being his "greatest achievement in racing" after clinching a superb Superbike hat-trick at the North West 200.

Irwin - who also won a treble at last week's BSB round at Oulton Park - fought back the tears as he wrote his name into the history books on Saturday.

The Carrick rider's hat-trick saw him become the most successful Superbike rider in the history of the North West 200, eclipsing the previous record of legendary pair Joey Dunlop and Michael Rutter who won nine times in the blue riband class.

Read more: North West 200 LIVE race updates

Irwin told the BBC: "It is really special. I tell people I am on top of my game and focused, with an abundance of clarity and happiness in my life. I genuinely love this team. I can't wait to get absolutely wrecked with them. I am going to let her loose tonight, so you'll know if I am slow at Donington Park on Friday!

"I have worked so hard all season, and so have the team. And to respond to such a great rider like Davey, and Dean pushing hard there, on teams and packages which are proven on this course, it hasn't been easy.

"That was hard. The bike was jumping out of gear and it kept letting Davey get away. But it's hard to explain. When you feel something is going to happen in life, it happens. That's how powerful we can be as humans. You can write your own destiny, and you can also do it negatively too. Anyone listening to this, just keep believing and never give up on your dreams. They come true."

Irwin - who pocketed an extra £20,000 for winning all three Superbike races - shared his love of the Triangle circuit as he continued his remarkable streak on the north coast.

He has now won 11 Superbike races on the bounce at the North West 200, which also equals the record for most consecutive victories in any class at the event.

Irwin said: "Eleven wins is cool - 11 in a row. But a treble at British Superbikes last weekend, and a treble here, that's my greatest achievement in racing."

He added: "I love it here. Jezza (Jeremy McWilliams) getting on the podium at 60, John McGuinness at 52. They are both inspirations. I want to be like them and enjoy my racing when I am older.

"I love the crowd and just wanted to be close with them and feel the energy. Now we go back to the British Superbikes. I work hard for my family and I will continue to do that."

Speaking after his earlier Superbike win, Irwin said: "Hats off to Davey (Todd). He's riding on a high. And to Michael (Dunlop) who is riding injured as well. I wish him all the best at the TT. Let's see him go and break another record of Joey's.

"I am a massive Joey fan and Dunlop fan. A big part of me feels it is wrong to celebrate taking a record of Joey's, but I am really proud to have it."

Meanwhile, Todd claimed a double on Saturday with victories in the Supersport and Superstock classes. That saw the Saltburn rider complete a hat-trick at this year's event following Thursday's success in the Superstocks.

Peter Hickman also secured a double by winning both Supertwin races.

Michael Dunlop had to settle for two third-place finishes, while fans cheered on veteran John MvcGuinness to a shock podium at the age of 52.

Results

1. Milltown Service Station Supertwin race

   1. Peter Hickman

   2. Richard Cooper +0.489 secs

   3. Mike Browne +10.402

   Anchor Bar Superbike race

   1. Glenn Irwin

   2. Davey Todd +0.382 secs

   3. Michael Dunlop +19.637

   Tides Restaurant Supersport race

   1. Davey Todd

   2. Richard Cooper +0.462

   3. Michael Dunlop +761

   CP Hire Superstock race

   1. Davey Todd

   2. Peter Hickman +1.579 secs

   3. John McGuinness +22.643

   JM Paterson Supertwin race

   1. Peter Hickman

   2. Richard Cooper +0.855 secs

   3. Jeremy McWilliams +6.177

   Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike race

   1. Glenn Irwin

   2. Davey Todd +0.464 secs

   3. Dean Harrison +3.342

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