Glenn Irwin on 'phenomenal' Michael Dunlop as pair target history

Glenn Irwin has paid tribute to one of his fiercest North West 200 rivals ahead of their return to the Triangle next month.

Irwin has won the last eight Superbike races in a row at the NW200, an incredible run he hopes to extend in 2024.

The Carrick rider is hungry to become the event's most successful Superbike racer by winning all three big bike races this year.

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He is just one win behind the record of nine victories shared by legendary riders Michael Rutter and Joey Dunlop.

“When you are on a run like I have had at the North West the target is big," he said.

“I understand it because if I was one of my rivals I would be obsessed with beating me. Not winning all three races this year would be a disappointment and equalling the record just won’t be good enough. I couldn’t retire from the North West without beating the record.”

While Irwin is targeting history at the North West, roads rival Michael Dunlop is also seeking to become the Isle of Man TT's most decorated rider.

Dunlop has claimed 25 TT victories in his career so far, just one behind the record of his late, great uncle Joey.

And Irwin believes a double celebration could unfold in the space of four weeks at the North West and Isle of Man.

“This promises to be a big year in the sport’s history and I hope I achieve my goal at the North West and Michael Dunlop becomes the Isle of Man TT’s most successful racer," Irwin said.

“We are very different characters and we both have had our struggles but I look up to Michael in many ways.”

Irwin is convinced Dunlop will surpass his uncle Joey’s tally of 26 TT wins in 2024.

“Absolutely he will and deservedly so.” Irwin added.

“As someone who has done the TT, I can say that what Michael has achieved there is phenomenal against a serious level of riders across different eras and I applaud him for it.”

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