North West 200: Jeremy McWilliams on retirement, staying fit, newcomers and podiums

"I think when you are enjoying anything you do in life, why would you walk away from it.?"

At 60 years of age, you could understand if Jeremy McWilliams fancied a more sedate life away from the high-octane thrills, and sometimes spills, of motorbike racing.

He has already earned legendary status, even if his current career is often punctuated by the word 'veteran'.

Read more: North West 200 schedule for practice and racing

Read more: North West 200 TV and live stream info for this week's racing

And as he prepares for another shot at glory at this week's North West 200, McWilliams says it's the love of racing that keeps him in the fast lane.

"It's the enjoyment of coming here and actually getting to ride your home, main event. It really is special. If you stand on the podium here, you would understand. There is nothing really like the crowd on that last lap. You see them the whole way round," he says.

"It is an atmosphere like no other, and to get over the line and stand on that podium is very special. The top step would be nice, but anywhere on that podium for me right now is special.

"I am lucky enough I get to race a lot. And I test motorbikes quite a lot. I have been racing in America for the last two years. I won't be back this year but it means I can concentrate more on events like the North West 200."

Despite turning 60 on April 4, McWilliams is no also-ran when it comes to the North West 200.

Last year he finished second and fourth in the two Supertwin races, with his appetite for success as insatiable as it was when he first competed on the 8.9-mile Triangle circuit back in 2012.

The former MotoGP star - who is a three-time winner at the event - is a loyal servant to the sport. His physical and mental fitness is testament to a man who is determined to prolong his career for a year or two yet.

"I try to look after myself. It is physically and mentally challenging," he says.

"The mental side is so important around a place like the North West 200. You have to be able to deal with that, and maybe all the years competing, especially at world level, has helped me deal with that side of things. But it doesn't make it any easier.

"The lead up to it is always a bit nervy. Certainly you get butterflies before it starts. But once the flag drops it is a lot of fun. And once it's over and you're celebrating, it is even better again.

"It is a wee bit nerve-racking on the start line, but you can't show that!"

As well as competing at the North West, McWilliams also helps out with the newcomers preparing to take on the Triangle course, which stretches from Portstewart to Coleraine to Portrush.

"It is nice to be part of the whole newcomers' group. They seem such an enthusiastic bunch and have plenty of experience under their belts so it is exciting to see how they are going to go," he says.

"It's a good initiative from the club to give them some insights and track time, and it should help them. I enjoy helping the newcomers. I think it is part of the whole North West 200 experience. This being our biggest event and you meet a lot of new people and faces at it. It is a very social thing.

"It is nice for he organisers to ask me, and the newcomers seem to appreciate my input. Any help anyone needs, we are always on hand to support them during the whole race week."

He added: "I remember my first run around the course. I remember getting out behind some of the elite riders at the time to learn the lines. And that meant a lot to me.

"I know they do it at the TT, but it was a brand new experience for me. Then I went and raced the Armoy Road Races and got to do it there as well. You learn so much. You can talk about it and show reference markers, turning points, braking points, and areas to look out for. But nothing makes up for getting those laps behind the instructors or more experienced riders.

"There are so many points where you have to tip in late, to make that apex. Black Hill being one of them, with blind crests and winds. You only learn those areas through experience. And I went out and finished second, so it must have worked."

McWilliams' desire to compete appears unbroken for now. He sees no reason to abandon the paddock life and pack away his well-worn leathers.

Asked if he has any retirement plans laid out, he replies: "I don't ever think about it or mention it. I don't see any reason why you should.

"I will be testing motorcycles for the foreseeable future with KTM. I love that work and I have an ambassadorial role with them. It's the same with Indian Motorcycle when I am riding in the Baggers series. I will end up doing one event over there this year, and other marketing events.

"I think when you are enjoying anything you do in life, why would you walk away from it."

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