Three more Superbike race wins at the 2024 North West 200 made Glenn Irwin the most successful rider in the class in the event’s history.
But these latest successes were not as simple as just turning up and twisting the throttle, as Irwin explained.
“I had to go to their level to win,” he said, reflecting on his Race 3 battle with Davey Todd (second) and Dean Harrison (third).
2024’s three wins moved Irwin’s total tally to 11, all won consecutively. In doing so, Irwin broke the record for the number of premier class wins at the North West 200, a record previously held by Joey Dunlop and Michael Rutter with nine each.
“To take a hat-trick and become the most successful Superbike rider in the history of the North West 200 feels really, really special. The team and I have worked hard this season and to respond to the challenges of two great riders like Davey and Dean isn’t easy and all three races were hard.
“It's an amazing achievement to win eleven races in a row and although some people ride harder than me here, I can find a way to win.”
Irwin reflected further on the change in his approach to the event, something he said has happened since Covid, as well as his current form - Irwin’s North West Superbike treble came after he won all three races at the Oulton Park BSB the weekend before.
“When I first came here, I probably won some races on talent alone,” he said. “But, since 2020, I've worked hard in other areas and that's why I keep winning. It means so much to me to win here as it’s my favourite event in the world and although it feels wrong to take a record from Joey Dunlop, I'm incredibly proud to do it. I feel on top of my game and love the team, every single one of them so with the hat-trick here and at Oulton Park last weekend, it’s my best week in racing.”
