Metzeler’s hat-trick heroes Irwin and Todd dominate 2024 North West 200
Glenn Irwin and Davey Todd dominated the 2024 North West 200, taking three wins apiece on their Racetec™ RR Slick-equipped machines.
The 2024 North West 200 was an exceptional event for Metzeler, with seven wins by Racetec™ RR Slick riders across the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock categories. The results cement the success of the Metzeler Road Race programme, ahead of the prestigious Isle of Man TT later this month.
With a slightly revised schedule for the 2024 North West 200, track action began a day later than usual, with practice and qualifying now held over Wednesday and Thursday. Thanks to unusually warm and sunny conditions, lap times were quickly up to speed, and Metzeler rider Glenn Irwin set out his intentions by claiming pole position in the Superbike class, while fellow Racetec™ RR Slick riders Richard Cooper and Davey Todd took pole in the Supersport and Superstock classes respectively.
As has now become customary, Thursday evening saw the opening trio of races for the iconic event; however, this time with the addition of a new four-lap Superbike race. As the lights went out, it was Todd who grabbed the lead ahead of Irwin, with the duo proving to be in a class of their own as they edged away at the front. Taking the lead at the start of lap three, Irwin was able to fend off a last-lap challenge from Todd to claim his ninth consecutive Superbike win and set a new lap record in the process.
Eager to make amends in the opening Supersport race, disaster struck for Todd at the start of the opening lap when he was involved in an incident at York Corner. This left Cooper unchallenged on his way to his maiden victory in the smaller capacity class, taking the win by 6.5s.
Thankfully uninjured from his earlier crash, Todd underlined his imperious form in the Superstock class with a dominant win in the final race of the evening. Leaping off the line aboard his Milwaukee BMW, he was able to lead from the front throughout the four-lap race to claim his debut Superstock North West 200 win. Having switched from Kawasaki to Honda power over the winter, Dean Harrison claimed his first podium for the team in second place, making it another 1-2 for Metzeler Racetec™ RR Slick riders.
The main race day on Saturday saw temperatures increase further, with some of the hottest conditions in years. Kick-starting the day strongly, Cooper and Mike Browne claimed second and third respectively aboard their road legal Racetec™ RR treaded tyres.
However, for the 100,000+ fans that lined the grass banks of the 8.9 mile ‘triangle’ circuit, all eyes were on the opening Superbike race of the day. Taking place over six laps, it was a carbon copy of Thursday night’s venture with Irwin and Todd separated by less than a bike length throughout the race. Again coming down to the final lap, Irwin was able to take his tenth win, making him the most successful Superbike rider ever in the 95 year history of the event.
The second Supersport race of the week proved an enthralling race as Cooper and Todd battled it out at the front, with the race eventually going the way of Todd by just 0.462s. Cementing his position as one of the most talented road racers in the world at the moment, Todd made it a hat-trick of victories with another dominant win in the final Superstock race, while the legend that is John McGuinness made a popular return to the podium with third. Further Metzeler podiums came in the final Supertwin race, with Cooper claiming second and Jeremy McWilliams third.
In the blue-riband feature race, Todd took a fantastic start to lead the race, holding a small gap over Irwin with Harrison in third. Maintaining positions for the opening half of the race, Irwin made his move into the lead at the end of lap three. With Todd striking back a lap later, it became an intense fight as the duo traded places to the chequered flag, but local rider Irwin came out on top, claiming an incredible 11th consecutive North West 200 Superbike win. Harrison completed the podium in third to make it a clean sweep for Metzeler riders.
Metzeler now turns its attention to the Isle of Man and the legendary TT fortnight, which gets underway on May 27th.
Speaking after the event, METZELER UK Racing Manager Jason Griffiths added, “The North West 200 is always a challenging event with high speeds and aggressive asphalt, but we’re very satisfied with the continued performance and reliability of the Metzeler range, particularly with the high temperatures today.
There was a huge crowd around the course, and it was fantastic to see Glenn continue his domination in the Superbike class, with all 11 of his victories coming with Metzeler. Davey Todd also had a phenomenal week, and a special mention to Richard Cooper, who took multiple podiums and a victory on Thursday night. It was also great to see that all seven race wins came over the full scheduled race distance.
Thanks to all the riders who chose to ride with Metzeler this week, and we look forward to the Isle of Man TT later this month.”
www.metzeler.com
The 2024 North West 200 results
Superbike Race One - Thursday
1. Glenn Irwin (Metzeler)
2. Davey Todd (Metzeler)
3. Michael Dunlop
Supersport Race One - Thursday
1. Richard Cooper (Metzeler)
2. Peter Hickman
3. Michael Dunlop
Superstock Race One - Thursday
1. Davey Todd (Metzeler)
2. Dean Harrison (Metzeler)
3. Michael Dunlop
Supertwin Race One – Saturday
1. Peter Hickman
2. Richard Cooper (Metzeler)
3. Mike Browne (Metzeler)
Superbike Race Two - Saturday
1. Glenn Irwin (Metzeler)
2. Davey Todd (Metzeler)
3. Michael Dunlop
Supersport Race Two - Saturday
1. Davey Todd (Metzeler)
2. Richard Cooper (Metzeler)
3. Michael Dunlop
Superstock Race Two - Saturday
1. Davey Todd (Metzeler)
2. Peter Hickman
3. John McGuinness (Metzeler)
Supertwin Race Two - Saturday
1. Peter Hickman
2. Richard Cooper (Metzeler)
3. Jeremy McWilliams (Metzeler)
Superbike Race Three - Saturday
1. Glenn Irwin (Metzeler)
2. Davey Todd (Metzeler)
3. Dean Harrison (Metzeler)