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

“I think if you enjoy everything you do in life, why would you run away from it?”

At the age of 60, you might understand that Jeremy McWilliams fancied a quieter life, away from the thrills and sometimes thrills of motorcycle racing.

He’s already earned legendary status, even if his current career is often punctuated by the word “veteran.”

Read more: North West 200 practice and racing schedule

Read more: North West 200 TV and livestream information for this week’s races

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 on the fast track.

“It’s the joy of coming here and actually getting to drive home, the main event. It’s really special. If you were standing here on stage, you would understand. There is nothing as beautiful as the crowd in that last round. You see them all the way,” he says.

“It’s an atmosphere like no other, and to cross the line and be on that podium is very special. The top step would be nice, but anywhere on that podium is special to me right now.

“I’m lucky that I get to race a lot. And I test a lot of bikes. The last two years I’ve raced in America. This year I’m not coming back, but it means I can concentrate more on events like the North West 200.”

Despite turning 60 on April 4, McWilliams is not a top prospect when it comes to the North West 200.

Last year he finished second and fourth in the two Supertwin races, with his hunger for success as insatiable as when he first competed on the 9.9-mile Triangle circuit in 2012.

The former MotoGP star – who is a three-time winner of the event – ​​is a loyal servant of the sport. His physical and mental condition is a testament to a man determined to extend his career for another year or two.

“I try to take care of myself. It’s 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 of competing, especially at world level, has helped me deal with that side of things. But it doesn’t make it any easier.

“The run-up to it is always a bit nervous. Sure, you’ll get butterflies before it starts. But once the flag drops, it’s a lot of fun. And once it’s over and you’re celebrating, it’s even better.

“It’s a bit nerve-wracking at the start, but you can’t show that!”

As well as competing in the North West, McWilliams is also helping with the newcomers preparing for the Triangle course, which stretches from Portstewart to Coleraine to Portrush.

“It’s nice to be part of the whole group of newcomers. They seem like such an enthusiastic bunch and they have a lot of experience under their belt, so it’s exciting to see how they’ll get on,” he says.

“It’s a good initiative from the club to give them some insight and keep track of the times, and it should help them. I like helping the newcomers. I think it’s part of the whole North West 200 experience. This is our largest event and you meet many new people and faces. It is very social.

“It’s nice that the organizers ask me, and the newcomers seem to appreciate my input. If anyone needs help, we are always ready to support them throughout the race week.”

He added: “I remember my first lap around the course. I remember getting behind some 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 completely new experience for me. Then I went to race at the Armoy Road Races and got to do it there too. You learn so much. You can talk about it and show reference marks, turning points, braking points and areas to pay attention to. But nothing compensates for getting those laps behind the instructors or more experienced riders.

There are so many points where you have to make late sacrifices to reach the top. Black Hill is one of them, with blind peaks and wind. You only learn those areas through experience. And I went out and finished second, so it must have worked.”

McWilliams’ desire to compete appears to be unbroken for now. He sees no reason to give up life in the paddock and put away his worn leathers.

When asked if he has any retirement plans, he answers: ‘I never think about it or say anything about it. I don’t see any reason why you should do that.

“I will be testing motorcycles with KTM in the near future. I love that job and I have an ambassadorial role with them. The same goes for Indian Motorcycle when I ride in the Baggers series. I will eventually do one event there this year, and other marketing events.

“I think if you enjoy everything you do in life, why would you run away from it.”

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