'Self-belief' stirs McWilliams, 62, before NW200

McWilliams' globe-trotting exploits on two wheels has seen him compete at the highest level of the sport in the MotoGP class, where he competed alongside nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi.

Since his North West 200 debut 14 years ago, he has racked up a total of 13 podium finishes, with five second places and five third-place finish alongside his three Supertwins victories.

With more than a decade of experience under his belt around the Triangle circuit, McWilliams says he no longer feels burdened by the "stress" of the week and admits the atmosphere is a key factor in his continuing participation.

"Riding here on the coast, in front of the home fans, when you see so many people turning up at the North West, just how many people come through the paddock on race day, it's jammed," he added.

"It's a good feeling, meeting people and chatting to them. It's not normally how I raced in the World Championship. You were kind of taken off the pit lane and into your garages.

"This is much more open and accessible. It's fun because you meet people you haven't seen in a few years.

"It's a good place to be. I love racing on the north coast. It's a really exhilarating race, whatever class you're riding in. It's hard going, it's tight and it's fun to be competitive and riding with guys that are younger than me."