Stars and bikes for Phil

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Apr 27, 1997 | by Jimmy Walker

American superbike star Jon Kocinski is helping Ulster's Philip McCallum unveil a new secret weapon designed to destroy arch-rival Joey Dunlop in next month's International North West 200.

Supermac McCallum, who had a five-timer at the North West five years ago and a record four wins at last year's Isle of Man TT, is testing a new 750 cc Honda, along with Kocinski.

"Jon has been marvellous," McCallum said. "I have just taken delivery of the new Honda and Jon has been helping me piece it together. It's tremendous having a big name to help me out.

"We've been testing at Donington and we're pretty confident the bike will give us a good run in its first outing - the North West."

McCallum, who was voted Ulster Sportsman of the Year for 1996, has always envied the fanatical following which has surrounded Joey Dunlop over the years, and he hopes to be able some day to beat Dunlop's record total of 21 TT wins.

"Our new Honda has been designed mainly for the TT," McCallum said. "I hope to score at least four wins again this year, and if I get five I'll not argue about it!"

Meanwhile, Dunlop, who is now 45, feels he is entering an exciting year in his career.

"I've got a new 500cc Honda, which is a Grand Prix bike," he said. "I'll be racing it in the TT but I hope to give Philip a run for it at the North West. I know he is the favourite and I haven't won there for eight years, but I'm still good enough to count."

Meanwhile, Dunlop will be in Belgium next weekend for the first round of the European Road Racing Championship at Mettet.

Joey won't have the new 500 Honda, but he will race in the 125cc, 250cc and 600cc classes. Dunlop is the big name at the event and he won the 125cc class there last year.

He will, however, miss the Tandragee 100 in County Armagh, where he would have been one of the favourites. This takes place next Saturday with Isle of Man rider Jason Griffiths likely to clean up.