NW200: Jessopp takes Supertwin win from McWilliams and Thompson

Martin Jessopp used his head for an intelligent victory in Thursday’s opening Supertwins race at the 2018 Vauxhall International North West 200, holding off veteran Jeremy McWilliams for his third win around the Triangle circuit.

However, it was far from easy for both Jessopp and McWilliams as they had to get the better of the super-fast Paton of Joey Thompson, who was able to pull lengths on all his rivals on the run through station and towards Mather’s.

Thompson’s sheer speed saw him lead laps two and three of the four lap race, but the superior race craft of his more experienced rivals shone throw towards the end with Jessopp crossing the line 1.8 seconds clear of McWilliams, who finished 0.2 seconds ahead of the Paton-mounted youngster.

Adam McLean finished fourth after a coming together between Thompson and James Cowton, who had sat second on the penultimate lap, saw the McAdoo Kawasaki lose ground at the Juniper chicane on the final circulation. Christian Elkin completed the top six.