The Vauxhall International North West 200’s fastest ever newcomer, Peter Hickman, will return to the North coast in May on a Smiths Racing BMW. The 29 year old, who won the Macau Grand Prix for the second year in a row last November, will make his 2017 roads debut on the famous Triangle course aboard the Smith’s S1000RR superbike that he will also campaign in the 2017 BSB series.

“I have another new challenge to look forward to again this season and I’m relishing it aboard the Smiths Racing BMW.” 

The Burton on Trent man said.

“I know the BMW well having ridden it in the past and we’ve been promised the right support from the factory in Germany which will make a difference. I’m pleased to be bringing my own crew into the team which is a massive bonus so I’m really looking forward to the season in both BSB and on the roads with Smiths Racing.”

Hickman took two BSB race wins with the now defunct JG Speedfit Kawasaki team in 2016 but all of his major road race successes to date have come on BMWs. The lofty Englishman took his first international road race victory on a S1000RR at the Ulster Grand Prix in 2015 and both of his Macau victories have also been with the German marque.

Hickman’s stellar North West 200 career includes setting that fastest ever newcomer mark in 2014 on an Ice Valley BMW but the Louth based racer was denied the chance to capitalize on that pace by an injury that ruled him out of the 2015 event.

Last season the BSB star claimed his first North West podiums with runner up spot in the Spidi Superstock race behind Ian Hutchinson and a third place finish in the Bet McLean Supersport event on the Trooper Beer Kawasaki. Hickman also claimed a fine fourth in the Anchor Complex Superbike race.

“As one of the fastest men on the roads today it will be great to have Peter back at the North West 200 in May.” 

Event Director Mervyn Whyte said.

“The Smith’s team has a superb racing pedigree having won races on the roads and short circuits and we are delighted the team will make their 2017 road racing debut with Peter at Portrush.”