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 | | Wednesday, 15 May, 2002, 12:32 GMT 13:32 UK Moodie wants Superbike win  Jim Moodie talks to a V&M Yamaha team official BBC Sport's Richard Petrie talks to Scottish rider Jim Moodie about his prospects in Saturday's North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT Flying Scot Jim Moodie returns to the North West 200 this year, hoping to secure his first-ever Superbike win at the popular road race event. The Glaswegian has finished second on more occasions than he cares to remember at the high-speed circuit but he is confident that this year will bring a change of fortune. "I am riding for one of the best teams around in V and M Yamaha and I believe that the bikes will be as competitive as any on the grid," Moodie told BBC Sport Online. "I have won a few of the other classes at the North West but I think this year presents me with my best chance so far of breaking my Superbike duck. "I am in a similar position at the Isle of Man TT where I have held the lap record but have never won either of the main races, the Formula One and the Senior".
The 37-year-old is pleased to be back in the saddle after suffering a serious leg injury in a crash at Albacete 18 months ago. The accident almost ended his racing career but after undergoing seven operations, he is raring to go again. "I have warmed up for the public road races by competing in a few 600 events on the short circuits. "I feel I am fit enough to compete at a high level again and the Yamaha R1 and R6 machines have been flying in testing. "Hopefully I can repeat that form in the races. "I enjoy racing on the North West 200 circuit but circumstances have always conspired to deny me that big win.
"I am really focused on doing well in the road races this year and as long as it stays dry, I fancy my chances of getting some wins. "Road racing is dangerous enough but on wet roads, the risk is multiplied several times over". Moodie set a lap record of 124.45mph at the Isle of Man TT in 1999, only to see that bettered by David Jefferies a year later. This year, he believes that the first sub-18 minute lap of the Mountain Course may be on the cards. "To win at the TT these days, you really need to be trying 100 per cent as there are so many guys going quickly on good machinery. "There is some good prize money on offer this year and I hope to get at least a share of it if the luck is with me". The Scot gained some experience of both team management and race commentary when he was out of action last season but he is not ready to hang up his leathers just yet. "It was good to stay involved with the racing and be around the paddock but it is no substitute for being out there competing. "Racing still gives me a great buzz that would be hard to replace". | |
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