Amor intending to pick up where he left off at NW200

Flying Scotsman Keith Amor intends to pick up where he left off when he returns to the Vauxhall International North West 200 in May.

“The last time I was at Portrush in 2010 I won the Superstock race and set a 600cc lap record that still stands today.” the Falkirk rider said during a visit to refresh his memory of the Triangle course.

“I was at the sharp end then and although it might be a bit of a big ask to get back there after four years away I think I can still mix it up with the boys at the front.”

Amor was lured out of retirement by his old racing foe, Ryan Farquhar, who is also making a comeback at the North West in 2014. The pair will go head to head in both Supertwins races on SGS KMR Kawasaki ER6s built by the Dungannon rider. Amor will also race Cameron Donald’s 2013 BR600RR Honda in the colours of his new sponsor, Rip Deluge.

“It will be funny racing for Ryan’s team as we used to be the biggest rivals on the track.” the 42 year old smiled.

The two Supertwins races should be closely fought affairs as Amor and Farquhar try to shake off their race rustiness to take on 2013 winner Jeremy McWilliams on another Farquhar prepared machine. The trio will be up against the likes of Lightweight TT winner James Hillier and class specialists Jamie Hamilton and Dean Harrison as well as Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop who are also in the pack.

“Yeah, there’s a few headbangers in there alright.” Amor laughed.

“I can’t wait and as long as I finish ahead of Jeremy and Ryan I will be happy! That’s my goal.”

Amor was forced to retire after sustaining a serious shoulder injury in a TT crash in 2011 but he says it has now healed.

“The shoulder seems to be alright and it isn’t giving me any grief.” he explained.
“I have been living in Cyprus for the last few years and keeping bike fit on off road bikes and all seems to be OK.”

The Scot’s return to racing was at the ISB round at Bishopscourt in March where he swapped the sunshine of the Mediterranean for a typically wet Co. Down day.

“I haven’t seen rain for three years.” he laughed.

“It was a bit of a wake up call. I wasn’t sure if I would remember how to ride, especially as it was the first time that I have ever sat on a Supertwin, never mind race one.”

Two podium finishes behind McWilliams signalled the former factory Honda star has lost none of his natural pace and he was also battling for the lead in the Supersport race when he ran out of petrol.

“The 600 is a special wee bike. It took a while to get used to the speed of it but now I cant wait to get to the North West on it.” Amor said.

“As long as I come back with a smile on my face I will be happy. But then again, the only way I will have a smile on my face is if I am mixing it with the boys at the front!”