Glenn Irwin is determined to prove the doubters wrong as he bids to bag more North West 200 glory.
Irwin surged a stellar Superbike double at last year's event on the PBM Be Wiser Ducati, following on from his success in the feature race 12 months previous.
The 29-year-old has since switched to Quattro Plant Kawasaki but has struggled during the opening weeks of the British Superbike championship.
Those woes continued on Tuesday as Irwin could only manage seventh fastest in opening Superbike practice, four seconds off the pace of provisional pole man Dean Harrison.
He was also sixth in the Superstock session and fourth in the Supertwins.
North West 200: Alastair Seeley sets sights on road racing 'silver anniversary'
"Obviously it has been difficult," Irwin said of his season so far.
"To be honest the team are fantastic and the bike is class. I just struggled personally with one of my technicians, and I don't think there is any secret behind that.
"I was close to pulling out of the North West, I just didn't feel comfortable. But things changed a bit at Oulton Park and we are working hard to get the bike right and competitive.
"It is a new team and a new bike, so it takes time. I read loads of comments on social media, and they have gone from 'Glenn is going to win' to 'Glenn might not make the podium'.
North West 200: Ian Hutchinson forced to forfeit Superstock times following Tuesday qualifying
"Maybe people are starting to write me off this week, but that just fires me up. It is something special at the North West, and when I am here I get something different."
Irwin expects challenges from all quarters at this week's North West 200.
Record race winner Alastair Seeley will ride for Irwin's former PBM Be Wiser Ducati team in Saturday's Superbike races.
Seeley will also ride in the Supersport class as he looks to add to his 24 victories around the circuit.
"Alastair is working with my former crew team, but the bike is brand new," Irwin said.
"They are a good team and know what it takes. Alastair will be quite at home there, I believe. And he will be hard to beat.
North West 200 Tuesday practice times as Alastair Seeley goes fastest in Supersport class
"Alastair's record speaks for itself and he has a good package, but my package is really good as well. we just have to get everything together.
"Dean Harrison is riding really well, and Peter Hickman. And there are others.
"You can make predictions but then opening practice comes around and things can quickly change, but my plans are the same. I am entering six races and I want to win every race I ride in. Who doesn't?
"I probably won't ride in all six, though. I will probably drop one on the Saturday.
"My rivals have been picking and choosing, and being smart. So I will be smart too."
Final qualifying takes place on Thursday morning (roads closed 9.15am-3pm) followed by the first three evening races, with roads closed from 5pm-9pm.
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