JAMES Hillier believes he is “in a good position” for the Isle of Man TT after rounding off the International North West 200 with three fine finishes.

The Ringwood racer, who roared from 18th to second in Thursday night’s supersport race in Northern Ireland, achieved the same feat in blazing sunshine on Saturday.

Hillier also banked eighth in the superstock race and two ninth places in superbike outings, ensuring he completed all six of his races in the top 10.

And with the TT due to get under way on Saturday, the 33-year-old reckons he and the Bournemouth-based JG Speedfit Kawasaki team are heading into the iconic event in good shape.

He said: “The boys worked hard to get the 600 ready and gave me a really good bike, so it was great to pay them back with a positive result.

“Once the bike gets going, it absolutely flies and with the sun shining and a huge crowd, what more could you want to be doing on a Saturday afternoon?

“We had a few niggles with the big bikes and it was a busy few days for the whole team. But we learned a lot and there’s definite potential in both.

“Once we get those ironed out, I think we’re going to be there or thereabouts at the TT. I feel I’m riding well. It’s been a good meeting and we’re in a good position ahead of the TT.”

Hillier wasted no time making up ground in the second supersport race, powering from 18th to fifth by the end of the first lap of the 8.9-mile circuit.

The Hampshire ace hit the front on the second lap but later slipped back to fourth.

However, he picked up another place before a superb pass on Lee Johnston earned him a sixth NW200 podium.

Team coordinator Phil Biggs said: “James’s ride in the second supersport race was nothing short of amazing.

“It shows how well he is riding and how well the bike is working and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

“The superstock bike was working okay and it was only a little mistake from James at Juniper Chicane which caused him to lose ground.

“We made a lot of changes to the superbike, which enabled us to move forward all the time.

“James wasn’t able to turn the bike as much as he would have liked so we made changes to the rear shock which helped and, overall, we’re pretty happy with how the week’s gone.

“We have a good feeling ahead of the TT.”