North West 200: Seeley out to smash record

Alastair Seeley powers the Briggs BMW over Black's Hill during Tuesday's Superbike practice at the Vauxhall International North West 200. INLT 19-942-CON Photo: PressEye

The big question on everyone’s lips is: can he become the most successful rider of all time at the Triangle circuit by smashing the record of 15 wins he shares with the late Robert Dunlop?

The man they call the ‘Wee Wizard’ started winning in 2009 and last season equalled Dunlop’s tally on the 8.9-mile route which takes in the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.

Records are there to be broken and come Saturday evening the Carrick rider is determined to have re-written the history books.

Alastair Seeley is eyeing up a record 16th win at the North West 200. INLT 19-905-CON

He always said that a successful rider coming to the NW 200 is one that is arriving on the back of a good British Superbike meeting and he lines up at the biggest meeting of his career in top form after finishing fifth at Oulton Park.

In an extensive interview in this week’s Times, Seeley chats about his hopes for the races and what it would mean if he claimed a new record for himself.

“It’ll not be easy but one more win will take us into new territory and to have my name up there with Robert and Joey Dunlop before me as a NW legend is pretty special,” he admitted.

“It’s not just looking at beating the record, as I believe there are a few more years of racing left in me yet.

“I just want to keep doing what I’m doing, whether that means I do get one or two or three it will mean that I can beat it and hopefully extend it that little bit more to make it harder for the next man.”

With a class entry and hopefully some warm, sunny weather the Vauxhall International NW200 has all the makings of a classic.

Roads close for practice Thursday (May 12) 9:15am to 3pm; Roads close for racing (May 12) 5pm – 9pm; Roads close for racing Saturday, May 14 (9.30am to 7pm).

n Read our interview with Seeley on page 45.