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The ‘wee wizard’ Alastair Seeley became the first Irishman in thirteen years to win a superbike race at the North West 200 after a magical ride on the Relentless Suzuki to fend off the determined challenge of Stuart Easton and John McGuinness, the first superbike winner.
Easton led into York from the start ahead of McGuinness and Guy Martin.
By Mill Road Roundabout McGuinness was in front and on the run through Station to University McGuinness, Easton, Martin and Ian Hutchinson were side by side and nose to tail in a slipstreaming duel, the HM Plant rider first onto the roundabout at Ballysally.
At the end of the first lap of four Easton was in front from McGuinness, Martin and Seeley making huge inroads from his starting position.
On lap twp Seeley hit the front at Mathers Chicane, but Easton hit back at Metropole and a two-man battle ensued as McGuinness watched from third the trio pulling clear of Martin and Hutchinson.
On lap three Seeley set the fastest lap of the race at 121.875mph and take a 1.1sec lead over Easton into the fourth and final lap.
Easton didn’t give up and hit back to out brake Seeley into Metropole only for the Carrickfergus man to hit back at Church, taking a race winning lead and become the first Irishman since Phillip McCallen in 1997 to win a superbike race at the North West 200.
Seeley celebrated by throwing his gloves into the grandstand and afterwards said, “That was the big one, that’s the one they all want to win. I knew from the first race I wasn’t far away so concentrated on the start to make sure I was with the leading pack. It was nip and tuck on the last lap into Metropole and Church where I got onto the lead and just rode a tight line.”
