World’s fastest postie comes out on top in Superstock at NW200

2023 North West 200

Superstock

With Ben McCook

Alastair Seeley came away from the 2023 North West 200 with a Superstock double that took him to 29 wins on the all-time winner’s list, 14 more than Robert Dunlop. When everything clicks, the 43-year-old is unbeatable around the triangle. Seeley’s record is incredible and it’s hard to imagine that anyone will trouble it anytime soon. Until someone does, the ‘Wee Wizard’ will be MR. NW200.

It’s not a great shock that it was the Superstock races in which he prevailed… after all, it’s the bike Seeley uses when at work in the British Championships where he has successfully returned to after a two-year sojourn in the low-key local Irish Championships.

“Obviously this is the bike we ride in the BSB Superstock championship, it’s probably the one I feel most comfortable with.” he said.

The only surprising thing was that he didn’t win any other races after claiming pole position for Supersport, Superbike and Supersport at the North West.

Seeley took his 28th win in the Thursday night Superstock encounter; a race shrouded in controversy. Rival BMW team FHO Racing were pulled from the grid because the bikes had carbon wheels fitted. Much has been said about that situation and I’m sure the debate will rumble on for many years. As it stands, few who voice their opinion are in full possession of the facts (myself included), and the only thing that seems clear is that the situation could have been handled much better by all parties.

But Seeley cared not a jot. He romped away in typical style, always in control of the race, with Michael Dunlop and Davey Todd in pursuit. They never really stood a chance and when the red flags came out on lap five(due to a nasty crash involving Nathan Harrison at Dhu Varren), a result was declared and Seeley had opened his account for the week.

Fast forward to Saturday and it was more of the same. There was more controversy as the race was shortened to five laps at the request of riders using Dunlop tyres.

Metzeler shod Seeley was immediately away at the front, with Michael Dunlop and Davey Todd giving chase. This time the challengers looked like they might have a slim chance. Particularly on the penultimate lap when Dunlop appeared to be catching the Synetiq BMW, but once Seeley got the hurry-up he was away again and took his 29th victory (and the TAS team’s 30th) in style.

Todd eventually dropped out with a mechanical issue leaving a distant Dean Harrison to complete the podium.

RelatedPosts

David Johnson reflects on NW200 and looks to the TT

May 16, 2024

John McGuinness on podium at NW200 in lead up to TT

May 15, 2024

In parc-ferme Dunlop complained of having a slight issue, but didn’t offer any specifics. Larry Carter asked him if it was a tyre issue, but Dunlop retorted, “it was an issue,” sternly and in a manner that implied, ‘don’t ask me again.’ And Carter left it at that.

Dean Harrison took fourth place ahead of Michael Rutter, James Hiller, John McGuinness and Craig Neve.

But it was all about Seeley who took a pole position, a new lap record and a double win in Superstock. He was declared ‘man of the meeting’, MCUI ‘Rider of the meeting’ and achieved 209 mph (faster than he had ever gone before) on the famous 4km straight that leads into Coleraine.

Not bad for a postman.

In the aftermath, Seeley waxed lyrical on his relationship with the TAS team which he declared was a “A match made in heaven.”

“All thanks to TAS racing… congratulations on your 30 team wins… and 16th together, we make quite a team! We’ve had a pretty awesome week! Glad to be home healthy and fit ready for the next round of BSB!”

But for now, the ‘Wee wizard’ will be back delivering letters on Monday morning… don’t be surprised if he delivers another British Superstock title later on this year.

2023 North West 200 Results
Superstock Race One

2023 North West 200 Results
Superstock Race Two

2023 North West 200 Results
Superstock  Combined Thursday Qualifying