NW200: Seeley strides to Supersport win

Alastair Seeley took victory in a frenetic opening race at this year’s Vauxhall International North West 200.

As the race got underway with the sun beaming down, it was Martin Jessopp who took the lead into York Corner on the opening lap but it would be short-lived for the Yeovil man as too tight a line at Mill Road roundabout saw him clip the recticel barriers and fall from his machine.

Falling in the line of the chasing pack, Jessopp caused a significant road block with the likes of Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop getting severely held up while other riders went the wrong way around the roundabout to later be slapped with a ten second penalty.

After the first lap, Seeley lead the way but only narrowly with the Padgetts Honda of Lee Johnston breathing down his neck.

James Hillier and Dean Harrison made good progress on the second lap with Hillier moving second while Harrison set the fastest lap as he fought back through the pack.

At the mid way point it was a four bike battle for the win with Seeley maintaining control ahead of Johnston, Hillier, Harrison and Gary Johnson.

Dean Harrison would take the lead in the closing stages but Seeley seemed to have something in hand as he pulled away on the final lap to pull a 2.4 second lead over the chasing pack.

A strong last lap for James Hillier saw him clinch second ahead of the Honda of Lee Johnston while Harrison was pushed back to fourth.

Gary Johnson crossed the line fifth ahead of Conor Cummins and an impressive ride for Ian Hutchinson who finished seventh despite it being his first race back from his injured leg.

Dan Cooper finished eighth ahead of James Cowton while Dan Kneen completed the top ten.

NORTH WEST 200 – SUPERSPORT RACE 1

1. Alastair Seeley – EHA Racing 4:34.427
2. James Hillier – JG Speedfit Kawasaki +2.447
3. Lee Johnston – Padgetts Racing +3.369
4. Dean Harrison – Silicone Engineering Kawasaki +3.536
5. Gary Johnson – RAF Regular and Reserves Triumph +12.039
6. Conor Cummins – Padgetts Racing +18.421
7. Ian Hutchinson – Padgetts Racing +20.751
8. Dan Cooper – Dan Cooper Racing +21.288
9. James Cowton – McAdoo Racing +21.483
10. Dan Kneen – Jackson Racing +32.813