Roads: Alastair Seeley to race Powertoolmate Ducati V2 at the 2023 North West 200

Alastair Seeley will race a Ducati Panigale V2 in the Supersport races at this year’s North West 200.

It’s a collaboration between TAS Racing and Moto Rapido, who run Ducati machinery in both the Bennetts British Superbike Championship and Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, and will be run under the Powertoolmate Ducati banner.

15 of Seeley’s record breaking 27 NW200 victories have come in the Supersport category, onboard Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki machinery.

“The Supersport class has given me some great memories over the years and despite my 15 wins in the class, I have to admit I’m really excited about getting to ride the V2 Ducati,” Seeley said.

“With the experience of both Moto Rapido and TAS Racing running this package and the support of Powertoolmate, it’s a dream come true for me; to add this beautiful bit of racing machinery to my Superstock and Superbike efforts for this year’s International North West 200 with Tas Racing.”

Ducati returned to the World Supersport Championship with the V2 last season, with factory rider Nicolo Bulega ending his campaign fourth overall with nine podiums.

With a year of development under its belt, the V2 has won four of the opening six races in the hands of Bulega this season, whilst Federico Caricasulo has also won a race on the Althea Racing Ducati V2.

The V2 now has a factory presence in the British championship too thanks to Moto Rapido (Oxford Products Racing Ducati). Ben Currie finished sixth in both races at Silverstone earlier this month.

Seeley is competing in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship with TAS Racing, under the SYNETIQ BMW banner, onboard the BMW M1000 RR. The 2009 champion recorded a best result of sixth at the 2023 season opener at Silverstone.

Seeley will also race the team’s Superbike at the NW200, with Milwaukee sponsorship.

This year’s North West 200 will take place on May 8-13. The race schedule is as follows:

Thursday May 11

Race One – Strain Engineering Supersport Race (6 Laps) – 17:45

Race Two – Briggs Equipment Superstock Race (6 Laps) – 18:30

Race Three – Milltown Service Station Supertwin Race (4 Laps) – 19:15

Saturday May 13

Race 1 – Tides Restaurant Supersport Race (6 Laps) – 10:00 Approximately

Race 2 – Anchor Bar Superbike Race (6 Laps)

Race 3 – J.M. Paterson Supertwin Race (4 Laps)

Race 4 – CP Hire Superstock Race (6 Laps)

Race 5 – Merrow Hotel and Spa NW200 Superbike Race (6 Laps)