By For roads scene superfans, all involved in the world’s most exciting form of motorsport, attentions were fixated tonight on the live BBC Sport Northern Ireland streamed launch of this year’s Briggs Equipment Northwest 200.
Prior to the main live stream compered by Stephen Watson taking place, the much-anticipated return of event wins record holder Alastair Seeley was announced.
The ‘Wee Wizard’ 29 times victorious at the NW200, first Triangle course foray since 2023, sees him line-up with a trusted old friend, the M1000RR BMW that he propelled to Superstock successes in 2023.
Set to ride under the SMS/Nicholl Oils Racing umbrella, the NW200 virtuoso stated:
“The main thing for me is that I am coming back on what I feel will be a competitive machine.
‘It is my old bike, and I expect it to be competitive at the North-West. It is a fast bike and speed works at the NW200. I will have a new crew to get used to and I will have to get dialled in and re-learn the bike, but the year out makes me hungry and ready to come back and prove that I should never have been away.”
The Carrickfergus rider went onto state:
“We will be doing the pre-season BSB tests and there are also plans to take in some Spanish testing as well. I need that time on the bike, so I don’t arrive rusty at the Northwest. I am back in full training mode because I want to add more Northwest wins to the 29, I already have.
The 30th win is a huge landmark and a big goal for me. I always said if I could match my race number- 34- in Northwest wins I would hang up the boots but being realistic I am five away from that so a 30th win is what I am looking for now. I want to come back with a bang and see if we can do it in May.”
Outside of Seeley’s NW200 comeback, added announcements included Richard Cooper confirming Russell Racing Yamaha, KMR Kawasaki rides.
Christian Elkin sticking with the same bikes he piloted in 2024, each bike going through scrutineering will feature Joey Dunlop tribute stickers.
Jeremy McWilliams, Michael Sweeney, Daracore Racing’s Kevin Keyes revealed their intentions to be on the start-line in May.
We also gained succinct, candid, humorous comments to a host of in my opinion unsurprising questions from Davey Todd, Dean Harrison, John McGuinness MBE, Michael Rutter, BE/RK Racing’s Conor Cummins, newcomer Darragh Crean, KTS Racing’s Jamie Coward, WH Racing’s Marcus ‘Spartacus’ Simpson and now retired from international road racing, Glenn Irwin.
Overall, a positive evening promotion wise for the NW200, just over 68 days to go till the Triangle is graced by true superheroes!
Quotes courtesy of Stephen Davison.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Davison.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
