By It’s Ducati power for Carrickfergus’s Alastair Seeley in the Supersport encounters of next month’s FonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200, racing the World Supersport tour de force at present, the Panigale V2 steed.
Seeley’s middleweight class tackle has been made possible, thanks to a tie-up between BSB squads Moto Rapido and 1000cc races suitors TAS Racing.
Powertoolmate will be the title sponsors of the latest Italian machinery exotica, to grace the much-loved Triangle course.
Commenting about his 2023 Supersport NW200 ride, event wins record holder Seeley stated:
“Ian Hutchinson was due to ride the Ducati this year but after he suffered some health issues it made sense for me to ride it. I haven’t ridden the bike yet but hopefully it will put a smile on my face when I do.
The Ducati has been impressive in the British and World Supersport series this year and a Ducati also won at Daytona.”
“It will be a challenge as the team and myself try to get to grips with the Ducati but I am looking forward to it.
The last Ducati I tried at the North West didn’t work out too well so it would be nice if it did work this time.”
Former British Supersport, National Superstock 1000 Champion Seeley went onto add about this year’s NW200:
“I didn’t make the podium at the NW200 in 2019 but winning three races with IFS Yamaha last year showed that was a blip.
Those results contributed to my getting top tier machinery this year, including a British Superstock ride. I have a great package over all the classes now, giving me a better chance to go for wins.”
He continued:
“The competition will be fierce in all the classes, as it is every year, against the likes of Lee Johnston, Davey Todd, Michael Dunlop, James Hillier, Dean Harrison, Conor Cummins, Michael Rutter and John McGuinness.
Glenn Irwin will be there and Peter Hickman will want to win his first North West Superbike race but Josh Brookes could be a dark horse because he seems to have gelled with the FHO Racing BMW. Everyone will be up to speed.”
“I might have won a lot of NW200 races but I try to keep it real. I rock up in the motorhome and chill out with the family each year.
We eat well and go for ice cream but when I walk through that tunnel and on to the grid, that is the start of business time for me, the moment when the switch is flicked.”
Quotes courtesy of Stephen Davison
Photo courtesy of Stephen Davison
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
