After a lengthy delay, due to a variety of problems including persistent wet weather, the opening Superbike race at the 2017 Vauxhall International North West 200, saw Alastair Seeley showcase yet again why he is regarded as the lead rider of his generation around the Triangle.
Securing race victory by in excess of 21 seconds, the Tyco BMW rider mastered tricky wet and damp conditions, producing what has to be considered amongst his most impressive display’s thus far in his golden career at Northern Ireland’s biggest sporting event.
Photo by Tommy Vennard
Bathams SMT Racing’s Michael Rutter was a fine second, underlying that you can never discount the eight times Macau GP champion from contending for race wins.
Lee Johnston (Jackson Racing) wrapped up the podium finishers, following an accomplished display, showcasing his proven skills in wet conditions.
Glenn Irwin propelled the distinctive Be Wiser Ducati to a very creditable fourth, whilst Peter Hickman (Smiths Racing BMW) was a solid fifth.
Cookstown BE Racing’s Derek Sheils produced one of the rides of the race, finishing a great sixth, in front of many a famous name including Dean Harrison 7th, James Hillier 8th and Ian Hutchinson in tenth place.
Eighth place finisher Horst Saiger, proved again why he is considered amongst continental Europe’s premier roads exponents, same applied to Marek Cerveny, finishing a respectable 17th.
Fellow IRRC front runner Johan Fredriks, lead the newcomers challenge in 15th, in front of Greenhous Vauxhall backed Barry Furber.
Michael Dunlop’s highly anticipated maiden real roads race outing with the Bennetts Suzuki Superbike did not materialise due to his team having had no time to work on set up in wet/damp conditions.
Vauxhall International North West 200 – Superbike Race 1 Results:
1 Alastair Seeley
2 Michael Rutter
3 Lee Johnston
4 Glenn Irwin
5 Peter Hickman
6 Derek Sheils
7 Dean Harrison
8 James Hillier
9 Horst Saiger
10 Ian Hutchinson
11 William Dunlop
12 Dan Kneen
13 Daley Mathison
14 Dominic Herbertson
15 Johan Fredriks
16 Barry Furber
17 Marek Cerveny
18 Dan Hegarty
19 Adrian Clark
20 Petr Biciste
21 Jochem Van Den Hoek
22 Phil Crowe
23 Raul Torras
24 Forest Dunn
25 Frank Gallagher
26 Donald MacFadyen
27 Kris Duncan
28 Chris Green
29 Andrew Sellars
30 Toni Rechberger
Words by Stevie Rial