2011 North West 200
Under overcast skies with blustery conditions, the reigning North West 200 Superbike Champion, Alastair Seeley, was quickest Wednesday evening at the opening practice sessions for this year’s Relentless International North West 200.
The Relentless by Tas Suzuki GSX-R1000 pilot topped the times with a lap time of 4:31.148, and a trap speed of 190mph.
But he didn’t stop there; the Carrickfergus man also headed the Superstock class with a lap time of 4:32.690 seconds (118.420mph) and brought his Supersport Suzuki GSX-R600 home in second place (4mins 42.638 seconds (114.252mph), just a tenth of a second off top spot.
Alastair Seeley (Relentless by TAS Suzuki GSX-R1000) says: “I kept my powder dry as I was towing Cameron Donald round in the Supersport session, but I’m happy to be at the top of the timesheets at this stage in the Superbike and Superstock classes.
“Everything is working really well and the bikes are very stable, which is so important round here. Thursday is a longer session and we’ve a few more things to try with the bike and also with Pirelli, but so far I’m very happy.”
Suzuki Racing reported Seeley’s teammate Guy Martin made his full road racing debut last night for Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing finishing sixth in both the opening Superbike [4:40.269sec/ 115.214mph] and Supersport qualifying sessions [4:52.824mph/ 110.278mph]. The Lincolnshire man took ninth place in the Superstock class, which closed the opening night’s session, registering a time of 4:39.036sec/ 115.727mph and he is also looking forward to tomorrow’s daytime session.
Guy Martin (Relentless by TAS Suzuki GSX-R1000) says: “The Superbike is mega; we’re right there with that one and the Supersport bike is yeah… that’s spot on too. Little problem last night but nothing to worry about.
“On the Superstock bike we’ve a little bit of work to do and struggled a little last night with gearing but all-day practice tomorrow and we should be good. I’m looking forward to a good run in the dry and we’ll be right there hopefully for Saturday.”
