Tyco BMW continued their positive start to the international roads campaign today at the North West 200, with Alastair Seeley recording a fastest lap and placing the BMW S 1000 RR firmly on the podium in second place during a spectacularly close Superstock 1000 race. Holding first place for the majority of the race, the Carrickfergus man was pipped to the post during the closing stages of the final lap, with just 1.1s covering the top three rostrum places.
With near-perfect conditions at the 8.9mile Triangle circuit, track action was also tight in the final Superbike qualifying session, with less than one-tenth of a second separating the front three riders. 15-times TT winner and current NW200 Superbike lap record holder Michael Dunlop posted a lap time of 4mins 23.802s securing a front row start for Saturday’s opening Superbike race. Alastair Seeley and Dan Kneen also showed superb form aboard the BMW S 1000 RR, with the ‘Wee Wizard’ placing himself on the second row of the grid (fourth) and Dan Kneen in 15th.
Another great NW 200 race, the juniper chicane really has become the make or break section of the course. Alastair did everything right but Peter had rehearsed the move a few times and it was clear he would have a go on the last lap. Dan suffered more bad luck after being pushed wide on entry to the chicane which destroyed any chance for a podium finish. Michael can be very satisfied with his ride to third in his first race on his own S 1000 RR Superstock bike
Philip Neill – Team Manager
Racing resumes on Saturday [19th May 2018]:
| 1st Race | Supersport | 6 laps |
| 2nd Race | Superbike | 7 laps |
| 3rd Race | Supertwin | 4 laps |
| 4th Race | Superstock | 6 laps |
| 5th Race | NW Superbike |
7 laps |
Live Coverage:
All practice sessions and races live on the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio Ulster.
Highlights:
BBC One NI Friday 18 May, Sunday 20 May and Monday 21 May.
For more information please contact [email protected]