Team Suzuki Press Office - May 18.
Alastair Seeley made history on a number of fronts during last night's Superstock race one victory at the International North West 200 in Northern Ireland: The Carrickfergus rider and his TAS Racing crew gave new title sponsor Tyco Security Products its debut International Road Race victory and Suzuki a global first in the class with the new GSX-R1000.
Seeley also became the first man to win a Thursday night race at the event after decimating his rivals with a 22-second victory, and afterwards the six-time winner on the North Coast praised his team, the GSX-R machinery and Pirelli tyres.
Alastair Seeley:
"It was difficult conditions but once I got to the front on the first lap at University I just watched my boards. I had my BSB team-mate Josh Brookes doing a second board for me out at the Magic Roundabout so we could keep an eye on anyone making inroads from the second group. It worked perfectly, so thanks Josh!
"Once at the front, the gap just jumped from plus two, to plus five then plus 15 and 20. I eased off in the last couple of laps and was short shifting and looking for damp parts of the track to preserve my Pirelli tyres - but they worked perfectly.
"Thanks to the guys in the team for all their hard work. This sets us up really well now for Saturday and with four pole positions and a second place on the grid we will hopefully be in with a shout for more wins on the Tyco Suzukis."
Philip Neill - Team Manager:
"That's a really positive start to our week at the North West. Big credit must be given to the organisers for adding races to the programme on a Thursday night. What can I say about Mr Seeley? That was a masterful display and it seems that the more tricky the conditions, the more dominant he becomes. As much as we are ecstatic with the race win, we know that tomorrow's races and any potential podiums will not come easy.
"Fair play to the guys in the team. They found a great set up for the new GSX-R1000 and along with Pirelli they made Alastair's job that little bit easier. Despite the problems with one dry and one wet qualifying, which caught out a lot of the top riders - Conor Cummins and Guy Martin included - they both rode admirably. In saying that, in this day and age we shouldn't be faced with these problems and a three or four lap sprint on the Tuesday, in 'hurricane' conditions, is not the way a grid should be decided. It's something that needs to be addressed for the future."
Phil Dashey - Tyco Security Products:
"The North West is a great atmosphere and I must admit I was pretty nervous watching that race last night. It's my first proper road race and it doesn't get much sweeter than that. Ally looked in a class of his own and so did the Tyco Suzuki - so I'm just thrilled. The North West is a fantastic event and a very relaxed atmosphere. Hopefully the guys can be equally as successful tomorrow."
Superstock Race 1 Result (6 laps):
1st: Alastair Seeley [Tyco Suzuki] 29mins: 00.810 2nd: Lee Johnston [Ducati] +22.511 3rd: Cameron Donald [Honda] +24.226 4th: Ryan Farquhar [Kawasaki] +24.311 5th: Stefano Bonetti [Kawasaki] +24.677 6th: James Hillier [Kawasaki] +35.386 9th: Guy Martin [Tyco Suzuki] +45.679 11th: Conor Cummins [Tyco Suzuki] +48.900
Fastest Lap: Alastair Seeley [Tyco Suzuki] 111.734mph
