WEE WIZARD’S EYEING MAGIC
Seeley confident he can cast a spell on rivals again
ALASTAIR SEELEY insists he has “nothing to prove” as he prepares to launch another North West 200 assault this evening.
The Carrickfergus rider, known as the Wee Wizard, has claimed a record 21 wins at the Triangle circuit.
He has also won at least once every year since recording his first success at the international road race back in 2008.
Twelve months ago Seeley bolstered his record with four victories, but his dominance was overshadowed by one race he lost to fellow Carrick man Glenn Irwin.
It came in the feature Superbike event on the Saturday, with Irwin prevailing following an epic last lap duel along the 8.9-mile circuit.
“It would be great to replicate that race,” Seeley said. “It would be good for the crowds, and everyone has been talking about that race last year. I’d just like to reverse the positions this time.
“It was special being part of that race. I had a good week leading up to that Superbike race. I think my four wins were kind of overshadowed by that one race, which I didn’t win.
“I was a bit upset at the time that everyone focused on that one race, and the four wins I got weren’t even mentioned. But I have moved on.
I am looking to the future.
I have 21 wins, so my record speaks for itself. I have nothing to prove.”
Seeley – who topped the Superstock times after Tuesday’s opening practice session – will feature in two of tonight’s opening three races.
He rides in both the Supersport and Superstocks, and then four more on Saturday including two Superbike races.
“I am feeling good,” Seeley added. “Everything has been going A-okay. “I have managed to win every year I have been here since 2008. That’s a run I want to keep going. I have been fortunate enough to have been with some good teams who give me good machinery to do the job.
“But I also do my homework before I come here, and I don’t know if that stands me in good stead or not.
“I have been saying that for a few years now, and all it takes is for some of the other guys to start doing their homework and they will probably find some success as well.
“It gets harder every year. The quality of rider and machinery is improving every year.
“You see a lot of the British Championship teams coming over here now. They bring their race craft over. They are sharp from riding three rounds of British Championship before they get here.
“But I am ready for the challenge.”