Image source, Press Eye

Alastair Seeley wins the most unlikely of victories, coming after losing ground early in the race. It is the third year in a row Seeley has won a Supersport contest at the North West. England's Guy Martin is second and Australian Josh Brookes third.

Seeley is now joint fourth on the all-time North West list, level with Phillip McCallen on 11 career victories. It is a maiden North West success, though, for Seeley's Mar-Train Racing team.

Alastair Seeley soars past Guy Martin and Gary Johnson to take the lead. Incredible performance from the wee wizard. Seeley has set a lap record in the process. Race order is Seeley, Martin, W Dunlop, Brookes, G Johnston.

Coming up to the halfway point in this closely-contested six-lap contest and Gary Johnson and Guy Martin are battling it out for the lead. Seeley has worked his way up to seventh place.

Josh Brookes is leading on his Milwaukee Yamaha, just ahead of Gary Johnson, Michael Rutter, Guy Martin and William Dunlop.

It was Alastair Seeley who was caught up in the Lee Johnston incident and, as a result, the Carrickfergus rider is back in 16th after the opening lap.

Lee Johnston runs out of room at York Corner and collides with a fellow competitor, just seconds into the race. A big blow for the Fermanagh man having secured a front row position on the grid.

The real racing at the North West 200 is underway as the Supersport 600 machines surge off the grid.

Steve Parrish
BBC motorcycling commentator

Alastair Seeley would have to be the favourite

Joining British Superbike star Seeley on the front row are 13-times North West winner Michael Rutter and Fermanagh man Lee Johnston. Rutter's last win here was in 2008 but he's been impressive in qualifying.

The weather is fine and we are set fair for a cracking evening of top-speed, highly competitive action.

Tonight's races are Supersport, Supertwin and Superstock and the men on pole position are Alastair Seeley (Sports), Lee Johnston (Twins) and Michael Dunlop (Stocks).