Seeley earns 23rd NW200 win in Supersport class
Hickman pips Seeley in Superstock race
Jessopp clinches Supertwins triumph
Contact commentators - @BBC_Bikes
Email: nw200@bbc.co.uk
Main five-race schedule on Saturday
Unfortunately, there will be a 30-minute delay to the Superstock event after an oil spillage on the course. With a further warm-up lap to be undertaken, there could be some doubt now about the concluding Supertwins taking place tonight. Will keep you posted.
Since its inception in 1929, the annual North West 200 has not only established itself as one of the fastest motorcycle road races in the world but it has also grown into Ireland’s largest outside sporting event.
Named due to its initial intended location and its original distance (200 miles), the North West 200 has been hosted by the Coleraine & District Motor Club since 1964.
On his evening off, Glenn Irwin is watching the races on the course while kicking football with his infant son Freddie.
The Carrickfergus man is only competing in the Superbike class at the meeting.
Lovely picture.
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The Superstock machines are already out on the grid for the next race as the sun is still shining on the North Coast of Northern Ireland.
Seeley topped Superstock qualifying earlier today so will be a strong favourite to bring up North West 200 win number 23 as he moves to a Tyco BMW machine.
Alastair Seeley gives his reaction to his dominant Supersport victory
Seeley on his EHA Yamaha had 2.447 seconds to spare from Kawasaki rider Hillier with Fermanagh man Johnston 3.536 seconds off the pace on his Padgetts Honda. Harrison recovered from his early problems to finish in fourth.
Quote MessageThat was a nice one - I was comfortable on the bike and I bidded my time. On the last lap I knew I needed to make a break and on the coast road I put the foot down. I've won here every year since 2008 and I've continued that so that's one box ticked.
Alastair Seeley, Supersport race winner
Seeley seems the calmest man in the paddock as he speaks to BBC Sport Northern Ireland's Stephen Watson after his victory.
"I had plenty in the tank. I knew from qualifying that the bike was good and doing everything that I wanted," said Seeley.
The wee wizard from Carrickfergus produces a perfect last lap to clinch his 22nd North West 200 win ahead of James Hillier and Lee Johnston.
Image source, BBC SportAlastair Seeley earns 22nd North West 200 win
Seeley is leading Harrison at start of the final lap but then almost comes to grief as he clips the kerb. The back wheel wobbled alarmingly but the Carrickfergus man stayed upright. Hillier now in third.
After four laps, Seeley is leading from a charging Harrison with Lee Johnston in third with James Hillier, Gary Johnson and Conor Cummins also in close proximity.
But have any of those riders have been hit with 10-second penalties?
Martin Jessopp smacks into Mill road roundabout with Dean Harrison unable to take evasive action as several riders are forced to round the barrier the wrong way
Despite his early mishap, Harrison has brilliantly worked his way up to seventh spot with James Hillier, Lee Johnston and Alastair Seeley occupying the first three spots. Both Michael and William Dunlop have pulled into the pits we're hearing.
We're hearing that the organisers have given those riders who went around the roundabout the wrong way a 10-second penalty - if they didn't brake. How that is going to be worked out, I'm not quite sure.
The Supersport race is under way and already we appear to have lost Martin Jessopp and Dean Harrison.
Jessopp failed to negotiate Mill Road roundabout with Harrison unable to to avoid his fellow Englishman.
The incident forced a number of following riders to take evasive action by going around the roundabout the wrong way. Not sure what the organisers will do about that.
Lincolnshire rider Peter Hickman is a notable absentee from the Supersport race after he didn't manage to get in enough laps on his Triumph.
BBC commentator Steve Parrish reckons that Mervyn Whyte and the other event organisers perhaps should have given the Englishman special dispensation to compete.
But it appears rules are rules so no Hickman in the opener.
Image source, PacemakerPeter Hickman is missing from Thursday's opening Supersport race
Glenn Irwin led Superbike qualifying earlier but the Carrickfergus man is only competing in the premier class at the meeting so has an evening off.
If you want to have a closer look at the qualifying positions from this afternoon, click here.
BBC Sport will be broadcasting action from the North West 200 throughout race week, including practice sessions and all the races.
Thursday, 17 May
17:15-21:00 BST: NW 200 Evening Racing – Connected TV and BBC Sport website and app plus live on BBC Radio Ulster Medium Wave.
Saturday, 19 May
North West 200 – Race Day
09:45-18:00 BST – Connected TV and BBC Sport website and app; live on BBC Radio Ulster MW
14:00-18:00 BST – BBC Red Button
Well after some thrilling qualifying action earlier today, we're into racing proper this evening at the North West 200.
Alastair Seeley will have high hopes of adding to his event-record 21 North West wins after topping the Supersport and Superstock qualifying sessions this afternoon.
First up, we have the six-lap Supersport Race 1 with Superstock Race 1 then following over the same duration before the smaller Supertwins machines are in action in a four-lapper.
Martin Jessopp led the Supertwins practice times earlier today.
The sun is out on the North Coast and all looks in place for an exciting evening of road racing.