Alastair Seeley: Double British champion keen to 'prove a point' if handed BSB wildcard ride
- Published
Alastair Seeley holds the Superstock and Supersport lap records at the North West 200
Alastair Seeley says he would be "out to prove a point" if he was able to secure a wildcard entry to any British championship rounds this season.
The two-time British champion was unable to clinch a regular ride on the British short circuits for 2021 and will instead compete in the Ulster Superbike and Supersport series.
"It would be nice to get a wildcard for some British rounds," said Seeley.
"That would be the dream scenario. I'd be over there to show what I can do."
The Carrickfergus rider, who has won a record 24 races at the North West 200, will ride Yamaha machinery for the IFS Global Logistics team this year.
Having struggled to secure a suitable ride for the British championship the 41-year-old will take part in a full series in Ulster for the first time since 2009.
A seven-round series is scheduled, starting at Kirkistown on 5 June.
A further round at the same circuit has been pencilled in for 4 September, with Bishopscourt, also in County Down, set to host events in July, August and September.
The final round of the series at the St Angelo circuit in Enniskillen on 2 October completes the proposed calendar.
'I thought nothing was going to materialise'
"This deal will keep me racing for another year. It was quite late in coming together - I thought nothing was going to materialise," explained Seeley.
"I will be doing Superbike and Supersport so the race weekends will be busy enough. It will stand me in good stead for the 2022 North West 200. I have to be there."
Seeley revealed his plans for the forthcoming season after recently testing his new Yamaha bikes at Bishopscourt.
He won the British Superstock title in 2009 and the British Supersport series two years later.
The County Antrim rider raced in the GP2 category of the British Supersport series in 2020, finishing in fifth place overall, including a win at Silverstone.
'Confident of running at the front on competitive Supersport'
"The GP2 bike I had last year wasn't very fast and had chatter issues so it looked bad when I was finishing down the order a bit.
"I know however that if I got a good competitive Supersport I'd be running at the front.
"Teams are now asking what kind of budget you have got to bring with you, whereas before last season I was getting paid.
"It's a sign of the times and unfortunately I just can't gather up the budget these teams want."