NW200: Record 16th win a dream come true for Carrick hero Seeley

A thumbs up from Carrick racing hero Seeley after his record-breaking 16th win at the North West 200. INLT 20-904-CON

In blazing sunshine Seeley became the most successful North West 200 racer of all time at the end of a thrilling six-lap Supersport race on Thursday evening (May 12).

“As a boy, I had dreams and this is a dream come true for me,” the 36-year-old told the Carrick Times. “It is unbelievable to be named in the same breath as the Dunlops.”

The ‘Wee Wizard’, on the Gearlink ZX600RR Kawasaki, was the leader of a Supersport freight train at the end of lap one but as the race progressed it was Ian Hutchinson who became his biggest challenger. He hit the front for a couple of laps with Seeley dropping as far back as fifth but with two laps to go the Carrick rider retook the lead and breached the gap that would see him break Robert Dunlop’s record of 15 wins.

Carrick's Alastair Seeley (34) leads Thursday night's Supersport race at the North West 200. INLT 20-905-CON

“I knew if I could get a bit of clear track I could do that on the last lap,” Seeley smiled. “I had a look back at Magherabouy and I knew I wouldn’t be slipstreamed as I had a gap. But I had to work for that win.”