Motourage

Swan Honda’s Stuart Easton is celebrating after securing his best-ever finish at the International North West 200, finishing second in the feature Superbike class race of the day after a race-long duel with fellow BSB rival Alastair Seeley and John McGuinness.

On his return to the event, Easton got off to a flying start, setting the fastest time through the speed traps between Station Corner and University in practice (Tuesday) with a top speed of 204mph.  On race day (Saturday) he started the day with a consistent fifth place in the opening Superbike race and was eleventh in the Superstock class, despite only completing one flying lap in practice earlier in the week and having to fight through from the second wave of riders.

Easton started from fourth on the Superbike grid and got off to one of his customary lightning starts to lead the four-lap feature race, before he dropped to third. Easton was determined to fight back, and on the next lap the Swan Honda rider was back in the lead. Seeley later took the advantage at the front, and despite Easton attacking back he finished the race second to score his best ever finish at the event.

Easton said: “It has been a good event for the Swan Honda team; I hadn’t really set myself any expectations before we arrived so to finish second was a good result. It is the best finish I have ever had at the event it is great to give the team their first podium with Swan.
The Superstock race was always going to be tough with the lack of time in practice as I only really had one flying lap due to the conditions but despite being in the second group I came through to eleventh. In the first Superbike race fifth wasn’t what I wanted so to finish second in race two was a much better result for me. Alastair Seeley was really strong along certain parts of the track and rode a great race so I was happy to be second. I now only have one place to improve when I come back again and that is to win.”

North West 200, Yoko Superbike race one result:

1. John McGuinness (Honda) 17:58.937
2. Connor Cummins (Kawasaki) +0.217s
3. Alastair Seeley (Suzuki) +0.553s
4. Keith Amor (Honda) +7.520s
5. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +16.668s

North West 200, Greenline Superbike race two result:

1. Alastair Seeley (Suzuki) 17:41.186
2. Stuart Easton (Swan Honda) +1.143s
3. John McGuinness (Honda) +1.294s
4. Guy Martin (Honda) +7.214s
5. Ian Hutchinson (Honda) +9.809s

Seeley's NW200 Superbike win breaks a 13-year streak for Irish riders

Relentless by TAS Suzuki and its in-form British Superbike rider Alastair Seeley made history at the Relentless-sponsored International North West 200, winning the feature Superbike event – a first for an Irish rider in 13 years.

The 30-year-old reigning British Superstock champion also took the opening Supersport race victory, a Superbike race one podium and two other fourth-placed finishes – on a day when Relentless by TAS Suzuki posted four podiums from five races, including two tops steps.

The team started their day with third place in the opening Superbike event, again heralded by that man Seeley, who fought his way from the third row of the grid to stand on the podium. On the opening lap it was Bruce Anstey who led the Relentless Suzuki effort, coming from his row five grid slot up to fourth place, but he was soon overhauled by his diminutive team-mate, who closed down a five second gap to the leaders for his opening podium of the day.

Such was Seeley’s pace; he set a new lap record for the 8.9-mile circuit at 120.985mph [4mins 26.909sec]. Anstey eventually finished fifth with Cameron Donald eighth, just ahead of Adrian Archibald, also on a GSX-R1000 Superbike.

In the opening Supersport race, Anstey led the Relentless Suzuki charge on the opening lap in sixth, with Seeley two places further behind in eighth on his GSX-R600. But Seeley was hungry for a debut middleweight division victory at the NW200, forcing his way into the leading group of four on lap three, with some aggressive but safe passing maneuvers.

On the final lap into the penultimate chicane at Juniper Hill, Seeley produced one of the best moves ever witnessed at the North West 200 Triangle, sliding in between Ian Hutchinson and Keith Amor – and after leaving his braking later than his rivals, Seeley dropped his GSX-R600 into the chicane ahead of both Hondas, and from there he was never headed to the flag, giving TAS Racing their fifth victory in the Supersport class at the North West 200.

Cameron Donald was the next Relentless Suzuki home in seventh with Anstey 14th. Seeley again set a new class lap record at 115.582mph [4mins 39.386sec]

Bruce Anstey and Alastair Seeley had shared the last four Superstock wins at the NW200, but Anstey opted out of yesterday’s race due to a difficult grid position after qualifying, preferring to keep his powder dry for the final Supersport race.

In true Superstock style, it took three laps before the leading contenders could shake off the pretenders to the crown, with Seeley soon in the mix with the front four. Unfortunately on the final lap, he just could not find the grip required to drive hard out of the slower turns with his rivals and settled for fourth place, albeit only 0.9sec behind eventual winner Keith Amor.

When the feature NW200 Superbike event was cut from six laps to four, the odds were stacked against all three Relentless by TAS Suzuki riders, positioned on rows three, four and five.

Anstey again got the better start of the trio but Seeley, holding the expectations of an 100,000-strong local crowd, forced his way through, and onto the back of Honda duo Easton and McGuinness at mid distance, guaranteeing a grandstand finish.

Seeley led onto the final nine-mile lap but Easton took up the initiative on the brakes into Metropole with only the two-mile Coast Road section to conquer. Seeley, as we have come to expect, wasn’t prepared to settle for second place, putting the nose of his GSX-R1000 Suzuki under the Scotsman at the very next turn before demonstrating his pure road racing prowess to take a very famous victory.

In pursuit of the Honda pair, the Relentless by TAS Suzuki rider also upped the lap record to a staggering 121.875mmmph [4mins 24.960sec] on lap three.

In the final race of the day – the second Supersport 600 encounter – Seeley followed teammate Bruce Anstey across the line in fourth place; the Kiwi justifying his decision to sit-out the Superstock race with a fine third place on his Relentless by TAS Suzuki GSX-R600. Cameron Donald was eighth.

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Despite extremely limited practice time Gary Mason took the honors of top newcomer at the testing North West 200 road race course. Gary’s skilled roads specialist teammate, Ryan Farquhar, took a hard-fought Superstock podium, but was plagued with handling issues in Superbike.

Ryan Farquhar took third in the Superstock race but was unable to poduim in the Superbike class

Gary had to try and learn the course as he raced due to his restricted practice with chaperoned slow laps and other sessions depleted by bad weather. He improved his lap times by more than six seconds during the two races as he got into the groove at the legendary course. He commented afterwards, “I’ve loved the event and the atmosphere; I got so little practice though and was learning where to go as I was racing. I really want to come back, and it’s also been vital extra seat time for BSB as we’re off to Cadwell next.”

Ryan Farquhar took a third on his MSS-powered Superstock machine within a second of the winner, but was frustrated in the two Superbike races not to have had a chance to battle with the leaders.

The team’s other rider, Stephen Thompson, logged two fourteenth places in what has been reckoned to be the strongest line-up for this historic event.

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team boss Nick Morgan summed up, “We’re pleased for Ryan after his Superstock podium, but a real strange, unforeseeable technical reared its head for Superstock. So frustrating. Nice first outing for Gary as best newcomer, and he’s already talking about next year. Stephen will have wanted a stronger position, but you have to look at the grid – massive quality on depth this year. Loads of lessons for the TT, and we know we will have a stronger package for the event.”

The MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad are now gearing up for Cadwell Park British Superbikes next weekend. Howie Mainwaring lays second in Superstock, and with championship leader Steve Plater injured, he knows he has a good opportunity in front of him. Mason will again be teamed up with Chris Walker as Simon Andrews continues his comeback from injury.

HM Plant Honda’s Steve Plater and John McGuinness have experienced some highs and lows during this week’s practices for Saturday’s North West 200 races, with both riders securing leading positions in the practice timesheets but also with Steve Plater sustaining a broken arm leaving him unable to compete on Saturday.

Steve and teammate John entered today’s Superbike practice session in first and second positions respectively following Tuesday evening’s practice. However on the second lap of his outing, Steve crashed at the last corner, Quarry Hill [See Course Map], when he lost the front end of the bike and slid heavily into the safety fencing.

HM Plant Honda's Steve Plater suffered a broken left arm in a serious crash at Quarry Hill

Steve was immediately attended to by marshals and medics on the course and taken to Coleraine hospital where he underwent a full examination. It was quickly evident that his head, main body and legs were fine and that the main injury was to his left arm.

X-rays have confirmed that Steve has a broken left arm at the mid forearm point – with clean breaks to both the ulna and radius bones – and he will need an operation to have both bones plated. Steve’s arm has been plastered and he will remain in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure, ahead of his operation tomorrow.

Steve is fortunate to have come away from his high speed crash with relatively minor injuries and this is testament to the FIM approved safety bales which absorbed the majority of the impact, the quality of Steve’s leathers and helmet and also his quick thinking, as when he knew he was sliding towards the curb he picked his legs up to minimize any further injury.

Steve remembers the whole accident and, although in pain, was talking to paramedics and HM Plant Honda’s team manager, Harvey Beltran, before being taken to hospital by ambulance – in fact the first thing he said was to ask Harvey to call his wife, Vicky.

John McGuinness will line up on the front row of the starting grid for Saturday's North West 200

Although being incredibly disappointed to be missing Saturday’s North West 200 races, Steve would like to thank everyone for the numerous good wishes already received. And, in his true determined spirit, Steve plans to watch Saturday’s races from the pits and is already focusing on what he needs to do get back on the seat of his HM Plant Honda CBR1000 as quickly as possible in order to retain his current lead in the British Superstock Championship.

In the meantime, John McGuinness will line up on the grid for an action packed day of North West 200 racing, with two Superbike races, two Supersport races on the CBR600RR and one Superstock race.

Gary Mason faces a learning week as he joins his MSS Colchester Kawasaki teammates Ryan Farquhar and Stephen Thompson at the prestigious North West 200 road race course.

The 2009 British Superbike Privateer Champion is looking forward to his first road racing foray while Northern Irish roads specialists Farquhar and Thompson want to continue their form at the event on their MSS-prepared Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja Superbikes.

Gary said, “I’ve got out here early and am really keen to soak up the atmosphere and as much knowledge as possible; this really is a legendary place. The bike is real similar to my normal British Superbike machine and I know we’ll have the speed out here for sure. Being a newcomer brings its own pressures, but I want to just get in that slipstream and hang on.”

Three-time NW200 winner Ryan Farquhar has so far been eluded by Superbike class wins but knows this could be a good chance with top machinery and backup from the established MSS Colchester squad. Ryan managed to get some seat-time on the BSB machine at the Kirkistown short circuit and remarked, “First ride felt good, I could feel a big horsepower difference to the Superstock bike yet it was really light and nimble. We had some small changes to make but nothing major. I’m actually feeling excited about the event and last time I won here was on an MSS Supersport machine.”

Ryan was joined at Kirkistown by Stephen Thompson, who has had six top-six finishes against quality opposition at the North West, his local circuit. Stephen added “It was as good as I thought, and the mechanics really helped with all the techie bits which I’ve never used like the blipper box, launch and traction control. I’m glad we got out and I want to get some decent dry practice in round the Triangle. I’m concentrating on the Superbike and am feeling positive although it’s an unbelievably high-level field this time round.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Owner Nick Morgan summed up, “Ryan is undeniably quality on the roads, and Stephen is not far behind. Gary has had a mixed start to the season and as a Newcomer there’s not so much pressure but he’s a competitive sort of guy. The rider line-up is unbelievable this year but we know the bike has good speed which is essential here, so we’re all really looking forward to seeing how we can get on.”

The Superbike riders will slipstream each other at incredible speeds of more than 200mph on the long NW200 back straight. The North West 200 is recognized to be Northern Ireland’s largest single-day sporting event with around one hundred and twenty thousand spectators expected to gather at the famous triangle course. The Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse takes place on Saturday May 15 (roads close 10am). Official practice sessions are scheduled for Tuesday May 11 (roads close 5pm to 9.30pm) and Thursday May 13 (roads close 9:30am to 3:30pm).

Relentless International North West 200 Course Map

The Relentless International North West 200 Official Program is now on sale

Just £15 (Approx. $23 US) and jam packed with race information and rider profiles. This is your official guide to events during race week.

Look out for the official program seller merchandise at a variety of hotels, RV parks and retailers. The program is also available on a number of roads on the approach to the North West 200 starter grid.

Please support the Relentless International North West 200 and buy an official 2010 program.

Reigning British Superbike Privateer Champion Gary Mason will be standing in for injured teammate Simon Andrews to tackle the North West 200 course on his MSS Colchester Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

Gary is looking forward to his first  true road racing foray while Andrews recovers from foot and heel injuries sustained at the World Superbike Championship Valencia round. The 30-year-old from Lichfield stated, “I’m really excited about this; the North West is a legendary place and if I’m honest I was a bit gutted to not be going. Now Simon has injured himself, the team have asked me to go out and I couldn’t be more keen!”

Team boss Nick Morgan added, “It’s another great opportunity for Gary, and he’s the obvious choice after Simon’s injury. Although Gary has never been to the North West before, I think he will be strong, as he’s a very precise rider and picks up tracks quickly. It’s also valuable extra seat time for the BSB season against some quality opposition.”

Mason found great form in the 2009 British Superbike Championship series, taking his privateer machine to a front-row start and 13 top-ten finishes, dominating the mirror.co.uk Privateers Cup and impressing many with his pace and consistency. He will join a strong MSS squad for the North West with successful Irish roads specialists Ryan Farquhar and Stephen Thompson. Gary is also fighting fit for the tough event having undergone a brutal martial arts training regime to prepare himself for the 2010 season.

Considered to be one of the world’s fastest road races, the International North West 200′s 8.96 mile course is a challenge to rider, machine and tires alike. The circuit tests handling and performance with differing surfaces, adverse cambers, first gear hairpin bends to super-fast open corners and straights. North West 200 Race Director Mervyn Whyte MBE confirmed Mason’s entry following discussions with team manager Nick Morgan during the weekend. “We’re delighted that Gary is able to compete on Saturday 15th May, and I know he’s extremely excited about taking part, and I’ve spent some time with him looking round the course in preparation for Race Week.”

The Superbike riders will slipstream each other at incredible speeds of more than 200mph on the long back straight. The North West 200 is recognized to be Northern Ireland’s largest single-day sporting event with 120,000 spectators expected to gather at the famous triangle course. The Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse takes place on Saturday, May 15 (roads close 10am). Official practice sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, May 11 (roads close 5pm to 9:30pm) and Thursday, May 13 (roads close 9:30am to 3:30pm).  For more information visit www.northwest200.org.

North West 200 organizers are this year seeking to operate a Thursday daytime practice session on May 13th in a bid to further improve safety at Ireland’s top outdoor sporting event.  It is anticipated that roads will close after the morning rush hour at 9.30am and re-open at 3pm. There will be no change to the Tuesday practice session with roads closing at 5pm and re-opening by 9.30pm as per last year.

Since December, North West 200 personnel have been consulting with key organizations, residents and business people in the Coleraine area and a letter explaining the background to the concept was distributed last week to residents located round the 9 mile circuit.

The North West 200 course map

Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse Race Director Mervyn Whyte MBE, explained the reasons behind the changes: “Our NW200 management team is proud of the event’s ongoing growth and development but are mindful that safety must always be our top priority. The new daytime practice on Thursday will replicate Race Day conditions such as road temperatures, setting sun and timing, so enabling riders to become very familiar with course layout. The daytime practice also addresses the problem in previous years of lack of practice time for competitors and allows us, for the first time, to run all classes separately. We believe altering the time of the traditional Thursday practice session will dramatically improve overall safety at the event.”

“Whilst star riders compete in the North West 200 year on year, the race continues to expand and attract new riders and it is vital we offer these competitors a safe and secure practice session to build up competition speeds which are timed in excess of 150 mph.  Lack of practice time has been a major concern with riders and with these new sessions we hope to facilitate them and ensure riders gain as much experience of the conditions and roads prior to Race Day.”

Organizers have called on local people who live or work along the course who anticipate that they will need to leave or gain access to their homes during Thursday practice on 13th May to contact the NW200 Race Office by 30th April by email, telephone or by post. Email info@northwest200.org, post a letter to NW200 Race Office, Sandel Village, Knocklyn Road, Coleraine, BT52 1WW or telephone 028 7035 5800.

Mervyn Whyte paid tribute to all residents and businesses close to the circuit thanking them for their patience, tolerance and good-humored support and urged everyone to support the new daytime practice session. “As always we try to minimize inconvenience as much as possible and we do appreciate the support we receive from local people. The North West 200 generates £8 million for the local economy, stimulates tourism and presents extremely positive images of the North Coast region and Northern Ireland in general to potential visitors worldwide.”

Backing  NW200 organizers’ decision to implement a daytime practice session eight times NW200 winner Steve Plater said, “Seasoned riders will be more relaxed and less likely to make mistakes whilst rookie riders will have additional time on their own to get to know the course during daylight hours. I believe it’s a very professional approach and provides a much safer competitor environment.”

Havier Beltran, HM Plant Honda team manager added, “This is great news for the Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse. Moving practice to during the day will give the competitors more time on the track and it’s an important step forward for the event.”

International North West 200 organizers Coleraine & District Motor Club Ltd will – in 2010 – promote a six-race program following a decision to remove the 250cc race category. The revised program will comprise a 125cc and Superstock race, two 600cc Supersport and two Superbike races.

Speaking on behalf of the new management team, Race Director Mervyn Whyte MBE said, “Having considered this option for the past couple of years we now believe the time is right to discontinue the 250cc category. Two-stroke bikes no longer feature in Grand Prix or British Superbike race programs and, as a result, manufacturers have reduced the number of models and ranges produced each year.”

“We therefore don’t have the same number of teams nor individual competitors wanting to enter this particular class and having taken all these factors into consideration, felt it was appropriate to promote a strong six race event in 2010.”

The NW200 management team have also proposed significant changes to the Thursday practice session. “In response to competitor and team feedback, the Coleraine Club is examining opportunities to hold our traditional Thursday Practice Race during the day as opposed to later in the evening. We would anticipate roads closing on Thursday morning at 9.30am and re-opening at 3pm and believe it would cause less disruption to residents and the business community as well as providing important additional machine set up and practice time for riders and in particular event newcomers.”

Coleraine & District Motor Club is currently consulting with key organizations and business people as well as local residents. Tuesday evening practice and Saturday Race Day timings are set to remain the same.

The North West 200 course map