Seeley is set to lead the charge for NW200 glory yet again

Alastair Seeley in Superstock action on Tuesday. Rowland White/Presseye

Seeley had been plagued by bad luck at the previous two rounds of the Pirelli National Superstock Championship at Donington Park and Brands Hatch, but the Carrick rider was able to put it behind him by returning to the top step for the Moneymore team.

The 35-year-old will now make his final preparations for the North West 200, where Seeley is aiming to close in on Robert Dunlop’s all-time tally of 15 victories on the north coast.

“We knew it was going to be a long race but all through practice and qualifying we could run pretty consistent times towards the end,” he said.

“When I saw there were four laps left I decided to put a bit of a charge on but then unfortunately the red flag came out and I hope the guys involved are okay.

“It’s nice to get the win because we had a bit of bad luck at a couple of rounds and now it’s starting to change.

“Now we head off to the North West 200 brimming with confidence and hopefully we can keep the ball rolling,” Seeley added

Seeley would love to get closer to Robert Dunlop’s record of victories this week, but he knows that it will be a tough ask.

“I’m not too far away from the record now and if I had a good week maybe I could match it. It would be great to equal the record at least. If it happens, it happens but it is getting tougher every year at the North West,” admitted the 35-year-old.

“I suppose I have started as the favourite for the last few years which means I usually have a target on my back,” said the Carrickfergus man with a wry smile.

“I try to not let that affect me because it can put pressure on you if you think like that and I ride better if I am relaxed.”

Last year, Seeley won Supersport and Superstock races, but he says the middleweight win was possibly his best at the North West, having to come from virtually last place after taking avoiding action at York Corner when Lee Johnston went down in front of him.

“I would say that 600cc win on Thursday evening was one of my best North West performances,” said Seeley.

“I just put my head down and set about trying to catch the fast guys in front and I managed to do that.”