NW200: Seeley quickest from Rutter in Superbike session

Alastair Seeley was once again on top as Superbike qualifying got underway at the 2017 Vauxhall International North West 200, pipping Michael Rutter to the top spot in the opening 1000cc session.

After topping the first Supersport session, Seeley – who has won more races around the 8.9 mile Trianlge course than anyone else – jumped on his Tyco BMW Superbike for just the second time this year and immediately took to the top of the timesheets.

Rutte was second fastest, just 1.5 seconds off the local rider’s time with Michael Dunlop getting off to an impressive start on the all new Bennetts Suzuki GSX-R in third.

Ian Hutchinson was fourth quickest on his first roads outing with his Tyco BMW shod with Dunlop tyres ahead of MCE BSB star Glenn Irwin on the factory-backed Be Wiser PBM Ducati.

Martin Jessopp rounded out the top six on the Riders Motorcycles BMW, ahead of John McGuinness making his 2017 road racing debut on the new Honda Fireblade. Lee Johnston was eighth on the ex-Nicky Hayden WSB-spec 2016 blade, with Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison rounding out the top ten.

Guy Martin, making his return to the international racing scene with Honda Racing, languished down in 19^th. Practice resumes on Thursday. 

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