By David Hunter
Alastair Seeley's claimed another big win at the North West 200.
The first races took place yesterday evening and the Carrickfergus man claimed his record 22nd win with a Supersport Victory.
He came in ahead of James Hillier and Lee Johnston, but missed out on the Superstock victory as Peter Hickman edged it at the end.
Martin Jessopp won the Supertwins race - beating Jeremy McWilliams and Joey Thompson to the top-podium finish.
Seeley’s winning margin was 2.4 seconds to maintain his record of having won a race at the North coast event every year since 2008.
“It’s nice to keep that record going.” the 38 year old smiled.
“I knew the boys were there because they kept passing me and I knew going in to the last lap that I had to make a gap. The fuel load was down so I knew I could brake later and I bided my time to lose the tow. I still had plenty in the tank!”
In the Supertwins race Hickman edged it out by just half a second.
The Burton on Trent rider claimed his first North West victory on the Smith’s BMW.
“It was really close on the lap before and I knew I could have a go there.” the BSB star explained.
“I didn't want tos how my hand too early but I was really strong at Black Hill and the bike is good in a straight line.
"Alastair tried to let the brakes off and lean on me going into Juniper and I thought ‘You’re not doing that!’”
A further five races take place tomorrow.
Roads close at 9.15am with the first race starting at 10am.