North West 200: Dunlop and Seeley impress in practice sessions
Local favourites Michael Dunlop and Alastair Seeley are already setting the pace at the North West 200.
Ballymoney's Dunlop (main picture) was first over the line in yesterday's Superbike opening practice session.
Dunlop, who has switched from BMW to Honda power in the big bike class this season, posted a lap of 122.943mph.
The day’s action had begun in bright sunshine as the newcomers took to the track in the opening qualifying session.
Among the new recruits was David Datzer, a rostrum finisher in last year’s Macau Grand Prix, but it was Cork’s Mike Browne who topped the time sheets on the RK Racing/Burrows BMW.
Following a short delay to allow oil to be cleaned from the track at Magherabouy, the Supersport session followed with Carrick rider Seeley dominating proceedings on the Powertoolmate V2 Ducati ahead of BPE/Russell Racing Yamaha teammates, Richard Cooper and Dean Harrison.
Seeley completed a practice session double when he was quickest in the Superstock event.
There will be further practice sessions tomorrow (Thursday) morning before racing gets under way.