North West 200: 'Forgotten man' Alastair Seeley ready to remind rivals of Triangle credentials

Alastair Seeley was starting to feel like the "forgotten man" as he sweated over a ride for the North West 200.

Despite being the event's most successful rider, it took an 11th-hour deal to secure his entry at this year's international road race.

The Carrickfergus rider has teamed up with Graeme Hanna's IFS Yamaha outfit and will ride in the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes.

North West 200 TV and live stream info for this year's big bike extravaganza

And despite claiming he is "flying under the radar" this week, the 42-year-old is determined to add to his record tally of 24 wins on the 8.9-mile Triangle circuit.

"There wasn't much happening during the off-season. There wasn't much interest," Seeley said.

"And then there was a press release sent out for the North West, and after that it must have sparked people's memories.

"Maybe people thought, 'flip, that man can ride. Let's get him sorted out'.

"So I was happy to get the deal sorted.

"You quickly get forgotten about. You're only as good as your last race. And not racing in England or being on the TV every week, people soon forget about you.

"But it is what it is and we are going back. It would be worse sitting on the sofa doing nothing."

Seeley is proud of his 24 wins at the North West, a record he hopes to add to over the coming days.

He has two rides on Thursday evening in the Supersport and Superstock classes, and another four opportunities on Saturday including two Superbike races.

"The North West is a special week, and having that title as most wins and most successful rider is brilliant," he added.

"It would be very difficult to have missed out and not got the chance to add to those wins.

"Now I am going back it would be nice to get a few wins. I