Stuart Easton is confident he has ‘more to come’ after the Scottish rider gave a solid account on his return to the North West 200 during Tuesday’s first practice session.

The 29-year-old from Hawick was fifth fastest in the Supersport class on the Mar-Train Racing Yamaha R6 as he reacquainted himself with the north coast circuit after missing the event in 2012.

Easton will also ride in the Superbike class on a Yamaha YZF R1 and was 13th quickest on Tuesday on the Superbike, which he has only tested twice in preparation for the North West.


“Conditions were slightly iffy at the start, but it was the same for everybody, although we qualified well on the Supersport bike and were just a few seconds off the pace,” he said.

“I’m quite happy with that, as I know the bike pretty well now having ridden it in the opening three British Supersport rounds. It’s just a matter of getting back into the North West 200 circuit groove now, as I know there’s a lot, lot more to come.

“With the Superbike we have a few things we need to change, but on the whole... it’s not a bad start to be honest.”

Easton is flying high in the British Supersport Championship after winning four of the six races held so far and is tipped as a key contender in the 600cc class, with the first of two races taking place on Thursday evening.

Team principal, Tim Martin, added:

“Taking the conditions into consideration in the morning, it was a good run. ‘P5’ is satisfying enough in the Supersport class, even though Stuart struggled to get a clear lap, but as usual he was able to give the boys positive feedback, so I’m happy with that.

“We have a few adjustments to make on the Superbike but we’re content.”



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