By Richard Petrie BBC Sport

The most consistent Northern Ireland performer at the North West 200 over the last two years was not any of the renowned road race specialists who regularly make the headlines.

Alistair Seeley claimed a second at last year's North West 200

The man in question is Carrickfergus rider Alistair Seeley, who was fourth and fifth in the Supersport races in 2006, followed by his maiden podium, a second in the 2007 Superstock race, as well as a fourth in the 250cc event.

The twice former Irish Superbike champion, formerly better known for his short circuit exploits, hopes to achieve further success this year in the colours of the Ballymoney-based JMF Millsport Yamaha team.

"I will have a Superstock machine and a tuned 600 bike for the first time this year and the Millsport bikes have a proven record in the hands of Conor Cummins, so hopefully it will be a more level playing field from my point of view.

"The bike has plenty of speed, I am of a very light build and my experience of the last few years should stand me in good stead.

"This is my opportunity to contest the race on a fast bike and on a more equal basis, so I aim to be among the frontrunners, if not at the very front, then not far away."

The 28-year-old began racing in July, 2000, and really made his mark by winning the Irish Superbike title in 2005 and then the Superbike and Supersport crowns at national level the following year.

He first raced at the North West in 2004 "because it is our main local road race and such a big spectacle".

"I thought I would give it a go but my dad was a bit worried as he never wanted me to go near road racing because of the dangers.

Alistair Seeley (second left) at a North West 200 press launch

"In the end, he left it up to me and it was my decision, but he warned me not to fall off.

"A lot of people say the North West is like a big short circuit but you still don't want to slide off anywhere.

"You just see the road in front of you and go as hard as you can, although if you run into trouble in the practice nights, that really sets you back."

The van fitter finished 12th in the 600cc class in his first outing in 2004 and was smitten by the thrills the high speed Triangle circuit had to offer.

"I really liked the speed and it was totally different from anything you could experience on short circuits in terms of the long straights and the slipstream effect.

"The first time I took to the course, it was a big change but I enjoyed the experience, especially the coastal section from the Metropole to York Corner which is my favourite part of the course."

Seeley realised he could run with the big boys when he qualified in seventh place for the highly competitive Supersport class in 2006.

"That really surprised me but when I knew I could go at that speed, it really gave me the confidence to mix it with the big boys in the race.

In the latter stages, your gameplan comes into play and you start to think about what you are going to do Alistair Seeley

"I knew it was vital to get a good start and really enjoyed dicing at the front although the positions can change so quickly at the North West.

"You can be leading one lap and be seventh or eighth on the next lap, but what you really need is speed.

"Last year I qualified on the front row for the Superstocks and I think it really all boils down to good qualifying and if you get that right and get away with the front guys, then the race pans out.

"In the latter stages, your gameplan comes into play and you start to think about what you are going to do and how you are going to do it in terms of passing and positioning.

"I was surprised to finish fourth in last year's 250 race as the bike was not running at all well.

"I was trying to make up time on the corners but the bike was misbehaving on the straights so that was really the best result I could achieve."

Seeley says he has no interest in competing at other road circuits but will again take in the British Superstock championship in which he finished 10th last year.

"Last year was my first full season in that series and, to begin with, it was a real shock to see the pace that the other guys were running at.

Seeley will race in the British Superstock series

"I persevered and midway through the season found that I was getting up to speed, qualifying in and around the top 15 and finishing around the top ten.

"The highlight was a third place at Croft but it was really a bit of a learning year and I hope to go for it from the start in the Rea Estates team this year.

"I am looking for a few more podiums and to accumulate consistent points finishes.

"I enjoyed racing at all the circuits but Thruxton and Donington are my favourites as I like to carry a lot of corner speed and have a fast, flowing style."

Seeley is happy for others to take their share of the limelight at the North West, "as long as I am there at the finish".

"I have been invited to the various press conferences and to inspect the circuit this year, so it is nice to get some recognition for your achievements.

"I am thankful to the Millsport team for giving me this opportunity and although I have also been offered a 250, I would rather have a rest in between my races and really give it my all in those three events.

"It's good to get a break in between and be fresh and raring to go again for the next event."