NW200: Sensational newcomer Storm Stacey making progress through 'trial and error'
Leading North West 200 newcomer Storm Stacey is finding his way at the event through “trial and error” after making a big impression on his first appearance at Northern Ireland’s premier road race.
The 23-year-old British Superbike prospect turned heads when he set the third fastest qualifying time in Superstock practice on Wednesday, riding the Alpha Racing by GRYD BMW. He qualified fourth fastest overall in Thursday evening’s final session in the class.
Stacey is also riding for 14-time Michael Rutter’s Bathams AJN Racing team on a Ducati V4R, although he hinted he may only ride the BMW Superstock machine Saturday’s races, which offers him more stability on the long straights at the North West.
The charismatic Staffordshire rider – sixth fastest in Superbike qualifying – has been tipped as a future multiple winner by top Northern Ireland rider Glenn Irwin, and Stacey has quickly made a name for himself this week.
However, he received a timely reminder of his rookie status on Wednesday after a near-miss on the run towards York corner, when Stacey got out of shape on the BMW over the rise after Primrose corner.
“I thought I could jump it, I’ve seen people jump it if you get it quick enough, but obviously in the wet you maybe can’t,” Stacey said.
“I did get a bit of air time but then it landed a bit crossed up and I got a bit of a wobble on, but the pads didn’t push back or nothing, so I was all good for York corner. It’s trial and error, just trying things.”
Stacey rode a BMW in the British Superbike Championship last year for Rutter’s team and his prior experience of the M1000RR has allowed him to gel with the Superstock machine he is riding this week.
“I’ve really gelled with this BMW, they’re so lovely to ride and the electronics on them as well, it’s not 100 percent all me out there on the bike,” he added.
“I think I’ve learnt the track really quickly; every track I’ve ever gone to in my life I’ve always gone really quick, and everyone’s always told me this is probably one of the easiest circuits you’re ever going to learn.
Pressed on whether he could challenge for the podium in his maiden year, he added: “We’ll see. If it comes, it comes, if it doesn’t I’ll just have a good time but at the minute it’s clicking and if it keeps clicking, you never know.”