ALBURY Thunder centre Chris Seaton loves rugby league — he just likes superbikes a little more.
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Seaton will miss Sunday’s crucial Group 9 clash against Cootamundra for the thrill of hitting speeds of up to 240km/h in the Australasian Superbike Championships round at Winton.
The former overseas rider said it was too good an opportunity to miss.
“Obviously I’m going to miss a rugby league game which is a pretty important one and I’m disappointed about that, but I’m always happy to get on a bike as it’s my No. 1 passion and go-to for fun,” Seaton said.
“I go riding most weekends on dirtbikes in the bush or at the motocross track at the causeway.
“I can’t get on a roadbike though until these opportunities happen.”
The dual Thunder premiership player will ride for the Trinder Aprilia Racing team with testing to start today.
Seaton only returned to rugby league several years ago after racing overseas and suspects that dream is over.
“As far as racing in Australia goes I’m in the premier class and it’s the premier championship, but as far as going overseas I would love to do it but it’s hard to get into,” he said.
“I have already done the hard yards and you need to be at the right spot and the right time with the right bike.”
Seaton expects to know more about his prospects at Winton after today’s testing.
“Top five would be good and a podium would be awesome,” he said.
“If the bike feels good I’m confident I can win.
“The bike has to be right though, it makes that much difference (to my chances).
“Our last round in Queensland was a nightmare so hopefully testing goes well.”
Seaton finished 10th in the first round of the championships at Wakefield Park before being hindered by mechanical problems in the following rounds.
Racing starts tomorrow at 9.45am.
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