Rutter is set for a huge battle in this important class as he debuts the Riders BMW S1000RR shortly after the marque took its first Metzeler Superstock series victory in British Superbikes and a first podium in World Superbikes last weekend. Twelve time winner Rutter will be up against Carrickfergus rider Alastair Seeley, who guns for a Superstock triple at his local event, and as reigning Metzeler National Superstock champion, he certainly knows his way around a big 1000cc road based machine. The Metzeler National Superstock Championship has seen lap times shaved by approximately one second per lap this season as the latest generation Racetec Interact tyres have made their presence known.

British Superbike star Stuart Easton will join the class for his first attempt as he debuts the Swan Honda CBR1000RR Superstock machine in a fascinating Metzeler shod battle. Seeley’s Relentless by TAS Suzuki’s team-mate Bruce Anstey is also fully capable of a win having chalked up four Superstock victories plus another four Supersport titles! New Zealander Anstey narrowly missed out on Supersport honours in the smaller 600cc category as the 2009 event was affected by rain. A third TAS rider, Cameron Donald, is looking for his first NW victory as the squad wave the flag for Suzuki’s GSXR 25th Anniversary celebrations.

Martin Jessop will also be making his NW debut as team-mate to Rutter as the two riders hop from Ducati machines in the Superbike class and BMW power for Superstock. Conor Cummins, Guy Martin and Adrian Archibald make up a trio of riders who will be looking to try and force their way into the reckoning, in what may be a streamlining race to remember!

Both the Superstock and Supersport classes are reckoned to have the most closely related machines and tyres to standard road use, with the raceday Metzelers sharing tread pattern and characteristics with those bought from dealerships.

Jason Griffiths, Racing Manager commented, ”We’re extremely happy with the lap times and performance of the new Metzeler Racetec Interact in National Superstock and we believe we have an unbelievably strong line up of riders for potential Supersport and Superstock success!

Considered to be one of the world’s most exciting and fastest road races, the International North West 200’s 8.96 mile long course is a challenge to rider, machine and tyres alike as riders slipstream each other at incredible speeds on the long back straight. The circuit really tests handling and performance with differing surfaces, adverse cambers, first gear hairpin bends to super-fast open corners and straights.

The North West 200 is recognised to be Northern Ireland’s largest single day sporting event with around one hundred and twenty thousand spectators expected to gather at the famous ‘triangle’ course. The Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse takes place on Saturday 15th May (roads close 10am). Official practice sessions are scheduled for Tuesday 11th May (roads close 5pm to 9.30pm) and Thursday 13th May (roads close 9.30am to 3.30pm). For more information visit http://www.northwest200.org

The evolution of the latest Racetec Interact tyres are available in four compounds: K0, K1, K2 for the racer and track day enthusiast and the K3 for general road use. All are available for normal purchase via your local Metzeler dealer and for more information, visit http://www.metzelermoto.co.uk