Millsport Racing have commenced talks with potential riders to front their bid for international road racing glory on Ducati machinery in 2012.

Following a low-key spell in the sport, the team has committed to the three main international meetings next season - the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod.

Dublin’s Jack Kennedy rode the Millsport Yamaha R1 on the short circuit scene this year at the Adelaide Masters mini-series.

However, the Ballymoney-based team had scaled down its road racing campaign following a series of setbacks.

In 2008, Irish star Martin Finnegan was killed in a tragic accident at the Tandragee 100.

Scottish ace Keith Amor joined the outfit for the 2010 season but dramatically split from the team weeks before the start of the season.

A string of top riders have competed under the Millsport Racing banner in the past, including Alastair Seeley, Ryan Farquhar, Nigel Beattie and Michael Rutter.

Manx rider Conor Cummins enjoyed a particularly fruitful partnership the team in 2007 when he dominated the national road racing scene to lift the Irish Supersport and Superbike crowns.

Spokesperson Patrick Murray revealed that Millsport Racing will run two new Ducati 1199cc machines in the Superbike and Superstock classes.

The team will contest the big three international road races plus the Mondello Masters and Sunflower Trophy short circuit events.

“This is a very exciting project for us, not only because we are returning to racing in 2012 but also because we are campaigning the new Ducati 1199 on the roads,” said Murray.

“Millsport Racing choosing Ducati reinforces our commitment to the Ducati brand and our dealership, Millsport Motorcycles in Ballymoney.

“We would also like to thank Ducati UK for their support in this venture and look forward to working with them throughout 2012 and beyond.”

The team hopes to announce its rider for the 2012 season soon.

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