The 2013 Vauxhall International North West 200 roars into on Tuesday with the opening practice session on the 200mph seaside roads circuit, with an unprecedented line-up of riders going head to head.

Alastair Seeley is back and aiming to add to his tally of eight victories as he bids for glory on the Gearlink Kawasaki ZX-6R and MSS Kawasaki ZX-10R machines.

His British Supersport Championship rival, Stuart Easton, is tipped to make a big impression on the Mar-Train Racing Yamaha in the 600cc races but can’t be ruled out on the team’s specially-built R1 Superbike either.

The Honda TT Legends team holds a strong hand with John McGuinness, Michael Rutter and Michael Dunlop all potential winners in the feature races on Saturday, while Yamaha’s William Dunlop is keen on his prospects on both the Milwaukee Superbike and Supersport machines.

His team-mate, Manx rider Conor Cummins, is bidding to make up for a disappointing year at the NW200 in 2012 when he was rammed at Mather’s Chicane by Gary Johnson.

Australia’s Cameron Donald has returned from his homeland and is another serious contender on Wilson Craig’s ultra-quick Hondas, while Tyco Suzuki returns with Guy Martin and leading newcomer and British Superbike contender Josh Brookes.

Bruce Anstey retains all his old magic and is feared by his rivals on Clive Padgett’s Honda machines.

Gary Johnson runs his own Honda Superbike and Supersport machines this season and is an intriguing prospect on the MV Agusta 675 F3 in Jack Valentine’s famous ValMoto team.

Karl Harris is another top newcomer on the Rapido Sport Ducati and accomplished names including Simon Andrews, Dean Harrison, James Hillier and 208mph speed record holder Martin Jessopp cannot be discounted at the first big international meeting of the year.

Lee Johnston, who finished as the runner-up in the opening Superstock race in 2012, also hopes to take his place on the grid for the Supersport and Supertwin races.

Johnston suffered a broken leg in a crash at Thruxton in April but tested recently at Kirkistown in Co Down and is optimistic he will be passed fit to play his part at the North West.

SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, May 14 - Practice (roads closed 9.30am-2.30pm)

Thursday, May 16 - Practice (roads closed 9.30am-2.30pm)

Thursday, May 16 - Evening racing (Supersport race 1, Supertwin race 1, Superstock race 1) - roads closed 5.15pm-9pm

Saturday, May 18 - Main race day (roads closed 10am-6.30pm)





Kyle White
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