PBM Ducati’s Glenn Irwin is the local favourite as he looks to win his ninth Superbike race in a row – which would bring him level with Joey Dunlop and Michael Rutter. He comes into the event off the back of a hat-trick of victories at the British Superbike Championship round at Oulton Park.
“I don’t feel the pressure, I train and work to win,” Irwin said. “I never go wanting to be happy with third or anything like that.
“It would mean a lot [to break the record]. It’s something I think about quite a lot. There’s a lot of track action to come before then, but I’d be quite disappointed if I didn’t win all three, to be honest.”
BMW rider Davey Todd has impressed at the North West 200 and is a serious challenger, while Honda’s Dean Harrison will be looking for honours after switching from a long-term ride on Kawasaki.
“I’m feeling in a really good place and my team are doing a fantastic job,” said Todd, who will also ride a Ducati in the Supersport class.
“I want to battle with Glenn, we always have good battles here and he’s had too many wins in a row now, so someone has to put a stop to that. We’re good friends and it’s a good rivalry”
Peter Hickman has been the man to beat at the Isle of Man TT and has shown flashes of his brilliance at the North West 200, while you can never discount an on-song Michael Dunlop, who is looking his first win since 2016.
Richard Cooper has taken to the event like a duck to water and will be looking to continue his dominance in the Supertwins and aim for Supersport glory.
“I had a second and third plus two wins last year, but I want those four wins this time and I believe I have the best opportunity of doing that,” said Cooper.
“My Supertwin bike is very competitive, and I know the Supersport class is very competitive, so I am under no illusion that it is going to be difficult, but I want to win.”
There are also legends of the sport such as John McGuinness, Jeremy McWIlliams, Rutter and Ian Hutchinson, but for the first time in 20 years record wins holder Alastair Seleey will not be lining up at the event and fan favourite Lee Johnston is injured.