Dates for next year’s North West 200 have been announced by organisers this morning with the main race day falling on May 16 after discussions with British Superbike bosses.

Race chief Mervyn Whyte wanted to get the schedule nailed down as soon as possible and the race week will begin on May 10 as the Irishman begins his 16th year in charge of the event as it grows and grows.

“We wanted to let people know the dates as early as possible and after discussions with BSB co-ordinator Stuart Higgs we have been able to allocate May 10-16 for 2015,” said Whyte.

“The North West bounced back in 2014 with packed grandstands for both Thursday evening and Saturday’s racing. Yes, we have had a couple of tough years because of the weather, but road racing as a sport is booming, both internationally and locally, and the North West 200 is very much part of that phenomena.

“Riders like Guy Martin have a huge public profile and our own homegrown stars like Michael and William Dunlop have a massive following. Television coverage and press exposure for road racing is at an all-time high and more and fans are flocking to the roads to watch the spectacular action.”