Michael Dunlop has unveiled the machine he will race in the Superbike events at this year’s fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200.

The Ballymoney turned to his old friends, Stuart and Steve Hicken of Hawk Racing, who have produced a superbike-spec GSX-R1000RR Suzuki at the eleventh hour after his split with the PBM Ducati team.

“It has been one of those situations where I have had to go back to someone I can trust” the 33-year-old said.

“Stuart has always said to call him if I needed anything. I made the call and they have built this Suzuki for me. Steve and Stuart might not have the biggest budget in the world but they always give 100% and that is all you can ask for.”

Dunlop won the Senior TT on a Hawk Racing built Suzuki in 2017. He previously rode for the Hicken owned team in 2014, 2015 and 2016 on BMW machinery.