Veteran road racer Bruce Anstey will use a 2016 Padgetts Honda Fireblade at this year’s Vauxhall North West 200 but switch to a 2017 model Superstock bike.

Anstey, who is now the same age as Joey Dunlop in his final year of competition, believes the older CBR1000 is quick enough to still do the job at the golden triangle but says the competition is going to be as strong as ever.

“I think the old Fireblade will still be fast enough to win after it went through the speed trap at over 209mph last year,” said the 48 year old. “I want to win but it is getting harder every year with all the BSB guys coming over.

“The new Stocker is a bit of an unknown but we should be there or thereabouts. The opposition is very strong. I was looking at the top 20 on the entry list and there’s a lot of good riders in there.

“I think the racing will be really close this year. Michael Dunlop will be in there no matter what, Hutchy is riding really well and Lee Johnston could get in my way too.”

Anstey has won ten North West races but his failure to finish a race in the top three in 2016 was the first time he has not stood on a NW200 podium since winning the Superstock race on his 2002 debut. It also brought to an end his remarkable record of having finished on the rostrum at every NW200, TT and Ulster Grand Prix for 13 seasons.

“Yeah, I lost my podium run at last year’s North West but I kept it going at the TT and Ulster so I would like to get it back on track at the North West. I was lying second in the Superbike race last year when I fell off at Church and if the chance for a win is there I will go for it.”