British Supersport star Dan Cooper will add the Northwest 200 to his 2012 road racing schedule following a visit to the nine-mile triangle where he was shwon round by Bruce Anstey.

The Ferret, for that really is his nickname and he has it on the side of his van, will champion his Hampshire Motorcycles Suzuki at the first international of the year before switching to the Centurion Honda at the TT.

"I came over to watch the North West 200 a few years ago and was blown away by the buzz and excitement and can’t wait to join my top heroes John McGuinness and Michael Rutter around the coastal circuit. I’d also like to thank Mervyn Whyte and the NW team for making it all happen and giving me such a great opportunity," said Cooper.