It is going to be a Monster weekend at the 2015 Vauxhall International North West 200 as the energy drink company has announced that it is to sponsor the opening Superbike race on May 16.

Renowned for its association with extreme sports, Monster Energy already provides huge backing in MotoGP, Superbikes, supermoto, speedway, motocross and trials in two wheel sport.

Now the company that currently sponsors Valentino Rossi in MotoGP and the Milwaukee Yamaha squad in British Superbikes is joining forces with the North West 200.

“To have an international company like Monster Energy with the exciting reputation it enjoys at the North West is fantastic news for road racing fans,” NW200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte said.

“The Monster Energy team will bring their exciting road show to the paddock and they will be involved in a host of events throughout race week alongside their sponsorship of the first Superbike race.”