Stuart Easton and Aussie Billy McConnell head up the MSS Discovery Kawasaki challenge while Karl Harris, another former Supersport champion campaigns the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha amid the 30 strong starting grid.

Tristan Palmer, the winner of last years Superbike Cup, moves into the main championship this time around, remaining with the Tena for Men Honda team, with Michael Howarth, back in action after injury, heads their bid to retain the cup which is now backed by the Daily Star.

Tom Tunstall riding the Hardinge Ice Valley Honda should be pushing him hard, as will local hero Steve Mercer riding the Bob Farnham Tuning/Sondel Yamaha.

Around the two 20 lap Superbike races on a big sporting programme there is the opening rounds of the Fuchs-Silkolene Supersport Championship; the Metzeler National 600 and 1000 Superstock Championships, Relentless British 125GP Championship and the all new Henderson R1 Cup.