The International North West 200 has announced that it will take its support to Rob Mac Racing for the 2009 Bennetts British Superbike Championship, with Michael Rutter joining forces with Chris Walker for the new season.

The decision to take its support to the Yamaha team means there will be no major Ducati team in the series for the 2009 season, with Rutter having elected to remain with the North West outfit despite considering setting up his own team.

"I am delighted to be able to continue my association with the North West 200 and I am confident that we will be able to work very well with Rob Mac Racing," Rutter said. "So far the news on the R1 coming out of World Superbike testing is very positive, and I am looking forward to throwing my leg over the bike in February."

Alistair Kennedy from the North West 200 said he was pleased with the deal, which would give Rutter a strong chance on track and on the roads during the 2009 season.

"It is all about getting the best positioning for the North West brand on the grid," he said, "and we believe that in pairing up with Rob Mac racing we will be giving Michael the best chance to win on the roads as well as the short circuits."