HM Plant team members John McGuinness and Steve Brogan joined AIM Yamaha rider Ian Hutchinson in helping to kick-start this year's Kennedy Group International North West 200, which is expected to be one of the most exciting yet.
Co-incidentally launching the 2008 Ballymoney Borough Council 600cc Supersport and Autozone 125cc races at Stormont's Parliaments buildings, McGuiness, Brogan and Hutchinson all posted entries for the Coleraine & District Motor Club's big event, with North West 200 stalwart McGuinness - who won last year's first Superbike race - keen to add to his trophy cabinet this year with a Supersport win.
New team-mate Brogan has made one prior appearance at the North West 200, but the 28-year old will also be chasing honours on two fronts, riding new Honda CBR 600RR and Fireblade CBR 1000RR machinery.
AIM Yamaha star Ian Hutchinson didn't make the podium at last year's event, but will be out to deny the Honda stars after taking the top trophy in 2006's Ballymoney Borough Council-backed Supersport 600cc race. He will be hoping to regain that winning streak under Alistair Flanagan's colours, but will face stiff opposition from local favourites such as Ballymoney's Adrian Archibald, who will be aiming to improve on last year's performance, Carrick's Alastair Seeley and father and son duo Robert and William Dunlop. The 2008 TAS team will also boast new star this year, in the shape of Aussie Cameron Donald, who rides alongside last year's double Supersport winner Bruce Anstey.
Other entries in the Supersport category include the charismatic Guy Martin, who came third in last year's first Supersport race, Steve Plater - on another AIM Yamaha - Crumlin rider Stephen Thompson, plus William Dunlop, Ryan Farquhar, Martin Finnegan, Conor Cummins and Welsh wizard Ian Lougher, who will be back in the saddle of his regular Blackhorse machine.
![North West 200 launch 2008 [pic credit: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker Press International]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/408704.jpg)
