Prodigy star Flint and Mercer in NW200 bid

Prodigy frontman and road racing team owner Keith Flint's Traction Control racing outfit will compete at the Vauxhall International North West 200 in May with Steve Mercer.

Maidstone racer Mercer will ride a stable of Suzuki machines built by Northern Ireland's TAS Racing, including the ex-Guy Martin Superstock GSX-R1000 plus Superbike and Supersport machines.

Mercer, who is gearing up for his third appearance at the North West 200, has identified top ten finishes in each class as his primary target.

"It feels like I have been building up to here and now this is a massive chance for me," he said.

"I've got really good bikes this year and a really experienced team behind me. I am training every night of the week to get fit for the new season.

"I still haven't done 200mph through the speed trap so I really want to do that and I think I can be in the top ten, maybe top six, in every race but they are all really quick lads so I will have to be trying my hardest."

The 31-year-old will also compete at the Isle of Man TT in June for music star Flint, whose Prodigy hits include the huge dance track 'Firestarter'.

Mercer added: "I went to see a Prodigy gig at the Brixton Academy and I got chatting to Keith afterwards.

"When he is on stage it is surreal, he is a crazy rock star, but in the paddock Keith is a completely different person.

"He has raced himself and he knows racing. There have been times when I've fallen off and smashed the bike and I've been a bit worried about going back to the paddock but Keith always says not to worry and makes me feel comfortable."

Race fans will have plenty of opportunities to meet the Prodigy star at the North West 200 as Flint is scheduled to take part in a variety of events during race week.

Mercer will begin testing in Spain in March and is also set to compete in the opening rounds of the National Superstock 1000 class Brands Hatch and Oulton Park before the North West on May 17.

Event Director, Mervyn Whyte, MBE, added: "Steve is an experienced competitor and it will be good to have him back on the grid at the North West 200 in May.

"Steve's team boss, Keith Flint, is passionate about his racing and we really appreciate his commitment in bringing a new team with top class machinery to our race."