Farquhar's three titles came in 2003, 2004 and 2008.

The 2009 Duke Road Race Rankings Series gets under way on Sunday, with last year's champion Ryan Farquhar eager to add a fourth crown.

The Dungannon rider is among the stars lining up for the Spring Cup Road Races at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough, the first of the 25-race series.

"Last year was possibly my best racing season to date," he said.

"I'm looking forward to trying to retain my rankings title and trying to make it four."

The series takes in events on the roads of England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

The Auto 66 club, organisers of the Ian Watson Spring Cup Road Races, has attracted a superb entry for the packed one-day race programme, including current and six-time Gold Cup Winner Guy Martin on the Hydrex Hondas.

Circuit specialist Ian Lougher, with 115 race victories at the 2.43 mile venue to his credit, will feature, along with Michael and William Dunlop who finished third and fourth in the 2008 Duke Rankings.

2008 Duke Road Race Rankings:

1 Ryan Farquhar 2306

2 Ian Lougher 2058

3 Michael Dunlop 1632

4 William Dunlop 1379

5 Chris Palmer 1037

6 Keith Amor 1034

7 Guy Martin 709

8 John McGuinness 662

9 Damien Howard 563

10 Mick Goodings 547

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