By Richard Petrie BBC Sport

An impressive line-up of riders and teams will contest this year's North West 200 road races on 13 May.

Robert Dunlop has won 14 North West 200 races

Michael Rutter has dominated the Superbike class in recent years but faces stiffer competition than ever.

This year the Midlands rider is aboard a Stobart Honda, along with veteran Welshman Ian Lougher.

Bruce Anstey rides for TAS Suzuki, Steve Plater and John McGuinness are on HM Plant Hondas and Martin Finnegan rides a Klaffi Honda.

Guy Martin is the AIM Yamaha entrant and former winner Adrian Archibald competes for the Northern Ireland based Team Racing.

Raymond Porter, a surprise winner last year, is again on the grid on the JD's Yamahas and last year's 250 victor Davy Morgan is in the DMRR Honda colours.

Australian Cameron Donald and Scot Les Shand ride a fleet of Hondas for Uel Duncan Racing and are joined in the team by Plater and Stephen Thompson for the 600cc races.

Carl Rennie makes his debut on the Triangle course for the Hawk Kawaski team and the Japanese factory are also represented by Ian Hutchinson, who is backed by McAdoo Racing.

Japanese rider Jun Maeda adds to the international flavour of the event and Stuart Easton will have high hopes of a good finish in the Supersport clash.

Martin Finnegan rides a Klaffi Honda this year

Robert Dunlop, who holds the record number of wins with 14, makes a much anticipated return in the 125cc event, while his son William is making his way up the ranks.

Irishmen Thompson, Denver Robb, Paul Robinson and Ryan Rainey are all more used to the short circuit scene but are making a rare appearance on the roads.

Darran Lindsay recorded his first North West victory in the 125cc race last year and will be keen to add to that tally this time out.

Among the notable newcomers to the event this year will be American Mark Miller, who has competed in the AMA Superbike series and the Macau Grand Prix.

One man missing from the field will be Ryan Farquhar, who sustained a fractured arm in practice for the Cookstown 100 but experienced Scot Callum Ramsay will take his place on the TAS Suzukis for the two Supersport 600cc races.

Practising for the races will be held on Tuesday 9 May and Thursday 11 May, with roads closing for racing at 10.00am on Saturday 13 May.

There will be two Superbike races, two Supersport races, one Superstock race and a 250cc/125cc race on the card.