By Richard Petrie BBC Sport

John McGuinness won three races at the IOM TT

This year's Ulster Grand Prix will boast the best line-up for many years with all the major Japanese manufacturers represented.

The TAS Suzuki team will be out in force with Bruce Anstey, Adrian Archibald and Ryan Farquhar all on board.

Dundrod lap record holder Anstey represents their best chance of success, having already secured a double at the North West 200 and a victory at the Isle of Man TT.

The popular New Zealander will be out for a Superstock treble, having won the Production-based class at both the other major road races.

TT hat-trick hero John McGuinness has been on a steep learning curve after making his circuit debut three years ago and may be due a win in the Superbike class.

He is joined in Honda colours by Stobart runner Ian Lougher, who should find it difficult to emulate the three victories he achieved last year despite his vast experience.

Martin Finnegan will hope to put a disappointing season behind him by performing well on the Alpha Boilers backed Klaffi Honda bikes but Uel Duncan Racing runner, Australian Cameron Donald, misses out through injury.

Donegal's Raymond Porter completes the Honda hurricane on his DMRR-backed machine.

Fast and furious

Yamaha are set to get in on the act too with Guy Martin, Jason Griffiths, Conor Cummins and Paul Hunt all vying for honours.

Martin is a good bet for podium finishes for the AIM team while Manx-based Welshman Griffiths is a former lap record holder and a course specialist.

Kawasaki promise a strong challenge with McAdoo Racing sensation Ian Hutchinson out to continue his excellent form and Carl Rennie making his UGP debut with the Hawk Racing squad.

With Darran Lindsay, William and Robert Dunlop, Stephen Thompson, John Burrows, Davy Morgan, Keith Amor, James McBride, Les Shand, Mark Parrett and Gary Carswell also among the entry the action promises to be fast and furious.

Practising starts on Wednesday 16 August, with roads closing between 1.30pm and 8.30pm and continues on Thursday morning from 10.00am.

The Dundrod 150 races start at 2.00pm, with four events on the card, a National Race, a Challenge Race, a 125 race and the feature Superbike class.

Roads close for the Ulster Grand Prix at 9.30am on Saturday, with a six-race programme scheduled to start around an hour later.

Ulster Grand Prix race programme