Michael Rutter has won 11 NW 200 races during his career

Michael Rutter will race in the BSB on a JHP Ducati bike which will have a Kennedy NW 200 branding while John Laverty will ride at superstock level.

Rutter will also compete for the Ducati team at the North West 200 on 17 May.

"Hopefully we'll get the people from Ireland behind us in the BSB and it will publicise the North West 200 as well," Rutter told BBC Sport.

The Kennedy Group will plough �750,000 into the venture and it represents a huge financial input by the NW 200 title sponsor.

Rutter is expecting his Ducati bike to be competitive both in the BSB and at the North West.

"Normally when Ducati make a factory bike, they are very good," added Rutter, who has claimed 11 wins at the NW 200.

"I haven't ridden it yet but I expect it to be a very good bike."