John McGuinness claimed his first Superbike win at the NW 200 last year

The Morecambe rider confirmed at Tuesday's press launch of the event that he had signed to compete for the outfit in the two Superbike races.

McGuinness will campaign a Padgett's Honda in the Supersport races.

Another English rider, Gary Johnson, has signed for the Uel Duncan Racing Team for the 2008 season and the North West is also very much in his plans.

Meanwhile Robert Dunlop has stated his intention to ride in the 250cc race, as well as the 125cc class, at this year's speed spectacular.

In contrast to previous years, the two classes will be run separately this time round, enabling Dunlop and other riders to take part in both.

Speaking at the launch in Belfast clerk of the course Mervyn Whyte said he was hopeful that the change in the race programme would "appeal to both competitors and spectators alike".

This year's race will also see the provision of 1,000 extra grandstand seats and additional government funding for safety improvements.

The recently launched North West 200 Ducati team will be taking part with Michael Rutter on board for the road racing season as well as for the British Championships.

Mervyn Whyte described the team's partnership between the Kennedy Group and JHP Ducati as a "tremendous boost" for the races.

The BBC will again offer extensive coverage of the event on online, television, radio and Ceefax.