Scottish rider Ian Simpson is to race at the Kennedy North West 200 on 17 May, ten years after he last tasted success at the seaside circuit.

The 37-year-old will ride for the DM Yamaha Racing team, run by ex-racers Iain Duffus and Brian Morrison.

Simpson plans to compete in the Superstock class and ride the same machine in the two Superbike events.

The Scot was British Superbike champion in 1994 and registered five wins at the North West from 1995 to 1998.

In 1995, he won the main North West 200 Superbike race on a Honda and the following year, he enjoyed a further Superbike victory on a Ducati.

He won the 1997 Production race on another Ducati but reverted to Honda for Superbike and Supersport successes in 1998.

A leg injury forced the Dalbeattie man to call a halt to his career and he went on to take up a management role with Alistair Flanagan's ETI Racing team.

"Ian's manager Iain Duffus has informed me that Ian has not been in complete retirement and took part in some racing last season," said North West clerk of the course Mervyn Whyte.

"He has competed in some 24-hour events and all three are looking forward to returning to the North West," he added.