This year heralds the dawn of another new era for the Ulster Grand Prix international road races with the Dundrod Motorcycle Club running the event for the first time.

The club hopes to use to good effect its experience of organising the Dundrod 150 national road races over the same circuit in recent years.

Following the withdrawal of the Coleraine club after last year's race, new clerk of the course Noel Johnston says it is a natural progression for his club to promote the UGP.

"Many of our members live on the circuit and we have a good relationship with the residents who live around the course. Local knowledge is very important."

The new organisers have made changes to the layout of the paddock and have also made a number of safety alterations.

These include the removal of a hedge and the filling in of a drain at Dawson's Bend while the chicane prior to the start and finish line has also been removed.

"We are planning a five-year strategy to improve the circuit.

"To this end, we have been consulting with top racer James Courtney, whose input and experience from a riders' point of view is invaluable.

"We believe the race has a bright future and we hope to build on the huge spectator interest shown last year.

"Due to the lack of road racing as a result of the foot-and-mouth scare, we saw the biggest crowds at Dundrod for almost 20 years," explained Noel.

Leading entries

This year's race takes place on Saturday 17 August, with an increased prize fund on offer.

Practice will be held two days earlier on 15 Thursday August.

There are six races on the programme including two Superbike events, a Production race, a 125cc/400cc race, a Regal 600cc class and a classic event.

Leading entries include multiple TT winners David Jefferies and Ian Lougher, Yamaha rider Iain Duffus, Jason Griffiths, Jim Moodie and Northern Ireland pair Richard Britton and Adrian Archibald.

Manxman Richard Quayle and Kiwi Bruce Anstey, who both claimed their first TT victories this year, are also in the line-up.

In addition to the race action, there will be a high quality parade of former champions and famous racing motorcycles.

Multi world champion Phil Read will race in the classic event as well as taking in the parade laps.