The Vauxhall International North West 200 has secured a top level new sponsor in Monster Energy for the Superbike class at the first major road race of the season on May 16.

The energy drink firm is already established as a major backer of the Isle of Man TT and has deals with a host of leading riders including MotoGP superstar Valentino Rossi.

Monster Energy will sponsor the opening Superbike race at the North West 200 and event director Mervyn Whyte is understandably thrilled to have the company involved with the Triangle meeting.

“To have an international company like Monster Energy with the exciting reputation it enjoys at the North West is fantastic news for road racing fans,” said Whyte.

“The Monster Energy team will bring their exciting road show to the paddock and they will be involved in a host of events throughout race week alongside their sponsorship of the first Superbike race.”

The North West, which runs from May 11-16, offers fans the opportunity to see many of the top teams and riders in action for the first time this season, including Lincolnshire’s Gary Johnson on the GBmoto Kawasaki.

The new-look Tyco BMW team is also certain to attract plenty of interest with Guy Martin, William Dunlop and Alastair Seeley leading the charge, while Michael Dunlop will be out to retain his Superbike crown on the Milwaukee Yamaha.

Dean Harrison will also be riding Yamaha’s new YZF-R1 at the North West in the Mar-Train colours, while Honda is represented by a fit-again John McGuinness and Manx rider Conor Cummins, who excelled on his debut for the official team last season, especially at the TT.


Kyle White