Cooper and Harrison to make Armoy road race debuts

Seven-time North West 200 winner Richard Cooper and Manx rider Nathan Harrison are notable debutants for the Armoy road races which will take place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July.

Cooper has won five Supertwins races and two Supersport events in racking up a total of 17 podiums at the North West.

The 43-year-old Nottingham rider is also a four-time British champion and will compete as part of the BPE by Russell Racing team at this weekend's meeting.

Harrison joins fellow leading Isle of Man riders Conor Cummins, Marcus Simpson and Joe Yeardsley on the entry list.

Republic of Ireland competitor Mike Browne will aim for more success after securing a four-timer 12 months ago over the three-mile circuit, including taking the honours in the feature 'Race of Legends'.

Michael Sweeney from Skerries will also be expected to be well to the fore on his fleet of machinery, as will Mullingar's Derek McGee, who turns out for the Burrows/RK Engineering team in the Supersport and Open classes.

Paul Jordan will be another leading contender with the Jackson Racing team, last year's man-of-the-meeting having been a double winner in the Supertwin category at the recent Southern 100 on the Isle of Man.

Dominic Herbertson and Sam West are also among the strong entry announced by the organising club.

Roads close at 10:00 BST on Friday for qualifying and first racing, and at 09:00 BST on Saturday for the main day of racing.