Karl Harris to make North West 200 debut

Triple British Supersport champion Karl Harris will build on his road racing debut at the Isle of Man TT last year by competing at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland for the first time this season.

Harris, who is back in the British Superbike Championship this season full-time with PR Kawasaki, will ride for the team in the Superbike and Superstock races at the international road race.

The 32-year-old was among a group of newcomers who visited the nine-mile circuit on Tuesday.

Harris is also attempting to secure a Supersport machine to enter both 600cc races at the North West, which pulls in crowds in excess of 100,000 spectators.

"I have always fancied doing the North West," said Harris.

"I did the TT in 2012 and I loved the roads and want to do more."

Lincolnshire's Ivan Lintin is also set to return to the event after making his debut in 2008 and will ride in the Supertwin and Supersport classes.

NW200 Event Director, Mervyn Whyte said: "It is really encouraging to see such a strong contingent of newcomers.

"There is a great depth to the talent in road racing at the moment and we will do everything we can to encourage local and visiting riders to come and have a safe and enjoyable debut on the North Coast."

Practice for the 2013 North West 200, sponsored by Vauxhall, gets under way on Tuesday, May 14.

Final qualifying will take place on Thursday, May 16 followed by the opening three races, with the final five races held on Saturday, May 18.