The fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200 will have a new look for 2020 with a major change being introduced to the Thursday race schedule.
Reacting to requests from race teams and competitors, organisers have rejigged Thursday's schedule to include a Superbike race for the first time.
Practice will take place as normal with four sessions in the morning at 9.15am.
The Supertwins race, normally run on Thursday evening, will now take place after practice in the afternoon before the roads re-open.
Roads will close again at 5pm with the new Superbike race kicking off the action followed by Superstock and Supersport events.
All of the Thursday races will be run over four lap races before the roads re-open at 9pm.
Tuesday’s practice schedules and Saturday’s race programme remain unchanged with five practice sessions on Tuesday and five races on Saturday.
"We have listened very carefully to the teams and riders who have lobbied for a Superbike race on Thursday," explained NW200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte.
"This new schedule will allow the Superbikes to compete in a sprint type race ahead of Saturday’s two longer events, providing more track time and a greater spectacle for everyone involved.
"From the spectators' point of view it will be exciting to see every class and all of the top riders in action on Thursday."
A comprehensive contingency plan will also be put in place should it be required. This will include the possible use of Saturday’s extension to the road closing order.
New schedule for the 2020 fonaCAB and NIcholl Oils North West 200
Tuesday, May 12
Roads Close from 09.15am to 3.15 pm
Unchanged with five practice sessions commencing with the Newcomers followed by Supersport, Superbike, Supertwin and Superstock, sessions.
Thursday, May 14
Roads Close from 09.15 to 3.15pm
Four practice sessions for Supertwin, Superbike, Superstock and Supersport machines followed by Supertwin Race 1
Roads Close again at 5pm until 9pm.
Superbike, Superstock and Supersport races.
All four Thursday races will be over four laps.
Saturday, May 16
Race format and order unchanged with five races for Supersport, Superbike, Supertwin, Superstock, Superbike classes.
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