North West 200 bosses have introduced a four-lap Superbike race to the Thursday schedule for 2020.

Chiefs at the fonaCAB & Nicholl Oils-backed event have reacted to requests from race teams and competitors, the NW200 organisers have rejigged the schedule to include a Superbike race during the week for the first time.

“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,” said event director Mervyn Whyte.

“From the spectator’s point of view it will be exciting to see every class and all of the top riders in action on Thursday.”

Practice will take place as per normal with four sessions on Thursday morning after roads are closed 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 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.

2020 fonaCAB & NIcholl Oils North West 200 schedule:

Tuesday 12th May
Unchanged with five practice sessions commencing with the Newcomers followed by Supersport, Superbike, Supertwin and Superstock, sessions.
Roads Close from 09.15am to 3.15 pm

Thursday 14th May Roads
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 16th May
Race format and order unchanged with five races for Supersport, Superbike, Supertwin, Superstock, Superbike classes.