GUY Martin and Peter Hickman race for glory when the international road racing season roars into life at the North West 200 this week.
The motorbike speedsters – from Kirmington and Louth respectively – storm into race action tomorrow following a second day of practice sessions.
With more contests to come on Saturday – including the Superbike battles – Tyco Suzuki racer Martin is targeting top-three finishes.
He said: "Everyone knows my main goal in a racing season involves the TT next month, but I've had plenty of podiums at the North West over the years and the goal is to bang in a few more this week.
"I always enjoy coming to Northern Ireland to race and along with the Tyco boys I'm sure we will have a good week."
Martin will be joined by team-mate William Dunlop when the racing begins around the famous 8.9-mile public road circuit.
As reported, the 32-year-old has prepared for the event by taking on the B'ol d'Or 24-hour race before joining Dunlop in Spain for official testing with team tyre supplier Metzeler.
Team manager Philip Neill insists his riders are "up for the job this week", adding: "We have two riders who are proud performers and will want to be up there challenging in all classes.
"We know our GSX-R machinery is well prepared and competitive.
"The rest we will know tomorrow night after the Supersport and Superstock races and at 6pm on Race Day Saturday."
Hickman, meanwhile, makes his road racing debut at the North West – but is also using the event as preparation for the Isle of Man TT.
