NW200: Ryan Farquhar confirmed on Tyco BMW Superbike

Farquhar will join Ian Hutchinson on the S1000RR at the Triangle meeting, offering the Dungannon man the chance to gain more time on the bike ahead of the Superbike and Senior races at the TT in June.

The 40-year-old tested the bike for the first time alongside Hutchy at Kirkistown in Co Down on Thursday and was clearly impressed with the factory-backed BMW.

“I was happy with the deal I had to ride the TT this year on the Tyco BMW, but deep down I was hoping that a deal would be sorted for the North West also,” he said.

“I’ve had a full day with the team, perfecting set-up on the bike, which means we don’t waste two days at the North West.

“As expected it’s some piece of kit and I’m really looking forward to getting more mileage on it and racing it in the Superbike class. I think we can do a pretty decent job.”

TAS Racing team manager Philip Neill said he was delighted to reached a late deal with the North West 200 organisers to run a two-man team in the Superbike races at the event, which takes place from May 10-14.

“As a team we have always been big supporters of the North West 200 and on a personal level it’s one of my favourite races of the year,” said Neill.

“It’s great that we can now bring Ryan in, to increase our line-up to two riders in the Superbike class on Tyco BMW machinery.

“If anything, it will give Ryan even more time on the S1000RR prior to this year’s Isle of Man TT, but I’m sure he will be looking to have two good races on our bike at the North West.”