Making his NW200 debut in
1988, and having only missed one year since, 2010 is Lougher's 21st year
competing on the famous North Antrim Triangle circuit which links the towns of
Portstewart, Portrush and Coleraine, and 8 NW 200 wins and 26
rostrum finishes shows the affable Welshman is certainly no stranger to the
spoils of NW200 success.
Now more
regularly found in his managerial role within the BSB arena, where his 2 man
Blackhorse Kawasaki team is the official Kawasaki Motors UK supported BSB
Superstock squad, this year's International NW200 kicks off proper
Ian's own road racing schedule where he goes in the maximum allowed five
races, two Supersport 600cc, the 1000cc Superstock and both Superbike
races.
For the first time in 5 years, this year sees a pared down Blackhorse
Kawasaki "road racing" rider line-up, with Lougher being the sole rider for the
team's International road race exploits, which will allow Ian to focus fully on
his own racing.
Coupled with switching the
Blackhorse Finance Ltd backed team to Kawasaki's this year, Lougher is highly
confident the changes will put his "road" race campaign back at the sharp
end.
Practice for the
North-West 200 takes place on Tuesday 11th and Thursday 13th May with the six
race programme on Saturday 15th May. The event organisers are this year
operating a Thursday daytime practice session in a bid to further improve safety
at the event. Roads will close after the morning rush hour at 9.30am and re-open
at 3pm. There will be no change to the Tuesday practice session with roads
closing at 5pm and re-opening by 9.30pm as per last
year.
The event regularly
attracts crowds in access of 100.000 people, and this combined with
the tremendous media coverage, will provide the team's sponsors with extensive
publicity.