Relentless are the new sponsors of the North West 200

Relentless have been named as the new title sponsors of the North West 200 international road races on 15 May.

The energy drink have backed the local TAS Suzuki team in recent years and will now support the race, with Black Horse Finance as associate sponsors.

The event will feature a six-race programme, with a Supersport 600cc race the first event of the day this year, and the 250ccs axed from the programme.

An application has been lodged to run the Thursday practice from 0930 BST.

The organisers are planning to run the final practice session from 0930 to 1500 if their application is successful.

Tuesday's opening practice session will run at the usual time, with roads closing from 1700 to 2130.

Last year's event saw only five of the seven scheduled races run before it was abandoned because weather conditions had made the track dangerous for racing.

Steve Plater won two races, William Dunlop two and Alastair Seeley one.

Plater will again ride for the HM Plant Honda team, with fellow Englishman John McGuinness as his team-mate.

Antipodean duo Cameron Donald and Bruce Anstey and Carrickfergus rider Seeley are again in Relentless TAS Suzuki colours but Lincolnshire ace Guy Martin moves to compete for the Wilson Craig Honda outfit.

Ian Lougher and Conor Cummins will ride Kawasakis and Michael Rutter reverts to the Ducati machine which he campaigned in 2008.

Ryan Farquhar, William Dunlop, Michael Dunlop and Adrian Archibald should be among the top local competitors.

A new organisational structure has been put in place for this year's event, with former clerk-of-the-course Mervyn Whyte installed as Race Director and seven managers taking responsibility for the various facets of the event.

"Each year, the North West 200 team works hard to ensure an even bigger and better event for riders and spectators alike.

"With a new title sponsor and an already strong line-up of competitors, we hope the 2010 North West 200 will be a year to remember," said Whyte.

An additional 1500 grandstand seats will be provided for this year's races, bringing the total around the circuit to approximately 6,000.

The grandstand at the start line will be extended by 800 seats, Juniper Hill grandstand will have an extra 400 seats and 300 seats will be added to the paddock area grandstand.