Lincolnshire ace Steve Plater recently attended the Belfast launch of the 2009 NW200 road races and took the opportunity to inform a packed press conference of his intentions to win both Superbike and Supersport events this time. The fiercely competitive Woodhall Spa rider took a hat trick of wins at last year’s event but at the official launch of the 80th anniversary meeting at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast – where Coca-Cola Zero was unveiled as a new associate sponsor of the 2009 meeting, he revealed he was somewhat disappointed that he had failed to win all four races and that he intends to go one better this time around. “It’s great to keep coming back to the North West 200 each year because everyone involved with the event works so hard,” he said. “I make no secret that it’s an event that’s close to my heart and my plan this year is to try and get four victories. I was a little bit disappointed last year that I didn’t manage it, so that’s what my goal is this time.” Plater won both Supersport races and the feature Superbike event in 2008 with AIM Yamaha Racing but this year will be onboard the Louth-based HM Plant Honda Superbike and Supersport machines when he makes his annual visit to Portstewart in May. The event will be held on Saturday, May 16 with practice taking place on Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14. · RACE format (Saturday, May 16): Race 1 – 250cc (4 laps); Race 2 – Superbike 1 (5 laps); Race 3 – Supersport 1 (5 laps); Race 4 – 125cc (4 laps); Race 5 – Superstock (5 laps); Race 6 – NW200 Superbike (6 laps); Race 7 – Supersport 2 (5 laps).