Champion Nesbitt headlines Sunflower Trophy entry

Richard Kerr was second and Charlie Nesbitt first in the 2023 feature Sunflower event

British Superbike rider Charlie Nesbitt will return to defend his Sunflower Trophy title at this weekend's event at Bishopscourt on Friday and Saturday.

Nesbitt secured a maiden success in the feature event of last year's meeting and will again be on board a MasterMac Honda for the Hawk Racing outfit.

The 23-year-old from Swindon finished in 11th place overall in this season's BSB series.

Among his main challengers are expected to be 2022 Sunflower winner and 2023 British Superstock champion Richard Kerr, who will ride a BMW for the Burrows Engineering team, and Northern Ireland's Scott Swann, who will be aboard a Swann Racing Honda.

Swann finished third in the British Superstock 1000cc championship, having taken five individual race wins during the season.

Other notable entries include North West 200 winner Richard Cooper, David Allingham, fifth overall in British Superstocks, British Supersport championship runner-up Luke Stapleford, Cameron Dawson, Owen Jenner, Mike Browne and Jeremy McWilliams.

Jonny Campbell, Korie McGreevy, Ryan Gibson, Ross Irwin, Andy Reid and Aaron Spence have all been competing in the Ulster Superbike Championship and will aim to carry good form into the big end-of-season meeting at the county Down circuit.

Nine races are scheduled for Friday after the completion of practicing and qualifying, including 10-lap outings for the Supertwins, Supersports and Superbikes.

Saturday's 13-race programme includes the feature Sunflower event, scheduled for 12 laps, plus further Superbike, Supersport and Supertwin events.