Softly spoken William Dunlop faces an emotional battle when he rides in the NW 200 in May.

Dunlop, a highly sensitive rider, will be thinking about his father Robert, who was killed in practice for last year’s 250 cc race, and the fact that he is riding in the same class will bring the whole affair back to William's mind.

“I think of him a lot, especially on the run up to the North West," said William.

“I don't know how it will be on race day but I am hoping I can cope with the memories. Dad was always there beside me when I was racing and it seems strange that he is no more."

Maybe William needs a guardian angel.

William will be going for a five-timer at the meeting - somewhat ambitious he would agree.

“I am going for the two Supersport races as well as the Superstock, the 125cc and the 250 cc.

“I will not be doing the Superbike races as I really don't think I am good enough at this stage, however I may change my mind.”

William knows that the North West is not a lucky race for him.

“I have tried to win the 250cc class - my best - on numerous occasions,” William said.

“One year I broke my wrist at the Cookstown 100 but I still managed to complete in the North West.

“Iroinically, it gave me my best result. In other outings my machine broke down and last year, as you will recall, I got no further than the first lap.”

This was the race in which William’s brother Michael stole the show by winning and paying tribute to his late father.

"It was certainly a great day for Michael,” said William. “For me, however, it was something of a disaster."

With Michael also in the 250 cc class there should be plenty of action in the Dunlop family. But there is another rider who will be involved in the meeting who feels he has something to prove.

Ryan Farquhar cleaned up in the Irish Championship last year, he won the Superbike and Supersport.

Rocket man Ryan will be concentating on the Superbike because he has never won this particular class at the meeting.

He has, however, been successful in the Supersport and he will be hoping to beat his total of three wins at the meeting.

Farquhar said: "The North West has been good to me and I am hoping that I will get on the podium in the two big races."

Farquhar is a rider who is never content with minor success and he oozes determination.

Thats why he is such a hard man to beat.

At this year’s North West he will be hoping not only for a big result but will also be using it as a launching pad for the Isle of Man TT.