Andy Reid relishing Ulster Superbike action as Michael Sweeney ...

Jordanstown rider Reid missed the first round of the Ulster Superbike Championship a fortnight ago at Bishopscourt due to a previously booked holiday, but the former British Supersport and Superstock race winner will be eager to make his mark as he returns to competitive action after a five-year hiatus.

Reid will be aiming to add his name to the famous Enkalon silverware, which has been won by many of Irish motorcycling’s greatest names over the years, including Ray McCullough, Sam McClements, Robert Dunlop, Phillip McCallen and Gary Cowan.

Cork’s Mike Browne was a first-time winner of the trophy in 2023 on the Burrows Engineering/RK Racing BMW, while Carrickfergus man Alastair Seeley triumphed for a record fourth time in 2022 on the IFS Yamaha.

Reid, who tested with Jason McCaw’s Banbridge-based team at Kirkistown on the Kawasaki Superbike at the end of February in preparation for his return to the sport, will face stiff opposition from McAdoo Kawasaki’s Korie McGreevy and young prospect Johnny Campbell, who clinched his first Ulster Superbike victory on the Magic Bullet Yamaha R1 in the season-opener two weeks ago.

On his decision to return, Reid said: “Jason [McCaw] put an opportunity on the table and I had to think about whether I wanted to jump back into racing again and if I could make it work around having a full-time job.

“Deep down it’s always there and lots of things were going through my head. I thought ‘this doesn’t seem like a bad idea’. The team is obviously very good and Jason runs a very good ship.

“He gave me time to think about it and wasn’t pushing for an answer, so there is mutual respect there and now I’m looking forward to it.

“I haven’t ridden a bike in quite a few years so let’s see if I can even remember how to do this,” he added.

“We’ll see how it all goes. I’m keen, I’m looking forward to it and I’ve kept myself fit and relatively healthy throughout my whole time off the bike.”

Reid was brought into the team by McCaw as a replacement for current Ulster Supersport and Superbike champion Jason Lynn, who is taking time out this year after recently getting married.

Irish road racer Michael Sweeney is entered on Saturday as he embarks on his comeback following a serious accident at the North West 200 last May, while Waterford’s Brian McCormack is another eye-catching name in the mix.

McCormack will ride the Roadhouse Macau by FHO Racing BMW again in 2024, when the Isle of Man TT is his top priority. He is joined in the team this year by fellow Irishman Eoin O’Siochru, who is gearing up for his TT debut.

The duo will ride Triumph and Aprilia Supersport and Supertwin machines respectively under the Global Robots banner.

Promoted by the Motor Cycle Road Racing Club of Ireland (MCRRCI), practice is scheduled to commence at 9am with racing from approximately 11am. Admission is £15.

On Easter Monday, Kirkistown hosts round three with the Belfast and District Motor Club’s ‘Big 3 Series’. Qualifying is from 9am. Admission is £15.