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The Ulster Grand Prix is the final international road race of the year. It takes place on the closed roads around the small village of Dundrod in Co Antrim.

The circuit was first used for the Ulster Grand Prix in 1953 after moving from the Clady course. The most successful rider around the circuit is the legendary Joey Dunlop - he managed a total of 24 race wins, which is six wins clear of his closest rival, Ian Lougher .

Of the current generation of riders, it is Guy Martin who has dominated the event in recent years, collecting 11 wins around the Dundrod circuit, though unfortunately he will not be attending this years meeting.

Probably the most iconic corner on the circuit is Deers leap a full-throttle blind corner going over the crest of a hill; to see a train of riders committed through that corner is a spectacular sight.

Circuit Information:

Length : 7.401 miles

Turns : 25

Lap Record : 3’18.870 / 133.977mph, Bruce Anstey in 2010

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After the back and forth between the two at the TT many fans are looking forward to the battle between Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop at this years event, and while that narrative might be at the forefront, there are plenty more riders to look out for.

This year, there is a depth of talent at Grand Prix for the first time in many years:

1. Ian Hutchinson comes to this years race after a full season of British Superstock racing where he has regained his short circuit form. This, in turn, has translated into some great results on the roads with a strong showing at the North West and another three TT wins.

The Bingley Bullet will be hoping to finish his road racing season off on a high note and possibly prove to the TYCO BMW team that he deserves a shot in the British Superbike championship.

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2. Michael Dunlop is the SBK king of this year's TT, and at only 27 he has the talent to dominate the road racing scene for many years, just as his dad and uncle did before him.

With the backing of the successful Buildbase BMW British Superbike team, Michael has never looked more dominant on a Superbike and to bet against him for honours at this years event would be unwise.

3. Peter "Hicky" Hickman showed just what he was made of at the Grand Prix last year, beating Hutchinson out to the final Superbike race of the day on his Superstock BMW. Hickman has moved teams this year, switching to Kawasaki machinery with the JG Speedfit team.

Hickman and his team had strong showings at both the North West and TT, and while early season form in the BSB was good, the team has struggled of late. They will hope to change that.

4. Fan favourite Lee Johnston always shows well at Dundrod, taking a hat trick of wins at the event last year and earning himself the man of the meeting crown in the process. His North West and TT were hampered by an injury picked up racing at Scarborough, but he still showed that he has the speed to challenge the top boys.

He recently took part in two rounds of the British Supersport Championship and impressed by running at the front in both showings. Lee will also be raising money, as he always does, for his cancer charity - details can be found at the bottom of the page.

5. What can be said about Bruce Anstey that hasn't already been said? Like a fine wine, the Flying Kiwi seems to keep improving with age.

He is currently the fastest road racer in the world, holding the lap record at Dundrod. He will be looking to improve on that this year, and could be set to do just that with sponsors Padgetts brining his Honda RCV-123 which rode so well during the TT.

6. Dan Kneen will make his international road race debut for the Mar-Train Yamaha team at the Ulster Grand Prix after breaking his arm prior to the North West 200.

Kneen had an impressive run at the Ulster last year riding for the Padgetts; he also won the Superstock race in 2014 on his way to winning the Irish Superbike Road Racing Championship.

7. Dean Harrison, who split with the Mar-Train team and joined the Silicone racing team at the start of the season, will look to finish a strong year with some good results at the Ulster.

He has had a solid year with competitive results at both the NW 200 and the Isle of Man TT.

Race week Schedule:

If you are attending the event for the full week make sure to check in with Lee Johnston's @f13kcancer as they will be raising money all week.

There will be an auction on the Thursday night in the paddock to raise money for the charity, including a signed Northern Ireland football jersey and leathers signed by riders Glenn Irwin and Lee Jonhston.

Lee will host a bus tour around the circuit on Friday 12, accompanied by riders Hutchinson, Harrison and Irwin.

To find out how to take part, check @Lee_johnston13 and @f13kcancer on Twitter.

Follow Phil Armstrong on Twitter - @tractionblog - and read more of his work at tractioncontrolblog.wordpress.com