William had joined Northern Ireland's Tyco Suzuki team while Michael signed a deal to ride a factory-backed BMW S1000RR. Both were determined to make a winning start to the international season and they went head-to-head in an opening Superbike shootout that will live long in the memory.
1.
Michael Rutter (Bathams BMW) leads the pack away at the start of a wet opening Superbike race at the 2014 North West 200. | jpimedia
2.
William Dunlop (Tyco Suzuki) leads Conor Cummins (Honda Legends) in the first Superbike race at the North West 200 in 2014. | jpimedia
3.
William Dunlop (Tyco Suzuki) and Michael Rutter (Bathams BMW) in close contention at the 'Magic' roundabout. | jpimedia
4.
Michael Dunlop (Hawk BMW) took the lead from his brother William (Tyco Suzuki) on the final lap of the first Superbike race at the 2014 North West 200 to set up a mouth-watering finish on the Coast Road. | jpimedia