A world class F1 field assembled at Assen to do battle in round 3 of the 1988 contest.
The battle for overall honours was between a horde of RC30 Hondas and the rapid Bimota Yamaha.
Joey Dunlop (Honda) led the series after the first two rounds, Roger Burnett was hoping that a good result on his RC30 would keep his name to the fore and Paul Iddon and Peter Rubatto were both strongly fancied for leader board placings.
The Yamaha powered Italian superbikes had the advantage of not having to refuel during the 153 mile race, and it was fuel - or lack of it - that was to play a major part in this race.