Road Racing Weekly Update Newcomer Influx and Milestone Celebrations
Monday 23 February 2026
TT
IOMTT
PORTSTEWART, NI – The road racing season is fast approaching, with the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT entry lists beginning to take definitive shape. This week’s headlines focus on a surge of high-profile newcomers and a celebration of one of the sport's greatest legends.
Storm Stacey Leads 'Elite Newcomers' for North West 200
British Superbike fan-favourite Storm Stacey is officially heading to the "Triangle" this May. Racing under Michael Rutter’s Bathams AJN Racing banner, the 22-year-old will pilot a V4 Ducati in the Superbike class. Rutter, a 14-time NW200 winner, has been mentoring Stacey and praised his "stop-and-go" riding style as a perfect match for the heavy braking zones of the 8.9-mile course. Joining him as a debutant is SMT Racing’s Rob Hodson, who brings significant TT and Southern 100 experience to his first north coast campaign.
(Photo: Stephen Davison/Pacemaker)
John McGuinness: 30 Years on the Mountain Course
Tickets have officially gone on sale for a special "TT Podcast Live" event at the Villa Gaiety in Douglas on 24 April. The evening serves as the official curtain-raiser for TT 2026, celebrating the incredible 30-year career of John McGuinness MBE. From his debut as a teenager in the 90s to his 23 victories and becoming the first man to lap at 130mph, "McPint" will share untold stories alongside rivals and teammates, marking three decades since he first tackled the 37.73-mile course.
(Photo credit Isle of Man TT Races)
Joe Loughlin Rejoins the Triangle with Parker Car Transport Racing
Former Irish Road Race champion Joe Loughlin is set for a North West 200 return after signing with Gerry Parker’s outfit. Loughlin, who has previously beaten the likes of Lee Johnston and Jamie Coward in the Supertwin class, will campaign a Yamaha YZF-R6 in the Supersport races. He joins teammates Don Gilbert and Finnish newcomer Niko Lehtiranta in a three-man squad for the May meeting.
(Photo credit Parker Car Transport Racing Ltd – Facebook page)
Joey Thompson Extends Partnership with Team York Suzuki
In the latest TT entry news, Joey ‘Yorkshire’ Thompson has reaffirmed his commitment to Team York Suzuki for 2026. This marks Thompson’s seventh appearance at the TT, where he will once again campaign the GSX-R1000 Suzuki in the big bike classes. The partnership has proven to be one of the most consistent in the paddock, with the team looking to break further into the top ten this June.
(Photo credit Isle of Man TT Races)
Reeves and Farnier Confirm Sidecar Campaign
Three-wheel fans will see the return of former winner Tim Reeves to the TT in 2026. Reeves will be joined by new passenger Melanie Farnier on the Carl Cox Motorsport LCR Honda. The pairing is already being discussed as a major threat to the Birchall/Crowe dominance, as Reeves looks to reclaim his spot on the top step of the podium.
(Photo credit Isle of Man TT Races)
Sources: Road Racing News, Crash.net, Visordown, IOMTT Official.
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