Road Racing Weekly Roundup
Michael Dunlop Confirms Ducati V4 RS for TT Superbike Campaign
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the paddock, TT wins record holder Michael Dunlop MBE has officially confirmed he will campaign a Ducati V4 RS in the Superbike and Senior TT races. Supported by Ducati UK and Ducati Corse, the Ballymoney man’s "mystery bike" saga has ended with him securing arguably the most advanced machinery on the grid. He will also continue with the Scars Racing V2 Panigale for the Supersport class
Michael Dunlop: "Our little V2 was getting lonely so we went and got her a best mate—the V4 RS!!! Huge thanks to everyone at Ducati Corse, Ducati UK, and all our sponsors for helping make this project happen. Now it's back to the workshop, then off with the Hawk team next week for testing."
Photo credit - Amazon MGM Studios
Hollywood Set for the Mountain Course: Amazon MGM Studios Confirms "Isle of Man" Film
Production is officially set to begin at the 2026 Isle of Man TT for a major feature film titled "Isle of Man." Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed that filming will take place during this year’s event, utilising the actual races as a high-octane backdrop. The production is expected to bring a massive global spotlight to the island, with top-tier talent reportedly attached to the project to capture the unique atmosphere of the world's most famous road race.
Photo credit - Cookstown 100 Website
Cookstown 100: Irish Road Racing Season Ready for Take-off
The 104th edition of the Cookstown 100 takes place this weekend (24th–25th April), officially kick-starting the 2026 Irish road racing season. Meeting organisers, the Cookstown & District Motorcycle Club, have confirmed a high-class entry list for the Orritor Circuit. Notable inclusions for the weekend include Marcus Simpson, who recently gave an insight into his preparation, and Illiam Quayle, who will open his Irish roads account with Ian Lougher’s Team ILR.
Photo Credit - Isle of Man TT Races
Shaun Anderson Joins German Powerhouse Penz13.com
Northern Ireland’s Shaun Anderson has secured a high-profile seat with the German Penz13.com squad for an expanded 2026 TT programme. Anderson will contest the Superbike, Superstock, and Senior TT races aboard the BMW M1000RR. Having been one of the most consistent privateers in recent years, the move to a fully-supported factory-adjacent team marks a major step up for the Banbridge rider.
Photo credit - Milenco by Padgett's
Milenco by Padgett’s: "Racing On" with Coward and Rees
The legendary Padgett’s team has confirmed they will lead the "Roads Royalty" charge at the North West 200 and TT. Despite the recent loss of team patriarch Peter Padgett, the team has vowed to continue his legacy. Jamie Coward and New Zealand’s Mitch Rees will spearhead the Honda-backed effort, with Coward aiming for his long-awaited first TT win in the Supertwin and Supersport classes.
Sources
Motorcycle News (MCN), Road Racing News, Isle of Man TT Official, North West 200 News, Cycle News, BikeSport News, Crash.net, Visordown.
Tags: