Road Racing Weekly Roundup
Monday 27 April 2026
IOMTT
Michael Dunlop Claims 127th Irish Road Race Win at Cookstown
Credit: Tommy Vennard / Road Racing News
The 104th anniversary of the Bear Competitions Cookstown 100 saw Michael Dunlop MBE continue his relentless pursuit of history. The Ballymoney man secured his 127th Irish national road race victory with a commanding performance in the 125/Moto3 class, fending off a strong challenge from Dan Sayle. Dunlop also triumphed in the Open (A) race, setting the stage for his upcoming North West 200 and TT campaigns on his newly announced Ducati machinery.
James Hillier Steps Away from Racing for Hollywood Role
Credit: Martyn Parnell / Manx Radio
In a surprise move that has caught the paddock off guard, 15-time TT podium finisher James Hillier has confirmed he will not compete in this year’s Isle of Man TT. Instead, the former winner will play a pivotal role in the production of the Amazon MGM Studios feature film, Isle of Man. Hillier will act as a "double" and camera bike pilot, filming at high speeds either side of official qualifying and race sessions. While he admits it will be strange not to line up on the grid, Hillier intends to return to competitive action in the future.
Josh Brookes Joins Carl Cox-Backed Project for NW200
Credit: Robert Jones / Visordown
Two-time BSB champion Josh Brookes will tackle the 2026 North West 200 with a unique new partnership. Backed by legendary DJ Carl Cox and the Uggly&Co racing team, Brookes will pilot a Suzuki GSX-R750 in both Supersport races. The project adds a high-profile "collaboration" to the grid, with Brookes also confirmed to ride his DAO Racing Honda in the Superbike classes.
Paul Jordan Storms to Supersport Success at Cookstown
Credit: Derek Wilson / Road Racing News
Magherafelt’s Paul Jordan proved his "Next-Gen" Supersport credentials by claiming the Supersport (A) race title at the Orritor Circuit. Riding for Jackson Racing, Jordan topped the timing sheets in qualifying and translated that pace into a dominant race win. The victory serves as a perfect confidence booster ahead of the North West 200, where Jordan will look to challenge the factory frontrunners.
North West 200: Travelling Marshals Secure Honda Support
Credit: NW200 Official
The logistical backbone of the Briggs Equipment North West 200 has been strengthened ahead of race week (4–9 May). Ballymena Honda and Feridax have confirmed their continued support, supplying a fleet of the latest CBR1000RR-R Fireblades and CBR600RR machinery for the travelling marshal team. Legend John McGuinness was on hand to present the bikes, which are vital for the safety and management of the high-speed 8.9-mile circuit.
Sources
Road Racing News, Manx Radio, Visordown, Isle of Man Today, North West 200 Official, BikeSport News.
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