Newcomers and Big Names Set for Thrilling 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200

The 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 is gearing up for one of its most exciting editions yet, following a high‑profile launch at BBC Blackstaff Studios in Belfast. Rising British Superbike star Storm Stacey and experienced road racer Rob Hodson headline a strong roster of newcomers preparing to take on the iconic 8.9‑mile Triangle course this May. 

Stacey, 22, enters the event with growing momentum after a breakout BSB season and a maiden win at Snetterton in 2024. Riding a Bathams AJN Racing Ducati V4 in the Superbike races and a Yamaha R6 for Supersport, he says the North West’s speed and atmosphere have already left a deep impression. Mentored by NW200 legend Michael Rutter, Stacey is widely tipped as one of the most exciting newcomers in years.

Hodson, a proven performer across the TT, Manx Grand Prix and Southern 100, finally makes his long‑anticipated NW200 debut with a full SMT Racing package, including machinery for Superbike, Superstock, Supersport and Supertwin classes. With limited newcomer race options under MCUI rules, he expects to target the Twins class after a strong 2025 season.

Also joining the grid for the first time is Caomhan Canny, the 2025 Senior Manx Grand Prix winner, who will compete on Aprilia machinery across multiple classes.

The newcomer field expands further with Iliam Quayle, Franco Bourne, Sean Brolly, Lee Hara, Lee Osprey, Kieran Brockie, Grant Thomson, Eddy Wormald and Chris Cook. Several European riders, including Fredrik Matthys, will also make their NW200 debuts as the event hosts a round of the new European Series Road Racing (ESR) Superbike Championship.

In major headline news, Glenn Irwin—the event’s most successful Superbike competitor with 11 consecutive wins—returns to the North West after sitting out 2025 stating retirement from the roads. Riding a Nitrous Competitions Ducati V4R, Irwin will renew rivalries with Michael Dunlop, Davey Todd, Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison. After recovering from serious injuries sustained in 2024, Irwin says the timing and team package were too good to refuse.

Another fan favourite, Alastair Seeley, the NW200’s all‑time leading winner with 29 victories, will compete in the Supersport class on a Binch Pro Racing Ducati, aiming for a landmark 30th career win. The Carrickfergus rider has undergone off‑season surgery and is preparing intensively to regain full form ahead of May.

A host of leading road racers also confirmed their return for the 2026 event, announced during an evening of interviews hosted by Stephen Watson. The live broadcast featured several high-profile names, each sharing updates and ambitions for the year ahead.

Michael Sweeney revealed that his machinery has undergone key upgrades since last season, while Paul Jordan spoke positively about valuable seat time gained overseas during the off‑season—preparation he believes will boost his confidence for the challenge ahead. Gary McCoy also confirmed he will be back on the grid, returning after a significant crash at last year’s meeting.

Veteran racer Jeremy McWilliams is set to make his comeback, and Christian Elkin will take to the course with new machinery for 2026. Phil Crowe will once again compete, joined by Maurizio Bottalico, who will ride as part of Crowe’s team.

Two‑time European Road Racing Champion Laurent Hoffman of Belgium is also on the entry list. He is expected to go head‑to‑head with Ballymoney’s Darryl Tweed—who tipped Hoffman for European championship success last season—for what promises to be a compelling rivalry on the roads.

Graham McAleese is confirmed to return to the iconic 8.9‑mile triangle circuit, while four‑time British champion and seven‑time North West winner Richard Cooper announced live on stage that he will once again take on the roads of the North West, news that drew a strong response from the packed audience.

Off the track, JKC BMW has renewed its role as Official Vehicle Partner for 2026, continuing a partnership that began in 2017 and supplying a fleet of BMW vehicles to support race operations.

With a deep field of emerging talent, returning champions, international contenders and a new championship round, the 2026 North West 200 is shaping up to deliver one of the most competitive and globally significant race weeks in its history.