By “Slowly coming up, the results have just been very steadily climbing as I’ve got more comfortable on the GSXR.”
2026 Ulster Road Race Classic Supersport Champion, Isle of Wight ace Ryan Whitehall has enjoyed a top draw summer at Irish national road races.
Most recently, Whitehall was keeping close-proximity with TT wins record-holder, 143 times Irish road race winner Michael Dunlop MBE in the Mid Antrim 150 Feature Race.
“We said there is no way we’ll be able to keep up with him for more than half a lap, then you get caught in the tow behind him and you get stuck in and then you sort of have to follow, either that or you run on like I did in the end!”
Sixth fastest in yesterday afternoon’s Lightweight Classic TT qualifying exploration, Whitehall piloting the Yellow House/DB Moto Yamaha, said it is a dream come true to ride a 250 on the Mountain Course.
“That’s a bit of a dream to ride a 250 around here.”
Pitched up in the paddock aside good friend, Manx GP competitor, Steadplan backed Kieran Brockie, Whitehall (F1 Superbike mount – Motorcycle Photography Racing 750 Yamaha) added about expectations for the new Junior 600 class with Jason Morrow’s YZF-R6 Yamaha:
“I’d like to say inside the top ten were I’m starting, would be my goal and if I can go a little bit faster, I would be really happy with that.”
Aiming to keep a similar set-up, modern machines wise for next season, with NLC backed 750 Suzuki, big bike Suzuki rides lined up, his 2026 roads campaign will conclude next month at Athea (South West Road Races).
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
