By Wednesday 2026 Manx Grand Prix, start number news, spotlighting the twenty seeded riders in the Road Racing News, Sportbike contest.
Twice class winner, Skerries Andy Farrell, runs the prized No.1 plate.
Set to follow ten seconds later down Bray Hill is Allspeeds Racing’s Harley Rushton.
Liam Chawke carries the P3 plate, respective four, five, six start numbers are assigned to Johnny Stewart, new FAO Racing signing Graham McAleese and Eddy Wormald.
Quickest MGP newcomer of 2025 Grant Thomson, Owen Monaghan who was part of Stanford Racing’s TT 2026 team, Calum Pert, Will Burchell complete the first ten starters.
Michael Mackinnon (11-plate), David McArthur (12-plate), Lee Hara (14-plate), Oliver Dean (15-plate) will have designs on striking race finishes as will Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough specialist Stephen Gorton (16-plate), Jack Meares (17-plate), European Hill Climb Road Race Championship leader Salvatore Sallustro (18-plate).
Rounding out the seeded pilots are Tiziano Rosati (19-plate) and American rider Rick Kay (20-plate).
Added racers outside those already covered, looking to impress include Stuart Clotworthy (No.27), William Grant (No.22) and Cowton Racing team-mate, Mountain Course debutant Bailey Harker (No.51).
2026 Manx Grand Prix – Road Racing News Sportbike Race – first twenty starters re-cap:
1 – Andy Farrell
2 – Harley Rushton
3 – Liam Chawke
4 – Johnny Stewart
5 – Graham McAleese
6 – Eddy Wormald
7 – Grant Thomson
8 – Owen Monaghan
9 – Calum Pert
10 – Will Burchell
11 – Michael Mackinnon
12 – David McArthur
13
14 – Lee Hara
15 – Oliver Dean
16 – Stephen Gorton
17 – Jack Meares
18 – Salvatore Sallustro
19 – Tiziano Rosati
20 – Rick Kay
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
