By Positive results/lap-times, strong speed-trap readings, James Chawke & Liam Chawke 2026 Briggs Equipment Northwest 200 venture was not short of encouraging feats.
Eva Mullen details the Rathkeale speedsters week on the coast roads:
The 2026 North West 200 was over-shadowed by the heartbreaking loss of fellow rider Kamil Holán during Thursday’s qualifying session. Everyone at Chawkie Racing sends sincere condolences to Kamil’s family, friends, and team during this incredibly difficult- time.
Despite the sadness surrounding the event, the road racing community once again showed its strength and support throughout the week.
The Northwest 200 delivered fierce competition, changing conditions, and unforgettable racing as James and Liam tackled one of the world’s fastest and most demanding circuits.
James produced strong performances across multiple classes. On the RL Racing Aprilia Super Twin, he secured P21 in Race 1 before improving to P16 in Race 5, on route increasing his best lap speed to 106.513 mph (equating timing wise to five minutes 03.175 seconds).
Astride the Lyonara Cold Stores/CRSC (Chawkie Racing Supporters Club) BMW Superbike, the 2018 Junior Manx Grand Prix winner placed fifteenth, recorded a best lap speed of 117.64 mph in the opening Superbike race.
An eighteenth-place finish would follow within the sole Superstock contest, when aboard the CRSC Suzuki.
P19 from the feature Superbike race (results decided via competitors’ positions at the end of lap three – race red-flagged on lap four), James also had the distinction of earning 200 Mph Club membership, having blasted through the speed-trap at an incredible 204.65 mph.
Liam meanwhile continued to gain valuable experience and confidence throughout the past week, securing 28th, 32nd, fortieth position results in the Supersport, Superbike races, obtaining a best lap speed of 109.193 mph.
Speed trap figures illustrated the potency of his machines stable, reaching 188.8 mph with the 1000 Suzuki and 174.9 mph with 750 Suzuki tackle.
A huge thank you goes to the entire team, sponsors, CRSC, Lyonara Cold Stores, Crushing Services Australia, Blair’s International, O’Callaghan Commercials LTD, Conehire, James Kee Plant & Groundwork’s and fans for their continued support throughout the week.
Photo credit: Eva Mullen
Words by Eva Mullen
