By First and foremost, wishing everyone involved in the pure road racing fraternity, a Happy New Year.
It’s that time again when yours truly sticks his neck out and makes pre-season predictions.
For TT 2026, I am tipping 8TEN Racing’s Davey Todd to retain both the Superbike and Senior race crowns.
I also predict further TT victories for Michael Dunlop, Michael Browne to join the TT winners circle, a factory Ducati team competing.
Expect greater progression from next generation acolytes such as Nathan Harrison, Dominic Herbertson, Jim Hind, Paul Jordan, Marcus Simpson, Michael Evans, Darryl Tweed, the new Sidecar regulations to prompt a surprise or two.
Added predictions internationals wise include Franco Bourne topping the Mountain Course newcomer standings, Glenn Irwin (NW200 project intention still to-be- announced) making a winning comeback to the Northwest 200, Davey Todd making it three successive Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix titles.
Irish nationals wise, I truly hope the insurance issues improve ten-fold, I’m always a glass half full towards this topic. Hopefully events like the Race of The South at Walderstown, Skerries, Athea make immense returns.
Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough wise, lets hope again for more positives than negatives as the 80th Anniversary approaches.
Cowton Racing’s William Grant, Bailey Harker will be ones to watch at North Yorkshire’s ‘Mini TT’ as will proven circuit specialists, Don Gilbert and Aran Sadler.
A new roads ‘Major’ in Asia?. Expect the unexpected in the race for IRRC Supersport/Sportbike, ESR (European Series Road Racing) honours, it’s wide-open.
I must end this article by wishing a special thank you to Czech Road Racing statistician Jan Vavra for his brilliant articles, stats pieces during 2025.
Plus, all the great photographers who have taken pics for Road Racing News throughout 2025:
Steve Rial, Tommy Vennard, Mark Corlett, Nick Wheeler, Derek Wilson, Michael Wincott and Thijs Van Der Horst.
Additionally, I must also thank the marshals, organisers, volunteers, selected fellow press, event sponsors and the fans, aficionados, who keep the truly magnificent, incredible, unparalleled sport of pure road racing, going.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
