By International roads scene royalty Milenco by Padgett’s, 2026 Briggs Equipment Northwest 200, TT Races team is set in stone.
Three times New Zealand Superbike Champion, quickest Mountain Course newcomer of 2025 Mitch Rees returns, aboard Superstock, Supersport Honda’s.
Setting sights on unlocking ‘130 Mph TT Club’ membership, the Whakatane, New Zealand racer’s potential to roads scene insiders, his suitors is obvious and with extra nuggets of knowledge, step by step progression, he could be a dark horse for sterling leaderboard positions in May, June.
Rees 2026 team-mate is Hebden Bridge’s pure road racing goliath, Jamie Coward.
Agonisingly close to Lightweight TT glory in 2019, it’s the Sportbike class that takes precedence, piloting TT 2025 second place finishing S1-R Paton apparatus.
News Reaction:
Four times TT Privateers Champion Jamie Coward:
“I was gobsmacked and over the moon when Clive rang and asked me to join the team.
As a young rider coming through the ranks I always looked up to Padgett’s. They are an iconic team, and I am beaming to be part of it.
The Paton is the same one Davey Todd rode last year. It is a proven package, so I am hoping to put on a good show.”
Cemetery Circuit Races lap-record holder, Mitch Rees:
“Last year was a massive learning curve. The TT is unlike anything we have back home in New Zealand.
I felt we made solid progress despite the conditions, and now I know what’s required.
The goal is to move towards that 130mph mark if I can get close to that on the big bike, I will be happy.”
Padgett’s Racing Team-Owner, Clive Padgett:
“We’re as enthusiastic as ever about the year ahead. The TT is always a major part of what we do, and with Mitch building on last years’ experience and Jamie joining us in the Sportbike class, we’ve got a strong and balanced team.
Both riders understand what the Mountain Course demands, and we believe the equipment gives them every opportunity to progress.”
Quotes courtesy of Stephen Davison, the TT Races press team.
Photo courtesy of Stephen Davison
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
