By As reported last month by Road Racing News, the Flitwick Motorcycles/SMV Engineering squad will have a two-rider presence across TT 2026.
Confirmed this evening, the multiple Classic TT winning team’s brace of R7 Yamaha’s for Sportbike race contests, will-be-piloted by 2017, 2023 respective Senior Manx Grand Prix winners Michael Evans (replacing Adam McLean) and Laxey’s Joe Yeardsley.
Established as two of the Isle of Man’s top real road racers, Evans (PB TT lap speed – 130.094), Yeardsley (PB TT lap speed – 123.601) both if specific aspects fall into place, strike the sweet spot with Yamaha machinery, be distinct contenders for top five, top three finishes next month.
Individually reacting to tonight’s TT 2026 rider/teams’ news, they respectively stated:
Michael Evans (presently on NW200 racing duty):
“I’m really happy to be riding the Flitwick Motorcycles/SMV R7.
I can’t thank the team enough for the opportunity and I’m excited to see what we can do together.”
Joe Yeardsley:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to ride the Flitwick Motorcycles/SMV R7 in the 2026 TT.
I believe this is a massive step forward from what I have ridden previously, after a tough 3 years in this class, with only 2 race finishes out of 5 starts on the Mountain Course.
A big thank you to Steve (Linsdell), David (Linsdell) and the team for the opportunity.”
Quotes courtesy of TT Races press team.
Photo courtesy of TT Races press team.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
