By TT 2026 will feature a raft of itinerary changes, expanded contingency days and the introduction of a new racing category, Sportbikes.
New-Look Timetable:
Disclosed this morning, the provisional new-look timetable for TT 2026, featuring an extra afternoon qualifying stint, a rest day during qualifying-week, Superstock action opening racing proceedings, is-detailed below:
(Start times/roads closing times to be confirmed)
25th May:
Morning free-practice
Afternoon qualifying
26th May:
Evening qualifying
27th May:
Afternoon qualifying
Evening qualifying
28th May:
Day off for competitors (rest day)
29th May:
Morning qualifying
Afternoon qualifying
30th May:
Superstock Race 1
Sidecar Race 1
31st May:
Superbike Race
1st June:
Day off for competitors (rest day)
2nd June:
Supersport Race 1
Sportbike Race 1
3rd June:
Sidecar Race 2
Superstock Race 2
4th June:
Day off for competitors (rest day)
5th June:
Supersport Race 2
Sportbike Race 2
6th June:
Senior Race
Sportbike Class Enters the Fray:
As widely expected in road racing circles, Sportbike spec machines effectively similar in nature to those currently in BSB support class action, will join the TT racing ranks for 2026.
The Super Twins race title has been-dropped but we should point out that present day Super Twins, are still eligible for Mountain Course racing bursts next year, competing aside Sportbike metal.
Clerk of The Course’s Perspective:
Stating his view on the updates for TT 2026, Clerk of The Course, Gary Thompson MBE BEM, said:
“The refinements to the 2026 schedule reinforce the core structure of the event and ensure we remain responsive to the unique and evolving demands of the modern-day TT.
Building greater resilience into the schedule remains a key priority, and these updates are designed to safeguard the race programme.
The introduction of a scheduled rest day during qualifying and the expansion of contingency periods significantly enhances the flexibility of the event, while also placing greater emphasis on the welfare of the competitors, marshals, medics, officials, and volunteers who are essential to its success.”
“Importantly, the increased flexibility provided by these additional contingency periods also supports decision-making in challenging conditions, allowing us to act more dynamically and with greater certainty.
This not only safeguards the event itself but will also help us minimise the disruption to the public by enabling clearer, more efficient operational planning.
Combined with the technical updates to our race classes, these changes represent an important step in future-proofing the TT – protecting what makes it special today while strengthening its long-term sustainability.”
A full-on morning TT news wise and we are still to mention, TT 2027 and TT 2028 dates, they have also-been-made public.
31st May to the 12th of June (TT 2027), 29th May to the 10th of June (TT 2028) are dates roads scene superfans I am sure will already be scribbling down.
Quotes courtesy of TT Races press team.
Photo credit: Mark Corlett
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
