FRANCO BOURNE SET FOR 2026 BRIGGS EQUIPMENT NORTH WEST 200 DEBUT WITH IAN LOUGHER’S TEAM ILR ON MAY 4-9

The path to becoming a road racer can often be long and winding but few have experienced as checkered a journey as Franco Bourne.

The Co. Durham rider, who will make his debut at the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 on May 4-9 with Team ILR, has competed in the British Talent Cup, won the British Moto 3 series, raced in the European Moto3 series, ridden in both the British Junior Superstock and 1000cc Superstock championships before racing for the official Honda squad in the British Superbike championship. And he is still only 21!

The young road racing convert has agreed terms to race a Superstock-spec Honda Fireblade in the 1000cc races at Portrush alongside outings on Honda and Paton machinery in the Supersport and  Sportbike/Supertwin class with Ian Lougher’s ILR squad during this year’s North West 200.

Bourne, who paid a fact-finding visit to the 8.9 mile North West 200 course recently, recounted a fascinating litany of ups and downs that have paved the way to his international road racing debut.

After winning the British Moto 3 title in 2020, Bourne was overlooked for a ride in the European championship. Forced to move to the British Junior Superstock series, he finished runner-up in the 2022 championship on a Marvel HCL Kawasaki and moved up to the 1000cc Superstock class with the team the following year aboard a Honda.

Bourne made an impressive start to his 2023 campaign that included victory in the opening round at Silverstone. A few weeks later he found himself in the official Honda Racing Superbike squad as a temporary replacement for the injured Andrew Irwin.

‘It skyrocketed my career but after that things were a little bit good and then went pear shaped.’ Bourne admits.

‘I was an 18 year old jumping on a Honda superbike. The pressure got to me and I struggled.’

Although Bourne remained in the premier class during 2024 with Rapid Racing Honda it was another tough season.

‘It ended in a 140mph highside at Thruxton where I broke my hand and was massively concussed.’ he recalls.

‘I had lost my mojo a little bit and I was replaced in the team at the end of the year. I lost a load of sponsors and was back to square one. I was really worried if I was going to be racing at all last season.’

It was at that point that Bourne decided to make the move to road racing with Cowton Racing. Although he admits the transition wasn’t easy, the Durham man says he really enjoyed his maiden between the hedges experiences at Scarborough, Cookstown, Tandragee and Armoy on ZX6 and ER650 Kawasakis. Bourne also had his first taste of Superbike racing on the roads aboard a Phil Crowe prepared BMW at Armoy which he describes as ‘really scary’.

‘It was more suitable to me and more enjoyable than BSB.’ Bourne, who was a race winner on his debut at Scarborough last year, reflects on his road racing debut.

‘I’ve wanted to do the roads for years.’ he says.

‘It just wasn’t possible but now I think it is time. I met Ian at Tandragee last year but I didn’t know who he was. I was wandering around the paddock and I liked the look of his Paton and asked him if I could have a ride on it. I was so embarrassed! But now I will be racing for Ian at Scarborough and maybe Cookstown before making my North West debut.’

‘Franco Bourne is another new talent joining the North West 200 grid in 2026.’ Race director, Mervyn Whyte, said.

‘Like Storm Stacey, Franco has both the talent and experience of competing at the highest level in British motorcycle racing. Bringing those qualities to the famous Triangle course is exciting news for NW200 fans who will provide a warm welcome to all of this year’s debutants.’

Briggs Equipment North West 200 newcomer, Franco Bourne (centre) pictured during a fact finding visit to the north coast course with Josh Brookes and fellow newcomer, Storm Stacey.
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON