JOSH BROOKES TO CHASE ELUSIVE VICTORY AT THE 2026 BRIGGS EQUIPMENT NORTH WEST 200 ON MAY 4-9

Former double British Superbike champion, Josh Brookes, will return to the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 on May 4-9 to compete in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes.

The 42 year old will compete in DAO Racing colours in the Superbike and Superstock races on a CBR1000RR Honda as the squad returns to road racing for the 2026 season.

The Australian star is also set to race in the Supersport class at Portrush on a New Generation GSXR750 Suzuki in the livery of the Uggly and Co. clothing company.

“I still haven’t won a race at the North West and that bothers me a bit.’ Brookes explained during a visit to the north coast last week.

‘Some riders like Alastair Seeley have lots of wins around here and although I don’t see that as a target, there’s still that thing inside you that thinks I could have, should have, would have won at least once by now. And I’ve still got that desire that makes me want to come back and try.’

The Australian made his debut on the 8.9 mile Triangle course with the Tyco Suzuki team in 2013. Finishing 7^th in the Thursday evening Superstock race, he was prevented from improving on that result by torrential rain which wiped out that year’s Saturday’s action.

Brookes returned to Portrush with Milwaukee Yamaha the following year, setting a new outright lap record as he finished runner-up to Michael Dunlop in the feature Superbike event.

It would be eight long years before the Australian returned to the north coast again, claiming another rostrum finish aboard a MCE backed PBM Ducati in 2022.

Twelve months later the Australian posted the fastest speed ever recorded at the North West 200 when he blasted through the speed trap at a phenomenal 212.4mph on a FHO Racing BMW before the team withdrew from the event following controversy around the use of carbon wheels.

After sitting out the 2024 event, Brookes returned to action on the north coast 12 months ago with the Jackson Racing by Prosper 2 team. Competing alongside Paul Jordan, Brookes claimed four top ten finishes across the classes.

‘I will be 43 next month but I don’t think the incentive to succeed dulls with age.’ Brookes, who has also competed in the World Supersport and Superbike championships, reflected as he provided some pointers to 2026 NW200 newcomers, Franco Bourne and Storm Stacey, during a visit to Portrush last week.

‘The experience and knowledge you get from competing across a lot of different race series gives you something that you can bring to the party. But experience doesn’t make you brake later or open the throttle earlier, it only helps provide a safer passage through tricky terrain.’

It is obvious the Australian hasn’t given up on his North West 200 dream.

‘Winning a North West 200 race would be a big box ticked in my career.’ he said.

‘I was miles away from a win or even a podium last year but there have been moments in the past when it could have been. Logically my best chance is in the Superbike class and I still think it is a realistic possibility. I am still chasing it.’

‘Alongside being one of the North West 200’s leading competitors, Josh is also an inspirational figure.’ Race director, Mervyn Whyte said.

‘Competing at the very highest level on both the roads and short circuits, he is always willing to share his insight and vast racing experience.’

Josh Brookes is pictured with newcomers, Storm Stacey and Franco Bourne, during a recent visit to the north coast ahead of the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 on May 6-9.
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON