BSB rider Storm Stacey is set to make his road racing debut this year, having confirmed his attendance at the 2026 North West 200

Stacey was recently confirmed to be continuing with the Bathams AJN Racing team in BSB this year after completing his first season with the team last year. 

The 22-year-old’s announcement at the Micheal Rutter-owned team for 2026 came along with the confirmation that the team will switch to Ducati machinery for this year.

It’s a Panigale V4 R that Stacey will race in Portrush in May, his being the second Panigale on the grid after Glenn Irwin announced his return to road racing this year.

“I came over to watch the North West [200] two years ago and again last year and I loved it,” said Stacey at a BBC event on 12 February when his participation in this year’s North West 200 was announced.

“The Irish fans are really cool, they get right behind you, and the atmosphere was amazing.

“The course is fast and I want to get out there and see what it feels like to go down a B road, five abreast, at 200mph on a Superbike.”

Bathams AJN Ducati team owner Michael Rutter added: “Storm [Stacey] is a real talent. He can go fast on anything and is good at everything, not just the racing but dealing with the media side too. The fans love him. 

“He came over last year and watched me race at the North West and asked if he could race here himself. I said yes but I told him he just has to come and enjoy it first. 

“He’s got the right attitude and his style- the way he rides and particularly how he gets the bike to stop- suits the North West 200.”

Rutter added that he would like to race at the North West 200 this year himself, too, having largely recovered from the injuries he sustained at the Isle of Man TT last year.

“I love riding Superbikes and I really want to race at the North West again,” said Rutter.

“I love the place! And hopefully I can help Storm a bit as well.”

The 2026 North West 200 is scheduled to take place from 6–9 May.