A two-rider line-up, change of motorcycle, and a tie-up with another team has been confirmed for the 2026 BSB season for TAS Racing.

First, Rory Skinner remains with the team for a third season at TAS, but also for a third manufacturer in that time. In 2024, Skinner and TAS ran BMW machinery, but then switched to Ducati for 2025. Now, they’re on Yamaha, the bike which has won both of the last two BSB titles in the hands of Kyle Ryde, and which has won four of the six championships since 2020.

Skinner will have a teammate at TAS for the first time since joining in 2024, as Danny Kent, who was left without a ride at the end of last season when the Mar-Train team pulled out of BSB, joins the team and will contest his third season of BSB with Yamaha.

“I’m very pleased and honoured to be riding a Cheshire Mouldings Yamaha,” said Kent.

“Firstly, I would like to say a massive thank you to TAS Racing, Cheshire Mouldings and everyone involved for giving me this opportunity, and although it’s a new team for me, this will be my third year on a Yamaha. 

“I will be working again with Chris Anderson as my crew chief – so the goal is to continue how we finished 2025, and that’s winning races.”

Skinner added: “I’m really excited to be starting year three with the TAS Racing team, so thanks to everyone for having me onboard for another year.

“Obviously, another change of manufacturer for us moving to Yamaha, but I’m very motivated for the championship, as I think it’s going to be our best opportunity yet to flourish.

“I can’t wait now to get testing on the Cheshire Mouldings Yamaha; it will be an exciting year and great to have Danny [Kent] in the team. That’s a new dynamic for me at TAS, having a team-mate, but I think it will be good for both of us. 

“The goal for us both is to be competitive at the front, and we can no doubt push each other on to bigger and better things.”

Team principal Philip Neill, the move to a two rider team is evidence of TAS Racing’s position in BSB compared to some of its rival teams, while the switch to Yamaha has a historical aspect.

The third element of TAS’s 2026 BSB plans is Michael Laverty’s MLav Racing team, which has partnered with TAS for this season.

“It really is great to confirm MLav Racing as a partner for 2026,” Cheshire Mouldings Yamaha Team Principal Philip Neill said.

“Michael [Laverty] and I have worked on this idea for a very long time and after spending many happy years working together in different forms, I’m excited at what this relationship will bring to the future of the team.”