The Rapid Honda team has announced its rider line-up for the 2026 BSB Superstock season, with three riders set to compete aboard its Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblades.
The Rapid team has announced Ash Barnes and Declan Connell for the 2026 National Superstock season as its full-time riders. They will be joined by Jamie Coward at select events through the season as the road race regular prepares his season on the short circuits.
For Barnes, it’s a return to the Rapid team after finishing the 2025 campaign with them, taking a best result of sixth at the Donington BSB round in September. Connell was able to become a regular top-10 finisher last year riding a Honda for the B&D Roofing Racing with WSC Performance team and finished eighth in the overall standings.
“I’m really looking forward to getting the 2026 season underway with Rapid Honda,” said Barnes.
“We gelled really quickly at the end of last season and I am confident after battling towards the top five last season, that we can hit the ground running and be at the sharp end from the off.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity; myself and the team are working really hard behind the scenes to make sure that it all pays off this season.”
Connell added: “I am absolutely buzzing to get the 2026 season underway with Rapid Honda and Drivelife.
“I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting back started at Oulton Park in May.
“My aim is to be on the podium and I feel like this is the step I need to get me there.”
Team owner Matt Bainbridge feels the line-up he has for 2026 is one that can take his team to the top step of the National Superstock class in a season which he says will be contested in honour of Owen Jenner, who was one of the riders killed in the Supersport race at Oulton Park last May while riding for the Rapid team.
“After a very tough 2025 we are all excited about the potential of the new season,” Bainbridge said.
“Owen [Jenner] has been a huge loss to everyone and we move forward in his honour and are determined to do him proud.
“The team we have put together, not just the riders, but everyone involved is a special group. Committed, dedicated and before we have even turned a wheel, I am incredibly proud of them all.
“Jamie [Coward], Deco [Declan Connell] and Ash [Barnes] all have the potential to be on the top step in 2026 and we shall be doing everything we can to support them towards that goal.”
