The BSB Sportbike class will have a new team on the grid next year after Michael Laverty’s MLav Racing team announced it will expand into the class.

Laverty’s team is quickly running out of new categories to join at present, having competed in the Moto3 World Championship, JuniorGP (now Moto3 Junior), European Talent Cup (now European Moto4), British Talent Cup (now Moto4 British Cup), British Superbike Championship, and even on the roads at the North West 200.

Expanding into the British Sportbike Championship next year will also see the team field bikes from a new brand, with two Aprilia RS 660s to be rolled out of the MLav truck.

Riding those will be Harley McCabe and Daniel Goodman, both of whom have ridden for MLav in the past.

“I’m really excited to be joining MLAV and Fibre Tech once again for 2026, it feels like I’m going home to the team I started my British Championship journey with and can’t wait to be back,” said Harley McCabe.

“I am feeling positive for 2026 after a tough 2025, but ready to get to work.”

Daniel Goodman added: “I am really excited to share the news that I will be moving up from Moto3 to the Sportbike class in 2026. I want to thank MLAV Racing and the entire team again for this incredible opportunity and for trusting in me to be part of their next steps. 

“This will be our sixth year with the MLAV team, and I know it is going to be a good one with exciting times ahead.”

Team Manager Nathan Smith said: “We are super excited to have a footprint within the British Sportbike class. It’s a tough, challenging, but exciting championship and a great stepping stone for riders who have made their way through the junior classes.

“To have Harley [McCabe] and Dan [Goodman] back with us is a real landmark moment for everyone within the team. 

“They both started their racing careers with us six years ago, so to have them back with us now seems like they are both back home. I have no doubts both riders can push near the front in 2026.

“We are also delighted that Fibre Tec Solutions will continue their sponsorship for a third season in Moto4 and will also be title sponsor for the team in the Sportbike class.”

The team has also announced the arrival of American rider Sebastian Dear to its Moto4 British Cup team for 2026.

"I'm happy to join the team next season in Moto4," said Dear.

"I want to say thank you to the team for give me the opportunity to race in 2026 with them.

"I want to say thanks to my family, sponsors, and RS Academy for supporting me and help make this happen. I will work hard to do my best in my first season racing in England."