Isle of Man TT lap record holders FHO Racing won’t make an appearance at the 2024 North West 200 due to the logistical constraints between it and its primary focus in the British Superbike Championship.

The team - which is factory supported by BMW Motorrad UK - won’t make the trip to Northern Ireland as it has in previous years due to the short turnover time between it and the preceding Oulton Park BSB round.

With the event taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, even with an extra day of travel built into the NW200 programme, FHO Racing has decided against entering riders Peter Hickman and Josh Brookes.

It will come as a blow to both as they attempt to prepare best for the following 2024 Isle of Man TT, though Hickman will still be present at the NW200 with his own PHR Performance effort competing in the Supersport class aboard a Triumph.

“Of course, the decision not to take part in this year’s North West 200 was not an easy one to make; we are a Road Racing team and it’s an important event in the run up to the Isle of Man TT," said team principal Faye Ho. 

“However, after careful consideration and discussions with myself, Josh, Pete and the team, the decision not to take part was agreed, simply due to the logistics and the event being between BSB rounds, then straight to the TT. 

“Last year as a team we didn’t feel 100% ready when we went to the TT and that’s something none of us want heading there.”

The decision to not submit an entry comes a year after the team were sensationally disqualified from the event after falling foul of the regulations over the legality of its wheel rims. Though Ho makes reference to this, she insists it wasn’t a contributing factor to the decision. 

Of course, there’s last year’s situation at the event, which was considered in our decision, but ultimately the main reason is simply down to the calendar being very close. 

“I have agreed with Pete that he can run at the event with his own team and it’s something I fully support. 

“Myself and the whole team will miss the event and the Irish fans this year; we always receive such wonderful support at the North West 200 and I hope that everyone has a safe and successful event.”