This year’s Cookstown 100 Road Races will again have Bear Competitions as the headline sponsor of the Co Tyrone meeting in April, which is the first Irish national road race of 2026.

The Orritor course will host the season-opener from April 24-25, when a host of top names are set to battle for honours.

Last year, 33-time Isle of Man TT winner Michael Dunlop was a double winner in the Supersport and Superbike classes, setting a new outright lap record.

Bear Competitions CEO Owen Mallon said the Cookstown 100 is an event close to his heart.

placeholder image — Michael Dunlop leads Derek McGee in the Supersport race at the 2025 Cookstown 100. (Photo by Baylon McCaughey)

“I’m absolutely delighted to be continuing as headline sponsor of the Cookstown 100 again this year,” he said. “This race means a lot to me personally – it’s a local event, it’s part of our motorsport culture, and the atmosphere around Cookstown on race weekend is second to none.

“Last year was incredible, and the support from fans, competitors, and organisers was unreal, so this year we’re going even bigger.

“We’ve got major plans for more giveaways, more on-site fun, and special offers for racegoers, so people can really experience something extra over the weekend. “At Bear Competitions, we’re all about giving something back – to competitors, to fans, and to the local community – and the Cookstown 100 is the perfect place to do that.

“I can’t wait to see everyone trackside in April and make this year one of the best yet.”

Last year, Bear Competitions offered a £1,000 prize for a lucky winner who purchased a race package and further giveaways are in store this year, with details to be announced.

Details about the 2026 event are available via the official Cookstown 100 website.

The annual race will kick-off an exciting year for Irish road racing, with the Mid Antrim 150 returning to the Clough course in the summer and the Tandragee 100 back for a second successive year in June.

Armoy’s ‘Race of Legends’ is another highlight in July, while road racing is poised to return in the Republic of Ireland, with the Skerries 100, Kells, Walderstown and Athea meetings back on the calendar as the sport makes a comeback for the first time since 2022.