Top Irish road racer Derek Sheils is aiming to give Manx prospect Jamie Cringle the best opportunity possible to progress at this year’s Isle of Man TT in his new Cosmic Racing team.

Cringle will ride a BMW M1000RR at the event prepared by 14-time TT winner Peter Hickman’s PHR Performance outfit.

Sheils, a multiple Irish road racing champion, will act in a managerial role at the TT but will be in action himself this year at selected Irish road races, with the sport making a welcome return in the Republic of Ireland for the first time since 2022.

“Jamie has shown steady progression since his debut, and he’s proven he can deliver strong, consistent rides,” said Sheils, whose Cosmic Racing team is backed by Matt Crosson and Ivor Hatton.

placeholder image — Cosmic Racing's Derek Sheils (left) with Manxman Jamie Cringle, who will ride a BMW M1000RR at the 2026 Isle of Man TT

“With the BMW package from PHR Performance, we believe we have the right tools to make another step forward.

“The aim is to give him the structure and support needed to maximise his potential on the Mountain Course. We’re very grateful to all of our sponsors and partners for helping us create this exciting project with Cosmic Racing.”

Cringle will compete in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior races at the TT after previously riding 1000cc Honda machinery.

The 28-year-old made his TT debut in 2022, finishing 29th in the second Supersport race, and stepped up to the 1000cc class in 2024 after a difficult year in 2023, when he was hampered by machine problems in the Supersport and Supertwin races.

He twice finished 18th in the Superbike and Senior TT races and lapped at over 125mph in 2024, racing alongside his brother Ryan.

Last year, Cringle was drafted in as a late replacement for the injured Craig Neve in Michael Rutter’s Bathams AJN Racing team, claiming 17th in the Superbike race and recording a personal best lap of 125.451mph.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me, having support from Derek and team behind Cosmic Racing gives me a real platform to push on in the big bike races,” said Cringle.

“Each year I’ve improved at the TT, the goal now is to keep building lap speed and move further up the leaderboard.”

Team backer Ivor from the Cosmic Group added: “We are proud of the progress the team has made and look forward to seeing our riders compete at the highest level on the world’s most iconic road racing circuit.”