Eight-time Irish road racing champion Derek McGee confirms comeback in deal with Burrows Engineering/RK Racing team
Leading Irish road racer Derek McGee has joined Northern Ireland team Burrows Engineering/RK Racing as he makes his comeback this summer.
The Mullingar man returned to the sport in 2025 at the Cookstown 100 after taking a break of almost four years.
However, McGee was injured in a crash during a round of the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC) at Hengelo in the Netherlands last May – sustaining a fractured left humerus when he was wiped out by another rider – and did not race again last season.
On Thursday evening, it was confirmed that McGee would ride for John Burrows’ Dungannon-based team on BMW M1000RR and Ducati Panigale V2 Supersport machinery at his home road race at Walderstown (Juy 18-19) and Armoy (July 24-25) in Co Antrim, where he last raced in 2021.
The eight-time Irish road racing champion previously rode for ex-racer Burrows’ team in 2016 in the Supertwin class.
Burrows first spoke with McGee over the winter about the possibility of renewing ties for 2026 and although an agreement was not reached, both parties have now struck a deal.
“I am delighted to get the opportunity to ride the Burrows Engineering/RK Racing machines and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and working with team,” said McGee.
“I’ve raced against John in the past and have been fierce rivals with their riders in the past, and always admired the professional team and bike he runs.”
Burrows said McGee was a “fantastic addition” and added that his performances at the Cookstown 100 last year showed he was still a force to be reckoned with.
“I’m very happy to put together a deal with Derek to ride for us at Walderstown and Armoy,” said Burrows. “Derek’s performance last year at the Cookstown 100 confirmed to me that he is still very capable on the small roads.
“I spoke briefly to Derek in winter about putting a plan together for ’26 but nothing came to fruition up until a few days ago.
“I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together at both meetings and I am confident Derek can do a good job.”
McGee won the Moto3 and Supertwin races at the Cookstown 100 in 2025 and finished as the runner-up in the Supersport race behind Michael Dunlop.