Former Gearlink Kawasaki British Superbike rider Carl Phillips admits opportunity to return in Superstock 1000 class on BMW in 2026 is 'probably my last chance'
Ulster Superbike champion Carl Phillips admits his chance to compete in the National Superstock 1000 class in the British Superbike Championship in 2026 will probably be his last opportunity to shine in England.
The Lisburn man will ride a BMW M1000RR alongside fellow Ulster Superbike race winner and Northern Ireland man Ryan Gibson next season for Dwayne McCracken’s Lion Heart Moto Racing team.
Phillips will also be aiming to retain his crown in the Ulster Superbike Championship and will join Gibson on the grid at the North West 200 in May.
In 2016, Phillips finished as the runner-up in the Superstock 600 Championship before competing in the Superstock 1000 class the following year.
He earned a ride with the Gearlink Kawasaki team in the premier British Superbike Championship in 2018 – the last year he raced at British level.
Now, the 32-year-old is determined to seize an unexpected chance to return to Superstock racing in BSB in 2016.
“The last year I was in BSB was in 2018 so I’m just looking forward to getting back and being involved in that paddock again,” said Phillips, who won a dramatic Sunflower Trophy race at Bishopscourt in October after a last-lap battle with BSB-bound Eugene McManus.
“It’s a good opportunity and it’s going to be tough, but I feel like I’m riding better than I ever have, so there’s no reason why I can’t be there or thereabouts hopefully.
“The main focus will be over at the British championship because I’ll probably never have this opportunity again, and it’s amazing to have the chance to go back. I never thought I’d be back there once I left in 2018, so now I’m getting a chance to try again.
“We’ve got a new BMW and I did a couple of laps on Ryan Gibson’s bike during the year and I liked it – it was a lot faster than my own bike. I’m looking forward to getting on it and getting the bike dialled in.
“I feel better in myself and I’m more mature, so I’m hoping that plays into what I’m doing next year and I’m able to just concentrate on riding, which helps me.
“I’m back training a bit already and get back into the routine, so it’s going to be a busy year.
“Dwayne has a lot of knowledge and it leaves it up to me now to be prepared and be ready.”