'Fresh start' as Isle of Man TT contender Jamie Coward confirms 2026 plans with Rapid Honda as team 'moves forward' in tragic Owen Jenner's honour
Yorkshireman Jamie Coward will spearhead Rapid Honda’s debut at the Isle of Man TT in 2026.
Coward, who parted company from KTS Racing in an amicable split at the end of last season, will compete in the Superbike, Superstock, Supersport and Senior races on Honda machinery across the board.
He will also join the team’s National Superstock 1000 riders Ash Barnes and Declan ‘Deco’ Connell at selected rounds of the series.
Coward said: “I’d really like to thank everyone involved with Rapid Honda and Drivelife, it’s a fresh start for myself and I’m really motivated and super excited to get going with the new team and team-mates and I am really looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Rapid Honda Racing has welcomed a new title sponsor for 2026, with Drivelife backing the team.
Last year, the team was rocked by tragedy following the death of rider Owen Jenner in a multiple-rider incident in a British Supersport race at Oulton Park, which also claimed the life of New Zealander Shane Richardson.
Team Owner Matt Bainbridge said: “After a very tough 2025 we are all excited about the potential of new season. Owen has been a huge loss to everyone and we move forward to the new season in his honour and determined to do him proud.
"The team we have put together, not just the riders, but everyone involved is a special group. Committed, dedicated and before we have even turned a wheel I am incredibly proud of them all. Jamie, Deco and Ash all have the potential to be on the top step in 2026 and we shall be doing everything we can to support them towards that goal.
"We are also really pleased to welcome back existing and welcome on board a number of new sponsors who have seen what we are striving to achieve and want to work with us to help us achieve that ambition and at the same time we are looking forward to working with them to help build their brands and provide them with top quality hospitality.”
On Tuesday, an inquest into the deaths of Owen and Shane concluded in Warrington, with a verdict of accidental death recorded.