Michael Laverty backs David Allingham to win British Superstock title in 2026 and progress to BSB - 'He's got a bright future ahead of him'
David Allingham has been backed by Michael Laverty to “take the next step” and win the National Superstock 1000 title this year.
Allingham finished as the runner-up in 2025 behind talented Ukrainian Ilya Mikhalchik during an impressive season on the SMS/Nicholl Oils BMW.
The Co Londonderry rider will continue with the same close-knit set-up this year, when Allingham’s top objective is becoming British champion.
Former British Supersport champion and MotoGP rider Michael Laverty, whose MLAV Racing Team won the Superstock title with Mikhalchik last year, has tipped Allingham to get the job done in 2026 and progress to bigger and better things in the future.
“David’s one of those naturally talented riders – he’s fast, you watch him on a bike, he’s smooth, he flows, and he will go to the next step,” said Laverty, who is also a top MotoGP pundit for TNT Sports.
“Sometimes coming from here (Northern Ireland), you’re a little bit behind in mileage, but I think David has all the attributes you need to take the next step this season. I think he can be British Superstock champion and then go on to BSB, and hopefully further than that in the future.
“He’s one of those quality riders, he’s pretty much entwined in this industry and I think he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
Laverty was speaking at the recent Adelaide Irish Motorbike Awards, where Allingham received the BSB Breakthrough Award, which was introduced for the first time in 2025 in memory of four-time British champion Keith Farmer from Clogher, who passed away suddenly in 2022.
The 31-year-old was close friends with Farmer and said he would “cherish” the award as he reflected on a memorable year in 2025.
“This is special because me and Keith were really close friends, so I’ll definitely cherish this one,” said Allingham.
“Last year we done a great job with a small team and unfortunately we came up short to Michael (Laverty, MLAV Racing) but it meant a lot. Ilya Mikhalchik is a fantastic rider and he definitely raised the bar in our class.
“Hopefully I can take what I learnt last year and go and try and do the business this year.”