North West 200 sensation Storm Stacey targets more success in 2027 after signing deal for North Coast showpiece
British Superbike prospect Storm Stacey won two races in a sensational debut at this year’s Briggs Equipment North West 200 and will be back for more after signing up for the 2027 North Coast showpiece.
Stacey caused a massive upset when he beat road racing legend Michael Dunlop in a thrilling last-lap Superstock battle in May and later ended Glenn Irwin’s record Superbike winning streak, wrapping up a double with victory in the headline race.
The 23-year-old and Carrickfergus man Irwin have joined Michael Laverty’s GRYD Racing Team to ride BMW M1000RR machinery prepared by Alpha Racing in the British Superbike Championship and at the North West (May 10-15).
Stacey flew into Northern Ireland on Wednesday to shake hands on the deal with Race Director Mervyn Whyte.
The Staffordshire rider, who stands out from the crowd with his trademark top hat, admitted his first experience of the North West had left him hungry for more.
He is set to compete in the Superbike and Superstock races next year, and will potentially race in the Supersport class as well.
“It was going to be hard to keep me away,” said Stacey, who achieved his wins this year on an Alpha Racing by GRYD BMW.
“Where in the world do you get a race that’s a holiday spot all on one? It’s all amazing.
“It’s just hard to keep me away because it’s a lovely place, we’ve come to a good deal and everything’s going to be how we both want it to be.
“We’re working together with each other and that’s what it’s all about.”
On his headline-grabbing feat as a newcomer just under six months ago, Stacey said he hopes his record will stand the test of time.
“No one’s won two North Wests as a newcomer since 1955 if I’ve got my facts right,” he added. “Can I see it ever being beaten? I don’t think so.
“I’m being asked about pressure but you can’t be a motorbike racer if you can’t handle pressure and I can’t really feel any pressure coming back. I
"’m just coming for a good time and to enjoy myself, and if I can win again that’s what I’ll do.”
NW200 race chief Whyte hailed Stacey’s return for 2027 as “massive” for the event.
“It’s massive to have him back again,” he said. “He came to the North West last year, first time from BSB, and came and learned the circuit in a very short space of time.
“He went out and won the Superstock and Superbike races, which was exceptional.
“From our point of view, it was certainty the icing on the cake for the North West with how everything worked out.
“We’re so pleased to have done a deal and have him back again on the grid for the 2027 event.
“He’s probably been one of the biggest revelations we’ve had at the North West in many years.”