Exciting North West 200 newcomer Storm Stacey can’t wait to make his debut in front of the huge crowds that flock to the north coast event, hailing Irish road racing fans as “amazing”.

The British Superbike star will ride a Ducati Panigale V4 Superbike for Michael Rutter’s Bathams AJN Racing team from May 6-9.

Stacey, a race winner in BSB, is one of the highest profile debutants at the North West in recent years and says he has been hugely impressed by the passion shown by fans on his previous visits to the race as a spectator.

“The Irish fans, I just admire how passionate they are for the sport and it’s amazing,” said Stacey.

placeholder image — Storm Stacey with a Joey Dunlop Honda 250 at the Classic Bike Festival Ireland at Bishopscourt in Co Down in 2025. (Photo by Rod Neill/Pacemaker Press)

“In BSB, you have people sitting in the rain and things like that, but I think the Irish support has a stronger feel to it than BSB.

“I came two years ago and I came and watched again last year. I just loved watching it and loved the atmosphere.

“I hope the sun shines again and it’d be a lot nicer to do my first year in the sun.

“It’s a hell of an event. With having Michael [Bathams Racing team boss], I came to support him and watch him.

“I always promised my late father that I would never do the TT. But he didn’t say [all] road racing. It’s just mega.”

Team owner Rutter also intends to compete at the North West, where he has won 14 times.

The 53-year-old is the third most successful competitor around the 8.9-mile ‘Triangle’ course behind Alastair Seeley (29 wins) and Robert Dunlop (15).

Rutter was badly hurt in a crash in a Supertwin race at the Isle of Man TT last year, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

He rode a bike for the first time in a parade lap at the Classic TT last August and has been working his way back to fitness.

“Storm is a real talent,” said Rutter, speaking when Stacey was confirmed to be making his debut last month.

“He can go fast on anything and is good at everything, not just the racing but dealing with the media side too. The fans love him.

“He came over last year and watched me race at the North West and asked if he could race here himself. I said yes but I told him he just has to come and enjoy it first.

“He’s got the right attitude and his style- the way he rides and particularly how he gets the bike to stop- suits the North West 200.”

Race Week at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 takes place from May 4-9.