Top BSB riders' plans for 2026 unannounced with Andrew Irwin question mark and Rory Skinner in Yamaha link
Several top British Superbike riders are yet to officially announce their plans for 2026 as the rumour mill suggests some big changes could be afoot.
Northern Ireland’s Andrew Irwin and Honda Racing UK parted company after three successive seasons together last year, with the Carrickfergus man set for a new challenge this year.
Irwin is one of the key protagonists whose plans have not been announced.
In November, the 31-year-old – who claimed a trio of podium finishes at Cadwell Park last season – said he was confident he would have the opportunity to “bring the best version” of himself in 2026.
“Next year with how I think things will pan out, it’s something I’m really excited for, something I can’t wait to do and something I can’t wait to be on,” Irwin said.
“I think it will allow me to bring the best version of me and hopefully we’ll be able to fight for podiums week in, week out; that’s the package that I want for 2026.
“We’re working on some things that will be able to give me the best package that I can have and I’m excited for it.
“I think I probably needed a change as much as Honda needed a change, and now we look forward to whatever comes next.”
Scotsman Rory Skinner is another leading name whose plans remain unconfirmed.
However, Skinner has been riding for Northern Ireland’s TAS Racing for the past two seasons and finished seventh overall in 2025 on the Cheshire Mouldings Ducati.
The former British Supersport champion and Moto2 rider could be poised for another change this year, with TAS Racing rumoured to be switching to Yamaha machinery in a two-man line-up, with Danny Kent coming into the fold.
John McPhee, who made his BSB debut last year with the MasterMac Honda team, is another piece of the puzzle after Eugene McManus and British Supersport champion Rhys Irwin were announced as Hawk Racing’s new riders for 2026 on the MasterMac Honda Fireblades.
Storm Stacey, who impressed on the Bathams AJN Racing BMW last year, and Ulsterman Scott Swann have also yet to officially reveal their routes for the year ahead.
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