Storm Stacey, the British Superbike competitor who captured two victories on his North West 200 debut in 2026, has committed to competing at the international road race event again next year. According to BBC Sport, the 23-year-old Staffordshire rider will return as part of a team-mate pairing with Glenn Irwin at GRYD Racing.
Stacey's maiden appearance at the Triangle circuit proved transformative. He won the Superstock class race and claimed the feature Superbike event, defeating home favourite Michael Dunlop in the former and fending off both Dean Harrison and record-holder Glenn Irwin in the latter. His double success placed him among an elite group of 27 newcomers to have won at the North West 200 on their first attempt—a feat last achieved by New Zealander Bruce Anstey in the 1000cc class in 2002.
The charismatic rider, known for his trademark top hat and engaging personality, proved as compelling off the track as on it. His performances generated significant attention, with Stacey gaining 10,000 Instagram followers during the event week and receiving recognition at the airport upon his return home.
What drew Stacey back to the event?
Stacey described the North West 200 experience as unmatched anywhere else in motorsport.
The feeling, the sensations, it's just magical when this event is on. If you haven't been, you haven't witnessed it, you've only seen it on the telly, it doesn't do it justice,he told BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson.
You're five abreast doing 200mph. You just don't get it anywhere else. It's a mega event.
Reflecting on his unexpected success, Stacey explained that while he had not planned to win, his approach was to maximise every opportunity.
The plan was just to come here, have a successful North West 200 and come away safe and sound. It gelled, it clicked, it was fun, it was a nice environment, and we came away happy,he said.
How did Stacey feel racing against his rivals?
Competing against established names elevated the experience for Stacey. Racing against Dunlop held particular significance given the latter's family heritage at the circuit.
I've never raced against Michael anywhere in my career so to race against him here was so special. Thinking of all his heritage. His family have all raced round here,Stacey reflected.
The victories over Harrison and Irwin, who holds a record 12 Superbike wins at the venue, left Stacey searching for words.
Then to race against Glenn and Dean. Glenn has won so many races round here, and then to beat Glenn as well, you can't describe it. It's like you're gliding through clouds when you're racing round here and when things are going well you're just floating, you're on another level, and adrenaline takes over,he explained.
What is Stacey's 2027 plan?
Stacey will compete for GRYD Racing, co-owned by Michael Laverty and David Eltherington, in both the British Superbike Championship and the North West 200 during 2027. He will ride an Alpha Racing-prepared BMW 1000 RR machine alongside team-mate Irwin, who will also pilot the same model. In 2026, Stacey finished 13th in the BSB series.
The prospect of the two riders competing as team-mates has generated anticipation among road racing enthusiasts. Stacey acknowledged his positive relationship with Irwin, who provided guidance during his debut visit.
I get on with Glenn really well, he helped me a lot when I got here and told me a lot of things to look out for,Stacey said.
But you just know when you go racing round here and get those visors down nobody is going to be giving each other anything to give an advantage.
Stacey views his continued participation as mutually beneficial for both himself and the event.
This morning I got recognised three times coming out of the airport. You feel like a rockstar, like a celebrity, when you come over here. You don't necessarily get that back home,he observed.
I gained 10,000 followers on Instagram that week when the North West was on and I did what I did. The traction is good for me and the event so it works both ways.
What changes are coming to the 2027 North West 200?
The 2027 edition of the North West 200 will see significant scheduling adjustments. The event will take place from 10–15 May, moving away from the dates that would have clashed with Northern Ireland Assembly and local council elections scheduled for 6 May. According to BBC Sport, the event will restore its traditional Tuesday-Thursday qualifying format, with qualifying sessions on Tuesday 11 May and Thursday 13 May, followed by race days on Thursday 13 May and Saturday 15 May.
The revised schedule will feature three races on Thursday evening after final qualifying, with six races taking place on Saturday. This represents a return to the pre-2024 format, as qualifying had been held on Wednesday and Thursday during the 2024–2026 seasons.
Briggs Equipment has extended its title-sponsorship deal with the North West 200 for three years, securing backing through the event's 2029 centenary year. Additionally, the NW200 confirmed that Supertwins will remain eligible in 2027, competing alongside the Sportbike class.
Key Facts
- Stacey won both the Superstock and feature Superbike races on his North West 200 debut in 2026, joining an elite group of 27 newcomers to have won at their first attempt
- He will compete for GRYD Racing in 2027 alongside Glenn Irwin, the record holder with 12 Superbike wins at the venue
- The 2027 North West 200 runs 10–15 May with qualifying on Tuesday 11 May and Thursday 13 May, returning to the traditional Tuesday-Thursday format
- Briggs Equipment has extended title sponsorship through 2029, the event's centenary year
- Supertwins will remain eligible in 2027 alongside Sportbikes
