MOUNTAIN COURSE CALLING AS DAO RACING PREPARE FOR ISLE OF MAN TT RETURN

Following a two-year hiatus, DAO Racing are set for a return to the Isle of Man TT as Josh Brookes prepares to roar down Glencrutchery Road aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in the Superbike and Superstock classes.

The two-week event will mark a significant milestone for DAO Racing, who, after a two-year break from road racing, will set off from the start line searching for their first victory around the 37.73-mile course since 2019.

2014 saw DAO Racing, formerly known as Silicone Engineering Racing, make their debut at the event, with the maiden victory coming four years later with Dean Harrison. The Yorkshireman would then take glory in the blue-riband Senior TT 12 months later, etching the team’s name into the history of the event.

Following a successful week on the Causeway Coast at the 2026 North West 200, the season’s opening road race, where Brookes took a fantastic third place in the four-lap Superstock battle, along with a further two top-five finishes in both Superbike races, the 43-year-old Australian now has his sights set on achieving more glory on the Island.

Brookes is the fifth-fastest man around the Mountain Course, with a speed of 134.056mph, and has taken to the podium twice in his career, most notably achieving second place in the 2024 Senior TT following a titanic battle.

The Isle of Man TT is one of the world’s most iconic motorcycle races, attracting elite riders and global fans to the Isle of Man’s challenging 37.73-mile Mountain Course each year.

Josh Brookes: “It’s hard to be excited when there is so much nervous energy. The Isle of Man TT always feels like a year away and you just focus on what’s coming next, and then quickly it comes around and now it’s our next event. I always get nervous for the TT, so the nerves won’t be put to rest until I get out on the road, get some laps in and feel comfortable.

“Having had such a strong result at the North West 200, I can say I didn’t take too much risk there and I was probably riding too conservatively, but that’s me, that’s my way. I tend to ride softer and slower on the roads until I feel at ease, and then I’ll extend myself further. It was a positive finish to the North West, especially given the amount of track time we lost, and the results we achieved give us all confidence heading into the TT.”

Team manager Jonny Bagnall: “As a team, we’re really excited to return to the Isle of Man TT. It’s important for the owners to have a presence in the paddock, especially with them being residents of the Island, and they’re just as excited as we are ahead of it all. We have a strong passion for road racing — it’s in our DNA — and after our results at the North West, we’re heading to the Isle of Man with a lot of optimism.

“Josh is the fifth-fastest man ever around the course, he knows what he wants from the bike, and the continuity of working with the same team will only help him achieve good results. The Fireblade is a proven package on the Mountain Course and, with our knowledge of the bike, I feel we’re in a good place to bring home silverware.”

The action kicks off on the Spring Bank Holiday, Monday, May 25, with untimed practice at 12:40 for the Superbike and Superstock classes. Six qualifying sessions are then planned throughout the week before four races for the team — two Superbike and two Superstock — commencing on May 30. You can view the full schedule here.