A new Sportbike class will feature for the first time at the 2026 Isle of Man TT Races, replacing the current Supertwin races and opening up the lightweight outings to a wider range of machines.

Supertwins have been a racing class for a number of years now, introduced to create a low cost formula for club racing using modified versions of 650cc twin cylinder machines like the Kawasaki ER-6 and Suzuki SV650. These bikes have been highly tuned in Isle of Man TT spec, with the exotic Kawasaki-powered Paton S1-R and ‘oversized’ Aprilia RS 660 and Yamaha MT-07/R7 also allowed to compete at the TT.

The new TT Sportbike class will continue to admit these machines, with the addition of bikes competing in the series of the same name at the British Superbike Championship. This should open up the TT to more twin-cylinder motorcycles like the Suzuki GSX-8R and Honda Hornet 750, as well as three-cylinder bikes in the form of CF Moto’s 675SR-R and the Triumph Daytona 660. It is a move which reflects the wider development of the Sportbike class internationally and should help brings some more variety to the races, while reducing costs for competitors who previously had to spend a lot of money tuning the little 650s. Two Sportbike TTs are scheduled for 2026 – with races slated for Tuesday 2 June and Friday 5 June.

Another small, but important, change comes to the race schedule – which has been impacted by bad weather in recent years.

The number of scheduled rest days has been increased from two to three, with qualifying week now featuring a rest day on Thursday to allow competitors, marshals, medics, officials, and volunteers some downtime after three days of on-course action. The number of planned practice and qualifying sessions will also increase from six to seven, including an additional daytime session on Wednesday. It means more daytime and less evening practice, which gives riders the chance to dial themselves and their bikes in at the time when races are scheduled.

Race week sees a few small tweaks to the programme, with Superstock and Supersport races switching places in the running order. Superstock TTs now take place on the same day as Sidecar TTs, with Supersport running on the same days as the Sportbike class. It’s a change made to reflect the physical demands of riding 1000cc bikes, with solo competitors no longer expected to race any other bikes on the same day as wrestling a 200+bhp superstock or superbike machine around the unique 37.73-mile mountain course.

Additionally, the number of contingency opportunities throughout the event has increased. This refinement is about creating additional windows of opportunity, and as such it is set to provide enhanced flexibility in the event of poor weather or delays rather than simply increasing the number of periods that the roads are closed to the public.

Speaking about the updates, TT Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson said: “The refinements to the 2026 schedule reinforce the core structure of the event and ensure we remain responsive to the unique and evolving demands of the modern day TT.

“Building greater resilience into the schedule remains a key priority, and these updates are designed to safeguard the race programme. The introduction of a scheduled rest day during qualifying and the expansion of contingency periods significantly enhances the flexibility of the event, while also placing greater emphasis on the welfare of the competitors, marshals, medics, officials, and volunteers who are essential to its success.

“Importantly, the increased flexibility provided by these additional contingency periods also supports decision making in challenging conditions, allowing us to act more dynamically and with greater certainty. This not only safeguards the event itself but will also help us minimise the disruption to the public by enabling clearer, more efficient operational planning.

“Combined with the technical updates to our race classes, these changes represent an important step in future proofing the TT – protecting what makes it special today while strengthening its long-term sustainability.”

The TT programme was restructured in 2023, with additional Superstock and Supertwin races taking the event up to a staggering 10 TTs spread across race week. Last year marked the most successful event in over 15 years, with 51,650 fans making the pilgrimage to the island according to official figures. It’s something Paul Phillips, the Isle of Man’s Head of Motorsport, is very proud of. He added: “The 2026 schedule has been shaped by our long-term ambitions for the TT. We’re focused on delivering a sustainable world class event that continues to grow its global audience, delivers increasing benefits to the island’s economy, and secures the future of the races for generations to come.

“These refinements are the result of constant learning, and collaboration. They not only help protect the integrity of the racing but also reflect our ambition to create the best possible experience for everyone involved, from the riders and teams to the increasing number of fans on the hedgerows and those that watch live from around the globe.”

Helping fans plan that trip of a lifetime, provisional dates have also been announced for the 2027 and 2028 TTs. TT 2027 is planned for 31 May to 12 June, with first practice for the following year’s edition set for Monday 29 May, with racing concluding on Saturday 10 June.                                                       

Picture: Isle of Man TT Races