- DAO Racing returns to international road racing for the first time since 2023
- Josh Brookes will ride the Honda Fireblade in all 1000cc TT classes
- Additional Supersport entry with a next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750
DAO Racing is one of the most established teams in road racing and will return to the major natural road circuits in 2026 after a two-year absence. The project is led by Australian Josh Brookes, who already knows the team from the British Superbike Championship, where he delivered DAO Racing’s first BSB victory last season. Team owners Clarissa Beadman and Sommai Nantakoon, who live on the Isle of Man, want to reconnect with their roots, as road racing was the team’s focus when it was founded in 2014.
A Proven Partnership Instead of Switching Teams on the Roads
The key idea behind the return is continuity. In 2025, Brookes competed for DAO Racing in BSB but rode for a different team on the roads. This split was not ideal for his preparation, as the Australian explained: “Reflecting on 2025, I was racing with DAO Racing in BSB and then I rode for a separate outfit on the roads, which was a little bit disruptive to my preparations. I think staying with one team throughout the whole process is a far better environment to work in, the equipment will be to the highest standard, something in which DAO Racing prides itself on.”
Brookes said the continuity in personnel and equipment gives him the confidence he needs. He knows the motorcycle inside out from his weekly BSB outings, which should benefit him on the Mountain Course and the Triangle circuit at the North West 200.
From Silicone Engineering to TT-Winning Team
DAO Racing has an impressive history in road racing. Founded in 2014, initially under the Silicone Engineering Racing banner, the team developed into one of the most consistent outfits in the TT paddock. The most successful period came with rider Dean Harrison, who competed on Kawasaki machinery for the team between 2016 and 2023. Together, Harrison and the team secured victory in the second Supersport TT race in 2018 before achieving their greatest success in 2019: winning the Senior TT. It was Kawasaki’s first Senior TT victory since 1975.
The statistics of this partnership speak for themselves. In 28 TT races contested together, Harrison and the team finished on the podium 21 times and only failed to finish twice. A level of consistency that is virtually unmatched in the sport.
Strong BSB Season as a Springboard
After the partnership with Harrison ended, DAO Racing focused entirely on the British Superbike Championship in 2024. For the 2025 season, the team switched to Honda machinery and signed Josh Brookes along with Lee Jackson. The move paid off. Brookes secured the team’s first BSB podium at Donington Park and later added their maiden victory at Oulton Park.
This success on the short circuits now forms the foundation for the road racing campaign. Brookes heads to the Mountain Course with the same manufacturer, the same team and the same crew, which he and the team say provides a strong platform.
Brookes’ TT Record: From Fastest Newcomer to Podium Finisher
Josh Brookes is far from a newcomer in road racing. The Australian made his TT debut back in 2013, immediately becoming the fastest newcomer at the event. He competed with the Tyco Suzuki team in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TT classes that year.
Since then, Brookes has established himself as one of the fastest international riders on the Mountain Course. He is a double podium finisher at the TT, with his best result being second place in the 2024 Senior TT. His personal best lap speed on the Mountain Course stands at 134.056 mph, set during that race, placing him fifth on the all-time list of fastest TT riders.
Brookes is also no stranger to the North West 200. The Australian holds a former lap record on the 8.9-mile Triangle circuit and set a speed trap record of 212.4 mph in qualifying on the FHO Racing BMW in 2023. However, he did not compete in the races that weekend after Faye Ho’s team withdrew due to a controversy surrounding the use of carbon wheels, which were deemed ineligible. Brookes sat out the NW200 in 2024 but returned in 2025 with the Jackson Racing by Prosper2 team, where he secured four top-ten finishes.
The 2026 Programme: Honda in the Big Classes, Suzuki in Supersport
At the 2026 TT, Brookes will pilot the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade in all 1000cc races. Specifically, this means entries in the RST Superbike TT, both RL360 Superstock TT races and the Milwaukee Senior TT.
There will also be a Supersport entry. In this class, Brookes will ride a next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750 under the Uggly and Co. banner.
The road racing season kicks off with the North West 200 from 6 to 9 May in Northern Ireland, where Brookes will start in the Superbike and Superstock races in DAO Racing colours. NW200 Race Director Mervyn Whyte described Brookes as an “inspirational figure” and highlighted that the Australian is always willing to share his experience from top-level racing on both short circuits and roads.
The TT then takes place from 25 May to 6 June.
Team Manager Bagnall: A Return to the Roots
Team manager Jonny Bagnall emphasised that the return to the roads is a natural step. Team owners Sommai and Clarissa wanted to have a presence in the TT paddock again, especially as they live on the Isle of Man. Bagnall explained that Brookes is thoroughly familiar with the Fireblade from his weekly BSB outings and that this consistency could make the difference on the roads.
He spoke about the roads being the team’s true DNA and that this was exactly what they set out to do back in 2014. The goal for the 2026 road racing season is clear: a fast and safe season in which experience and the positive environment around Brookes should lead to strong results.
A NW200 Victory as a Realistic Target
Brookes himself described an as-yet-elusive victory at the North West 200 as a realistic target. At the TT, he is aiming for a return to the podium. With his experience on the Mountain Course, the established partnership with DAO Racing and his familiarity with the Honda Fireblade from everyday BSB competition, the conditions for achieving this appear to be in place.
Lee Jackson meanwhile remains Brookes’ BSB teammate, and the team is preparing for the first official BSB test of the season at Donington Park.
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