Isle of Man TT 2026: Three Awards Beyond the Race Wins

• James Chawke wins the Monster Energy Peoples’ Challenger, determined by public vote.
• 20-year-old newcomer Rhys Stephenson receives the RST Star of Tomorrow Award.
• Barry Furber secures the TT Privateers Champion title after five solo races.

The TT 2026 ended prematurely when the final race day fell victim to the weather. While the big headlines belonged to winners Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop, three additional honours spotlighted riders who had shaped the character of the event over the course of the fortnight. They show that the Tourist Trophy is not just about podium places, but also about consistency, talent and the backing of the fans.

Who Won the Monster Energy Peoples’ Challenger 2026?

The Monster Energy Peoples’ Challenger 2026 was won by James Chawke from Limerick, Ireland. The award is determined by a public vote that remains open throughout the entire TT fortnight, putting the spotlight on those competitors whose commitment and passion might otherwise go unnoticed.

Each year, a shortlist of four privateer riders is compiled from the official entry list. Chawke prevailed over Jonathan Perry, Baz Furber and Timothee Monot. Previous winners include Loris Majcan, Rhys Gibbons, Raul Torres Martinez and Nathan Harrison.

Chawke started in all solo classes: he rode a BMW M 1000 RR in the Superbike TT, a Suzuki GSX-R 750 in the Supersport TT and an Aprilia RS 660 in the Sportbike class. He finished the Superbike TT in 27th place, the Supersport TT in 28th position and the Sportbike race in 22nd. His time of 1:50:55.105 at an average of 122.458 mph (around 197 km/h) in the Superbike TT was his best mark to date over six laps, and he also improved his pace over three laps in the Supersport race.

Chawke is a familiar face in the TT paddock. Since his debut in 2019, which followed his Junior Manx Grand Prix victory in 2018, he has finished 23 of 28 races started. On his very first appearance, he finished 11th in the Lightweight TT on a Paton, just 13 seconds behind tenth-placed Horst Saiger. His 14th place in the 2024 Superbike TT ranks among his strongest results. In the 2026 Replica standings, he collected five Bronze Replicas – the most of any competitor.

What Is the RST Star of Tomorrow Award?

The RST Star of Tomorrow Award went to newcomer Rhys Stephenson, who received it after the conclusion of the TT. The award recognises the rider who demonstrates outstanding performance, dedication and potential, and is presented by Rider Liaison Officers John Barton and Richard “Milky” Quayle. Previous recipients include 2024 Senior TT winner Davey Todd as well as sidecar record holders Ryan and Callum Crowe.

The 20-year-old Stephenson from Lincolnshire was the youngest competitor at this year’s TT. Before his Island debut, he had already gained experience in the British Superbike Championship paddock. In 2022, he finished fourth in the British Talent Cup with six podiums before switching to the Sportbike class in 2024, where he claimed a runner-up finish at Thruxton on his way to eighth overall. In 2025, he improved to seventh in the championship standings with two podium finishes on a Triumph.

At the TT, Stephenson finished 24th in the Sportbike TT with an average of 113.550 mph (around 183 km/h). This earned him a Bronze Replica, and he crossed the finish line as the second newcomer behind Manx Grand Prix graduate Toby Shann. His team runs under the banner of Rocket Racing, Pell Plant Hire and Micrometric Triumph.

What Does the TT Privateers Champion Title Mean?

The TT Privateers Champion title rewards the best non-manufacturer-supported solo rider of the race week and in 2026 went to Barry Furber from Bishop’s Castle. The classification has existed since its introduction in 2010 and is regarded among privateer riders as a particularly cherished trophy.

Furber joins a list that includes James McBride (2010), Lee Johnston (2013), Ivan Lintin (2014), Horst Saiger (2017), Davey Todd (2018), Jamie Coward (2019 to 2024) and Jim Hind (2025). From the five solo races of the weather-affected week, he achieved placings of 24th, 19th, 19th, 17th and 8th on his machine from DC Motorcycles Newtown and Robinson and Sons Timber Ltd.

Furber has established himself over the years as a regular top-ten finisher in the Supertwin class, with five such results in the past six races. At his TT debut in 2016, he was just 45 seconds away from a top-ten finish and was the fastest Suzuki across the line at the time. Since 2016, he has amassed 42 starts and has recently improved in both the Supersport and the big class, setting personal best laps in every category in 2025. As a podium finisher at the North West 200 and the Manx Grand Prix, he brings experience from several circuits.

Why Was the TT 2026 Ended Early?

The TT 2026 was called off on the final day due to bad weather. The Milwaukee Senior TT, which had been red-flagged after just over one lap the previous day, was officially classified as a result, confirming Dean Harrison as the winner. Harrison had previously also won the Superbike TT. Michael Dunlop celebrated his 35th and 36th TT victories in the Supersport and Sportbike races.

With the presentation of the three special awards, the record of the TT 2026 is complete, fitting once again into the context of a busy road racing season as in previous years. For Furber, things continue straight away: he named Tandragee, Billown as part of the Southern 100 and Armoy as his next road racing outings.

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