- Thompson rides Superbike and Superstock on the Suzuki GSX-R1000
- In Supersport and Sportbike races, he relies on Honda and Aprilia from TH Racing
- Personal best lap time: 125.415 mph (Senior TT 2024)
Joey Thompson and Team York Suzuki by Motul Oils/Talk of the Town will continue their partnership at the 2026 Isle of Man TT. The rider from Yorkshire, known as “Joey Yorkshire,” will once again pilot the team’s Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the two 1000cc classes. The team is relying on the proven combination of rider and machine in both the Superbike and Superstock races.
Thompson with a broad program at the 2026 TT
In addition to his appearances on the Suzuki, Thompson will also compete in the Supersport and Sportbike races at this year’s TT. There he will ride for TH Racing on Honda and Aprilia. With starts in all four races, he will have achieved a total of 25 TT starts in his career to date.
Thompson is a member of the exclusive “125 mph Club” and, with a personal best lap time of 125.415 mph set at the 2024 Senior TT, currently ranks 88th on the list of the fastest TT riders of all time. Away from the Isle of Man, the Englishman has made a name for himself at Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough, among other places, where he has celebrated 27 race victories to date. He has also stood on the podium at the Classic TT, and finished in the top five at the 2018 Lightweight TT.
A pressure-free atmosphere as a recipe for success
Thompson himself describes working with the team as pleasant and uncomplicated. He appreciates the opportunity to ride in a pressure-free environment where he can concentrate fully on riding. The Suzuki has also proven to be reliable, finishing every race it has started. He has no great expectations for 2026, but simply wants to enjoy riding on the “best course in the world.”
Team manager Kevin Pearson was delighted to continue the collaboration. He emphasized that Thompson has demonstrated maturity, professionalism, and dedication both on and off the bike. The entire team consists of active or former racers, which is why they know exactly what it means to put on a leather suit and take to the track. Together, they are confident that Thompson will be able to build on his previous results.
Isle of Man TT 2026 starts at the end of May
The Isle of Man TT 2026 begins on May 25 and runs until June 6.
What does that mean for me as a TT fan?
The confirmation of Joey Thompson at Team York Suzuki is another piece in the TT 2026 puzzle. For fans of road racing, it is a positive sign that smaller private teams such as York Suzuki continue to field competitive riders, thereby enriching the starting grid in the major classes. With his experience from almost 25 TT starts and his membership in the “125 mph Club,” Thompson is one of the established riders in the midfield who form the backbone of every TT. His broad program of four races on three different makes also shows that he is versatile. Anyone who has won 27 times at Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough and stood on the podium at the Classic TT has enough skill to cause a surprise on the Mountain Course if the conditions are right.
→ This article is part of our comprehensive overview of the Isle of Man TT 2026 – find all information on schedule, riders, teams, and results in our Isle of Man TT 2026 overview.
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