Preparation with North West 200 and National Superstock
Before Rees competes on the notorious 60.72-kilometer Mountain Course, he will prepare for the TT with appearances in the North West 200 and the opening race of the National Superstock Championship. This will give the 32-year-old important experience on British soil – a wise decision considering the uniqueness and challenges of the TT circuit.
Motorsport as a family affair
Mitch Rees comes from Whakatāne, a small town on the North Island of New Zealand, and is part of a traditional racing family. Father Tony Rees is one of New Zealand’s most successful Superbike riders, while brother Damon Rees – a former NZ Supersport champion – also made a name for himself in British road racing. However, Damon passed away in 2023 after a short illness, which dealt the Rees family a bitter blow.
From motocross talent to asphalt ace
Mitch Rees did not start his racing career on asphalt like many others, but in motocross. He only switched to the road at the age of 21, after even competing in the Junior World Championships off-road. But the late switch proved to be spot on: four titles in the New Zealand Formula One Superbike class and two more in the Superbike segment are proof of his rapid rise.
Rees celebrated success above all with the Rees Motorcycles team on a perfectly prepared Honda Fireblade. In 2025, he secured his third Superbike title.
Strong record on the Cemetery Circuit
Rees also regularly showed his skills at the famous Cemetery Circuit in Wanganui. He won over a dozen races there, including the prestigious Robert Holden Memorial Race three times. The competition was by no means small: greats such as Peter Hickman, Davey Todd, Lee Johnston and Richard Cooper competed with him. A friendship developed with Todd in particular, which ultimately contributed to his decision to take part in the TT.
Impressed by the Mountain Course
Back in 2024, Rees spent the entire race week of the TT on the island, but only as a spectator. Together with Davey Todd, he did a few inspection laps and was impressed by the character and speed of the course.
“I’ve always loved driving on the road back home and the TT has always been a dream for me,” said Rees. “As a New Zealander, it’s not easy to compete there, but after talking to Davey and Hicky about it, the desire grew.”
He describes his first time over the mountain as “pretty overwhelming”, especially considering the high average speeds.
Conclusion: Another strong rider from New Zealand enters the stage of the Isle of Man TT in the form of Rees. After successes on home turf and in the New Zealand road racing scene, it will be interesting to see how the late starter will fare on the Mountain Course.
