Josh Brookes secures high-profile NW200 return with Carl Cox Motorsport and Uggly&Co Racing for 2026

Carl Cox, Josh Brookes and Alan Morris

A major new partnership has been unveiled ahead of the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200, with Australian road racing star Josh Brookes confirmed to return to Portrush as part of a high-profile collaboration between Carl Cox Motorsport and the newly formed Uggly&Co Racing team.

The deal will see Brookes line up in both Supersport races during race week, running from May 4–9, aboard a Suzuki GSX-R750 in the Fraser Homes and Tides Restaurant classes — marking a significant addition to the grid at one of Northern Ireland’s flagship international sporting events.

New team and major backing bring fresh momentum to NW200 grid

The partnership brings together globally recognised DJ and motorsport backer Carl Cox, long-time supporter of road racing talent, with Uggly&Co, a family-owned motorcycle lifestyle brand making its move into competitive racing.

Cox, whose Carl Cox Motorsport brand has supported riders across multiple disciplines — including road racing legend Michael Dunlop — is stepping up his involvement for 2026 by backing the newly established Uggly&Co Racing outfit.

Uggly&Co, founded by Al Morris, is already a familiar presence across major motorcycle events worldwide, including the North West 200, Isle of Man TT, all 11 rounds of the British Superbike Championship, and international races such as the Daytona 200.

The brand has built its reputation through grassroots engagement and rider support, backing competitors ranging from club level to top-tier names including Jamie Coward, Danilo Petrucci in World Superbike, Kyle Ryde, Bradley Ray and Ben Birchall.

Brookes targets success on proven Supersport machine

Carl Cox Motorsport, and Uggly&Co Josh Brookes

Brookes will compete on the Suzuki GSX-R750, a machine with a strong track record in British Supersport competition and one he believes is well-suited to the unique demands of the Triangle circuit.

“Carl Cox is an absolute legend in terms of the support he gives to riders, and Uggly&Co are such a cool brand within the race paddock, what a pairing to have in your corner!” Brookes said.

“I love the idea of this independent team. I’ve had a lot of success with that type of outfit previously, and I believe the Suzuki GSX-R750 has great attributes for the NW200. I can’t wait to get out there for first practice and wind on the power!”

The Australian brings a proven pedigree to the event. Since making his North West 200 debut in 2013, Brookes has consistently delivered standout performances, including setting a new outright lap record in 2014 and securing podium finishes in both Supersport and Superbike races.

After an eight-year absence, he returned to Portrush to claim another Superbike podium before going on to record the fastest-ever speed at the event — an extraordinary 212.4mph — underlining his continued competitiveness on the roads.

Uggly&Co Racing ‘dream come true’ moment for founder

Team owner Al Morris described the move into road racing competition as a milestone moment for the brand.

“You’ll always see the Uggly&Co pop-up shops at motorcycle events up and down the country, where the team are always smiling, happy to be there, meeting fans and enjoying being part of the scene,” he said.

“Every purchase, every bit of support along the way has genuinely helped build this. A percentage of every sale goes straight back into racing, and that’s how we’ve been able to put this team together.

“It’s a sport I’ve been part of since I was young, so to now bring Uggly&Co into it not just as a clothing brand or sponsor, but as a racing team at the most iconic road races in the world — it’s a dream come true.”

Carl Cox highlights global appeal of North West 200

Cox also underlined the international significance of the event, which continues to attract global attention and major names.

“It’s really exciting to be supporting this new team with the guys at Uggly&Co, it’s the perfect racing collab!” he said.

“The North West is a really special event, we’re glued to it wherever in the world we are at the time, so it’s cool to be racing there, and with Josh Brookes piloting the proven Suzuki GSX-R750, we have every chance of some success!”

Race organisers welcome boost to 2026 line-up

North West 200 race director Mervyn Whyte welcomed the announcement as a significant addition to the 2026 event.

“We are delighted to have Carl Cox and the Uggly and Co team supporting Josh Brookes at the North West 200 this year in this exciting new development,” he said.

“Josh has made a major mark during his previous performances at the North West and we look forward to him doing it again in 2026.”

Fans set to benefit from expanded paddock experience

Beyond the racing action, visitors to the North West 200 will also see the launch of a new Carl Cox Motorsport x Uggly&Co merchandise range, available exclusively at the Uggly&Co stand in both the paddock and fanzone throughout race week.

Fans will also be able to purchase items online via the Carl Cox Motorsport and Uggly&Co websites.

The expanded presence adds another dimension to the event experience, reinforcing the North West 200’s role not just as a major sporting spectacle, but as a focal point for global motorcycle culture.

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At a glance

• Josh Brookes confirmed for 2026 North West 200 Supersport races (May 4–9)

• Will ride Suzuki GSX-R750 for Carl Cox Motorsport / Uggly&Co Racing

• New team formed by Uggly&Co founder Al Morris

• Carl Cox steps up backing through his motorsport brand

• Brookes previously set NW200 lap record and achieved multiple podiums

• Recorded fastest-ever NW200 speed at 212.4mph in recent return

• Uggly&Co active across global racing events including Isle of Man TT and Daytona 200

• Exclusive merchandise range to be sold at paddock and fanzone during race week

• Race director Mervyn Whyte welcomes “exciting new development”