Storm Stacey targets ‘baptism of fire’ North West 200 debut

Briggs Equipment North West 200 Race Director, Mervyn Whyte, pictured with Rob Hodson and Storm Stacey who with both make their North West debuts at the famous north coast venue on May 4-9. (Photo credit: Stephen Davison)

A rising British Superbike star is set to take on one of the most daunting challenges in road racing this week, as Storm Stacey prepares to make his debut at the Briggs Equipment North West 200.

The 23-year-old arrives at the iconic Triangle circuit in Portrush with a mix of excitement and nerves, openly admitting he is stepping into the unknown as he lines up on a Superbike for the first time at the event.

Young BSB contender embraces North West challenge

Stacey, who will race a V4RR Superbike-spec Ducati for Michael Rutter’s Bathams AJN Racing team, has already generated significant buzz among fans ahead of race week from May 4–9.

Despite the growing expectation, the English rider insists he is keeping his mindset simple.

“I’m just a daft lad who wants to come to the North West and ride a motorbike and take in the atmosphere,” he said.

The rising star first experienced the event as a spectator last year and was struck by the passion of local supporters.

“I like the Irish fanbase and I love how passionate they are for motorbike racing,’ he added. ‘You can see they really believe in it and I want to be part of that, in amongst it.”

Learning the Triangle: from public roads to race circuit

Storm Stacey with fellow 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 newcomer, Franco Bourne and Josh Brookes during a recent visit to the north coast.  (Photo credit: Stephen Davison)

Ahead of his debut, Stacey made a recent visit to the north coast to familiarise himself with the 8.9-mile Triangle course, guided by former BSB champion and North West veteran Josh Brookes.

The experience proved eye-opening for the young rider.

“We had a good look around with Josh but the biggest struggle for me was seeing the roads as a race circuit, imagining riding a motorbike around it,” he explained.

“I kept thinking we were driving to the supermarket!”

Brookes’ advice focused on the finer details that define road racing performance, from surface changes to hidden hazards.

“He showed us what to look out for – the bumps, the manholes, grip levels and stuff like that. It is just going to be about finding that feel myself. The road surface looks amazing and I can’t wait to get out there.”

Balancing excitement with nerves ahead of debut

Newcomer Storm Stacey with Bathams AJN Racing team boss, Michael Rutter. (Photo credit: Stephen Davison)

Unlike many newcomers, Stacey will make his debut solely on a powerful Superbike, a decision he admits adds another layer of intensity to the challenge.

“Everyone has hidden expectations in their head and if I’m feeling comfortable and I’m up for it who knows,” he said.

“But I also think it is perfectly OK to say that I am nervous as well. It is quite a big thing to take on, isn’t it?”

The scale of the task became even clearer during his course visit.

“Everyone says that after five laps you’ll know where you are going and that looks pretty true but seeing it this morning brought me back down to earth,” he admitted.

“It’s getting close and it will be a baptism of fire on a Superbike. It’s going to be a fast first practice session round there on a Superbike.”

He added that starting on a smaller machine might have eased the transition.

“It might have been good to have had a Supersport bike for the first few laps but that’s the way it goes.”

High-speed ambitions and standout sections

Arriving straight from the opening round of the 2026 BSB season at Oulton Park, Stacey intends to carry his race sharpness into Portrush.

He is particularly looking forward to some of the circuit’s most technical sections.

“I am really looking forward to coming into the chicanes,” he said.

“Big heavy braking, backing it in sideways and seeing how quickly I can get through them without messing up! Coming past the church and under the railway bridge looks amazing too.”

Yet for Stacey, the appeal lies in the full experience rather than any single stretch of road.

“There’s not really one part of the course that you can pin down and say I can’t wait for that bit. I can’t wait for all of it.”

Rutter’s experience provides crucial support

A key factor in Stacey’s decision to tackle the North West this year is the presence of team owner and road racing legend Michael Rutter, a 14-time winner at the event with vast experience around the Triangle.

Stacey believes that guidance will be vital as he navigates his first competitive laps.

“Michael is a big influence and I sponge up his knowledge,” he said.

“He knows the place inside out and I knew that if I was going to do the North West, now is the time because I know he has my best interests at heart.”

Focused on finishing safely in first appearance

While expectations from fans continue to build, Stacey remains grounded about what success looks like in his debut outing.

“I want to go home having achieved my first appearance at the North West with a nice safe ride, no crashes and not having given my Mum too much of a heart attack!”

As engines fire into life along the north coast this week, Stacey’s debut adds another compelling storyline to an already highly anticipated North West 200, with local fans eager to see how the BSB rising star adapts to one of road racing’s ultimate tests.

---

At a glance

• Storm Stacey to make North West 200 debut from May 4–9

• 23-year-old will ride a Ducati V4RR Superbike for Bathams AJN Racing

• Guided around the Triangle circuit by Josh Brookes ahead of event

• Admits nerves ahead of ‘baptism of fire’ Superbike debut

• Backed by 14-time NW200 winner Michael Rutter

• Aims to complete event safely with no crashes