STORM WARNING: Stacey targets more North West 200 glory as former rival Glenn Irwin becomes teammate
Storm Stacey sets his eyes on North West 200 glory in 2027.
Tuesday 10 November 2026
Storm Stacey is returning to the Briggs Equipment North West 200 in 2027, determined to repeat the remarkable debut that saw him defeat Michael Dunlop, end Glenn Irwin’s record-breaking winning streak and establish himself as one of road racing’s most exciting new talents.
The 23-year-old Staffordshire rider confirmed his return during a visit to Portrush, revealing that he will race alongside former rival Irwin in Michael Laverty’s GRYD BMW team when the North West 200 takes place from 10–15 May 2027.
Stacey was the sensation of this year’s event, claiming two victories on his first appearance around the famous 8.9-mile Triangle circuit and announcing himself as a serious contender against some of the sport’s most established names.
Now, having gone from unknown newcomer to one of the riders everyone wants to beat, he is relishing the prospect of another showdown on the north coast.
A debut that stunned the North West 200
Stacey’s extraordinary introduction to the North West 200 began with victory over local favourite Michael Dunlop in the CP Hire Superstock race, where he also established a new lap record.
He followed that achievement with an even bigger upset in the feature Superbike race, ending Glenn Irwin’s remarkable run of 12 consecutive Superbike victories at the event aboard his Alpha Racing GRYD BMW.
Those performances made the young British Superbike Championship rider one of the standout stories of the 2026 race week, and he admits there was little chance of staying away.
“It was always going to be hard to keep me away.” Stacey smiled.
“Just look at it, it is gorgeous here. Where else in the world do you get a race that is also a holiday spot all in one? I love it here.”
Handling the pressure of a remarkable debut
Stacey knows that returning as a double winner brings a different level of expectation, particularly after making such an immediate impact against experienced road racing specialists.
But the young racer has been looking into the North West 200 record books and believes his debut achievements could stand for generations.
“If I’ve got my facts right no one has won two North West 200 races as a newcomer since 1955.” he smiled.
“Can I ever see it being beaten? I don’t think so but I get asked about the pressure. You can’t be a motorbike racer if you can’t handle pressure.”
His confidence also extends to the BMW machinery that carried him to victory in 2026, with Stacey convinced he has the right package to challenge again.
“I am a massive fan of BMW and I think it is the bike to be on.” he said.
“I came here and raced a BMW last year and it never went a foot out of line all week. It was unbelievable. I could have done a black flip in a straight line and I’d have been fine. It just did everything I wanted it to.”
From fierce rivals to BMW teammates
One of the most intriguing developments ahead of the 2027 event is Stacey’s new partnership with Glenn Irwin, the rider whose extraordinary Superbike winning streak he brought to an end.
The pair will compete under the same GRYD BMW banner, with Northern Ireland team boss Michael Laverty bringing together two riders who have already demonstrated their ability to win at the North West 200.
For Stacey, the arrangement presents an opportunity to benefit from Irwin’s extensive experience of the Triangle circuit, although he makes clear that their friendship will not prevent another fierce contest on the track.
“I get on well with Glenn, really well.” he says.
“I think we will be able to help each other. He has more experience than me around here and I think that I can learn a lot from him but everyone knows that once the visor goes down and the lights go out we are racing our own race.”
With Irwin seeking to reassert his dominance in the Superbike class, the prospect of the two BMW teammates battling for victory adds another compelling dimension to next May’s event.
Michael Dunlop battle remains a treasured memory
Stacey also has vivid memories of his encounter with Michael Dunlop, whose achievements and family legacy have made him one of the most recognisable figures in motorcycle road racing.
The youngster recalled a particularly memorable moment as the pair approached the first chicane during their Superstock battle, with neither apparently willing to surrender an advantage.
“I’d loved to have had a camera in my helmet when I looked across at Michael Dunlop going down the back straight into the first chicane.” Stacey smiled.
“I could just see his eyes looking across at me and then back at where he was going and I was just saying in my head ‘You are going to brake and then I am going to brake’. And that’s exactly what happened.”
Despite having beaten Dunlop on his first attempt, Stacey spoke with considerable admiration for the Ballymoney rider and the significance of competing against one of road racing’s most celebrated families.
“What an incredible rider he is and what the Dunlop family name means is so special. To come here and beat him is something special too, it’s only something you can dream about and I guess I haven’t woken up yet.”
Race boss welcomes return of rising star
Storm Stacey with North West 200 race director Mervyn Whyte.
North West 200 race director Mervyn Whyte believes Stacey’s return is a major boost for the event, describing his performances earlier this year as among the most impressive newcomer displays witnessed on the north coast.
“Storm’s 2026 performance was one of the greatest revelations we have had at the North West in many, many years.” Whyte smiled.
“Now he is coming back with a Northern Ireland team. Michael Laverty knows how to run a race team and he has an excellent combination with Storm and Glenn. What Storm did in 2026 was exceptional. It was new and fresh and lit the whole place up which has to be good for the sport as we look ahead to more exciting announcements about what is to come for the Briggs Equipment 2027 North West 200.”
North West 200 returns in May 2027
The 2027 Briggs Equipment North West 200 race week will run from Monday 10 May to Saturday 15 May, bringing international road racing back to the Triangle circuit linking Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.
Further announcements about the event are expected as preparations continue, with Stacey and Irwin already confirmed as teammates in Michael Laverty’s BMW squad.
For Stacey, the challenge is now very different from the one he faced as an untested newcomer. He returns with two victories, a lap record and the knowledge that he can beat the North West 200’s biggest names.
But with Irwin determined to reclaim his place at the front and Dunlop remaining a formidable opponent, the young rider who stunned the north coast in 2026 will have to prove he can do it all over again.
