New Sportbike TT class revealed for 2026
The 2026 Isle of Man TT will undergo major changes to the Supertwin class, while a new race schedule has also been confirmed.
The Supertwin TT will be rebranded as the Sportbike TT in 2026, as the event’s officials have confirmed major changes to the class.
Said changes mean regulations have been tweaked to allow sportbikes to race alongside supertwin machinery. These changes have been made so that the new sportbike class is reflective of the type of machinery and ‘wider development’ used in British and World Championships.
TT officials also say “the Supersport class will also continue to fully transition towards the internationally adopted Next Generation regulations.”
Additionally, changes to the schedule have been made with the Superstock and Supersport classes swapping places. This means the Superstock races will run on the same day as the Sidecar TT, with the Supersport class now set to feature alongside the newly-named Sportbike TT.
The changes also mean that the Superstock class will now get the honour of kicking off race week at the 2026 TT.
Speaking about the updates, Gary Thompson MBE BEM, Clerk of the Course, ACU Events Ltd said:
“The refinements to the 2026 schedule reinforce the core structure of the event and ensure we remain responsive to the unique and evolving demands of the modern-day TT.
“Building greater resilience into the schedule remains a key priority, and these updates are designed to safeguard the race programme. The introduction of a scheduled rest day during qualifying and the expansion of contingency periods significantly enhances the flexibility of the event, while also placing greater emphasis on the welfare of the competitors, marshals, medics, officials, and volunteers who are essential to its success.
“Importantly, the increased flexibility provided by these additional contingency periods also supports decision-making in challenging conditions, allowing us to act more dynamically and with greater certainty. This not only safeguards the event itself but will also help us minimise the disruption to the public by enabling clearer, more efficient operational planning.”
The 2026 Isle of Man TT is scheduled to take place between May 25 (spring bank holiday) and June 6, although a contingency schedule in case of poor weather means racing could end with the Senior TT on Sunday, June 7, should it be required.
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