JAMIE COWARD TO LEAD RAPID HONDA’S FIRST ISLE OF MAN TT CAMPAIGN IN 2026
For TT 2026, Coward will contest the RST Superbike TT, both RL360 Superstock TT races and the Milwaukee Senior TT aboard a Honda Fireblade. He will also line up in both Monster Energy Supersport TT races on a Rapid Honda CBR600RR, giving the team representation across six races during the fortnight.
Having long held the ambition to compete at the TT, Rapid Honda contest the Mountain Course for the first time in 2026. The team arrive with a full TT programme built on preparation, that will be, bringing structure, commercial backing and seasoned road racing experience to the Isle of Man.
Coward has already demonstrated his capabilities at the TT, now a 2-time podium finisher in the Lightweight and Supertwin classes in 2019 and 2022, more recently delivering a standout fourth place finish in the 2024 Supersport Race, riding competitive machinery against a strong field on the Mountain Course. This result underlines his familiarity with the unique demands of the event and brings momentum to Rapid Honda’s first TT appearance
The team said the step to the Isle of Man TT has been a key goal for many of its members. “We are very excited to be making our debut on the roads in 2026. The TT has long been a passion for numerous members of the team and it has been an ambition to go to the Isle of Man and compete together. To have a rider with the calibre and experience of Jamie Coward on board just makes us even more motivated to do well.”
Coward has achieved two TT Podiums and took fourth place in the 2024 Supersport Race
Coward welcomed the opportunity as a fresh start for the season. “I would really like to thank everyone involved with Rapid Honda and Drivelife,” he said. “It is a fresh start for myself and I am really motivated and super excited to get going with the new team and teammates. I am really looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Team Owner Matt Bainbridge reflected on the significance of the project and the motivation behind the 2026 campaign. “After a very tough 2025 we’re focussed on the potential of the new season,” he said. “Owen has been a huge loss to everyone and we move forward in his honour, determined to do him proud. The team we have put together, not just the riders but everyone involved, is a special group. Before we have even turned a wheel I am incredibly proud of them all.”
Bainbridge also confirmed strong commercial support for the team in the year ahead. “We are really pleased to welcome back existing sponsors and to bring new partners on board who believe in what we are striving to achieve”
With a new title sponsor, an experienced lead rider and a first appearance on the Mountain Course, Rapid Honda’s Isle of Man TT debut in 2026 represents a significant and carefully planned step onto the world’s most demanding roads.
