MIKE BROWNE CONFIRMED FOR SPORTBIKE TT IN 2026
Mike Browne has been confirmed for the Sportbike TT in 2026, where he will line up on the Melbray / Laycock Team Paton. The move marks an important step in Browne’s TT campaign as he targets strong results in the TT’s new-for-2026 Sportbike class.
Coming into TT 2026 fresh from his Senior Classic TT win, Browne is set to make his mark in the new category, having signed to ride the Team Melbray / Laycock Racing Paton. It’s a machine he knows well.
The Cork-born rider claimed an impressive 2nd place on the Paton in Supertwin Race 1 in 2023, and in Race 2 he looked set for victory, leading by a commanding 18 seconds before mechanical issues forced his retirement. That performance, combined with his recent Classic TT success, underlines both his growing confidence around the Mountain Course and the potential of this partnership heading into 2026.
Speaking of his return to Italian machinery, Mike says: “I’m really looking forward to riding the Paton - the bike and I have unfinished business. I want to be right at the sharp end and riding for the Melbray / Laycock racing team made it an easy ‘yes’ for me.”
The new partnership brings together two different but highly driven teams with a shared ambition for the Sportbike class. Melbray Racing - twice TT podium finishers - now join forces with Eddie Laycock’s vastly experienced Laycock Racing outfit to strengthen their challenge for 2026.
Melbray Racing Team Owner, Simon Warren said: “Our little team starts its next adventure, and I honestly don’t know what I’m more excited about - Mike riding our bike or Eddie and his great team taking care of it. Myself and my family are passionate TT fans first and foremost, and after Dom Herbertson’s brilliant third place this year’s Supertwin TT, and Glen English’s unbelievable second in the 2024 Classic Junior, this feels like the next step for us.
“Having Mike onboard is a dream come true. He’s such an outstanding rider and perfectly suited to the Paton. I think he’ll go really well on it, and we’re equally fortunate to have Team Laycock Racing preparing and looking after the bike."
“The team also extends our thanks to our sponsors for their continued support: Venhill Ltd, The Shed Laxey, The Bike Shed Shoreditch, and Birch Gatwick.”
Browne arrives into his 2026 campaign with strong form from TT 2025, where his Supertwin performance delivered two top-ten finishes in both races. Combined with his Senior Classic TT victory and past performances on the Paton, he heads into the new Sportbike class with genuine momentum and a clear intent to challenge at the front.
