The Padgetts Racing squad has announced that Mitch Rees will ride its bikes at the 2026 Isle of Man TT, while veteran Jamie Coward also joins the outfit in the Sportbike class.
Rees made his TT debut last year with Padgetts and was the event’s top newcomer, having recorded a 126.8mph lap and a best finish of 18th in the Superstock races.
The 33-year-old will remain with one of TT’s best teams in Padgetts Racing, who will field Hondas in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport races for him.
Padgetts will use a Superstock-spec Fireblade for all of the big bike races.
Rees will race a Paton in the Sportbike class, too, after the team made its debut in what was formerly the Supertwin TT last year.
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He will be joined by TT veteran and frontrunner Jamie Coward in the Sportbike races, who recently announced a link-up with Rapid Honda for the other classes.
Clive Padgett said of the news: “We’re as enthusiastic as ever about the year ahead.
“The TT is always a major part of what we do, and with Mitch building on last year’s experience and Jamie joining us in the Sportbike class, we’ve got a strong and balanced team.
“Both riders understand what the Mountain Course demands, and we believe the equipment gives them every opportunity to progress.”
New Zealander Rees added: “Last year was a massive learning curve.
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“The TT is unlike anything we have back home in New Zealand.
“I felt we made solid progress despite the conditions, and now I know what’s required.
“The goal is to move towards that 130mph mark if I can get close to that on the big bike I will be happy.”
Coward said linking up with Padgetts for the Sportbike races was “special”, and will start as a favourite in the event on machinery that made it to the podium with Davey Todd last year.
“Joining Padgett’s is something special.,” he said.
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“It’s an iconic team in British racing and at the TT. I’m fully fit again and highly motivated.
“The Supertwin class is ultra-competitive, but I believe we can be in the mix and put on a strong showing.”