TT 2026: DAO Racing returns with Josh Brookes at the helm

It'll be the first time the team has competed here since 2023

The DAO Racing team will make its return to the Isle of Man TT Races in 2026 with Josh Brookes to lead their charge on the Snaefell Mountain Course.

Two-time BSB champion, Brookes will compete across the 1000cc races for the squad on board Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade machinery.

This year will mark the first time in three years the Cumbria-based team has taken part in the racing fortnight having last made an appearance in 2023.

The Australian rider - who also has two TT podium finishes of his own - says: "It gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the 2026 Isle of Man TT. 

"Reflecting on 2025, I was racing with DAO Racing in BSB and then I rode for a separate outfit on the roads, which was a little bit disruptive to my preparations. 

"I think staying with one team throughout the whole process is a far better environment to work in, the equipment will be to the highest standard, something in which DAO Racing prides itself on."

Meanwhile, DAO Racing - initially under their former banner of Silicone Engineering and then as DAO Racing - were TT regulars between 2014 and 2023.

Their most successful spell came between 2016 and 2023 with former rider, Dean Harrison who took the team to victory in the second Supersport TT Race in 2018 before winning the coveted Senior TT a year later.

Team Manager, Jonny Bagnall, adds: "It’ll be exciting to see how we get on, the roads were our pedigree, it’s how the team started back in 2014. 

"We want to have a fast and safe road racing season, Josh is very experienced around the Isle of Man TT, he rode the Fireblade in 2025 and I think it’ll be more consistent for him this year, because he’s comfortable with the crew and the bike he’s riding, especially with him riding it week in, week out at BSB. 

"So, I feel that consistency and positive environment around him will help achieve some fantastic results."

The 2026 Isle of Man TT Races are scheduled to take place from Monday, 25 May until Saturday, 6 June.