The Causeway Coast beckons for DAO Racing as the team gears up for its first international road race of 2026, with Josh Brookes aiming to succeed around the Triangle course onboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.

When the roads close on Wednesday, May 6, it will mark the return of DAO Racing to road racing following a two-year hiatus, with Josh Brookes as the chosen rider to control the team’s superbike and superstock Fireblades on the 8.9-mile circuit.

The North West 200 has been a happy hunting ground for the DAO Racing team, formerly known as Silicone Engineering Racing, with eight podiums achieved and a further 21 top six finishes.

Brookes, who is the eighth-fastest man around the ‘Triangle’ with an average speed of 123.141mph, has tasted success with two podium finishes in 2014 and 2022. He has his sights firmly set on adding to that silverware as he returns to the Causeway Coast.

The North West 200 is one of Ireland’s largest outdoor events. First held on the coast roads in 1929, it sees the action roar through the towns of Portrush, Portstewart, and Coleraine.

Affectionately known as the ‘Triangle’, the 8.9-mile circuit plays host to some of the fastest road racing action, with over 150,000 visitors lining the streets to cheer on their favourite riders.

Brookes and his DAO Racing squad will take part in the ‘big bike’ Superbike and Superstock classes, which will feature four practice sessions across Wednesday and Thursday, followed by four races taking place on Thursday evening and Saturday.

Josh Brookes: “It’s always nerve-wracking going to the North West, last year was a challenge because the Honda has particular characteristics with aero and the small fairing that the rider suffers quite a bit, it makes the bike quite a bit unstable.

“So hopefully some of the things we’ve learned in that time with BSB will help make a more stable bike, and something that I can gain confidence in.

“The way you ride at BSB doesn’t reflect anyway the type of riding you do on a street circuit. So I think it’s more critical about what we know about the bike as a whole package that we’re going to use to gain confidence going quicker on the roads.”

Team Manager Jonny Bagnall: “The North West 200 marks our return to road racing, and as a team, we’re excited to get back to where it all began for us. Road racing is part of our DNA, and I’m curious to see how we’ll perform. The Fireblade is a proven package around the North Coast, and with Josh onboard, I feel we’ll be a formidable force.

“Our record around the Triangle is a strong one. Even though we’ve been away from the road racing paddock for two years, we’re still very much the same team. We’re packed full of experience, which is a key component to success on the roads, and I have faith in the guys that we can achieve some positive results and return home safely.”

Action gets underway on Wednesday, May 6 with a day of practice from 10:30, and the first racing action will take place on Thursday, May 7 from 17:30. The event then concludes with a packed schedule of three races for the team on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00.