Johnny Stewart Claims Manx Grand Prix Sportbike Victory in Thrilling Opening Race
Scotsman dominates three-lap contest as newcomer Kevin Lavery storms to an impressive podium on the 2026 Manx Grand Prix debut
Johnny Stewart opened the 2026 Manx Grand Prix in spectacular fashion, taking victory in the inaugural Road Racing News Sportbike race after a thrilling three-lap battle around the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course.
The Scotsman arrived at the Manx Grand Prix as the clear pre-race favourite after topping every Sportbike qualifying session in which he had participated, and he delivered when it mattered.
Stewart controlled the race from the opening timing point at Glen Helen, built a sizeable advantage over Eddy Wormald and then produced a stunning final lap to secure victory by 22.5 seconds.
His winning ride also included a new outright lap record for the class, with Stewart recording an incredible 116.844mph on the final lap.
Behind him, Eddy Wormald produced an excellent ride to finish second, while newcomer Kevin Lavery provided one of the biggest surprises of the opening race by completing the podium on his Manx Grand Prix debut.
The result provided a fitting start to the 2026 event, with perfect conditions around the Mountain Course allowing the Sportbike riders to showcase the pace of the new-look class.
Stewart Sets the Early Pace
Scotsman establishes control from the opening sector
The opening Road Racing News Sportbike race was contested over three laps of the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, with riders facing the demanding combination of high-speed public-road sections, technical corners and the famous Mountain climb.
Stewart immediately demonstrated why he had been regarded as the rider to beat.
From the start, the Scotsman quickly opened a gap over his nearest rivals and reached the first timing point at Glen Helen with approximately three seconds in hand over Eddy Wormald.
Wormald was already under pressure from Andy Farrell, who was circulating just 2.5 seconds further back.
Newcomer Kevin Lavery was also making his presence felt.
The number 57 Kawasaki rider was just 0.3 seconds away from Farrell in fourth, while Dan Sayle remained only a tenth of a second further back.
Owen Monaghan completed the leading group at the first timing point.
It was an indication of just how competitive the opening race could become.
Stewart Doubles His Advantage at Ramsey
Farrell and Lavery begin their battle for the podium
Stewart continued to stretch his advantage as the opening lap progressed.
By the time the riders reached Ramsey, the Scotsman had extended his lead over Wormald to 8.5 seconds.
While Stewart began to establish control at the front, attention switched to the battle for third.
Lavery was rapidly adapting to the Mountain Course and had moved ahead of Farrell, opening a little over a second over the number one machine.
It was an impressive start from the newcomer, particularly given the enormous challenge of completing a race lap at the Manx Grand Prix.
Further back, fellow newcomer Kyle Casement was also enjoying a strong debut, running tenth at Ramsey.
The Sportbike class was producing plenty of intrigue throughout the field, with several newcomers immediately showing that they were capable of challenging more experienced competitors.
Stewart Breaks the Lap Record Despite the Pit Stop
Race leader produces a remarkable standing-start lap
Despite the mandatory pit stop required during the race, Stewart continued to push the pace.
His first lap resulted in a new class record from a standing start, with the Scotsman recording an average speed of 115.793mph.
That was particularly impressive given the need to manage the race, tyres and fuel while also maintaining the pace required around the Mountain Course.
By the time Stewart entered the pits, his advantage over Wormald had grown to more than ten seconds.
The pit stops then became another important factor.
Kyle Casement produced the fastest stop of the race at 31.494 seconds, narrowly ahead of Nicolas Therouin on 31.817 seconds.
Lavery was also among the quickest, stopping for 32.281 seconds.
Wormald Closes the Gap After the Stops
Quick pit work puts the second-place rider back in contention
The pit stop allowed Wormald to reduce Stewart’s advantage.
By Glen Helen, the gap had fallen to just under five seconds as the second-placed rider benefited from a strong stop.
However, Stewart remained firmly in control.
Behind the leading pair, the fight for third was becoming increasingly intense.
Lavery was now only around three seconds behind Farrell, while Graham McAleese, Liam Chawke and Dan Sayle were all beginning to apply pressure.
With the race still having plenty of distance to run, the podium battle remained completely open.
Stewart Maintains Control on Lap Two
Wormald remains closest challenger as Lavery continues his charge
By Ramsey on the second lap, Stewart had once again begun to stretch his advantage.
The lead had returned to approximately 10 seconds over Wormald.
The race leader was producing the sort of consistent pace required around the Mountain Course, hitting his markers and maintaining a rhythm that allowed him to keep the chasing riders at arm’s length.
Unfortunately for spectators following the action remotely, live timing then suffered a technical problem.
The interruption created some confusion among fans as they waited for confirmation of the order at the end of the second lap.
On the road, however, Stewart remained firmly in control.
Lavery Turns Up the Pressure
Manx Grand Prix newcomer closes in on Farrell
The battle for third became the major storyline as the final lap approached.
By Glen Helen on Lap 3, Stewart still held around ten seconds over Wormald, but Lavery had reduced the gap to Farrell to just 1.5 seconds.
The newcomer continued to push hard along the western section of the course.
By the time the riders reached Ramsey Hairpin, Lavery had made his move.
He had overhauled Farrell by approximately 5.9 seconds and was now sitting in third, with the experienced number one machine behind him.
Lavery’s performance was rapidly becoming one of the stories of the entire opening race.
Farrell Refuses to Give Up
Experienced rider uses the Mountain Course to fight back
Although Lavery had moved ahead on the road, Farrell was not prepared to surrender the podium without a fight.
The experienced Irish rider remained close behind Stewart’s machine and was able to use the slipstream effect over the Mountain section.
Farrell clawed back approximately 1.5 seconds by the time the riders reached the Bungalow, reducing the deficit to Lavery to around four seconds.
It meant the battle for third was still alive heading into the closing kilometres.
At the front, however, Stewart was already beginning to look beyond reach.
Stewart Smashes His Own Lap Record
Scotsman produces sensational 116.844mph final lap
Stewart saved his best performance for the final lap.
The Scotsman crossed the line after completing the three-lap contest with a sensational 116.844mph lap, lowering his own previous benchmark and confirming his superiority around the Mountain Course.
It was a remarkable way to secure the opening victory of the 2026 Manx Grand Prix.
Stewart took the chequered flag 22.5 seconds ahead of Wormald, who completed an impressive race in second.
Wormald’s final lap was also exceptionally quick, with the rider recording an average speed of 115.362mph.
But the biggest surprise was still to come.
Lavery Completes Stunning Debut Podium
Newcomer delivers one of the rides of the opening Manx Grand Prix race
Kevin Lavery completed the podium in third, producing one of the standout performances of the race.
The newcomer had been involved in the battle for the podium from the opening lap and never allowed the experienced riders around him to push him out of contention.
His final lap of 116.340mph demonstrated just how much speed he had found around the Mountain Course.
Finishing third in a Manx Grand Prix race on debut is a significant achievement, particularly in a class featuring riders with considerably more experience of the course.
Lavery admitted afterwards that he had not expected to finish on the podium.
“I would have thought top six probably but third is unbelievable.”
His result immediately puts him among the riders to watch as the 2026 Manx Grand Prix continues.
Farrell Misses Out on the Podium
Number one machine finishes fourth after late battle with Lavery
Andy Farrell ultimately had to settle for fourth after his late charge failed to recover the final podium position.
The number one machine had been involved at the sharp end from the opening lap and remained a major factor throughout the race.
Farrell’s experience around the Mountain Course allowed him to close the gap during the final lap, but Lavery had done enough to retain third.
The fight demonstrated just how closely matched the riders could be in the Sportbike category.
McAleese and Sayle Complete the Top Six
Chawke and Monaghan also finish inside the leading group
Graham McAleese secured fifth place, while experienced competitor Dan Sayle finished sixth.
Both riders had been involved in the fight for the podium during the middle stages of the race, but were unable to match the pace of Farrell and Lavery during the final lap.
Liam Chawke followed in seventh, with Owen Monaghan eighth.
Lee Hara completed another solid ride to finish ninth, while Stephen Gorton rounded out the top ten.
New Sportbike Era Gets Off to a Flying Start
Former Supertwin category receives new identity
The 2026 Road Racing News Sportbike race represents the latest chapter for a class formerly known as the Supertwin race.
The category has traditionally provided an important stepping stone for riders developing their skills on the Mountain Course.
Last year’s race was won by Lewis Arrowsmith, who finished ahead of Toby Shann and local rider Jamie Williams.
Both Arrowsmith and Shann subsequently graduated to the Isle of Man TT Races after their performances at the 2025 Manx Grand Prix.
The new Sportbike designation provides another opportunity for riders to establish themselves before potentially progressing to the TT.
With Stewart setting a new benchmark and Lavery immediately producing a podium finish, the 2026 edition has already provided plenty of evidence that the category remains one of the most competitive and entertaining parts of the Manx Grand Prix.
Stewart Delighted With Smooth Victory
Race winner says his hard work finally came together
Stewart was understandably pleased with his performance after completing a controlled ride at the front.
The Scotsman explained that he concentrated on maintaining his rhythm and hitting his braking and cornering markers throughout the race.
“It was nice and smooth. I mean, the track is in good condition and stuff. Just chipped away, try to hit all my little markers and stuff. I’ve been doing it all week and it just all came together in the end.”
Those comments perhaps summed up Stewart’s performance perfectly.
There was no unnecessary drama from the race winner.
Instead, he built his advantage gradually, managed the gap after the pit stop and then produced a spectacular final lap to seal victory.
Wormald Delighted With Unexpected Second
Handling concerns make runner-up finish even more satisfying
For Wormald, second place represented an excellent result after entering the race with some concerns over the handling of his machine.
He admitted that a top-five finish had been his target based on his earlier lap times.
“I wasn’t expecting second. I knew top five was definitely on so I think we were sitting around fourth from a lap time from a few days ago.”
Wormald revealed that the team had been dealing with handling issues, making his eventual podium result even more satisfying.
After receiving his pit board and seeing that he was running second, the rider admitted he was delighted.
“We’ve had some handling issues so when I come round after the first lap, got the pitboard and I was in second, I was just over the moon.”
Lavery: “Third Is Unbelievable”
Newcomer admits he never expected a podium
Lavery’s reaction perhaps best captured the surprise surrounding his result.
The newcomer was thrilled to secure third place but admitted that he had not entered the race expecting to finish on the podium.
“Over the moon, I can’t put it into words, over the moon.”
Asked about his expectations before the race, Lavery said a top-six finish would probably have been the realistic target.
Instead, he ended the day as a Manx Grand Prix podium finisher.
That result could give the newcomer enormous confidence heading into his remaining races.
Road Racing News Celebrates Successful Race Sponsorship
Sponsor praises riders and conditions after opening race
Steve Rial from Road Racing News, sponsor of the Sportbike race, was also delighted with the opening contest.
“It was fantastic, great conditions, great people around us. Super honoured to be sponsoring the race, and what a result, can’t ask for anymore.”
With the event taking place in excellent conditions and the riders producing a spectacular contest, the sponsorship partnership got off to a memorable start.
Podium Celebrations Bring More Fun
Sparkling wine showers the crowd after dramatic opening race
The celebrations continued on the podium after the race.
Stewart led the celebrations as the three podium finishers sprayed their Foraging Vintners sparkling wine towards the crowd below.
There was also an amusing moment when Wormald inadvertently managed to soak his own motorcycle during the celebrations.
It provided a light-hearted conclusion to what had been an intense opening race.
Sportbike Riders Return for Supersport Action
Stewart, Wormald and Lavery face another challenge
There was little time for the leading riders to relax after the opening race.
All three podium finishers were scheduled to return to action later in the day for the Glover Law Supersport race.
That means Stewart, Wormald and Lavery would have another opportunity to test themselves around the Mountain Course, this time in a different category and over another demanding race distance.
For Lavery in particular, the Supersport outing offered another chance to build on an extraordinary debut performance.
2026 Manx Grand Prix Sportbike Results
- Johnny Stewart
- Eddy Wormald
- Kevin Lavery
- Andy Farrell
- Graham McAleese
- Dan Sayle
- Liam Chawke
- Owen Monaghan
- Lee Hara
- Stephen Gorton
Stewart Sends Early Warning to the Manx Grand Prix Field
Johnny Stewart could hardly have asked for a better opening race.
The Scotsman arrived as the rider to beat after dominating qualifying, then backed up that form with a controlled victory and a stunning 116.844mph lap record.
Wormald delivered a superb second-place finish despite handling concerns, while Lavery emerged as the surprise package with a remarkable third-place result on his Manx Grand Prix debut.
The opening Sportbike race also demonstrated the strength of the new-look category, with experienced competitors and newcomers battling closely throughout the three-lap contest.
With the Mountain Course in excellent condition and the riders already operating at extraordinary speeds, the 2026 Manx Grand Prix has started in emphatic fashion.
And after Stewart’s performance, the question now is simple: can anyone stop the Flying Scotsman from adding more Manx Grand Prix victories to his tally?
Words: George Ratcliffe | Photos: George Ratcliffe, Mark Corlett
Manx Grand Prix: Johnny Stewart Completes Supersport Double and Joins Tommy Club
Scotsman backs up Sportbike victory with dominant Glover Law Supersport win at the 2026 Manx Grand Prix
Johnny Stewart produced another outstanding performance around the Isle of Man Mountain Course to claim his second victory of the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, dominating the Glover Law Supersport race and securing the final available place in the prestigious Tommy Club.
The Scotsman had already opened his Manx Grand Prix campaign with victory in the inaugural Road Racing News Sportbike race earlier in the day. He then returned to the course for the four-lap Supersport contest and once again proved to be in a class of his own.
Stewart’s performance was particularly significant because he became the 36th and final rider to join the Tommy Club, completing a racing lap at more than 120mph.
He eventually took the chequered flag more than a minute clear of Graham McAleese, with Eddy Wormald completing the podium after an entertaining battle for third.
The Supersport race was the second Manx Grand Prix race scheduled for Saturday, with the 2026 event running alongside the Classic TT over a 12-day programme.
Stewart Starts the Race as the Man to Beat
Scotsman carries qualifying form into the afternoon race
Stewart arrived at the Supersport race as the obvious favourite after demonstrating formidable pace throughout qualifying.
The Scotsman had repeatedly circulated the Mountain Course at more than 120mph, establishing himself as the rider to beat before the four-lap contest got underway.
Lee Hara was regarded as one of his most serious challengers.
The 20-year-old Coleraine rider had also broken the 120mph barrier during qualifying and entered the race with ambitions of challenging Stewart for victory.
The significance of the race extended beyond the battle for the win, however.
Both Stewart and Hara were chasing the final place in the Tommy Club, which recognises riders who complete a racing lap at the Manx Grand Prix at an average speed exceeding 120mph.
With the conditions described as among the best of the week, the stage was set for a high-speed contest.
Stewart Makes an Immediate Break
6.3-second advantage by Glen Helen
Stewart wasted no time in establishing his authority.
The Scotsman produced another blistering opening sector and had already built a 6.3-second advantage over Andy Farrell by the time the leaders reached Glen Helen.
Hara was also pushing hard.
The young rider was just 0.6 seconds away from Farrell as the opening sector unfolded, while Manx newcomer Kyle Casement made an impressive start to sit fifth.
Stewart’s ability to immediately create breathing space was an early indication that the race could develop into another dominant performance.
By Ramsey, the order was beginning to change.
Stewart remained firmly in control, while Hara and Graham McAleese moved through the order and Farrell slipped backwards.
Stewart Breaks 120mph Barrier to Enter Tommy Club
Race leader sets a new lap record
The first lap provided one of the most important moments of the entire race.
Stewart completed the opening circuit at an astonishing 121.663mph, setting a new race lap record in the process.
More importantly, the speed was enough to secure his place in the Tommy Club.
The Scotsman therefore achieved one of the major targets of the meeting while simultaneously extending his lead at the front.
At the end of Lap 1, Stewart was more than 17 seconds clear of Hara, with the young Coleraine rider holding a substantial advantage over the battle for third.
The pace at the front was already beginning to separate the leading riders from the rest of the field.
McAleese and Wormald Fight for the Final Podium Place
Battle behind the leaders remains wide open
While Stewart and Hara were beginning to establish a significant advantage, the contest for third was considerably closer.
Eddy Wormald initially held the position, but Graham McAleese remained firmly within striking distance.
The gap between the pair was just 0.26 seconds at one stage on the second lap.
Andy Farrell was also still involved, sitting only a few seconds further back and waiting for an opportunity to rejoin the podium battle.
Further down the order, Chris Cook, Harley Rushton and Kyle Casement were separated by less than a second as they fought over eighth place.
That illustrated the depth of competition throughout the field, with several riders continuing to trade positions even as Stewart disappeared into the distance.
Stewart Breaks His Own Lap Record Again
Second 120mph-plus lap further extends advantage
Stewart was not content with the record he had established on the opening lap.
At the end of Lap 2, the Scotsman produced another sensational circuit, raising the race lap record to 121.689mph.
Hara also joined Stewart in the 120mph club for the second time, completing his lap at 120.944mph.
Despite the impressive pace of the chasing rider, Stewart’s advantage continued to grow.
By the Bungalow, he was approximately 25 seconds clear.
The battle behind him remained much closer, however, with McAleese and Wormald still separated by fractions of a second.
Pit Stops Shake Up the Order
McAleese benefits from a quicker stop
As the riders reached the end of the second lap, the mandatory pit stops became another important factor.
Andy Farrell recorded the fastest stop at 46.031 seconds, while McAleese was only slightly slower at 46.3 seconds.
Liam Chawke completed his stop in 47.833 seconds.
Stewart and Hara lost some of their advantage during the stops, giving the chasing riders an opportunity to close the gap.
McAleese, in particular, emerged from the pits in a stronger position and extended his advantage over Wormald to 3.7 seconds by Glen Helen.
Farrell also closed to within three seconds of the battle ahead.
Stewart Responds and Re-establishes Control
Championship-style ride from the Scotsman
Despite losing around ten seconds through the pit sequence, Stewart quickly restored his advantage.
By Ramsey on Lap 3, he was once again more than 28 seconds ahead of Hara.
McAleese remained third, although the fight behind him was still far from settled.
For Stewart, the final two laps became a matter of maintaining concentration and avoiding mistakes.
The Mountain Course leaves little margin for error, even with a comfortable advantage, and the Scotsman continued to hit his braking and cornering markers with remarkable consistency.
Hara’s Crash Changes the Podium
McAleese moves into second as Hara’s race ends
Going into the final lap, Stewart held a lead of 31.9 seconds over Hara.
McAleese was still within striking distance of the second-place rider, while Wormald continued to apply pressure.
Then came a major change to the race.
Hara crashed at Braddan Bridge, bringing an end to what had been a superb performance from the 20-year-old.
McAleese was promoted into second, with Wormald moving into third.
From there, McAleese began to establish some breathing room, extending his advantage over Wormald to almost seven seconds between Glen Helen and Ramsey.
Stewart Takes a Second Victory of the Day
Another 120mph-plus lap seals dominant Supersport win
There was no catching Stewart.
The Scotsman completed the final lap at 121.078mph and crossed the finish line more than one minute ahead of McAleese.
His final winning margin was over 60 seconds, underlining just how dominant his performance had been.
McAleese secured second with a final lap averaging 120.667mph, while Wormald completed the podium approximately 9.2 seconds behind.
For Stewart, it was a second victory of the day and further confirmation of his exceptional pace around the Mountain Course.
Wormald Completes a Double Podium
Second podium of the day for the determined rider
Wormald’s third-place finish was another excellent result.
Having already finished second in the Road Racing News Sportbike race earlier in the day, he returned to the podium in the Supersport contest.
His performance was particularly impressive given the intense pressure from McAleese and Farrell during the earlier stages.
The third-place result ensured Wormald finished the opening race day with two podium appearances.
Farrell and Monaghan Complete the Top Six
Andy Farrell eventually finished fourth after remaining involved in the podium battle for much of the race.
Owen Monaghan and Liam Chawke completed the top six.
Further down the order, Laurent Hoffmann produced a strong final lap to finish eighth and become the leading newcomer.
Hoffmann’s last lap averaged 119.612mph, demonstrating the pace he had developed throughout his first Manx Grand Prix experience.
Kyle Casement was the second-best newcomer in ninth.
Johnny Stewart: “It Was a Bit Unbelievable”
Stewart admitted afterwards that the scale of his success had surprised even him.
The Scotsman described the victory as an unbelievable result after what had been a hugely successful day around the Mountain Course.
For Stewart, the combination of two victories and a place in the Tommy Club made Saturday one of the most memorable days of his Manx Grand Prix career.
His pace had been evident throughout qualifying, but converting that speed into two race wins is an entirely different challenge.
McAleese Delighted With Second
Graham McAleese was equally pleased with his runner-up finish.
The rider admitted that the target had been to complete a lap at more than 120mph and felt the race had unfolded almost perfectly for him.
The close battle with Wormald also provided an additional challenge, with McAleese forced to maintain his pace throughout the contest.
His second-place finish represents another major milestone around the Mountain Course.
Glover Law Proud of Supersport Race
Race sponsor Glover Law also praised the event after what proved to be a spectacular afternoon of racing.
Glover Law was confirmed as sponsor of the 2026 Supersport Manx Grand Prix earlier this year, with the Manx Motor Cycle Club describing the class as one of the most competitive races on the programme.
The perfect conditions helped produce the sort of speeds that the Mountain Course is famous for, with Stewart and Hara both breaking the 120mph barrier.
Stewart’s Perfect Saturday
Johnny Stewart could hardly have asked for a better opening race day at the 2026 Manx Grand Prix.
He began the day by winning the inaugural Road Racing News Sportbike race before returning in the afternoon to dominate the Glover Law Supersport contest.
He also secured the 36th and final place in the Tommy Club and set multiple race lap records along the way.
The Manx Grand Prix has already delivered some spectacular racing, but Stewart’s double victory has immediately established him as one of the riders to beat for the remainder of the meeting.
Two races. Two wins. One Tommy Club place. Johnny Stewart’s 2026 Manx Grand Prix campaign could hardly have started better.
Historic Junior Classic TT: Paul Jordan Completes Back-to-Back Wins
Davies Motorsport Honda rider dominates dramatic three-lap Classic TT opener
Paul Jordan successfully defended his Historic Junior Classic TT crown with another commanding victory around the Isle of Man Mountain Course.
The Davies Motorsport Honda rider won the three-lap race by 1 minute 37 seconds, beating Dominic Herbertson and John McGuinness MBE in a dramatic contest that featured multiple changes at the front.
Jordan’s victory made it back-to-back Historic Junior Classic TT wins and further underlined his impressive record on the historic 350cc machinery.
The race was held as part of the 2026 Classic TT programme, which runs alongside the Manx Grand Prix across the Island during August. The Historic Junior race is one of the events designed to celebrate the machinery and riders associated with an earlier era of TT and Grand Prix competition.
Harrison Leads the Opening Charge
Craven Classic Racing rider makes the early running
Dean Harrison made the strongest start to the race.
The Craven Classic Racing/Ted Woof Honda rider led the field through Glen Helen, establishing an advantage of almost four seconds over Mike Browne.
Michael Evans was another 1.847 seconds further back in third.
Jamie Coward, Paul Jordan and Stefano Bonetti completed the early leading group.
The race had started in excellent conditions, providing the riders with an opportunity to attack the Mountain Course at serious pace.
However, the complexion of the contest changed dramatically before the opening lap was completed.
Browne Takes Control at Ballaugh
Sector pace puts the Melbray Honda rider in front
Mike Browne responded strongly between Glen Helen and Ballaugh.
His sector time was more than eight seconds quicker than Harrison’s, allowing him to take control of the race.
Evans remained close to Harrison, while Coward and Jordan were separated by less than two seconds.
By Ramsey Hairpin, Browne’s advantage had grown to 10.9 seconds.
The race was now beginning to look like a battle between Browne and Evans at the front.
Then came the first major retirement.
Harrison Retires at Ballaugh
Early leader becomes the first major casualty
Harrison’s race came to an early end at Ballaugh.
His retirement immediately promoted the chasing riders and put Coward into the podium positions.
Jordan was also moving rapidly through the order.
Meanwhile, Dominic Herbertson and John McGuinness were beginning to make progress behind the leading group.
The race was developing into an unpredictable contest despite Browne’s growing advantage.
Browne Breaks the Historic Junior Lap Record
105.322mph establishes a new benchmark
Browne continued to set the pace and completed the opening lap at an average speed of 105.322mph.
That was enough to establish a new Historic Junior lap record, beating the previous benchmark set by Lee Johnston in 2014.
Browne’s lead at the end of the first lap stood at 27.2 seconds.
However, behind him, Jordan had made a major move and climbed into second.
Coward had been demoted, while Evans’ retirement at the Creg ny Baa further altered the classification.
The changing order ensured that Browne’s huge advantage was not enough to guarantee victory.
Jordan Moves Into Second
Northern Irishman begins chasing down the leader
Jordan’s progress was becoming increasingly impressive.
Having started behind the leading group, he had worked his way into second and was now the closest rider to Browne.
Coward remained in contention for the podium, but the gap to Jordan had opened.
Herbertson and McGuinness were also moving forward, setting up what would become an important battle for the final podium position.
The race appeared to be heading towards a dominant Browne victory.
Then came another major twist.
Browne’s Race Ends With a Puncture
Leader retires at Barregarrow
Browne’s seemingly unassailable advantage disappeared on the second lap.
As the riders approached Ballaugh, the leading Honda was missing from the timing order.
The reason soon became clear: Browne had stopped at Barregarrow with a puncture.
The retirement handed the lead to Jordan.
Coward moved into second, while McGuinness climbed into the final podium position.
What had looked like a comfortable victory for Browne had suddenly become a completely different race.
Coward Suffers the Same Fate
Second Craven Classic Racing Honda retires
Jordan’s advantage continued to grow as another major contender disappeared.
Coward, who had been fighting for second, retired at Ballaugh.
It was another frustrating retirement for the Craven Classic Racing/Ted Woof operation after Harrison had already been forced out earlier in the race.
Jordan was now firmly in control.
Herbertson had moved into second, while McGuinness was closing in behind him.
Herbertson and McGuinness Fight for Second
Battle for the final podium places goes down to the wire
With Jordan clear at the front, the main battle shifted to second place.
Herbertson produced a strong run from Ballaugh and moved ahead of McGuinness.
By Ramsey Hairpin, Herbertson had established a gap of 3.5 seconds over the seven-time TT winner.
That advantage would prove crucial.
McGuinness continued pushing, but Herbertson had done enough to secure second.
Jordan Completes Back-to-Back Historic Junior Wins
Davies Motorsport rider wins by 1m37s
Jordan was never seriously challenged during the closing stages.
The Northern Irishman completed the final lap and crossed the line 1 minute 37 seconds ahead of Herbertson to claim his second consecutive Historic Junior Classic TT victory.
Herbertson took second for Nigel Haith Racing, while McGuinness completed the podium for Steadplan Racing Honda.
It was another impressive result for Jordan on the classic Honda machinery.
The 2026 entry list had featured a strong collection of current TT stars, including McGuinness, Browne, Harrison, Coward, Michael Evans, Michael Dunlop, Herbertson and Jordan.
McGuinness Completes the Podium
John McGuinness MBE finished third after spending much of the race working his way through the field.
The Steadplan Racing Honda rider had started from the number one position and remained a contender despite the dramatic changes around him.
His third-place finish ensured another podium appearance at the Mountain Course and provided a strong result in a class that celebrates the machinery associated with an earlier generation of TT racing.
Rushton’s Retirement Promotes Sayle
Harley Rushton had been running strongly but his race ended on the Mountain Mile.
His retirement promoted Dan Sayle into fourth on the John Chapman Racing Honda.
Will Loder followed in fifth, with James Chawke completing the top six.
Andy Hornby, Phil McGurk, newcomer Kyle Parkes and Jeffrey Vermeulen completed the top ten.
Parkes’ result was particularly noteworthy as the newcomer enjoyed a strong debut in the historic class.
Ben Birchall Produces Strong Solo Performance
Sidecar star finishes 11th on two wheels
Ben Birchall also attracted plenty of attention with a notable performance.
The 14-time Sidecar TT race winner has predominantly made his name on three wheels, but he took on the challenge of competing solo around the Mountain Course.
Birchall brought his Ruthless Racing Honda home in 11th, completing his final lap at 94.665mph.
His participation added another interesting element to an already star-studded Historic Junior field.
Birchall’s involvement in the Classic TT was confirmed as part of a wider 2026 line-up featuring a number of high-profile road racers.
A Celebration of Classic TT Racing
The Historic Junior Classic TT is more than simply another race on the programme.
The class provides a link to the period when the Isle of Man TT formed part of the FIM Motorcycle World Championship, with the 350cc motorcycles recalling an important era of Grand Prix and TT racing.
The Honda CB350 K4 is one of the most prominent machines in the field, bringing historic racing machinery back onto the Mountain Course in competitive conditions.
The 2026 entry list again featured a mixture of established TT stars, Classic TT specialists and newcomers, providing a fascinating combination of experience and emerging talent.
Jordan’s Victory Comes After a Dramatic Race
Paul Jordan’s second consecutive Historic Junior Classic TT victory was anything but straightforward.
Harrison led early.
Browne then produced the fastest lap of the race and looked set to disappear into the distance.
A puncture ended Browne’s challenge.
Coward subsequently retired.
Herbertson and McGuinness then battled for the remaining podium places.
Through all of that drama, Jordan remained composed and ultimately crossed the finish line more than a minute ahead of his nearest rival.
It was another reminder that the Mountain Course can change a race in an instant.
Classic TT Continues to Deliver
The Historic Junior race provided a fitting start to the 2026 Classic TT’s racing programme, combining competitive racing with the spectacle of historic machinery being pushed hard around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course.
Jordan’s victory adds another chapter to his growing Classic TT record, while Herbertson and McGuinness completed a podium packed with TT experience.
With further Historic Senior, Senior Classic TT, Formula One, Lightweight and Junior 600 action still to come, the 2026 Classic TT promises plenty more drama before the meeting reaches its conclusion.
For Jordan, however, the message was already clear: the Historic Junior Classic TT remains his territory.
