Mike Browne to contest Sportbike TT next year

Irish rider joins to join forces with Team Melbray/Laycock Racing

Two-time Isle of Man TT podium finisher, Mike Browne will compete on Sportbike machinery at next year's event.

The Cork-born rider is linking up with Team Melbray/Laycock Racing to ride Paton power in the class in 2026.

Sportbike machines are being introduced to the TT for the first time next year and will run alongside Supertwin bikes in the newly-named Sportbike TT Race 1 and Sportbike TT Race 2.

Both of Browne's TT podiums so far have come in the Supertwin category with a second-placed finish in 2023 and third place in one of the races in 2024.

On the move, the rider 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.”

Elsewhere on the Snaefell Mountain Course in 2025, Browne enjoyed success at the Classic TT in August as he took top spot in the Historic Senior Classic race on the Peter Lodge Racing Norton 500.