Storm Stacey confirms North West 200 return with GRYD Racing for 2027

Storm Stacey has agreed a deal to return to the North West 200 in 2027 after taking two victories on his first appearance at the road race this year. BBC Sport reported that the 23-year-old will compete for GRYD Racing next season, with a programme covering both the North West meeting and the British Superbike Championship.

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The team is co-owned by Michael Laverty and David Eltherington. Stacey will be joined by Glenn Irwin, with both riders using BMW 1000 RR machines prepared by Alpha Racing. The arrangement brings together two riders who fought each other for victory at the 2026 North West 200, where Stacey beat established competitors to win in both Superstock and the feature race.

Stacey's Superstock success came against Michael Dunlop, while his victory in the feature event was secured ahead of challenges from Dean Harrison and Irwin. According to BBC Sport, Irwin holds the meeting's record of 12 Superbike wins. Stacey told the broadcaster that competing against Dunlop, whose family has a long association with the event, had been particularly meaningful to him.

The double victory put Stacey among 27 riders to have won at the North West 200 on their debut. BBC Sport identified Bruce Anstey as the previous newcomer to win in a 1000cc class, in 2002. Christian Elkin subsequently won in the 250cc category on his first appearance in 2007, providing another example of a debutant taking a victory at the meeting.

Stacey said winning had not been the objective he set before his first visit. His intention had been to complete a successful meeting and return safely, but he was determined to take an opportunity to win when it arose. He also described the atmosphere and racing experience as central reasons for wanting to return to the Triangle circuit.

The Staffordshire rider finished 13th in the 2026 British Superbike standings. Looking ahead to sharing a team with Irwin, Stacey said they had a good relationship and that Irwin had helped him during his first North West appearance. He nevertheless expected their competition on the circuit to remain intense, despite racing under the same team banner.