Stephen Walsh sets out 2026 racing plans

Walsh sets out 2026 racing plans

Ardfert’s Stephen Walsh has wasted no time in turning his attention to next year, only weeks after completing a landmark 2025 season.

The highlight came on the Isle of Man, in August, where, at the third time of asking, he finally achieved his dream of finishing a race on the Mountain Course.

Riding his Honda 350 in the Historic Junior Classic TT, he brought the machine home 30th after years of frustration.

In 2023 he was denied a start when his bike was ruled too smoky after an overnight rebuild, and last year  a minor crash ended his effort.

This year’s chequered flag was described by Walsh as one of the biggest moments of his life.

He wrapped up his 2025  campaign with a trip to Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire for the final round of the British Historic Racing Association championship.

It was his first time at the undulating English circuit, which he felt suited his preference for road racing, and he used the event as a low-pressure end to the season.

That experience has encouraged him to add more BHRA outings to his schedule for next year.

In 2026 Walsh will focus on the Irish road racing calendar, returning to Cookstown (April 25/26), Tandragee (June 27/28) and Armoy (July 25/26) while also making a maiden appearances at the revived Mid Antrim meeting (August 7/8).

The expanded home schedule means he will not contest the Classic TT in the Isle of Man, a decision made easier by having already achieved his long-sought finish there this summer.

 He plans to field both his Honda 350 and 500 on Irish closed-roads events.

Alongside that, Walsh will contest five BHRA meetings in Britain nest year, starting with Cadwell (May 10/11) and continuing with Pembrey (June 14/15), Darley Moor (July 19/20), Anglesey (August 16/17) and a return to Cadwell (September 13/14), on the Honda 350.

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