11/06/2026
James Chawke and Chawkie Racing dedicate their Isle of Man TT fortnight to the memory of Big Jim McCarthy, one of the team’s first and most loyal supporters. The news of his passing during qualifying week cast a sombre tone over the opening days of the event, but it also served as a powerful source of motivation for Chawke, who channelled his focus into determined performances across the Mountain Course in Big Jim’s memory!
The team also extend their condolences to the family of Daniel Ingham and to all injured riders following incidents during the TT wishing you all a speedy recovery!
Despite the emotional backdrop, Chawke produced a series of committed rides across multiple classes, showing consistency, progression, and resilience throughout one of the most demanding road racing events in the world.
In the RST Superbike TT Race Chawke completed all six laps of the race aboard the BMW, finishing 27th and achieving a standing start lap of 125.9 mph.
When clear of issues, he consistently lapped in the 124–126 mph bracket, demonstrating strong underlying pace. Sectors 2 through 6 remained notably consistent across all six laps, highlighting endurance, machine reliability, and a controlled approach to the race distance.
The performance provided clear positives, with a strong and steady finish reflecting both determination and growing confidence in the Superbike class.
Chawke secured 28th place in Supersport TT Race 1, onboard the Suzuki 750 delivering a solid and improving ride around the Mountain Course.
He opened with a lap of 19:26.24 (116.47 mph) before losing time in the opening sector on lap two, recording 19:46.06 . He responded strongly on the final lap, producing his fastest of the race at 18:59.16 (119.24 mph), showing clear improvement as the race progressed.
Improvement followed in Race 2, where Chawke finished 27th, building on his earlier performance.
He started strongly with a lap of 18:56.24 (119.54 mph) before a second lap of 19:32.12 again affected by early sector time loss. However, he finished the race on a high, setting his quickest lap on the final circuit with 18:52.344 (119.95 mph), narrowly missing the 120 mph mark.
The result marked progress, with stronger consistency and improved racing across the full distance.
In the Sport Bike class, Chawke delivered one of his most competitive rides of the fortnight, finishing 22nd aboard the RL Racing Aprilia RS 660.
He averaged between 113.45 mph and 114.67 mph, with his best lap recorded at 19:44.54 (114.67 mph). Confident braking, strong corner speed, and improving rhythm throughout the run highlighted his adaptability on the lightweight machine.
While positioned mid-pack, the performance showed clear potential and steady development as the race progressed.
Across all classes, Chawke demonstrated resilience, consistency, and continuous improvement throughout a challenging TT fortnight. From strong Superbike endurance to improving Supersport results and competitive Sport Bike pace, he built momentum with each outing on the Mountain Course.
To conclude the fortnight, James Chawke was proudly selected as the Monster Energy TT People’s Challenger Award winner, this award is special as it was selected by the people - selected by the fans! So it’s nice for James to be recognised for his efforts and commitment to the sport as a privateer!
Huge thanks to the team Richie Kelly - Liam Chawke - Rick Abbit - Aidan Enright - Louise Ahern, Richard Latimer of RL Racing and of course of fantastic sponsors as none of this would be possible without you!
Chawkie Racing Supporters Club (CRSC)
Lyonara Cold Stores
RL Racing
Crushing Services Australia
Leatrans International
Boss-E Racing #666
Blair International
GBRacing World Class Motorcycle Protection
547 Motors Ltd
South Coast
O’ Callaghan Commercials Ltd
Ken Ryan Tyres
James Kee
Conehire
Cara Motorhomes Ireland
Auto Roller Door
Ruttle Agri
Open Road Motorcycle
Cork Motorcycle Racing & Vintage Club
Askeaton Paving
WR Shaw
Collins Nursery - Gearoid Collins
Moto Shox
Ernie Coates Race Support
RetroVentures - Motorcycle Tours & Rentals in Ireland
PMC Builders
Team Rathkeale
Peter Mc Cormack
📸 Ruth Tasker - Baylon McCaughey Irish Race Photography - Darkside Photography
