Swadlincote-based TAG Racing Honda are ready and raring to go as the 2026 ZYN British Superbike Championship roars into life at Oulton Park over the early May Bank Holiday weekend (May 2/3/4), with the trio of Charlie Nesbitt, Fraser Rogers and Matt Truelove aiming for success.
Following a positive pre-season testing campaign, which saw the team tackle three separate tests at Snetterton, Donington Park and Oulton Park, the team are pleased with their development of the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and are confident of achieving solid results come Monday evening.
Nesbitt and Rogers, who spearhead the Superbike effort for the squad, head to Cheshire confident in their ability to battle at the front after making significant progress with their packages, courtesy of hard work behind the scenes during the winter and upgraded parts that the team have invested in.
Lincolnshire’s Matt Truelove enters the opening round of the Pirelli National Superstock Championship brimming with confidence after his pre-season testing campaign put him in a positive place. Truelove, who finished fourth in the 2025 standings, is focused on improving his consistency in 2026 and is aiming to be fighting at the sharp end at the 2.6-mile woodland venue.
Oulton Park plays host to the opening round of the ZYN British Superbike season for a second year in succession and is a real fan favourite. Its undulating, fast and flowing nature provides some of the closest racing on the calendar.
Following a winter training accident Jaimie Van Sikkelerus will sit this round out to focus on his recovery.
Charlie Nesbitt: “I can’t wait to get started at Oulton Park with the TAG Racing team. Obviously it’s all new for me this year with the team, but we’ve gelled really well so far. I feel at home already and in a good place heading to round one.
“The bike is in a great place. We’ve improved it a lot since our first test at Snetterton, and I’m sure we can fine-tune a few things this weekend to make sure it’s battling at the sharp end come Sunday’s first race.
“Ideally, I want to be in the top five this weekend. I want to start strong and there is no reason why we can’t be battling at the front. I want to be more consistent this season, and I feel the team can help me achieve that. I’m fit and raring to go, and I can’t wait to see all the fans across the weekend.”
Fraser Rogers: “Although Oulton Park isn’t my favourite circuit, and I make no secret about that, I’m still excited to get out on track and start our 2026 BSB campaign. We’ve tested really well this year, and I feel we’ve got more out of it than we have in previous years, which has put us in a good place heading into round one.
“The bike feels much better for me. I can ride much harder and I’m getting a lot more feedback, which I can relay to the team in a more constructive manner. With that being said, I’m ready to battle this weekend. I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be tough; we need to start strong and carry that into qualifying and the three races.
“I want to come away with three strong, points-scoring finishes. I want to be in the battle and show my true potential, because towards the end of 2025 I showed that, and I want to ensure that continues this year.”
Matt Truelove: “I’m really looking forward to getting back out on track. It’s felt like a very long time since I stood on the podium at Brands Hatch in October, and I’m keen to keep that momentum rolling into this weekend.
“The team have worked exceptionally hard to improve my package for 2026, and going off our pre-season testing form, they have certainly done that. I feel much more comfortable and confident with the bike, which bodes well heading into the season.
“I’ve got my sights set on the podium this weekend. I want us to start the season strongly and put ourselves firmly in the window for the championship, which I believe we can challenge for.”
Team Manager Gary Winfield: “We’re really excited to get back to Oulton Park. After our winter testing programme, we feel like we’re in a good place, and all three riders have a solid direction they want to head in, which is a great position to be in.
“As a team, we’re looking for solid results this weekend. The championships we fight for can’t be won at round one, but they can certainly be lost, so it’s important that we keep that in mind and box clever across the weekend.
“Unfortunately, Jaimie won’t be on track with us. He’s still working to get fit after his winter training accident, but as always we’re supporting him in his recovery and we can’t wait to have him back in the garage as soon as possible.”
The team take to the track on Saturday, May 2, for the opening free practice sessions of the season, with three races across Sunday and Monday planned for the superbike riders, and one race on May Bank Holiday Monday for Truelove.
