Swadlincote-based TAG Racing are set to make the annual trip across the North Sea to the famous TT Circuit Assen, which will play host to the ninth round of the British Superbike Championship, with the team aiming to avenge recent results as they head into the final third of their 2026 campaign.
After a challenging weekend at the annual ‘Party in the Park’ at Cadwell Park, where TAG Racing Honda collected two top-15 finishes with Fraser Rogers, the team are now fully focused on improving their fortunes at the ‘Cathedral of Speed’.
Rogers, who currently sits 17th in the Championship standings, heads to Assen full of confidence after enjoying one of his best weekends of the season in 2025 at the Dutch venue. The 30-year-old is brimming with confidence and is hopeful of achieving his best results at a circuit which always throws up exciting racing.
This weekend will see the team welcome Scott Swann into the fold, as the Northern Irishman joins the squad for a wildcard in the blue-riband Superbike class. Swann, who is currently in a fierce battle for the National Superstock Championship, enjoyed a positive test onboard the Fireblade at Donington Park before heading to the Netherlands, and is hopeful of a positive weekend as he returns to the BSB class after a positive rookie season in 2025.
Dutchman Jaimie Van Sikkelerus is also in action this weekend at his home circuit, as he is set for a wildcard appearance in the Benelux Trophy, a support race to the BSB action at the 2.8-mile venue. JVS will take to the track onboard the team’s Ducati Panigale V4 S, as they look to develop the package ahead of their switch to the Italian manufacturer in 2027.
This weekend also marks a return to racing for team manager Gary Winfield, who, after more than 10 years away, will wildcard in the BMW F900 Cup races.
Fraser Rogers: “I’m really excited ahead of this weekend. Assen was one of our best weekends in 2025 results-wise, and I’m hoping for more of the same this year. It’s one of my favourite tracks on the calendar, it’s fast and flowing and tends to suit my style. Looking at the weather forecast, we could be in for a mixed weekend in terms of conditions, which could play in our favour.
“We’ve got three rounds remaining of the season and even though I don’t have anything to play for in terms of the Championship, that won’t stop me from giving it my all and aiming to put it on the podium. The team deserve that; they’ve worked so hard for me all season long and I want to repay them for all their hard work.
“I’m excited to work and race alongside Scott (Swann) this weekend as well. He’s having a good year in the Superstock Championship and hopefully we can push each other on across the weekend.”
Scott Swann: “I’m really excited for this weekend, I feel ready for it. I enjoyed a positive test with the team last week, I felt good on the bike and I’m raring to go.
“I don’t think I’m going to pull off any mad results, I just want to enjoy it. I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m feeling positive. My aim is to get faster each session, work well with the team and then see where we end up come the end of the weekend.
“I must say a massive thank you once again to SMR Performance for allowing me to do this. They have helped me so much since stepping in mid-year. I also must thank all my sponsors for their support as well; without them, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
Jaimie Van Sikkelerus: “I’m really looking forward to Assen, even if it’s in a little bit of a different way, but it’s great to be back out on track and testing the new Ducati Panigale V4 S for the team. I’m really curious about the bike and how it will handle, and it’s even better to be able to do that at my home track, with my own sponsors around me. I want to make it a beautiful weekend for everyone involved, especially the crowd.”
Team Manager Gary Winfield: “This weekend is key for us. We’ve got a lot to work on, but I feel it could be a positive one for us all. Fraser is fully focused on bringing home some positive results. He enjoyed a good weekend at Assen in 2025 and hopefully that repeats itself this weekend.
“We’re excited to welcome Scott to the team as well for the weekend. He rode well at a recent test we completed at Donington Park, and that bodes well for us all at Assen. We want him to enjoy himself and let the results speak for themselves. We’re all behind him and we feel he’ll enjoy a positive weekend.
“It’s great to have Jaimie out on track this weekend as well. He’ll be developing our 2027 Ducati in the Benelux Trophy. We trust he’ll provide us with some feedback and, in turn, that should help him bring home positive results to improve his confidence.”
