Rhys Stephenson wins award at the Isle of Man TT
For 2026, the award has gone to Lincolnshire rider Rhys Stephenson.
Skegness racer Rhys Stephenson made his debut at the 2026 Isle of Man TT races last week and after completing his race in the Sportbike class was awarded the RST Star of Tomorrow award.
Racing around the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course is an unrivalled test of skill and endurance for a motorcycle racer, providing a level of excitement that many say cannot be matched no matter where they race around the world.
It’s this appeal that keeps riders coming back year on year, whether they’re competing for podium positions or chasing personal bests, and no matter if it’s at the TT itself or in August’s Manx Grand Prix. This enigma that is the climb up, over and around Snaefell Mountain continues to not only draw riders back again and again, but attracts a constant stream of newcomers desperate for a taste of that Manx magic.
In recognition of this challenge, Official Safety Partner RST presents the ‘Star of Tomorrow’ award each year, awarded to the rider who shows outstanding performance, dedication, and potential. The decision lies with Rider Liaison Officers John Barton and Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle, who are therefore best placed to recognise the achievements in line with what the award represents.
For 2026, the award has gone to Lincolnshire rider Rhys Stephenson. At just 20 years of age, Stephenson is the youngest competitor at this year’s TT, and has come up through the ranks of the British Championship paddock, having first competed in the British Talent Cup (now the Moto4 British Cup) in 2021 before a breakthrough year saw him finish fourth in the points in 2022. Having spent two years competing in the National Sportbike Championship with successful results, Stephenson has put competing at the TT as his main priority for 2026.
Stephenson competed in the Carole Nash Sportbike TT on Friday afternoon, finishing the race in a respectable 24th at an average speed of 113.550mph, enough to earn a Bronze Replica and the second TT newcomer behind Manx Grand Prix graduate Toby Shann.
Stephenson now turns his attention back to the National Sportbike championship where he currently holds ninth place in the rider championship and the next round is at Knockhill in Scotland over the weekend of June 19/21.