Isle of Man prepares to host Celtic Match Races

Manx team being joined by Ireland, Scotland & Wales at Jurby this weekend

This weekend sees the Isle of Man play host to a historic racing series for the first time in nearly two decades.

The 2026 Celtic Match Races will see competitors from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland and Wales do battle at Jurby Motordrome in a series of races across Saturday and Sunday (26-27 September).

Once racing is complete, the nation with the most points at the end of the event will be awarded the traditional top prize of the meeting, the Celtic Sword of State.

Organisers of the meeting on Island are Andreas Racing Association - Chair, Linda Alton-Heath and Club Secretary, Neal Champion are looking forward to seeing the occasion back on Manx shores for the first time since 2010

You will also be able to follow all of this weekend's action at the Celtic Match Races with the racing across Saturday and Sunday being broadcast live on Manx Radio AM1368.

Today (25 September) visiting teams and riders have been given the chance to complete some non-competitive laps at Jurby to familiarise themselves with the circuit before racing takes place over the weekend.

As it stands, on both Saturday and Sunday, bikes are due out from approximately 9.30am - spectator entry will be £10 for adults whilst Under-16's go free.

All timings remain subject to change depending on prevailing conditions and circumstances.

The Celtic Match Races returned after a 15-year hiatus in 2025 at East Fortune in Scotland with the Scottish squad going on to claim victory.

The last time the races were held before that was on the Isle of Man 16 years ago in which the Manx hosts went on to win the event.

Along with the solo and sidecar races which will form the Celtic Match Races, Andreas Racing Association will also hold two separate races during the same meeting which will be known as the 'Reejerey of Jurby'.

For that, the 18 fastest riders at the Celtic Match Races this year will be invited to take part in those two races for the chance to win a separate prize.

You can also listen to the full, extended interview with Linda Alton-Heath and Neal Champion on this year's Celtic Match Races on the Isle of Man via the Manx Radio SportsCast below: