TT 2026: Rob Hodson extends ties with SMT Racing

Rider making switch to Ducati power in Supersport class

TT competitor, Rob Hodson is set to continue his ongoing partnership with SMT Racing for this year's racing fortnight.

The Lancashire rider will once again be on board Honda Fireblade machinery in the 1000cc races whilst campaigning Paton power in the new-look Sportbike TT class.

Meanwhile, there will be a change for the 38-year-old in the Supersport category as he makes a machine switch to a Ducati V2 Panigale having previously ridden a Yamaha YZF-R6.

Last year, Hodson claimed his first TT podium with a second-placed finish in the Supertwin TT Race 1 and elsewhere managed his best Supersport finish of sixth in last year's Supersport TT Race 1.

On his setup for 2026, Hodson says: "I am really excited and thankful to Robin Croft of SMT Racing to be on board the Ducati V2 Panigale for this year’s Isle of Man TT. 

"We’ve been on the SMT/Vehicle Recovery Services R6 for the last three years and have had some good success on it, but with the next generation Supersport class changes, now is the time for a new challenge and as a team we decided to go the Ducati route."

More generally, Hodson has seven top-ten finishes in his TT career to date with all but one of those coming in either the Supersport or previously-named Supertwin races whilst he has one tenth-placed finish in the 'big bike' races, secured in the 2023 Senior TT.

The 2026 Isle of Man TT Races are due to take place from Monday, 25 May to Saturday, 6 June.