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Mitch Rees says his overseas racing endeavours have only just begun.
While both the Isle of Man TT and Northwest 200 again feature in his broad ambitions for 2026, the reigning New Zealand Superbike Champion says he is keen to step into endurance racing.
The Whakatane Honda dealer is about to return home from the United Kingdom after competing in the world’s two major road course events, plus two rounds of the British Superbike Championship.
“It’ll be good to see the shop crew again and relax a little. It’s been a big 12 months.”
He is proud to be fastest newcomer at this year’s NW200 and TT – and the fifth fastest TT newcomer of all time.
Rees was aboard a Honda CBR1000 stocker run by the famed Yorkshire team Milenco by Padgetts of Batley.
“With the lack of laps due to the weather, it was more about riding and learning the circuit rather than making massive set-up changes,” Rees says.
“You’re never going to have a perfect bike around the TT course.
“It has a bit of everything, but towards the end of the event we were making more and more progress.
“Mega thanks to the team, especially Clive Padgett for taking me on. His experience with the event was crucial.
“I can’t be disappointed at being fastest newcomer at the Northwest and TT”.
Patchy weather during TT fortnight added to Rees’ setup challenge.
“We got maybe just three completely dry laps during the whole of the TT.”
But nothing has put Rees off making a return to Europe and says opportunities have been presented. He is also keen to explore world endurance racing possibilities.
“It’s on the radar. It would be cool to do the Suzuka Eight-Hour.”
Closer to home, Rees is considering competing in selected rounds of the Australian Superbike series.
As for New Zealand, “I haven’t planned anything yet”.
He is keen to do the Suzuki Series but “not sure about the nationals”.
However, he says “nothing is off the table”.
Rees says his northern hemisphere plans will dictate his New Zealand summer programme and emphasises the importance of preparation.
“Because of the New Zealand championship, I missed those pre-season Northern hemisphere test days this year. I now know how important they are.”
There is also the need to complete time-consuming paperwork and Rees revealed this year’s drawn-out process to complete all the necessary requirements.
“It took over four months to get all the clearances.
“The Isle of Man and the mountain course licence was pretty simple, but racing in Northern Ireland was a whole different matter.
“I only got approval to race the Northwest a week before the event.”
Rees jokes he now has all the experience to set himself up as an international road race licence and insurance consultant.
He also offers an interesting – and honest – insight into the realities of going racing offshore.
“You have to be winning in your own backyard before going overseas.
“You have to have that experience, otherwise it’ll be even harder.”
Money, of course, is the vital ingredient in any race venture, and Rees says be prepared to spend.
“I was fortunate with the position I was in, being able to get the opportunity to become part of an existing team.”
To set up a NW200/TT venture from New Zealand is a $200,000 exercise, Rees estimates.
“Travel, approvals, buying the bike, setting it up, transport, accommodation … it all adds up.”
Once home, Rees’ first track outing will be on July 5 – on a Kayo at the Edgecumbe Domain kart circuit – in memory of his late brother Damon and mate Shane Richardson.
“It’s a 120-lap memorial ride for Damo and Shane; 92 laps for Damo and 28 forShane.
“It’s open to anyone, either as an individual or as part of a team.”
There will be more details on social media closer to the date.
Rees admits the loss of Richardson at Oulton Park in May cast a dark shadow and even made him consider his own racing.
He had enjoyed catching up with Shane at Oulton where they shared their news, thoughts and plans.
“His death was devastating. He was a mate. We’d spent time together that weekend. How do you attack your own racing after that?
“I had doubts, but then Damo and Shane would have wanted the best for me.”
Rees says the helmet design he later wore was a tribute to both of them, thanks to Vince from Ultimate Grafica.
