Bold comeback plans for Isle of Man TT promising a refreshed chapter in Derek Sheils’s racing career, backed by a trusted mentor and a new team. The popular Irish road racer is set to return to the TT in 2026 with Cosmic Racing, fielding a BMW M1000RR prepared by Peter Hickman’s PHR Performance. This marks a return to full-tact road racing after stepping back in recent years, with his last TT appearance in 2022 and his most recent road race at Armoy in 2023.
For 2026, Sheils will campaign across the road races and the Ulster Superbike Championship, piloting a BMW machine that Hickman’s operation is assembling. The project represents a fresh partnership: the Cosmic Racing outfit is led by Irish teammates Matt Crosson and Ivor Hatton, who work in wind turbine ventures in Australia, adding an international layer to the effort.
In his own words, Sheils shared with The News Letter: a completely new BMW M1000RR is under construction by PHR Performance and should be ready within weeks. The team will debut with a new livery, aiming for a solid, well‑organized setup. His plan centers on combining a short‑circuit championship with selected road races, subject to schedule feasibility, and evolving as opportunities arise.
Family life has influenced his sabbatical, with a newborn at home prompting adjustments to training and racing commitments. He also notes a busy work life, which limited training time, but says things are stabilizing and he’s already back in training. His enthusiasm for racing remains high, and he intends to seize the upcoming season with renewed vigor and focus.
The News Letter also mentions the possibility of adding a second rider to the Cosmic Racing lineup for the TT and potentially the North West 200, contingent on finding the right collaborator. As context, the article notes that Lewis joined Crash.net’s team in August 2024 after five years covering MotoGP for the Motorsport Network, signaling ongoing media involvement alongside his racing return.
