The Briggs Equipment NW200 team travelled to Hořice in the Czech Republic for the final round of the European Series Road Racing (ESR) and were presented with an award recognising their partnership with the series.
NW200 and ESR deepen ties
ESR is an independent Superbike (SBK) championship that stages six road-race events across Europe using production-based superbikes. The 2026 calendar began in Hengelo in the Netherlands, included the North West 200 in Northern Ireland for the first time, and visited Hořice (Czech Republic), Imatra (Finland) and Chimay (Belgium), before returning to Hořice for the season finale.
"we were delighted to be presented with an award recognising our partnership with the series."
The presence of ESR at the NW200 in 2026 brought a contingent of European competitors to the famous Northern Ireland road circuit, adding an international dimension to race week. The organisers described ESR’s participation as a strong addition to the NW200 programme and signalled intent to strengthen the relationship going forward.
Champion and founder
The overall ESR champion for 2026 was Fedrik Matthys, crowned following the final round in Hořice. ESR was founded by Laurent Hoffmann, whose enthusiasm for road racing the series cites as central to its mission. Hoffmann hopes ESR will continue to expand and provide opportunities for riders passionate about road racing.
What the partnership means
For the NW200 the recognition is both symbolic and practical. The event is one of the most storied road races in the world, and drawing a continental series to its programme increases the profile of the meeting and exposes local fans to riders and teams from across Europe. For ESR, inclusion on the NW200 calendar opens access to a historic road circuit and the race’s established spectator base.
That reciprocal benefit is likely to influence team logistics, rider entries and promotional planning in future seasons. European teams that contested the ESR rounds in 2026 now have direct experience of the North West roads, which could encourage further entries.
2026 ESR calendar (rounds & locations)
| Round | Location | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hengelo | Netherlands |
| 2 | North West 200 | Northern Ireland |
| 3 | Hořice | Czech Republic |
| 4 | Imatra | Finland |
| 5 | Chimay | Belgium |
| 6 | Hořice (finale) | Czech Republic |
- Rider pathway: ESR aims to provide competitive opportunities for riders on production superbikes.
- International exposure: NW200 benefits from increased continental participation and media attention.
- Potential growth: Both events have signalled intent to continue the partnership into future seasons.
While the partnership announcement does not include details about commercial arrangements, prize structures or entry quotas, the public recognition at Hořice establishes a formal link that organisers on both sides can build on.
Local interest and broader context
The NW200’s decision to host ESR competitors in 2026 reflects a broader trend in road racing where established local events invite continental series to bolster grids and extend reach. For fans it delivers more diverse fields and allows South African followers of the sport to trace European series and riders who may one day compete in other high-profile international road races.
For riders like Matthys, success in ESR can raise profiles and create openings into other international races. For organisers such as Hoffmann and the NW200 team, the partnership is a public demonstration of shared priorities: growing participation and sustaining road-race traditions.
The NW200 said it was grateful to Hoffmann and everyone involved with ESR for the recognition and expressed a desire to continue the partnership as the series develops. Observers will be watching whether the move brings more sustained collaboration, larger grids at the NW200, and stronger ties between European road-race communities and established events.
Reporting from the motorsport corridors in Europe underscores that road racing remains a collaborative sport: organisers, riders and fans rely on cross-border relationships to keep historic circuits alive and competitive.
