Stacey open to NW200 return as breakthrough ride transforms profile

Storm Stacey is open to returning to the North West 200 next year after his standout debut at the event but insists any comeback will depend on securing the right deal.

Speaking at Oulton Park, the British Superbike star said the impact of his North West performance and double victory has stayed with him.

"I keep looking back thinking I want to relive it and do it all again," the 23 year old told the BBC Bikes podcast on BBC Sounds.

"Racing's strange. BSB can be the best place on earth or you just want to go home. At the North West I was like, I want to live here now on the North Coast.

"A guy said to me on the podium – your life will change now."

He has also begun to appreciate the magnitude of what he achieved, particularly his high‑speed duel with road racing's biggest star Michael Dunlop - a moment which went viral online.

"The BMW was so planted down the straights. I looked across at Michael and in my head I was saying: you're going to brake, then I'm going to brake," Stacey said.

"Probably not the cleverest thing at 200mph, but definitely one of the most fun."

Stacey, who rides for the Bathams AJN racing team in the British Superbike Championship, had arrived at the North West largely unknown to many road‑racing followers, but the response was immediate.

"Some Irish fans only watch road racing like Armoy and the TT so they didn't know me but by the end of the week they were ransacking the trailer.

"If we'd brought 200 more top hats [Stacey wears a top hat to promote mental health awareness] we'd have sold 200 more."

His sister flew in with a suitcase of merchandise, which sold out within a day.

One supporter told him afterwards: "You're like a god here now."

Stacey said the reaction was "crazy" and unlike anything he had experienced.

On a possible return to Northern Ireland's biggest outdoor sporting event next May, he remains cautious.

"We have a short career. If I had a big injury tomorrow, everything ends. The North West will always be a distraction from BSB - but if I'm paid enough to be distracted, I'm happy."

Before any decisions, Stacey will be back in Northern Ireland on Saturday for the Classic Bike Festival, riding his beloved TZ two‑stroke.

"I always say I was born way too late. Proper race bikes - that's why I enjoy them."

You can watch the BBC Bikes podcast with Storm Stacey on YouTube, external and find all the other episodes there on the playlist.