Personal best despite weather-disrupted 2026 campaign…
Pics and feature supplied by FuturExotics
South African motorcycle FuturExotics backed racer AJ Venter ,has completed a milestone performance at one of the world’s most demanding motorcycle racing events. 2026 was his 10th year competing at the Isle of Man TT and his 50th TT race start.
The Isle of Man TT takes place on closed public roads across the Isle of Man, with riders competing through towns, villages, open roads and mountain sections at extreme speeds in a time-trial format. It is widely regarded as one of the ultimate tests of motorcycle racing and one of the most demanding events in world motorsport.
For Venter and FuturExotics, the 2026 TT represented an important moment for South African motorsport, demonstrating what local talent, preparation and professional backing can achieve on one of the most demanding racing stages in the world.
“Representing South Africa at the Isle of Man TT is something I never take lightly,” said Venter. “There are young riders back home who dream of racing on the world stage, and I want them to see that it is possible. It takes work, sacrifice, support and belief, but South Africans belong here.”
The 2026 Isle of Man TT was heavily impacted by poor weather, with rain affecting seven of the nine possible racing days. Following consultation between the Clerk of the Course and the Isle of Man Met Office, organisers confirmed that the remaining races could not be completed safely within the available operational windows.
Despite the shortened race schedule, Venter delivered a disciplined and determined campaign on the legendary 37.73-mile Mountain Course, once again flying the South African flag at one of the most prestigious and technically demanding motorcycle racing events in the world.
Competing in the RST Superbike TT Race, Venter finished 22nd overall out of 41 starters and recorded a new personal best lap speed of 127.4mph, equal to approximately 205km/h average speed.
He was also classified 26th out of 46 in the Milwaukee Senior TT, which was declared a result after one lap following a red flag. Both scheduled Superstock races were cancelled as a result of the weather-affected programme.
This performance also moved Venter to 52nd on the all-time Isle of Man TT rider rankings since the race first began in 1907, further cementing his place among the most accomplished riders to have competed on the Mountain Course.
One of the standout moments of Venter’s campaign came from his pit crew, who recorded the fastest pit stop in the RST Superbike TT Race 1. The team completed the stop in just 46 seconds, with the closest competing team recording a time of 58 seconds.
“This year was incredibly challenging for every rider and team,” said Venter. “The weather meant we had to stay ready, focused and patient. We did not get the full race week we prepared for, but to leave with my 50th TT race start and a new personal best is something I am extremely proud of.”
“FuturExotics’ backing has played an important role in strengthening the team’s 2026 TT campaign.” Says AJ.
“Having FuturExotics behind us as our partner has made a meaningful difference,” said Venter. “At an event like the Isle of Man TT, preparation is everything. You need the right people, the right equipment, the right logistics and the right support structure. FuturExotics has helped give us that platform, and I am incredibly grateful to Zunaid Moti and the team for backing South African motorsport on this stage.”
Zunaid Moti, founder of FuturExotics, said Venter’s 2026 campaign reflected the determination, skill and resilience that South African motorsport has to offer.
“AJ continues to prove that South African riders can compete with courage, professionalism and world-class ability on one of the toughest racing stages in the world,” said Moti. “His 50th TT race start, new personal best and fastest pit stop are all achievements that show the strength of his talent and the calibre of the team around him. FuturExotics is proud to back South African excellence on this stage.”
Moti added that FuturExotics was proud to play a role in supporting Venter’s international racing journey.
“FuturExotics is built around a passion for performance, precision and exceptional machines, and the Isle of Man TT represents those values at the highest possible level. Supporting AJ is about more than sponsorship. It is about backing South African excellence, helping create opportunities for our talent to compete internationally, and showing that South Africans belong on the world stage.”
Venter’s 2026 campaign follows his landmark 2025 performance, where he delivered South Africa’s strongest Isle of Man TT showing to date and further cemented his position as one of the country’s leading international road-racing competitors.
This 10th year competing at the TT, makes Venter one of South Africa’s most experienced representatives at the event.
“This race demands complete respect,” said Venter. “You need speed, discipline, preparation and trust in your team. Every year at the TT teaches you something different. This year taught us patience and the importance of taking every opportunity when it comes. We have gained more experience, more data and more motivation.”
With the 2026 Isle of Man TT now complete, Venter and his team will review the campaign, assess the performance data and continue building on the experience gained from another demanding international race programme.
