Running number 92 plate in tribute to late brother 'special'

Mitch Rees will ride for the Milenco by Padgett's Racing team at the NW200 and TT

Mitch Rees says bearing the number 92 plate previously used by his late brother Damon on his debut appearance at the North West 200 international road race will be "really special" for him.

The three-time New Zealand Superbike champion has plenty of experience riding on street circuits in his native country but next week he will compete at the Triangle public roads circuit in Northern Ireland for the first time.

His first foray into racing in the northern hemisphere will also see him make his bow at the Isle of Man TT, and race in two rounds of the British Superstock series at Oulton Park and Donington.

His younger sibling also raced in New Zealand and in the Superstock and Supersport championships on UK short circuits and but tragically died from a sudden unexpected medical condition in July 2023 at the age of 28.

"I didn't really have a road race number so to be able to take on his number is really special for me," Mitch Rees reflects in an interview with BBC Sport NI.

"To be able to use it at the North West and in the British Championship and then my number for the TT is 29, 92 backwards, so that's pretty cool as well.

"I actually wouldn't be road racing if it wasn't for him. I started my road racing career as a mechanic for him and just enjoyed the vibe of everyone racing. By the end of the season I ended up racing a round of the New Zealand Championship and just progressed from there and here I am now at the North West 200."

The 32-year-old says the sudden nature of Damon's death made it more difficult to come to terms with.

"The hardest part about it is you kind of expect it with racing as you know there's a risk with racing but when someone goes to hospital and they're sick you automatically assume they're going to come out of there, especially when they are young and fit and healthy.

"You assume they're going to come out on the other side."

Mitch Rees has raced elsewhere bearing the number 92 plate in tribute to hus late brother

How do you get there and how do you make it affordable?

Mitch is an ex-motocrosser who followed his father's example by moving on to road racing, becoming a four-time Suzuki Series champion in addition to his Superbike successes.

The 32-year-old says events such as the North West 200 and the TT have been "100% on his radar" but the logistics have proved challenging.

"The biggest issue is it's the other side of the world, it's so far to come.

"I'm very fortunate with the opportunity I've got this year. It's something I've always looked at wanting to do but it's how do you get there and how do you make it affordable?

"I went over and watched the Isle of Man last year and it sort of just evolved from there really. I fancied coming back to do the TT and then I'd like to do the North West, all these things kept stacking up. It's been in the process for the last 12 months."

Mitch's first impressions of the 8.9-mile circuit which takes in the north coast towns of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush were favourable.

"The track looks absolutely mega. It's a lot different to any other racing that there is. I can see things that excite me and I'm looking forward to having a ride.

"I've been staying with Davey and doing the homework. He's been taking a lot of his time out to give me a hand and it's been fantastic.

"I'd love to keep coming back. I love to race bikes. As long as the opportunity's available I'd love to keep on doing it."

Special to follow in compatriots' footsteps

Rees' team boss Clive Padgett with 10-time NW200 race winner Bruce Anstey

Rees has previously raced against and beaten Todd and 14-time TT winner Peter Hickman in New Zealand on both short circuits and on roads over the Cemetery circuit at Wanganui.

"That was the big thing for me that cemented me coming over. It was getting the opportunity to race against those guys," explained the motorcycle dealer from Whakatane.

"I know the calibre of the boys. The likes of Davey and Pete are top British Championship competitors as well as two of the best road racers.

"It's very hard to go to someone else's backyard and be competitive, especially in the first year or even second year."

Rees is following in the wheeltracks of a number of decorated Kiwi riders who have competed at and won at the North West 200.

Bruce Anstey took 10 wins between 2002 and 2014, Robert Holden secured a Superbike and Supermono double in 1995 and Stu Avant won the 500cc race in 1982.

"My father raced against Robert and Bruce as well so that's quite cool to have that relationship. Robert helped my dad get his ride in the World Endurance Championship. It's kind of special to follow in those guys' footsteps.

"We haven't seen Bruce racing in New Zealand for a long time but any motorcyclist from New Zealand knows Bruce Anstey."

Rees has linked up with the hugely experienced and successful Milenco by Padgett's team for the North West and TT.

"You couldn't ask for a better team as a newcomer. Clive [Padgett, team boss] is fantastic, there's no pressure and he's willing to give you whatever he can and try to improve the bike.

"Since I went to the Isle of Man last year it's been pretty much building, building. It's a lot to learn but it's a big thing for me, it's a massive learning year.

"The first focus is learning here [the North West], just take my time and have some fun. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't intending to have some fun."