Mitch Rees recommends the 24-hour Isle of Man as a must-view event even if you’re not into bikes.

The Whakatāne Superbike racer took part in the event last year and loved it – so much so that he is planning to return this year.

A raffle has recently been launched to help raise some money to finance the trip and give back to his supporters.

Up for grabs are some pretty impressive prizes, put up by Rees and some fabulous sponsors.

“We have a nice 110 Honda Navi. It’s kind of like an entry level bike, it’s a bit more powerful than a scooter. We also have a snap on toolbox, which is about $7000.

“There’s also a portable Honda generator, some of my merchandise and some Isle of TT livestream passes. A couple of other little things. It’s quite a good prize list and I’m thankful to everyone who has chipped in.”

Tickets are available at Team Rees Motorcycles in Coastlands or online at www.teamrees.co.nz.

Rees said ticket sales had been good with just a short time left before it was drawn.

“We only wanted to run it over five or six weeks to make it fairly quick. “We didn’t want to drag it on.”

It will be an action-packed time for Rees while he is in Europe, following a similar programme to 2025.

“I am back with Padgetts Racing for this season. It’s the same schedule I ran last year. I am riding a 600 and a 1000cc this year.”

“I have a test in Spain at the end of February that I’m not committed to do yet, nothing has been confirmed, but after that I will do a few rounds of the British Superbikes to prepare and the North West 200, which is a good warm-up event into the Isle of Man Time Trial.”

He expects to be away from New Zealand for about three-and-a-half months.

The raffle will help with the costs of flights, accommodation and other expenses during that time.

“I was already committed to going back, but this is just to help me over there.”

This year, he has opted against competing in the New Zealand Championships.

“It just clashes with a couple of dates, and it also helps me save some finances before heading overseas. I am doing the Burt Munro Rally, on now in Invercargill, though.”

After the Burt Munro Rally it will be back to Whakatāne to get things sorted for Europe.