- Fastest Newcomer at the Isle of Man TT, Mitch Rees now targets Macau’s legendary street circuit.
- From Whakatāne to the World Stage — the multi-time NZ Superbike Champion continues the proud Rees family racing legacy.
- Rees takes on the 6.2km Guia Circuit of the Macau Grand Prix one of the most technical and unforgiving tracks in world road racing.
NZSBK champion Mitch Rees heads to the Macau Grand Prix after being the fastest newcomer at the Isle of Man TT, taking his stellar racing career once again to the world stage.
Following on from a career-defining debut at the legendary Isle of Man TT, where he earned the title of Fastest Newcomer, New Zealand’s Mitch Rees is showing no signs of slowing down. The reigning New Zealand Superbike Champion has confirmed he’ll next line up on the grid at the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix — another of the world’s most formidable and prestigious road races.
For Rees, the move represents not only another leap onto the global stage but also a continuation of the family’s extraordinary motorcycle racing story. The Whakatāne rider is the son of multiple national champion Tony Rees, one of New Zealand’s most respected and enduring road racers, and brother to Damon Rees, whose tragic passing left a profound mark on the sport and the tight-knit Kiwi racing community. Mitch’s determination to keep pushing the limits is as much a personal journey as it is a tribute to that family legacy.
“The TT was an unforgettable experience — a dream come true,” said Rees. “To now follow it up by racing at Macau is huge. It’s another iconic race, and while the track is completely different, the focus and precision needed are the same. I’m excited to test myself against some of the best in the world again.”
The Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, held as part of the annual Macau Grand Prix Festival, is a race steeped in both danger and history. First held in 1967, it has developed a reputation as one of the most technically demanding and unforgiving courses in the world. The 6.2km Guia Circuit winds through the narrow streets of the Chinese territory, combining high-speed straights with tight, concrete-lined corners that leave no room for error. Riders must balance aggression with pinpoint control — a balance that only the most skilled racers can master.
Unlike the sprawling open roads of the Isle of Man, Macau’s street circuit is more claustrophobic and relentless, offering nowhere to rest or reset. It’s a true test of commitment and courage, one that has seen legends of the sport — from Michael Rutter to John McGuinness — etch their names into history. For Rees, stepping onto that grid is another giant stride into the world’s elite road racing arena.
Check out some behind the scenes from last year’s Macau GP to see exactly what Mitch is facing
The challenge comes at the end of a standout domestic season for the Whakatāne rider. A multiple New Zealand Superbike Champion, Rees has dominated the national scene in recent years, his raw pace and precision earning him a reputation as one of the most complete riders ever to emerge from Kiwi racing. His move into international competition has been long anticipated — and his TT debut in June proved that he has what it takes to excel on the world stage.
Rees’s success as the fastest newcomer at the Isle of Man TT, one of the most feared and respected events in motorsport, underscored both his talent and composure. It also reignited New Zealand’s long-standing connection to the island, with riders like Bruce Anstey, Shaun Harris and Graeme Crosby having made their mark in years past.
Now, with the focus shifting to Macau, Rees will again carry Kiwi hopes as he faces another gruelling test against some of the world’s best road racers. And it will be the first time a Kiwi has raced the challenging street circuit since 2011 when road racing legend Bruce Anstey finished ninth on a Padgett’s Honda. Mitch will also be riding a Honda, teaming up with Northern Ireland’s Paul Jordan in the Jackson Racing Team to ride a Honda Fireblade on his debut at the 3.8-mile Guia street course.
From the sweeping 300km/h straights of the Isle of Man to the concrete canyons of Macau, Mitch Rees is proving that New Zealand talent can take on the toughest circuits in the world — and belong there. The 57th running of the Macau Grand Prix takes place from November 13-15, and if you want to follow Mitch’s progress as he prepares for this incredible challenge, make sure to follow the Team Rees socials.
