By Adam Wheeler. Photos by Ray Archer.

Tim Gajser could not defeat brandmates Hunter and Jett Lawrence for a second year in a row at the Motocross of Nations this month but the decorated MXGP racer at least gave Honda a farewell top three with 3rd place in the MXGP class in Indiana.

Gajser, along with Jeffrey Herlings, is set to embark on two of the biggest team and manufacturer changes in modern MXGP history. The 29-year-old, who first represented the Japanese in 2014 and from the confines of Giacomo Gariboldi's team in MX2, killed the engine on an -eleven season association with the factory in the USA, and a union that delivered five titles and over 50 Grand Prix victories (putting him 5th on the all-time list). Gajser famously won the premier class division in his first term with the CRF450R in 2016, which was also Honda's first success in the blue ribband competition since 2000.

2025 started positively for #243 with five consecutive podium finishes, including three wins, but then he controversially hit a partially concealed marshal's mound at Frauenfeld for round six of the series and sustained a displaced right shoulder. He missed nine Grands Prix after surgery and returned to grasp one more trophy with a runner-up classification at the penultimate round in China.

"I had a really comfortable lead, over 50 points, but then the crash happened in Switzerland," he explains. "I gave my best to come back as soon as possible but when I tried in Agueda [Portugal, round seven] it was too damaged. Surgery…and then it [recovery] took way-longer than expected. Without that crash I felt like [2025] was my season…but this is the sport sometimes."

Thanks for reading OTOR! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

At Ironman Gajser still wasn't quite back to total fitness. "I still don't have full mobility of the shoulder, but we are working on it and it will be 100% for next year," he said in the paddock in Indiana. "In the last two GPs the speed was there, and Ironman was another step in the right direction. I can go motivated into the off-season: many changes! I'm looking forward and I'm excited."

During his recovery this summer, Gajser had been negotiating another new deal with Honda but the company had their head-turned by the prospect of Jeffrey Herlings, and enticed double MX2 world champ and AMA 250SX #1 Tom Vialle back to Europe. Gajser, allegedly, found a willing new employer with Yamaha.

"Strange that it was my last race on a red bike," he said on Sunday at the MXoN. "I have been with Honda since the end of 2013, twelve years is a long time! It's definitely going to be different next year but sometimes a fresh beginning is also good. I am always super-motivated - motivation is never my problem - but it gives me something extra: to go on a new bike, do the testing, see how it feels. It will be good!"

Yamaha have yet to confirm Gajser's deal, and the identity of his teammates. Honda meanwhile are also in a contractual bind with KTM to announce Vialle and Herlings, although Vialle should be declared prior to his debut appearance at the 2025 Paris Supercross in mid-November. Ruben Fernandez - the third CFR450R racer for 2026 and on the pre-production model of the latest generation of the bike - should be announced as part of the overall team roster.

By Adam Wheeler. Photos by Ray Archer.

There is still no official news about Maxime Renaux's contract status with the factory Monster Energy Yamaha team but the luckless 25-year-old, who recently helped Team France to the third step of the podium at the 2025 Motocross of Nations, indicated that his future with the Japanese is far from clear.

"Still to be decided," he said exclusively at Ironman Raceway. "There is a chance obviously…but it is not really in my hands anymore. I gave my opinion. I need changes."

Despite having another term to run on his deal with Hans Corvers' team, Renaux has been linked with a premature departure and has caught the attention of Ducati Corse Off-Road who are on the brink of announcing their link-up with Louis Vosters' unit (who had fielded Fantic machinery for the last two seasons) and had dissolved their partnership with Mattia Guadagnini, leaving a slot next to Jeremy Seewer open for 2026 and the second year for the developing Desmo450 MX project.

Renaux's frustration has stemmed from a third injury-hit season in a row. He won the opening round in Argentina, but then hurt his right hand, broke some ribs and cracked the top of his femur, effecting his hip area. He has appeared on an MXGP podium just once since the end of 2023. Although Renaux has rarely been 100% in 2025, the Yamaha YZ450F has also been lacking silverware compared to the Kawasaki KX450F, KTM 450 SX-F, the Honda CRF450R and even the Yamaha-based Fantic motorcycle ridden by Glenn Coldenhoff to P3 in the championship. Jago Geerts struggled to become a consistent top ten runner and broke off a career-long spell with Yamaha at the beginning of this week. Calvin Vlaanderen at least salvaged something for the Belgium-based crew with three 3rd positions this year and seems to be the sole constant for Yamaha with five-times world champion Tim Gajser also incoming.

"I came out of a very strong winter and was ready," Renaux recounts. "I won the first race of the season and then it went from bad to worse, injury after injury, and then always trying to recover. I pushed with a knife in the teeth. I went through hell this season and the biggest pain I've had while riding. A broken hand, a broken femur head. I was fighting all the time and the body took a big hit because of that. Of course, mentally, it's not easy to ride injured and you develop bad habits. I'm definitely looking forward to an off-season! And starting from a blank sheet to build up to next season."

"I need to put everything flat, whatever the future will be, and start from new," he added.

At Ironman there was talk that Yamaha would hold Renaux to the final year of his contract. The dispute is entering the final stages as both parties need to start their planning phase for 2026 testing. Although battered, Renaux insists he can return to be a major name in MXGP. "The hip was a bit better but not fully cured and I'll have a check-up as well as some real rest, which will help a lot," he said of his state at the MXoN. "The goal is to build up again. I'm not dealing with an injury like my foot in 2023. It's not as bad as that and I'm confident I will be back. I just need some time, and to erase all the suffering and bad habits. I need to start from the bottom and build up, and I've done that a lot of times in my career with some huge injuries. I know I'm capable of it. Hopefully we'll see again the real me."

MXGP currently waits to see whether that fast #959 will appear in blue or red.

By Adam Wheeler. Photos by Trackhouse Racing.

"I love motocross…!" a slow smile breaks across Ai Ogura's face. The 24-year-old Trackhouse Racing rookie and Aprilia rider has had a bumpy rookie MotoGP season. Good results and fast speed have also come with injury, education of the RS-GP's complexity and drops in form. He has also had to adapt to the American team's culture and their desire for stories and content, as well as the increased media demands from TV and the press. 2025 has been something of a whirlwind so far and the Japanese sits down for an interview expecting the same ream of questions about being the new boy in the category.

Having been tipped off by the ever-amiable Trackhouse press officer Maria Pohlmann and one or two of his mechanics that Ogura's current passion lies on the dirt rather than the tarmac (and it also serves as his main form of training, even if he did sustain a broken arm due to a motocross mishap in 2023) this interview was destined for another direction. Ogura's eyes widen slightly in surprise at the topic of discussion.

Over the course of the following 20 minutes at the Dutch TT, Ai's explanation of his fondness for the dirt helped shed some light on his alternative approach and philosophy. The slow-speaking and reserved racer has a very 'Zen' outlook; and even bemused his Trackhouse team during pre-season tests and the first events of the year by refusing to get rattled by the scale of the task ahead of him and the adjustment to 300bhp+, Michelin tyres, ride height devices and more.

Ai's chat is earnest but reserved. It gives him an air of mystery, but talking about non-MotoGP subjects creates plenty of smiling, a few laughs and seems to make him feel at ease. You cannot help but wonder if the same placidity feeds directly into that economic and elegant riding style for the RS-GP25

Ai, do you prefer a 250 or a 450?

I've tried a 450 maybe three or four times in my life! So, a 250.

You're based in Catalunya right?

Yes, Castelldefels.

So, some decent tracks to choose from…

I always go in the direction of Girona. Tracks like MX Golf, Vallgorguina. I just started training more in 2025 so I am still finding tracks.

Are you quite disciplined with the riding? Do you make motos and time attacks?

I ride until I am tired. Every session is around 20 minutes…but it's just for fun. I like to play with the motorcycle, and motocross is the best. There are a lot of different elements every lap. The track is changing, some corners are really flat, some have deep ruts and then there are the jumps! In one lap you get such variety that you cannot get on asphalt.

How does Davide Brivio [Team Manager] feel about it?

He loves motocross too!

Your roots are not in off-road, correct?

Yes. I only rode asphalt and pocketbike. I started motocross when I was 17, quite late. I did flat track from school years and I regret starting motocross so late. I was living in Barcelona when I was 18. I was racing in Europe when I was 16. Being in Barcelona helped me for doing more riding, different riding. Japanese riders now are doing motocross or flat track since they are very young. Me, [Ayumu] Sasaki or [Ryusei] Yamanaka brought that kind of information back to Japan and [the scene] started. It's always like this; [Hiroshi] Aoyama would be in Barcelona and said that all the Europeans would be riding all the time. I remember thinking 'ah, OK…'

Have your skills developed quickly?

In flat track I was quite OK from the first day, but motocross…?! It was a disaster, and maybe that's the reason why it's the best for me because even when I go to the track now to train most of the other riders are faster than me. That never happened on the asphalt in Japan. At least you have somebody to chase. That feeling was new. There is always something to learn and you feel the improvement in a big way and that's the best feeling.

Different to a good feeling in MotoGP?

Even if you make a fantastic result in GP, for me it's not 'fun'. It's not pure joy. For me, GP is something different. When I'm training, I have a lot of fun. In official GP sessions I almost never have fun.

Is there any transfer from MX to MotoGP for you?

Just the feeling of a bike. That's all. I don't know if I am getting better in MotoGP because I am training on a motocross bike. Maybe it's important…but I'm tired of thinking in that way. I have tried all kinds of bikes and maybe one day that will pay off but I don't like to think about what I need on a MotoGP bike and then try to find it somewhere else.

Ever tried sand?

I rode hardpack many times. In Japan it was hard to find a deep sand track. If I go to the Netherlands or Belgium then I don't think I will come back! I'd be stuck somewhere. I like motocross but I am not good at it.

Do you follow any of the MXGP or Supercross riders? Ever been to a GP or seen a Main Event?

I followed Ken [Roczen] a lot…and not because he was at HRC. I was interested more in motocross around 2017 and the legends like [Ryans] Dungey, Villopoto and James [Stewart] had gone. So, it was Ken, Eli [Tomac], Jason Anderson. Ken was riding for Honda then and I still follow him now. I've never been to MXGP or Supercross…and I'm in an American team!

Some of the other MotoGP riders are quite fast on the dirt: Marquez, Miller…

Maverick is super-fast.

What happened in 2023 and with the wrist injury…?

It was strange conditions. There was a long straight and one part was very muddy but before it was a dry patch that was super-hardpack and fast. I went straight into that deep mud and the bike just caught and stopped. I don't know if I broke my wrist when I was pushed over the bars or when I landed on the ground. Three broken bones and a dislocation and two-three ligaments. The doctor was happy to see my wrist at all. He thought I would never recover enough to ride.

Thanks for reading OTOR! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

Did that make you apprehensive about motocross afterwards?

No! I was like 'come on, get better, I want to go again…' I never think 'oh, the season is happening and I cannot ride because it's dangerous'. No. It is dangerous because you are not any good! I have to train. Until I feel I am good then I train fully at it.

What is your training routine generally?

I do two-three days [per week] on the motorcycle and I run. In the Idemitsu time [Honda Team Asia] I used to cycle a lot. But I am not a big fan of cycling: it is unbelievably boring. After I left the team I switched to running and had more fun and gained more time. Cycling can be three-four hours, running is one hour or less.

Could you ever be tempted to try a motocross race?

My goal is…well, Japanese motocross is not at a high level [compared to world championship] but there is a Professional A and Professional B and National A and National B levels. I would like to be good enough to be one of the last riders in Professional A! You need to make a race to move up the levels but I've never been able to. Maybe after I retire! I want to make one. My friend is already doing 2-3 a year. He is a road racer but I used to train with him and he said it was nice experience, especially the start. I want to have a go…but no chance yet!

By Adam Wheeler

Dorna Sports announced its FAST expansion in early August for the U.S. with the 'MotoGP Channel'. The platform will provide free 24hr programming and extensive live coverage of the championship (not the actual race durations) through a stream generated by specialists C15 Studio, who also handle F1. Found through portals like Prime Video, LG Channels, FireTV, FuboTV, Plex and Sling Freestream, the MotoGP Channel is made possible through the presence of 'old school' TV advertising and is a significant boost to the sport's footprint in North America along with the FOX TV deal and Dorna's own VideoPass subscription package on MotoGP.com.

"Sitting back with a TV remote control [thinking] 'hmm, what am I gonna watch today?', there's very little of that now," opines Dorna Sports' Chief Commercial Officer Dan Rossomondo. "So, you have to have your content in front of people in all these different places, and that's what we're trying to do."

"I think the biggest challenge that we have - but it could apply to every sports property in the world - is discovery. How do people find your sport?" the American adds. "Consumption habits, particularly of young people, has changed so rapidly that you have to continue to innovate in terms of how you distribute your product, and that's what we're doing with this. FAST channels are the latest 'thing'. And it goes back to the world of ad-supported television, which is, you know, as old as the day is long."

Fans, viewers or those curious about MotoGP only have to download the channel to get immediate access. One of Dorna's main revenue streams involves the lucrative TV broadcaster deals signed with the likes of TNT Sport, Sky Sports Italia and Germany, Canal +, DAZN, Ziggo and more. These agreements (and others) conjure almost 50% of MotoGP's income (equating to more than 200m euros in 2024) and form the basis of the remuneration paid to teams to contest the series. How does FAST fit into this structure? Especially for the U.S. where MotoGP is already located on FOX Sports, home of the NFL, MLB and NASCAR.

"It's complimentary to everything else we're doing," Rossomondo explains. "If you look at the product ladder, obviously FOX is mass distribution, putting on both the Sprint and the main MotoGP race exclusively. VideoPass is for the really, really hardcore fan who wants every session, wants historical races, wants practice, wants this-wants that, wants to really dig into it, wants timing. Then [with] the FAST channel we're going to try to find a new audience that is really consuming a lot of content in that way. It's an experiment, it's an educated experiment, because we do see people changing the way they consume content."

Dorna have not rushed into this method of engagement, and linking with C15 was pivotal. "It took a long time because how it was going to fit inside of our media landscape was a key question for us," Rossomondo admits. "C15 came very highly recommended. We had some really good conversations. They have great relationships on the distribution side, and they have a proficiency in doing this. So, it was good in that regard."

FAST channels have bloomed in popularity (almost 2000 now exist, over 1300 in the U.S. alone, according to Gracenote video data). MotoGP has merged with the trend but are trying to foresee how the championship can reach new eyeballs is a major guessing game. "I would say this is a great era of choice where consumers have content at their disposal and they can customise it however they want," says Rossomondo. "If they have a broadband connection…people are experimenting but it can be very confusing too. The old, existing bundle of American media is - not disintegrating - but it's changing very rapidly. Prime Video, Paramount Plus, Netflix, Hulu, ESPN and Fox are just launching their own products. Everything is changing. So, for a consumer, even though they've got unlimited choice and unlimited flexibility, we need to make it easy for people."

Could the MotoGP Channel work for other territories? It's a tricky weave considering the exclusivity of the deals and the rights to footage. "I think the United States is more complicated than other markets. European television has gone to this pay model way-quicker than the US. So, I don't know if FAST channels are going to apply globally."

"The number one consumed media company on television in the United States is YouTube," he continues. "So that just gives you a sense of how people have changed consumption habits. When my sons put on the TV, their homepage is YouTube. So that's where they go."

MotoGP's YouTube channel has almost 7m subscribers. The content is diverse, with race highlights videos easily claiming the biggest number of views. Visitors can also catch behind the scenes clips, historical features and more. MotoGP has more than half of F1's following but easily dwarfs other series like NASCAR, Indycar, MXGP and Supermotocross. Perhaps Dorna need to do even more to help YouTube addicts to notice MotoGP. "We have a good subscriber network there. We put content on there as well," counters Rossomondo. "It might be the original FAST channel…but it's global and it's got its Pros and Cons as well. So, I don't know if this is going apply to other markets but, as you know very well, the US is a really important market for us to try to grow."

The series' international scope can bring inconsistencies for commercial interest. It makes blanket deals harder to close and to price: MotoGP has traction in some territories and is barely known in others. The current media rights revenue is steeped towards Europe and sits at 83% of the income. Dorna have a large patchwork business operation to stitch. Rossomondo: "We're blessed that we can take this sport all over the world but we've got to be relevant in those markets. We've got to do distribution deals with the right partners in those markets. It's not like the EPL [English Premier League]. They can be really darn happy with their Sky deal and then obviously they've got huge money with their global rights elsewhere. But they're a domestic league and their domestic deal is the biggest deal they have. We are not a domestic league."

Thanks for reading OTOR! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

"We have to be relevant everywhere," Rossomondo says. "I'd say global partnerships are great, but also we have to continue to experiment and find the best way for people to watch our sport and the stories we want to tell. That's the key thing, I think. We have 22 races a year, 44 if you include the sprints, right? But then if you include Moto3 and Moto2, it's another 44. So, 88: that sounds like a lot but there's also another 280 days a year where we have to be relevant. So, we need to tell stories better, and I think consumer consumption wants us to be in places like YouTube so they can find out more about the riders and we can lift the visors and tell the stories about these guys."

Liberty Media have officially owned Dorna Sports for two months. Their past promotional policy changes in F1 partly helped towards the sport's boom in the U.S. TV rights fees surged from 5m dollars to more than 80m in less than five years and with Apple TV rumoured to be considering a 150m dollar deal. F1's global TV revenues have exploded; from 2017 to 2024 they almost doubled from 600m dollars to 1.1 billion and total earnings by the F1 Group in 2024 nearly hit 3.5 billon.

"We saw an increase in all different interests, all over the place," Rossomondo reveals of the new era. "Some of it is far-flung, some of it is far-fetched, but others are real. We have to convert that. Whether it's sponsorships or investment, whatever it might be."

"I think we have started on a really good track. We have invested in marketing. We have invested in adding some really key people. We have invested in the brand and the identity and research. We now have to continue to invest in storytelling. And I think Liberty will help us with that."

By Adam Wheeler. Photos by Italtrans: www.italtransracingteam.com

MotoGP is on the cusp of generational change. Riders in (or close to) their 30s such as Jack Miller, Miguel Oliveira, Johann Zarco, Franco Morbidelli, Luca Marini, Maverick Viñales and Alex Rins are likely approaching their last seasons in the premier class and there is a queue of hungry talent waiting for their saddles. Names like Moto2 championship leader Manuel Gonzalez, David Alonso, Daniel Holgado, Collin Veijer, Jose Antonio Rueda, Maximo Quiles, Angel Piqueras. Then, of course, there are the youngsters who have already made it onto the MotoGP grid like Pedro Acosta (21), Fermin Aldeguer (20) and Ai Ogura (24) who are vying to shine.

One rider creating a big surge of interest and linked with a long-term contract offer from Honda (Somkiat Chantra's LCR Honda berth) is 21-year-old Diogo Moreira. The Brazilian is into his second season of Moto2 and has turned heads courtesy of his results (five podiums and three wins so far) but also a wonderfully flowing, adaptive and effective riding style. The signs were present early. Moreira captured 6th position in his Moto3 grand prix debut at Qatar in 2022 and immediately slotted into the top ten, finishing 8th in the championship and rookie of the year. He won the following season. 2024 saw him vault into Moto2. Again, he found a trophy before the end of the campaign and took another rookie of the year accolade. In 2025 he's made a step again and is now at the door of MotoGP.

There are foundations to Diogo's story. He and his family moved from his home in Sao Paulo to Catalunya when he was 14. There he was schooled but also trained and rode flat track and motocross as he rose through the FIM JuniorGP and Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup ranks in quick time. He's now based in Andorra. The transition to a European base, his nationality and roots in off-road and the desire and ambition necessary to exist at elite level has created the swirl of momentum.

"I started riding motocross with my father when I was four. Pretty young, and the reason now why I'm pretty good at it!" he smiles during an interview held on the eve of the recent German Grand Prix. "It's good for the body and the condition but most importantly I enjoy it. I was riding for almost ten years, two of those in the USA on the west coast. I was with Rodney Smith, riding Glen Helen, Pala. I changed from motocross to asphalt when I was 12. I won some [MX] championships in Brazil and my father and I talked about moving to the USA…[permanently] but I still think the direction I took is the right one."

Two years after removing the nobs from his tyres, Moreira was a resident in Spain. "We lived there for most of the year and would only go back at the end of the season for a month to see family and friends. Motocross, flat track circuit and karting; for training it was OK. I had to adapt to life, try to make some friends. I went to school for three years, and learnt Catalan, but I am forgetting a bit now!"

"Motocross means fun for me and it's nice to ride on the different terrain," he explains. "Flat track for controlling the throttle, it's pretty good, but it's motocross for enjoyment."

'Enjoyment' is an essential concept for Diogo. "If I enjoy riding the bike then I will always be fast. I need to enjoy it. Otherwise, I cannot be aggressive or do anything."

He rides a 450cc dirtbike because "the 250 for me, now, stock is nothing! I need a bit more power, a bit more strong."

Moreira harnesses the improvisation and adaption necessary for motocross - where the track and the level of grip is constantly shifting and the throttle contact and control can be critical - to apply to his day job (like many other MotoGP riders). Double MXGP world champion, Jorge Prado, commented that the Brazilian was one of the best road racers he'd seen on the dirt. Moreira also ruled the 2024 edition of Valentino Rossi's star-studded 100KM Flat Track race held on the Italian icon's ranch in Tavullia.

"Motocross helps me here [Moto2] to make fast laps. In qualifying I'm usually at the front. It was the same in Moto3 and now in Moto2: I make good times. The track change in motocross forces you to adjust, and you have to do that also in Moto2 to find the flying lap."

His feeling and technique for maximising his Moto2 package with relatively little experience compared to many of his peers has alerted the majority of the paddock. "The guy is super talented for sure, you only have to see his videos making flat track or supermoto or motocross or whatever, he's fast in all the disciplines," assessed Pedro Acosta when asked about Moreira in Austria last week. "That guy, if he comes to MotoGP without winning a championship, he will not have forgotten to ride a bike. He's a talent and you cannot forget that.'

Moreira might be making large strides on the motorcycle but he still needs to discover the world of attention, pressure and expectation when the engines are off. He might eventually become the first Brazilian premier class race winner since Alex Barros two decades ago and the spotlight will be firmly on his head when MotoGP returns to the country for the first time since 2004 in March 2026. "It is difficult to manage," he admits. "When I started in the world championship in Moto3 I was too young; 17 or 18 and because I did well people started coming up to me. It was tough to manage that. Eventually I learn to follow my line and listen to my personal team. That's the important thing: to stay in the family zone."

"After Barcelona last year [the final round of 2024] I went to Brazil for two weeks and spent one of those weeks making interviews and media appearances," he says. "I think when I go back now then there will be more. It might be like this year by year, no? I just have to organise things well…but it also makes me happy because it means the job is going well. I'm proud of that."

Thanks for reading OTOR! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

In the meantime, Moreira has faced constant scrutiny about his future. "I think I am too young for MotoGP," he sighed in Germany. On raceday at Sachsenring Moreira would blast back from a poor start and work his way up to 4th before tangling with Jake Dixon and then re-entering the track without spotting David Alonso. The collision was sickening, and both were fortunate to escape relatively unscathed. Moreira damaged his right elbow and the combination of the physical pain and the pitlane-start penalty meant he withdrew from the Czech GP the following weekend. The incident was the only black mark on an impressive scorecard in 2025. He resumed normal business with total control of the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring and followed up with victory in Hungary.

Moreira has won Moto3 and Moto2 races and although he doesn't have the title collection to match someone like Acosta, his ascension is almost as swift as the feted Spaniard. Like Acosta, and despite his deftness on any set of two wheels, he is still in the educational phase of his career. "I am learning a lot this year because I am racing more at the front and with [Aron] Canet and Manu [Gonzalez]," he assesses. "I have been trying to see things. I need to understand and learn. If I can pass and beat someone like Manu then I will, otherwise I must learn something from him. If I don't make '0's and crashes then I will be there."

Perhaps Diogo is already 'there'.

By Adam Wheeler.

When it comes to live television, MXGP is a stodgy, unwieldy beast. Four hours of coverage of the MXGP and MX2 classes with an inflexible and skeletal pre-and-post race format (that hasn't changed for years) as well as comprehensive but rigid fixed camera positions; it's hard to squeeze much more into the sheer quantity of minutes that the production requires.

Grand Prix has experimented with the impracticality of onboard technology (if riders are shedding personal protection like airbags then why would they carry extra baggage for broadcast?) but the addition of roaming drones has given the visual presentation of the sport (also AMA SMX) a much needed refresh since their introduction in 2024. Infront Motor Racing have invested further in more technology and a family-run two-crew set-up for 2025, and the 'pursuit' drone, operated by 34-year-old Gaetan Valente, has brought a new exhilarating dynamic to the speed and difficulty of MXGP.

The artistic zenith was the plunging 'eagle-eye' view of the Qualification Race start at the Grand Prix of Trentino this spring, allowing a wonderful appreciation of the Dolomite setting of Pietramurata.

Gaetan's work even has its own Instagram account with meaty clips of the MXGP and MX2 action.

The Swiss has been flying and racing drones since 2019. A motocross rider and former Swiss Championship runner, he came into MXGP in 2024 and is now a key component of the live TV output. "We use an FVP drone and the brand is a GEPRC Cinelog35 but the only way to have a live stream, for now, is to use a DJI Pro camera and with DJI goggles as well," he explains. For the uninitiated, Valente flies the drone from a location or pad next to the TV broadcast truck with the aid of a remote, and obtains the 'view' thanks to the goggles, that are similar to a VR headset. He then follows the lead of the TV director and has free reign for proximity. This is the main advantage of MX compared to permanent motorsport facilities used for F1 and MotoGP with strict regulations preventing aerial presence below a certain height; there drones are used for sweeping angles along pitlane or on the exterior of curves.

"I can fly where I want until they need me for something special," he reveals. "Usually I take the race start, then see how the race goes and who is fighting with who. In my left ear I have the TV production and in my right I have the drone co-ordinator who is watching the live timekeeping to see who is making time and where a fight might happen."

"Quite often I feel like I'm in the race," he grins. "I'm really focused because I have to be careful of the marshals, the riders and photographers around the track. It's really enjoyable."

For a relatively new strand of technology for sports broadcasting, the drone set-up has its compromises. Reach, range and duration are the main headaches. "Most of the time I can fly around the whole circuit but I cannot lose sight of the drone," Gaetan says. "We had a problem in Sardinia because half of the track is behind a small hill so we had to build a huge antenna, 10m high, to spread the signal and supply the goggles. My location is important to have the best signal for the image and also the controller."

"It would also be great if we didn't have to change the battery every four minutes!" he adds. "It depends how fast I fly but if the track is quick then it can run down in 3 minutes! It would be a big improvement if we could double this time; much easier for us. We also struggle with the signal sometimes for the goggles. The remote is quite good…but when you lose vision then you cannot fly anymore, and you have to push the 'rescue' button and save."

Looking at FVP drone at Lommel for the Belgian Grand Prix, the rotors and the unit are sandblasted and abused. "It's tough for the drone: it's a good soldier! It takes a lot of rocks and debris," Gaetan says from the confines of his small trailer, stocked with boxes of spares and charging batteries. "Here, with the sand, the propellers get destroyed after one race. We change a lot of parts. A DJI drone cannot be dissembled but ours is different. We build everything and we can change the engine, the flight controller and other components. We have many."

Apparently, flying a drone is not an easy skill. "It's hard to understand if you haven't tried it," Valente asserts. "If you want to turn left then you don't just hit the 'left' button. You have to mix all the angles. It would be impossible just to pick up the controls and to fly an FVP drone in acro mode. You can add 'help' from the flight controller to manage flight…but it gives you less freedom. I fly in full manual mode and it would be very hard to do it without some training. I've trained on the simulator and I'm used to racing with a drone where it is way faster. When you are able to fly at 200kmph and make really tight corners then following an MXGP rider is not too tough."

Swooping after race-leading riders while they hammer ruts and cut through the air is another task. The lines and the positions are not always that clear to predict. "It's easier in the sand though because the speed is more constant," Gaetan says. "On the dirt they can brake hard, lose speed and then accelerate quickly. There is more variation. The sand is easier because nobody escapes it!"

Thanks for reading OTOR! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

Creating a standout picture like the Trentino start requires precision. "We tried three times! The first one was for timing, the second time I was stressed and I arrived too early because I didn't trust the count. The third time we followed the plan…and it happened. It was a beautiful shot."

Valente's 'money shot' is beyond audacious. "I would like to pass through a rider's arm and the seat of the bike while he's doing a whip. I think it would be impossible…but I'd like to try. It would take a lot of organisation…and a few attempts. Although riders are here to race and not make our shots!" It says a lot for the power of the technology and the imagination it inspires.

Radicalism aside, the effect of the drone has augmented MXGP and the appreciation of elite level motocross. Gaetan smiles to the suggestion that he has made the TV portrayal of the sport look like a video game. "I'm really lucky to follow the action so closely," he acknowledges. "They believe in my skills and I'm happy with that. I know in F1 and MotoGP they are not allowed on the track. You really have to focus and be careful. It's a great feeling."

By Adam Wheeler. Photos by Jordi Wheeler Garcia & JP Acevedo.

Simon Laengenfelder smiles throughout our interview at the Belgian Grand Prix. After all, he has a lot to be satisfied about. Four wins, eight podiums and the most prolific leader of 2025 MX2, he is also defending a championship lead and could be the first German FIM motocross title holder since 2011. The 21-year-old even grins while curtly dismissing the notion that his friendly and meek demeanour could be representative of his competitiveness.

Laengenfelder already has four full seasons in MX2, taking wins in 2022, 2023 and 2025 amidst injury and illness setbacks and an arduous educational process at the highest level. He has ranked 3rd in the championship for the past three years. In 2025 he seems to have reached a peak of Grand Prix maturity so far. He has adjusted his environment in the De Carli section of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing; an awning he shares with the Coenen family 'juggernaut' of results, demands and potential, and achieved some separation by departing his Italian base of the past three years to move back to Germany. Familiar ground and a different setting seem to have had a positive bearing on his riding and mentality, even if it means more mileage for the Rome-based squad. Team Manager Davide De Carli even travelled to central Europe recently to oversee Simon's impressive performance in the ADAC German Master series.

Laengenfelder blends fast starts, a smart style and evident determination to steady effect. While peers and former championship winners like Andrea Adamo and Kay De Wolf have endured mistakes and incidents, Laengenfelder has motored to 18 top-three moto finishes from 30 to-date. The total is actually less than Adamo (and he has three fewer podiums than De Wolf) but's picked up more points on his off-days and has yet to classify lower than 9th all year. Coupled with comprehensive 1-1 scorecards in Switzerland, France and Britain - to prove he can outclass everybody - Laengenfelder is closer than ever to dumping that 'P3' tag.

Simon, this year, does the title run feel a little bit overdue? Do you think you could have been in this position maybe last season or season before?

Yeah, three times third in a championship…let's say the first time maybe I was a bit lucky. I got third with very few podiums, not really the best riding, with some really, really bad races. Last year, I was really pushing hard to get that third place overall, and the year before, I needed to push way harder! I needed to be always there, always score because I also had all the injuries. So that set me back a little bit but also made my head, I think, stronger, and made me focus and understand racing a bit better. Now I'm in a really good position, which makes me happy but it's a position I've never been in. But I like to be in it!

You're only just 21, so those three seasons of learning have been done as a young athlete..

Hmmm, the physical side, you can feel. But the mental side is something maybe a bit more difficult to know. Yeah, you learn so much. It's incredible. After every season, I tell myself: 'boy, you were so stupid the previous year. Why did you do this or why did you do that?!' You get smarter, you understand everything better. The bike you understand so much more. The training side, the hydration, the food, everything. There are so many parts. You just understand better, you know which people you want to work with, who's really good for you or what is working good for your body. And I think in those last three years, I really understood these things.

Can you give me an example of something that went wrong? And maybe a preparation method that worked out?

Yeah, one of the biggest things is food. Sometimes I was just making it up. I believed I needed to be lighter to make better starts. So I was on a diet and lost seven kilos. I was pulling holeshots but then I could not last the race. Sometimes from the outside you think, 'oh, he's not trained or he's not fit' but there are so many more points about being fit, having all the energy, all the carbohydrates in your body that you can also use. Having that energy you can just burn. If I would turn back time, I think it could have been all way different. But for sure, I think everybody has their own adventures like this. It's what makes motocross 'motocross' and makes this such a hard and physical sport.

Do you think sometimes people see you and assume you're too much of a nice guy?

I think not. I think you can rewatch a few videos and then make your mind up…!

Well, there's on the bike and off the bike….

Yeah, I would say I'm quite a good guy. And what happens on a race track is because I want to win. It's not because I want to get 2nd or 3rd. I always give my best. Sometimes it goes better, sometimes not. I can, I think, understand my limits. Usually the bike needs to work good, I need to be in a good form and then I can really go faster. And I think I got much smarter throughout all those years about this because before I was going over my limit every training, every race. Yeah…just stupid. Huge crashes were happening. I just hope to continue improving each factor.

How has the De Carli faction of Red Bull KTM helped you?

Yeah, they helped me a lot, to be honest. I moved to Italy three years ago. Now this is my fourth year with them. I was coming from a normal German team and I could feel that De Carli as a group has a lot of experience. They know how to work with the bikes. They know how to set up a bike. They knew way more than I did. To be honest, it was a very important step in my career.

Thanks for reading OTOR! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

How have you felt the attention and the profile of leading the championship?

Yeah, this is a completely different scenario for me. I've never been in this situation, like I told you. When I came to Germany [Grand Prix] with the red plate I lost it rightaway, you know, so... sometimes it's just not going your way. You need to learn about having the red plate and [at Teutschenthal] you just have so many fans around and so much attention. You need to learn to use it to your advantage and not your disadvantage. But I think that's part of the game because I regained the red plate and made a nice points lead. So, things can turn around in this sport like crazy. You never know what's really going to happen in the next race. You can never know. We are so many fast guys and you're just going from race to race and hoping that everything goes good. I'm sure with my training, with my riding style, I'm in a really good position. But…never take anything for granted. Just keep on pushing, keep on doing your best, your 100%. That way I think I should be fine because I can't do more than my maximum.

Is there one way in your riding in the last year you're really happy with? Is there one weakness that you think you got rid of?

Yeah, I think my style right now is cleaner. On a 250, I think if you look at me, especially on hard pack tracks, I'm really in control of the bike. I can use the traction quite good. I can really feel the bike. Also, I think setting up a bike: I got way better throughout those years, which also helps with my style then.

How has it been here with the Coenen family? De Carli was the domain for Tony Cairoli for many years and other riders had to fit in…

In the winter I was riding a bit with them. But right now I'm just living in Germany, so I just see them on the race weekend. I just see the team at the races. Seasons before, we were always training together in Italy. All the riders were staying there, and now it's completely changed. Nobody's in Italy anymore and everybody's around the world. Doing their own thing. I have my mechanic up there in Germany. I would say, yes, for me it's working good. I am enjoying being home. I have some great people around there in Germany, which I think are helping me out quite a lot. Also, track-wise, I think I'm set up really well there.

What does the future hold? Are you in a rush for MXGP?

I was thinking of maybe moving up soon however right now I just put my biggest focus on this championship, on being out front. But, yeah, I would say I could have another year in the 250 class…and then we'll see what's happening after that.

By Adam Wheeler. Photos by Jordi Wheeler Garcia

"Honestly, I am not good in history! I've never looked…" If Lucas Coenen was a student of the FIM Motocross World Championship then the extra significance of his third consecutive MXGP victory and his fifth of a rookie premier class season might have buried slightly deeper into that 18-year-old soul.

Coenen was brilliant for only his third attempt at the fearsome Lommel sand in Limburg and the Flanders Grand Prix (the region evidently putting up the cash to earn title billing in Belgium). He wasn't as complete and impressive as Kay De Wolf, who not only won both MX2 motos at a canter but topped every single session through the weekend. But the young Red Bull KTM rider brings energy and judgement; and his inexperience and age are sharp juxtaposed to the speed and consistency he can carry.

Lucas was cheered enthusiastically all around the circuit close to the Dutch Brabant border. He had noticeably more support than sand master Jeffrey Herlings and even reigning MX2 world champ and former foe De Wolf. Watching him waving to the crowd through the atmospheric 'spoon' curve - a slice of the sand wedged between the vast bank of fans and a small lake - on the last lap of the second moto illustrated Coenen's level of buoyancy and confidence in a term where he was only supposed to learn the rigours of the 450 and glean racecraft from decorated peers like Romain Febvre, Herlings and Tim Gajser.

Belgium have waited 18 long years for a world champion in the principal classes of the series, and with the gap between Coenen and Febvre (whose first moto victory and 1-2 scores represented a decent weekend of work…although the French veteran is no slouch in the sand and already has two overall triumphs at Lommel) now down to nine points, the title dispute is fantastically close and tense for the second year in a row and the third time in the last five editions.

Lommel was full to the fences. Saturday was frustratingly 'off-on' for rain and showers but still the paddock was hard to traverse, and the spectator zones were close to capacity. Coenen had his stage. As well as the opportunity to reverse his performance meltdown from 2024 when strong MX2 form should have seen him challenge De Wolf for the overall but he instead flapped and faltered and finished 7th.

Watching Coenen in practice and the motos last weekend he was not as refined and smooth as De Wolf but is brave, unrelenting and experimental. He is slight but powerful (you'd never guess the diminutive Sacha Coenen is his twin) and could manipulate the KTM to whatever lump or line he fancied. There was something Herlings-esque about his speed and, importantly, his potential. Sand riding, and Lommel in particular, requires discipline. It measures a rider's physicality and mental resolve unlike any other track. The temptation to push harder and risk burnout must be invading a racer's thoughts constantly, but constancy and preservation are crucial ingredients for optimal results sheet.

"It's a fight every lap," Calvin Vlaanderen said in the post-race press conference and after a sturdy run to 3rd place. "If you have that flow then it's alright but if you sit down for that one bump you lose momentum and it's really tough to get that back. I know how to save my energy quite well with riding…".

I asked how it was possible to do that while carrying pace to make it to the MXGP podium, his second of the campaign. "I was watching Kay [De Wolf] ride the [second] moto and you could see the difference between him and Sacha," he started to explain. "Just how Sacha was using his energy a lot and moving his body. Kay keeps his upper body really still and just uses his legs which is really similar to how I ride: really smooth and not really taking risks and not using too much energy over the bumps."

MXGP went to Lommel for the first time this century in 2008. The Grand Prix of Belgium could not have made more of a contrasting switch at the time. The history and leafy scenery of Namur in 2007 was replaced by a large flat sandpit in a Limburg industrial park. Lommel was most teams and riders' 'reluctant' training and testing hub around that time (and still is to some degree) thanks to the all-weather capabilities of the venue and the severity of the terrain. In 2008 it upscaled and grabbed Grand Prix status and, aside from 2013-2104, persevered thanks to the ambassadorial verve of the late Eric Geboers and passion of former rider and promoter Johan Boonen. Belgium, Limburg, Flanders: the event names have changed but the prospect of Lommel on the schedule has been a signature date for most. "It's a race that makes me shiver when I know it's coming…it's scary," Andrea Adamo told me Sunday.

It's been a playground for native talent and schooled sand riders but also permitted intense bragging rights for locals. MXGP hadn't been stranger to Lommel-type sand and, in my opinion, the absence of Lierop (last carved in 2013) is felt to this day and Valkenwaard was another persistent presence until 2019. All three tracks are situated within a 45-minute drive of each other.

Ken De Dycker won at Lommel in 2009 and then decided to strip on the podium. Kevin Strijbos took his and Suzuki's last emotional Grand Prix victory in 2016 and Jago Geerts has three consecutive MX2 Lommel triumphs to his name from 2021-23. Ironically it was a Spaniard that claimed the 2008 inauguration and Jonathan Barragan's third GP win on the bounce with factory KTM equipment was revealing. He beat seven Belgians and Dutchmen in the points-scoring positions, Marc De Reuver's sandy supremacy among them. Barragan had left Spain for the grey climes of Lommel earlier in his career and had become accomplished across the surface (he would win at Valkenswaard in 2009) but it was Tony Cairoli's immigration and residence in the small Belgian town that created a legend as a small, wiry Sicilian went on to become a refence for sand speed. In doing so he debunked the happy hunting ground for the Benelux contingent of the paddock. Tony went against type for a southern European, and raised plenty of eyebrows (and a nod of recognition for his kidology) when he'd frequently describe Lommel as his favourite track. The 2012 Motocross of Nations was a Cairoli, Roczen, Herlings sand show.

2008 was my first visit to Lommel. I found the circuit uninspiring but at the same time captivating and magnetic for what it forced from the riders. I still do until this day. That summer a fresh-faced 18-year-old American called Zach Osborne made his MX2 debut. He revved the Dixon Yamaha to oblivion in one of the motos but somehow made an 8th place in the other. "The track was almost indescribable as to how deep, rough and hard it is to ride on," he said then, and for a report filed for RacerX, when online texts were still a thing. "I have never experienced anything like that or fought so hard for a race position."

Over the years Lommel has been both swampy and bone dry, and the sand provides a vast blank palette for track designers armed with diggers and machinery. Wind-power turbines have popped up in the background, infrastructure has improved. On a sunny day the dust-like roost created by the bikes gleams in the light. Through each battering lap the surface changes quicker than perhaps any other. Bumps become jumps. The track is an organism. It morphed swiftly last weekend with the varying weather.

"Really strange, really tough," observed MX2 runner-up Camden McLellan. "The rain made the sand heavy so it was sucking a lot of power from the bikes."

"The track shaped -out really well, especially today," offered De Wolf. "Yesterday it was, in my opinion, a bit different. The 125s, especially with how wet it was, struggled to get the same speed as us and the bumps developed."

"A really fun day," the Dutchman added, perhaps in the minority.

The landscape has been home to weird and unexpected moments, like one-hit wonder results (Gert Krestinov's 2008 win in MX2, Brian Bogers in MXGP in 2022) and against-the-odds outcomes such as Shaun Simpson's privateer victory in 2015 and Max Anstie's MX2 success with a fragile Dixon Yamaha in 2014. Anstie is the only rider to have won at Lommel three times with three different bikes: Kawasaki and Husqvarna being the other machinery. When he walked the top step for the second time in 2015 it was the last time Britain clinched both classes on the same day.

There have been showcases, such as Herlings' breathless superiority to lap up to 8th place in 2018 and Red Bull KTM's team sweep of the podium in 2017 (Herlings, Cairoli and Glenn Coldenhoff). Then unsung names like Max Nagl, Josh Coppins and Clement Desalle. There have also been hard accidents, such as Steve Ramon's career-ending crash during the 2011 Qualification Heat while going through the section that is now Coenen's 'spoon'.

Lommel has yellow in its essence. The link with Suzuki was established by the Geboers brothers and the former factory team's workshop a short distance from the track. De Dycker won, Strijbos won seven years later and Ramon had his final Grand Prix laps as a factory rider with the RM-Z 450. Ramon was Belgium's (and Suzuki's) last world champion in the premier class back in 2007. Suzuki carried Strijbos to the last homegrown victory in the sand before Coenen continued his merry assault on 2025 MXGP.

Lucas might not be too clued-up on the record books and Lommel's Roll of Honour but he's now part of an exclusive club of just ten names. He could still go bigger and better but a gold plate this year means he enters a freaky group of debutant champions: Cairoli in 2009, Febvre in 2015 and Gajser in 2016. #96 might reignite Belgium's mainstream gaze for motocross. His ability to move the sand last weekend was a sizeable step.

Thanks for reading OTOR! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

By Adam Wheeler. Action photos by Polarity Photo.

Dorna Sports send almost 200 professionals to each round of MotoGP to provide more than 36,000 hours of live TV broadcasting and accommodate contracts with 117 media partners in 200 countries. It is one of the main revenue pots for the company and the championship but creating a 'live feed' that involves action from variable angles, reports and filtering into OTT content is also a major outlay. There is a trackside network that involves more than 20 and sometimes close to 30 units, as well onboards, remote RFs [Radio Frequency cameras), drones, a heli-cam and even autonomous technology - cameras that film the action without human assistance. The feed can count on input from over 150 channels during a Grand Prix weekend and behind it all there is a sea of "technicians, directors, graphics and replay operators, journalists," explains Live Director Enrique Sierra.

Live sport is apparently still a draw for broadcasters and streamers, and still essential for promoters. In an article written in February, Forbes.com quoted a study from Ampere Analytics that said in 2025 streaming services will account for 'one-fifth of global sports rights spend, reaching over $12 billion.' It could be argued that fans and viewers are digesting sports in different ways: delayed viewing, social media clips, YouTube highlights and other media outlets but Sierra says the root of all moving content is the live feed. "The Live broadcast is still the most important thing," he states. "I think it's the base. We don't have social media [content] if we don't have the Live but it is changing…and for this we have to keep pushing to make sure we have the technology we want and need. The Live still needs to be five-star, and the broadcast partners pay for this product. It's a premium service in coverage."

"There are always budget discussions," he reveals on the split between investment for track action and more resources for social media. "Right now, we have our budget confirmed for a couple of years but if we want to improve then we need to keep investing. We are in a different situation now [with demands for social media] compared to five years ago."

The 51-year-old Spaniard is at the helm of Dorna Sports' vast TV structure and a department that has always pushed for fresh and innovative ways to televise Grand Prix, thanks to the impetus of people like Sergi Sendra and Manel Arroyo who helped craft a large visual and commercial base for the series. TV revenue helps support large sections of the paddock. Sierra is responsible for the MotoGP class signal while he has other directors for other categories. The production on raceday is like coordination of a sizeable symphony orchestra.

"It's important to have the team happy and motivated," he describes. "You want to reduce the amount of 'noise' around you. It's like being in another world for two-hours. You just connect with the race and the team. The secret is to be calm, but fast. Also to change the speed or rhythm of the work because there are many directors who are always 'up' and shouting for the angles when the race might be quite quiet."

"You can change gears and make fast sequences that gives the viewer the feeling of 'wow, look what's happening!' especially with overtaking," he adds. "You have a method of sequencing and then it depends on what happens in the race. We have 60 onboard camera views and 16 channels and you can cut between front and rear, and that's important because if cut away at the wrong moment to trackside then you can lose the feeling of action. It's critical, and it also happens in hundredths of a second."

The coverage of crashes is a polemic and delicate subject. Grand Prix's last fatality came with Jason Dupasquier's qualifying crash at Mugello for the 2021 Italian GP but accidents for Pol Espargaro (Portimao), Pecco Bagnaia (Catalunya) and Jorge Martin (Qatar) in recent seasons and shots of teams and family members in pitlane have also attracted commentary on what Dorna's TV should show and of whom.

Sierra acknowledges the difficult mix between sensitivity and an informative relay. "You have to make quick decisions. You see the image, and then you have to decide if you cut to another because it's a drama," he explains. "You have to take care…and these critical moments are very difficult. Showing the human side is part of the racing, part of the story. It comes down to feeling and instinct in the moment. Behind me are journalists and other management that can help and maybe say 'it's a bad crash…'. We check the replays [away from the Live] and if the rider is not moving or in a bad way then we take care of what we show. This is the case from the time of the Simoncelli crash [Malaysia, 2011] where we will not show any replays until the rider seems to be moving and is OK."

MotoGP is a sport entertainment product, yet the controller of its TV portrayal is conscious of his obligation. "It is a spectacular sport but of course we know the riders are playing with their lives," he says.

MotoGP now involves 22 Grands Prix and 8 overseas rounds and Dorna's global hike might be due for further review. Thanks to high-speed fibre optics, more and more Grands Prix could be directed from the company's operational headquarters just outside Barcelona. Formula 1 already have a split structure with their Event Technical Centre at each circuit and the Media & Technology Centre at Biggin Hill in southern England piecing together their productions. Sierra still wants Dorna's control hub on the ground at the tracks. "For many reasons," he says. "One being the atmosphere and the tension of the race and the connection with the teams. Another is the quick ability to get to the track to see a new camera position."

Sierra is an avid motorcyclist himself and even makes the timing laps with an official BMW on the day prior to the Grand Prix to get the best possible feeling for the course and the venue. "In terms of TV direction it is important to try and understand the sport and the discipline, in my case riding the laps gives me a feel of the track and I can try to bring that to the TV. It's an advantage. We do what we can to be among the elite for TV sport production."

Thanks for reading OTOR! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

He does admit that the days of hauling a full outfit to 22 GPs could dwindle, as soon as it makes fiscal sense. "The future does seem to be remote production," he concedes. "It is a technological matter. There is a cost factor and the budget for travel and the entire crew being on-site is more or less the same [as using the fibre optic]. In the future though I think this will change and it will be cheaper to be in Barcelona than the circuit."

Asking how Dorna could possibly improve their live TV feed going forwards gives ground for thought. "It's a good question. Maybe we are at a level now we can lose more than we gain. It's very satisfying to create good coverage of a good race. You have many tools, many cameras. How can we improve? Obviously, we have new cameras and new onboards. Things always change."

There is something familiar about the Gabriel SS24 KTM team. The orange colour. The compact but well-ordered awning. The small but earnest racing operation. It's the definition of a 'satellite' team: one that can take profit of emerging talent while being an important part of the paddock fabric because they provide a platform those riders to develop.

It's exactly the kind of set-up from which Shaun Simpson achieved his best work in MXGP (with four wins the Scot is the UK's best rider in the premier class). Now, the 37-year-old is Team Manager and marshalling the efforts of upcoming Dutchman Gyan Doensen (already on the podium in his rookie EMX250 term) and promising Spaniard Oriol Oliver in MX2.

Oliver was a late and unplanned subscription. For 2025 the team are into the second year of an official KTM MX Academy structure. In 2024 they helped Dutchman Cas Valk fight for the EMX250 crown (he is now a debutant in MX2) and for 2025 they run the semi-factory KTM 250 SX-Fs for Doensen and Max Werner. When the German dislocated his shoulder pre-season they had a gap and KTM saw a chance to help Oliver; a Catalan who had been roaming the periphery of the MX2 top ten but whose ride with BTS KTM had dissolved. He was rescued by the British squad for the Trentino Grand Prix and has been adopted for the full '25 schedule. He responded by delivering a career-best 4th position overall at the French GP.

"I've been battling these last few years in MX2 and finally the results are arriving," says Oliver, the son of a racer and with an older brother who competes in the Catalan national series. "Last season I lost my ride - the team owner said he wanted to try something new - and the team I started 2025 with, BTS, lost their main sponsor and I could not pay what they then asked of me. When Max got injured then an opportunity opened up here [Gabriel SS24 KTM] for a few races. I'm really happy. It's the best bike I've ever ridden and it's a relief to know I will finish the season with these guys because it was a hectic period."

2025 is Oliver's last attempt at MX2 as he recently turned 23. But he is combining the starts, some consistency, work ethic and his effective riding style to put his name on the map with the Austrians and in Grand Prix generally. "Oriol hadn't really found his feet in MX2," evaluates Simpson. "If he'd had the right team, bike and support three years ago then he would have developed into a podium guy. He's got this chance now."

"We gel well because I wasn't the most talented guy on the track but hard work got me to where I arrived in MXGP and I think he's the same," Simpson adds. "He has a very efficient style. He doesn't use a lot of rear brake or clutch and rides with the engine. He floats over the bumps compared to some other riders that really manhandle the bike. Oriol thinks a lot and gives good feedback. He's easy to work with because I can see he is totally focused on riding his bike as well as he can. I reckon he would be a good test rider already because he feels things and can explain what going on with the motorcycle."

"I've always had this style where it seems I'm not pushing…but I am!" smiles Oliver. "When I'm having fun then the faster I go: it's the case for many riders no? I'm very precise and really like to ride that way. Jorge Prado is a reference for me. Jett Lawrence is amazing."

"Ernee [French Grand Prix] and that 4th place was a relief," he continues. 'We'd had quite a few mud races and there had always been a little issue that stopped us. I could see [a podium finish] in front of me. Everyone is pushing in this class but to be in that 4-6 bracket is a good step for me."

Gabriel SS24 KTM's machinery benefits from engines that are service and maintained by the factory. They run stock suspension but with other upgrades to help with mileage and durability. The works bikes fielded by Andrea Adamo, Sacha Coenen and Simon Laengenfelder have the full engine treatment, factory suspension, titanium upgrades and more, but Oliver has been able to help the Austrians continue their grip on the class as KTMs and Husqvarnas occupy the majority of top ten places and have filled all but 5 of the 33 podiums spots so far in 2025. "It shows our set-up, staff, materials, bike, the whole programme is good enough to not only to be winning in EMX but to filter into MX2 and maybe even MXGP," Simpson claims. "Oriol will help bring Gyan on, and Max as well on his return."

Oliver could be the sixth different racer to take the KTM technical base to an MX2 trophy this season. But what does the future hold? 2025 is already a diversion for Gabriel SS24 KTM who had been expecting to contest only EMX250 (Thomas Traversini's Racestore KTM Rookies squad handles the EMX125 step). KTM's business predicament and economic situation leaves question marks around the size of their MXGP and EMX footprint and to what degree they could support projects like Oliver, who has to vault into the premier class if he stays in the world championship.

Thanks for reading OTOR! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

"We are set up and motivated to run the EMX250 development programme but I think there will be a reshuffle at the end of this year," Simpson says. "Whatever happens for 2026 it has to be beneficial to both KTM and also the team. Simon [Gabriel] and I are motivated with Oriol because it means racing in the world championship but this takes nothing away from podiums and wins in the Europeans and hopefully a title one day. We're motivated by results and it's exciting to see we can make podiums with Gyan and get in the top five of MX2 with Oriol. We are that stepping stone. We'll definitely have a presence in EMX250 next year."

A Gabriel SS24 KTM 450 SX-F and more education for Oliver is not outside the realm of possibility for 2026 (the team also helped Briton Josh Gilbert in this way in 2024). Oriol himself knows his career is clicking up a gear. "What I want to do now is seize this chance and push for a podium," he states. "The future? I'm not sure but I know I can be a good 450 rider. I ride long gears and low revs. Whether it's here, the US or Australia I'm open to everything."

By Adam Wheeler. Photos by Polarity photo.

Three DNFs and a highest classification of 6th from the first eight rounds of the current campaign is a meagre return for a rider of Brad Binder's capabilities. The Red Bull KTM Factory man last walked a MotoGP podium back in Qatar 2024 but both he and the team have been persistently looking for ways to find a better feeling for rear edge grip and less understeer to allow the former Moto3 world champion to use the merits of his hard-braking style. "In our opinion everything started with the new rear tyre technology that Michelin introduced in 2024," Andres Madrid, Binder's Crew Chief since the 2021 season explained. "From our information, from our numbers, we could see that this new tyre behaviour had more affect after Qatar [2024]…for some reason."

The Spaniard and the rest of the KTM technicians have been fighting to optimise a configuration that can suit #33 since the trip to Lusail. "We are still trying to apply a solution," Madrid sighs. "We have tried several approaches, different ways to set-up the bike, different components. We are trying a lot of stuff to get back the confidence."

Binder's struggles and those of his teammate Pedro Acosta (the Spaniard is the best RC16 rider to-date in his second term in the class but has been vocal of his frustrations in needing more performance) have coincided with off-track turmoil for KTM. It would be easy for race fans to assume that KTM's instability as a company would be having an influence on their potential to be MotoGP winners but Motorsports Director Pit Beirer has repeatedly underlined the firm's commitment to the series until the end of the current contract window in 2026. Madrid also insists that the KTM Motorsport department have not eased off the throttle for development.

"During the last winter test the amount of stuff we had was a lot," he says. "I would never have said 'we're in a situation…'. OK, some parts in certain areas have taken longer to produce but, for me, the capacity of the factory is at a very high level for MotoGP. This year I think we had more new parts than previous seasons. This is my experience and a fact. Whether these parts can bring us success is another thing. People don't see but we tried a lot of different things this winter. The company told the riders that we will make the bike better and they are doing their best. Unfortunately, the other manufacturers have done better so far. It's simply this."

Binder, now six seasons into his MotoGP career, has registered at least one podium finish for KTM each year. Madrid believes that the calibre of a rider like Brad - a winner of Grands Prix in all three categories - also has to go through a retrieval process to arrive back at the front. "There is a point where riders lose the confidence and even if we gave them a winning bike then they would not immediately go very fast," he claims, generally. "First of all, they have to recover what they have lost because the amount of crashes has increased [Binder fell 9 times in 2022, 15 times in 2023 and 19 in 2024.] To find their way back takes time. It's quite difficult. Of course, we need to improve the machine, and we need to use all our resources for that: like the efforts of the other MotoGP riders and the team test. It's a complicated issue. "

"All you can do is keep working and be as professional as you can, and I think Brad is doing this," he stresses. "No matter how bad the previous weekend might have been, he tries to follow all our work plans and never, ever gives up. He is fully motivated for every grand prix. Even from one day to another: if we have a bad qualifying then you know he will still go 'beyond' for the race. This is something that I've never seen in a rider quite like Brad: it's that capacity to reset and deliver."

In this sense Madrid has two jobs: to refine and improve the RC16 as a technician but also as a psychologist to get Binder back in the Prosecco spray. "Yes, but that works both ways because Brad motivates us with his energy," he says, drawing more on the human side. "Some other riders might bring this depressed state of mind to the garage. We've seen this in other boxes. Brad, no matter the situation, enters like 'new' again and this is super-appreciated by the mechanics, the crew and everyone. He is always keen to ride."

As much as Binder comes across as a hungry and determined athlete, and one that would seize a mere sniff of an opportunity, Madrid believes the reversal of fortune will take some time. "I don't think you can recover everything in one weekend. When you start the GP you know more-or-less how it is going to be. You can see where the other KTMs are and if they are all performing then you know the bike is suited to the current layout quite well. Then you think: 'we can do it…' and the rider sees it. Then you have to take this to the next race and prove it was not just luck. So, one weekend is not enough. We know in this sport that the rider is important but the bike is also very important and you cannot make magic. There is a limit."

Thanks for reading OTOR! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

KTM are not a million miles away from troubling the Ducatis. In Aragon last week Acosta and Binder were running P4 and P5. During Monday's one-day test Red Bull KTM Tech3's Maverick Viñales set the all-time lap record at the track. The factory famously reduced a 2.5 seconds deficit to the leaders in their first GP appearance as full-time members of the grid at Qatar in 2017 to get on the podium less than two seasons later and win races by 2020. The step to silverware in 2025 might again come soon.

"My experience tells me if you measure the gap in time then it's ridiculous," Madrid says. "If we are missing half a second then it can be seen as a lot but if take a stopwatch and try to measure it then it's nothing! The difference is so small. In the past we have made a couple of clicks or switches and then the performance went completely downside up. Sportsmen, I think in general, have a sweet spot: you must find the way to put them inside it and then they can deliver from 5% to 300%! Sometimes it's just a couple of clicks and the rider brings another four. Sometimes you don't need massive help. Half comes from the package and half comes from the rider…they just need the little boost and then boom!"

BROWNSBURG, IN — Vance & Hines Motorsports is proud to announce its 2026 Progressive American Flat Track Contingency Program, offering nearly $20,000 in payouts across both KICKER AFT Singles and Mission AFT SuperTwins classes. 

This comprehensive program rewards top performance while reinforcing Vance & Hines Motorsports' commitment to the sport and its riders. 

PROGRAM DETAILS (16 RACES): 

• KICKER AFT Singles: $550 Per-Event Payout 

(Using One Qualifying Product / PowerPak OR VHM Exhaust) 

• 1st $150 
• 2nd $100
• 3rd $75
• 4th $50
• 5th $25

Championship Bonus $1,000 

• KICKER AFT Singles Double-Up BONUS (* Paid in addition to the single-product payout noted above) 

(Using Both Qualifying Products / PowerPak AND VHM Exhaust) 

• 1st +$50 
• 2nd +$50 
• 3rd +$50 

Championship Bonus +$1,000 

• Mission AFT SuperTwins: $400 Per-Event Payout 

(Using One Qualifying Product / VHM Exhaust) 

• 1st $150 
• 2nd $100 
• 3rd $75 
• 4th $50 
• 5th $25 

Championship Bonus $1,500 

About VANCE & HINES MOTORSPORTS

Backed by five decades of championship-winning experience, Vance & Hines Motorsports delivers race-bred performance. From cutting-edge cylinder head services, engine components, and race exhausts to the PowerPak Engine Data Management System and our purpose-built XG750R race motorcycles, everything we do is driven by a passion for racing excellence. 

Be Sure to Visit Our Site: vanceandhinesmotorsports.com

Social Media: @vanceandhinesmotorsports 

About Progressive American Flat Track

Progressive American Flat Track is the world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. Progressive American Flat Track is televised on FOX Sports and streams live via FloRacing. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us onFacebook, follow us on X, and check us out on Instagram.

About AMA Pro Racing

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle  and ATV disciplines from its headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

The post Vance & Hines Motorsports Announces AFT Contingency Program appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Bimota turned heads by landing podiums in their first season back in WorldSBK, now the Italian manufacturer's factory team look for sophomore success in 2026

More from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA:

Ken Roczen Delivers Dominating Victory at Round Five of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.

Glendale, Arizona provided warm weather for Round 5 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, which also served as Round 5 for the SMX World Championship. The Supercross track inside State Farm Stadium challenged the riders and thrilled the fans with high speeds, tall obstacles, and a technical sand section.

Race Highlights:

• Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear ECSTAR Suzuki
  • 450 Class
    • Ken Roczen earned his first victory of the season and advanced into second place in the championship standings.
• Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance
  • 450 Class
    • Jason Anderson blitzed through the pack to recover maximum points after a first-turn incident.
    • Colt Nichols used newfound speed to gain positions throughout the Glendale main event.

Ken Roczen (94) came into Round 5 with three Glendale wins already under his belt. Roczen slotted his Suzuki RM-Z450 into the starting gate with his sights set on his first main event victory of 2026. Roczen got a good jump off the gate and a strong drive down the start straight. Another rider pushed Roczen wide, and he crossed the holeshot stripe in third position. Roczen was quickly into second, then used an aggressive inside line in the sand section to take over the lead entering the fourth lap. From there, Roczen balanced aggression and finesse; he steadily pulled a five second gap as the track deteriorated and the lapped riders thickened. Roczen crossed the checkers and earned his fourth Supercross win in Glendale, his third on a Suzuki RM-Z450. The victory moved Roczen into second position in the point standings, just five points away from running the red plate. Roczen has now won a Supercross main event every year since joining the Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear ECSTAR Suzuki team in 2023. 

"Glendale, Arizona, you have been a hell of a [good] time," Roczen said back at the rig. "We always want to get better. Our riding has been so good over these last few weeks, but we were lacking in the starts. So, we did a bunch of testing this week for the first time in a long time. I'm glad that we did, because it shows that we want to get better, and starts nowadays are so important. Tonight we got a good start in the main event and we just had overall such good momentum. My motorcycle worked great, and we were able to take it all the way to the checkered flag. [It was] a phenomenal first place for me as part of my family, Griff, my oldest, and my wife were here. So, to do it again in Arizona, this is my fourth win [here], I kind of have to let it sink in a little bit on the flight home and enjoy this one." 

Roczen dedicated the win to his Team Manager, Larry Brooks, who recently announced a battle with Stage 2 colon cancer that is being met with determination and optimism. On the podium, Roczen told the stadium crowd and viewers at home, "I want to dedicate this race win specifically to Larry. He hasn't been able to be with us here the last few races, which really hurts all of our hearts. He loves this more than anybody; this one goes out to him. We're talking every single day, morning 'till night, and even though he couldn't be here, I dedicate this win to him. Larry, I love you. Congrats as well."  

Jason Anderson (21) grabbed his fourth heat race podium in four heat race starts (Round 4's Triple Crown format forgoes heat races). Anderson showed incredible speed through the whoops section and recorded the fastest time for that track sector in his heat. In the main event, Anderson ran into trouble early and found himself in 21st place when the racers commenced lap one. Anderson kept his speed advantage in the whoops section, again setting the fastest sector time, and gained ten positions over the 20-minute plus one lap race. 

"This weekend was not the best, but my riding was a lot better in the main event, so that was nice," Anderson reported. "In the heat race I started in [fifth], got up to third, and ended up third. And then in the main event I [got squeezed on the corner exit and] stalled it in the first corner and then worked my way back up to 11th. I think my riding was quite a bit better than where I finished, but we'll get there."

Colt Nichols (45) was able to once again get up to race speed early in the day; he matched his season-best qualifying position in the first session. He kept the ball rolling into the night's racing and matched his season-best heat race result for a direct transfer into the main event. When racers entered the first corner of the main, Nichols was entangled up in a multi-rider crash. Nichols quickly remounted and set out after the pack; he clawed his way forward and matched his overall result from the previous three rounds. 

"I crashed in the first turn with [two other riders who collided]," said Nichols. "I tried to do everything I could to come back, but the field was pretty spread out, not like in a big group, and I just couldn't really do anything with it. So, P-16 for the night. I'm frustrated, I want to get out of the gate better and try to put myself in a better position. I'm sick of being back there. [My position is] just the result of being back in the back of the pack, being stuck, and running into guys and crashing. We just need to be better out of the gate, straight up. But my riding's a lot better. I'm improving every weekend through practice and the heats. I've just got to be better in the main." 

"It was a really, really great night for the team. Ken with the win; it's a really big win at a really big point in the season," reported Dustin Pipes, Principal for the Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance Team. "We closed the points gap, we're down five points now, and more importantly he really rode great. It was a complete win, and it was very good to see. Obviously with the news of Larry being out for an extended period of time, Ken has been wanting to get a win for him. It's good that he got this weight off his shoulders and he was able to get this win for Larry, because he's someone that's on our minds and in our prayers. Jason and Colt also rode extremely well. The results didn't show it, but first-turn wrecks had both guys [in 20th and 21st]. Jason's times were comparable to the top five, and I think if we wouldn't have fallen that's where he would have finished; Colt would've been right around the top ten. What's great about Ken's win is that it's putting us on a good trajectory for the rest of the season."

The Supercross season moves north and west to Lumen Field, the home stadium of the Superbowl-winning Seattle Seahawks, where Round 6 takes place on Saturday, February 14th. The Suzuki riders and team members have proven they have the equipment and the talent to win, and they are looking ahead to more outstanding performances in the 2026 season.

For the latest team updates, news, and race insights, visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Motocross or pipesmotorsportsgroup.com.

More from a press release issued by Honda HRC:

Hunter Lawrence takes over title-fight lead at Glendale Supercross.

・Fourth consecutive second-place result for the Australian

・Lawrence earns career-first 450SX red plate to Seattle

In front of a record-breaking crowd in Glendale, Arizona, for round 5 of AMA Supercross, the premier-class main event delivered high drama in the championship fight. Hunter Lawrence powered to a strong second-place finish-his fourth runner-up result in a row-and, for the first time in his 450SX career, took possession of the red plate that goes to the championship leader.

The 450SX main event saw the Honda HRC Progressive rider launch from the gate in third, but he wasted no time charging forward, taking over the lead on the opening lap. Lawrence set the pace for several laps before being overtaken by Ken Roczen, at which point he settled into a consistent rhythm and maintained a comfortable gap over third place. A signature late-race surge wasn't enough for the Australian to reach Roczen, and Lawrence crossed the checkered flag in second place.

With championship rival Eli Tomac involved in a first-lap incident and finishing 12th, Lawrence now leads the 450SX championship standings by five points over Roczen, marking an important milestone in his career and strengthening his position in the championship fight.

NOTES

・Scottsdale dealership Western Honda Powersports activated a pop-up booth in Honda HRC Progressive's pits, featuring a CRF450RWE motocrosser and a CRF-E2 electric minibike. Dealership staff used the opportunity to connect directly with fans and customers.

・Fans in Glendale enjoyed meeting Hunter Lawrence during a private autograph session while his teammates continue to recover from injuries.

・Peacock's broadcast coverage of the race included a profile on Honda HRC Progressive Team Manager Lars Lindstrom, who started with the team as a shop assistant and worked his way up. Lars' father Gunnar also worked as the squad's team manager in 1979 and '80. Lars was also interviewed in the booth during Race Day Live.

・Also interviewed for the broadcast was SLR Honda rider Mikayla Nielsen, in a feature on the Women's Motocross Championship, which will be featured in a showcase race at the SMX World Championship Final in September.

・Hunter Lawrence placed fourth in 450SX combined qualifying. Quad Lock Honda rider Joey Savatgy turned in the seventh-fastest time overall, followed by teammates Christian Craig in 14th and Shane McElrath in 17th. Other Red Riders included John Short IV in 28th (Short Racing), Zack Williams in 31st (McGinley Clinic) and Luke Kalaitzian in 33rd (Kalaitzian Brothers Racing).

・In 250SX combined qualifying, participating Red Riders included SLR Honda racers Justin Rodbell and Matti Jorgensen in 17th and 27th, respectively; Next Level riders Hunter Schlosser and Colby Copp in 23rd and 28th; and Lasting Impressions' Ronnie Orres in 37th.

・Rodbell qualified directly through the 250 heat race, finishing seventh, while Schlosser and Copp advanced to the evening program through the 250 LCQ, in which they finished second and fourth, respectively.

・The first 450SX heat race saw Lawrence get a third-place start and hound Quad Lock Honda's Christian Craig for several laps before finally making the pass and holding second through the final three laps. Craig went on to finish fifth, and his teammate Joey Savatgy finished an impressive second in the second heat race. Another Quad Lock Honda rider-Shane McElrath-won the LCQ.

・Lawrence participated in the Feld-organized podium-finisher media scrum following the 450SX main event.

・With Hunter Lawrence finishing second and Eli Tomac finishing outside the top 10, the Honda HRC Progressive rider is the new leader of the championship, five points ahead of Ken Roczen.

・Next up for Honda HRC Progressive is AMA Supercross round 6 this Saturday in Seattle.

Hunter Lawrence: "Second again-we just focus on the positive. I just felt a little flat; usually, around the 10-minute mark, I feel like, 'Alright, we're on,' but I couldn't quite get into that tonight. I tried to make a push at the end with Kenny [Roczen] and closed a little bit on him, but a little too late. The first thing I focus on is the start, and I saw Eli [Tomac] down when I came back on the start straight; that was obviously in my favor, but I just focused ahead. Kenny had the sand line really good. The majority of the day, the outside was a better run into that double-triple; I hadn't gone inside yet in the race, and I didn't realize how good it actually was. Sure enough, after I got passed [by Roczen], I went inside for the rest of the race, so that's on me. Before the beginning of the season, I had supercross circled on my calendar for this year. I'm happy to have the red plate-it's cool in the 450 Supercross Championship. I want to keep it, but I just want the red plate at the last round, plain and simple. From 2020, the amount of work to be here, it's kind of tough to put into words how much goes into getting to this point, but it is pretty damn cool." 

Lars Lindstrom: "It's crazy to think that we're almost one-third of the way through the series already, and to be this far in and take the red plate with Hunter is a fantastic feeling-and I think the best is yet to come! I really like Hunter's mentality, and I think we share it on the team as far as not getting too caught up and worrying about when we will win a race, and also to just focus on doing the best possible result every Saturday night, rather than worry about protecting the red plate. As long as we all do our job, and Hunter can do his, we should be in good shape. We're definitely excited to get on the road, on to other tracks that Hunter enjoys."

More from a press release issued by Yamaha:

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Cooper Webb makes championship gains with a third-place finish at Glendale Supercross, with Justin Cooper also taking a step forward in fourth.

Yes, the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Championship spans 17 rounds, but in a class stacked with championship-proven veterans and hungry young challengers, urgency sets in quickly when things aren't going to plan. Momentum matters. And for Cooper Webb, last weekend's win in Houston marked a major shift in the right direction. Now, with a third-place finish at Round 5 in Glendale, Arizona—a venue that has historically been a tough stop for the reigning champion—that momentum continues to build.

"Being on the podium here is a win for me," Webb said. "We'll start getting to these tracks that I really enjoy, so we're back in the swing of things, which is nice."

It wasn't just a good night for Webb. It was positive momentum for both riders on the team, with Justin Cooper continuing to make improvements—earning both his best heat race and main event result thus far this season.

"It was a pretty good day overall," said Rich Simmons, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's 450 Team Manager. "We made a few adjustments, mainly with Justin throughout the day. The main goal was improving in the whoops and the starts, and I felt like he improved with both. He skimmed the whoops all night, got himself a good start, and rode really well in the main event. For Webb, it was another solid night here. It's been a tough place for him to come to and get a good result over the years, and now he has two podiums, two years in a row, which is pretty good."

From the start of the day at State Farm Stadium, both Webb and Cooper showed speed, posting solid qualifying times and getting good starts. It was also a good battle between the two in that first 450SX Heat Race of the evening, with Cooper making a pass on Webb around the halfway point and finishing third.

Then, in the main event, it was another good start with Webb making moves early to third. He tried to close the gap to the front, but ultimately was happy to score valuable points with the final podium spot. The result moved him up to fourth in the standings, now just 15 points from the leader.

"Glendale Supercross was a good night for me, overall," Webb reflected. "Qualifying was good, and I felt good all day. I was able to get a good start in the main event, get into third, and kind of rode there all night. I was there with Hunter (Lawrence) for a little bit, and then, the boys just kind of got me. But, overall, I'm happy with the night. For me, this is a place that isn't my favorite, so it's good to get a podium here. We'll keep the ball rolling."

For Cooper, Glendale marked a noticeable step forward. After passing Webb in the heat race, the New Yorker rode away to a secure third, earning a strong gate pick for the main event. He backed it up with another good start, slotting in behind his teammate before moving into fourth on Lap 2, maintaining the position to the finish.

"I got decent starts in the heat and the main," Cooper said. "I felt like I had a good pace going at the front. I made a few mistakes in the middle, just trying to push. This track is a little bit hard to push on, so you almost have to relax a bit to find a better flow to move forward, and that's kind of what I started to find towards the end."

Like Webb, Cooper left Arizona encouraged by the progress, and excited for when the series heads east.

"It was a big improvement from last weekend," Cooper said. "Fourth place on a track and dirt that I usually struggle on a lot was really good. I was close to the podium, but we'll take it as a win, and we'll move on to next weekend in Seattle. Then we go east. I'm excited for the rounds coming up and dirt that suits me a little bit more."

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Haiden Deegan continues to raise the bar in the 250SX West Championship, further strengthening his title defense.

It's been full steam ahead for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Haiden Deegan since San Diego Supercross. The 20-year-old has been unstoppable, and at Round 5 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX West Championship, he delivered another masterclass performance at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The reigning champ continued to add to his list of accomplishments in what is his final title campaign aboard the YZ250F. Thus far in 2026, Deegan has notched four consecutive wins - including a Triple Crown sweep in Houston - four heat race wins, and four straight fastest qualifier honors. He added to the momentum in Glendale with a pair of holeshots, one in the heat race and one in the main event, allowing him to lead from start to finish on the technical track.

"Four in a row, and it was another perfect day, so yeah, it's amazing," Deegan said about the day. "The track was pretty technical in the main event, pretty slick, but we were able to make it happen. I finally pulled a holeshot in the main event, so that was very nice. That's a wrap on Glendale. Now we're on to Seattle."

Deegan now holds a commanding 27-point lead at the halfway mark of the 250SX West Championship. With one round remaining before the series break, he's focused on keeping the momentum rolling while also looking ahead to what's next.

"I'm so excited to get on a 450 and start getting ready for outdoors," Deegan said. "These races have been solid. It's been lots of hard work with the family and the team, and my bike has been amazing. Man, this feels good. The hard work that I put in during the preseason, it paid off, and it shows you who works and who doesn't."

After a tough outing in Houston, Michael Mosiman rebounded with a strong performance in Glendale. The Californian got a solid start in his heat race, running third before making the pass for second on Lap 3 and riding a smart race to the finish. In the main event, Mosiman once again got a strong start and slotted into second behind Deegan, holding the position for much of the race. Late pressure saw him lose spots to Levi Kitchen and Cameron McAdoo in the closing laps, ultimately finishing fourth. The result, however, moved him back into second in the championship standings.

"Glendale delivered a solid points night," Mosiman said. "Qualifying wasn't where I wanted it to be, but I had confidence in my riding and my abilities going into the main event. My starts were strong, which was a big focus for me after last weekend, so that was a positive takeaway. Losing the podium in the final laps was frustrating, and that's on me. I know exactly where I need to improve, and I'm confident I can make those adjustments to finish races stronger. I've worked hard to get back to a place where I'm consistently fighting for podiums, and the same determination and resilience that got me here will keep driving me forward. A big thank you to the team for their effort and support."

Max Anstie's night proved challenging. He got a flying start to the first heat race of the evening, but unfortunately went wide and off track, rejoining towards the back of the field. The British rider put his head down, making an impressive charge through to fifth, but then a bad start in the main event made for an uphill battle. In 16th after the opening lap, he charged his way through to eighth by the halfway mark, where he would ultimately finish.

"It was not a good day today," said Anstie. "I got a bad start in the main and only made it back to eighth. I did all that I could, but it wasn't good enough tonight."

"It was definitely nice for Haiden to leave here with another pretty perfect night," said Wil Hahn, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's 250 Team General Manager. "Mosi (Michael Mosiman) was riding well and unfortunately lost the podium at the end of the race, but he's second in the championship. Max just had an off night. We need a nice reset and will come back next weekend."

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing will be looking to finish on a high note before the Western Divisional 250 class goes on break. They head to Seattle, Washington, next weekend for Round 6 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the Monster Energy SMX World Championship series at Lumen Field on February 14.

More from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing:

Jorge Prado continues 450SX progression with Glendale Top-Five. 

A top-five result for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Jorge Prado marked another impressive performance at Glendale's fifth round of the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship, with the Spaniard topping the 450SX qualifying timesheets, claiming a convincing Heat Race victory, and finishing fifth in Saturday night's premier class Main Event.

The four-time world champion continued his progression in the 2026 SMX World Championship season inside State Farm Stadium, posting the fastest qualifying time in the afternoon with a 56.451s lap on the high-speed, technical Arizona layout.

The 25-year-old followed that by controlling 450SX Heat 2 from start to finish onboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, before a top-10 start translated into a composed fifth-place result in the Main Event to conclude round five of the series. With his Glendale finish, Prado advances to seventh position in the championship standings.

Jorge Prado: "My start was actually very good, it was just that I didn't have much space entering the first corner. But still, I managed to get around the turn decently, and then I was battling back and forth with Justin [Cooper], which made me get a little bit tight. I ended up bringing it home in P5, which I would say is a solid night. We're getting better and better with P1 in qualifying and the Heat Race, and then fifth in the Main Event is a good progression. I am happy with my riding and effort, so thanks to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team - they're doing a great job, we have a great bike, and hopefully I can put it on the box again soon."

Entering the Glendale round as the 450SX red plate-holder, Eli Tomac arrived READY TO RACE on his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION and charged to the second-fastest time during the qualifying sessions, only marginally behind teammate Prado.

A strong start in 450SX Heat 1 saw the two-time Supercross champion take the holeshot, going on to control the race from the front as he recorded a decisive 5.987s victory and secured a strong gate selection for the Main Event.

The Colorado native endured a challenging start to the 450SX race, however, after being caught up in a multi-rider, first turn incident, before remounting to make a determined climb from the rear of the field to finish 12th, salvaging valuable championship points in the process. Tomac is now positioned third in the series, eight points outside of the lead.

Eli Tomac: "I put myself in a position where bad things can happen. I got a little pinched at the start and then got taken out - so I don't know what happened before that, all I know is, I was done. It took me a little while to get warmed up again, kind of got my body loosened up and going, and that's what I had to get back to 12th. The good thing is, we're not too far down - we're fine - so we'll just have to do some digging now."

Also equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Aaron Plessinger qualified a promising ninth overall during the afternoon sessions, later claiming a direct transfer to the 450SX Main Event courtesy of a sixth-place finish in his Heat Race.

'The Cowboy' then battled inside the top-10 throughout the Main Event in Arizona and ultimately claimed eighth position when the checkered flag flew, providing a solid platform to build upon entering the middle stages of the Supercross season.

Aaron Plessinger: "Glendale was a step in the right direction. The result may not show it, but the last few weeks have been really tough, so this week was a lot better as a stepping stone and I think we are on the way to turning things around. I felt better on the bike - that was my first 20-minute moto since San Diego - and it is safe to say that things have been up and down. But, either way, we are moving forward, and that's a positive for us. We'll go back, do some more homework this week, and show up for Seattle! I'm ready to go."

Next Race: February 14 - Seattle, Washington

More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Kawasaki:

Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders Levi Kitchen and Cameron McAdoo powered to another double podium finish at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Glendale, Arizona. Kitchen earned a hard-fought second-place finish, while McAdoo rode a consistent race to cross the line just behind his teammate in third. Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Chase Sexton battled through a challenging race to secure seventh place, while Garrett Marchbanks continued his steady progression with a solid performance, finishing with his best result of the season in 13th place.

In 250SX Qualifying, Kitchen laid down consistently fast laps, briefly topping the board during the second session before ending second overall. McAdoo delivered two solid sessions as well, showing strong speed in the second session to take third overall, behind his teammate.

In Heat 1, Kitchen pulled a strong start, swapping positions with the riders around him through the opening lap. The No. 47 Kawasaki quickly charged forward, joining a tight three-rider battle at the front. Kitchen then pushed past two riders to take second in the heat race, while also recording the fastest lap of the race and half of the fastest sector times. In Heat 2, McAdoo launched out of the gate and rounded the first turn in second. Caught up in rider traffic, he was shuffled back a few positions before finding open track and charging back to third in the closing laps.

In the 250 Main Event, McAdoo rocketed out of the gate aboard his KX250, rounding the first turn in third before battling with other riders on the opening lap. Kitchen, meanwhile, had a less-than-ideal start and would come out of the opening lap towards the back of the pack. Undeterred, Kitchen made strategic passes on his charge to the front of the field. McAdoo made a bold pass to move back into third, while Kitchen continued his charge forward, breaking the Top 5 by the midway point. Focused on the front, Kitchen reached his teammate and made an assertive pass to take over a podium position before advancing into second place before the checkered flag waved. In his rally to the finish, the No. 47 passed an impressive 17 riders and posted the fastest time in three sectors. After being pushed back to fourth, McAdoo kept his sights firmly on the podium and, with two laps remaining, made the move for third to secure another finish on the box. Overall, the night ended with both 250 Class riders moving up one position in the championship standings, with McAdoo now fifth and Kitchen sixth overall.

Levi Kitchen: "It was a pretty good night. There were a lot of positives, but my Achilles heel this season has been my starts, and that's something I plan to work on all week in practice. I'm happy with my riding, so I don't feel like I need to make any adjustments in that area. Overall, I'm satisfied with my result tonight, but I know I can do better. I would've liked to catch up to the front more, but with how spread out the field was, you can't expect to make up that much time. This week, I'm going to stay in California with the team and head into Seattle looking for better results. I've just got to keep working and keep pushing."

Cameron McAdoo: I had to fight for that one tonight, but I felt the best I've felt throughout a main event in a while. I got passed back to fourth on the first lap due to a line choice. I focused on where I was going and picked apart the different lines and where I could make passes. I knew where I could be better once I focused on my race, and I passed Ryder [DiFrancesco] back. I made a mistake later on with around three laps to go, and my teammate, Levi [Kitchen], passed me. I looked up, and I saw Michael Mosiman in front of me, and I knew I could make up another position since he was close. I wasn't done; I knew I was going to get a podium tonight.Having my sister here meant a lot, and that gave me some extra motivation. I can't thank my team enough for sticking with me through the early rounds. This one was special, and it felt great to put two Pro Circuit bikes on the podium again."

In 450SX Qualifying, Sexton used the first session to learn the track while still posting strong laps to clock the fastest time in sectors four and six. After making adjustments to the bike, the No. 4 Kawasaki felt stronger in the second session, able to push to fifth overall. Marchbanks felt comfortable on the track as well, turning in his best qualifying result of the season with 12th overall.

In Heat 1, Marchbanks pulled a strong start and positioned himself just outside the Top 5. The No. 36 Kawasaki rode consistent laps as he held his ground to finish sixth and transfer directly into the main event. In Heat 2, Sexton had a less-than-ideal start, slipping to mid-pack down the start straight. Sexton powered through the field to finish fifth while setting the fastest lap time of the race.

In the 450 Main Event, Sexton found himself off balance out of the gate while Marchbanks skillfully avoided a multi-rider crash down the start straight. Sexton emerged in 13th, with Marchbanks close behind in 16th. Both riders put their heads down and charged forward through the field. Sexton never stopped pushing, clocking fast laps and the fastest time in three sectors, but he ultimately settled for seventh on the night. Marchbanks worked his way up to 11th but started to tighten up in the closing minutes and slipped to 13th. A solid effort from the No. 36 as he captured his best result thus far this season and continues to progress in the class.

Chase Sexton: "Not the results I was looking for today. We had some positive moments to take away from the day and some adjustments we made to the bike that are going in the right direction. I felt like I had the speed all day to run up front, but my starts were holding me back today from being up there. In the main event, I really had to work to get up to where I did. Seventh was unfortunately all I had in me today, and I'm not satisfied with it. We'll continue to test and build this week and look towards Seattle."

Garrett Marchbanks: "We made really good progress during the week leading into Glendale. We put in a lot of time on Tuesday and Wednesday to get the bike dialed in. We put in about 100-120 laps altogether in just those two days of riding. We made a lot of changes to the bike to help me feel more comfortable. I wanted to make adjustments that would make me feel more at home when we go racing, and I felt like we made the right decisions during this week to lead to that this weekend. In qualifying, I felt really good in both sessions and qualified my best in the second session. In the main event, I didn't get the best start and had some riders flinch on the gate near me that didn't help. There was a big first turn crash that I was able to avoid, and I made some good passes midway through the race. I got up to 11th and started to lose my flow in the last five minutes. I'm working on getting up to race pace shape with the longer format in the premier class, but I'm happy with 13th, my best result of the season so far. We'll keep moving forward and look to next weekend."

More from a press release issued by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna:

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna's Ryder DiFrancesco races to P5 in 250SX at Glendale.

DiFrancesco displayed exceptional pace from the outset on the sprawling State Farm Stadium layout, qualifying fifth on combined times aboard his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition ahead of the night program.

The 20-year-old was up-front early in 250SX Heat 2 before a fall in the challenging sand section dropped him toward the rear of the field. However, the Californian would mount an impressive recovery ride, climbing through the pack to secure a hard-fought eighth-place finish and a direct transfer to the Main Event.

A solid start and Main Event performance saw DiFrancesco run inside the top-three throughout the opening stages, before ultimately earning a consistent fifth-place result, taking valuable championship points and climbing to third in the championship entering Seattle next weekend.

"Glendale was good," recalled DiFrancesco. "I started off the day really fast in qualifying and then ended up going down in the Heat Race, but managed to fight my way back to eighth. That gave me a bad gate pick, but I positioned myself really well, actually, to start the Main Event. I ran third for a while, and lost a couple of places from there, so we have some work that needs doing between now and the next one, but I like the ruts and I like Seattle. We'll make some tweaks and come out swinging next weekend!"

More from a press release issued by Red Bull Ducati Factory:

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing's Dylan Ferrandis Stays Steady Under Pressure.

Sunnyvale, CA, February 8, 2026 — The Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Team delivered a substantial performance in sunny, hot conditions at the Glendale Supercross, a race defined by the longest start straight of the season and by full-throttle intensity throughout the night.

The Glendale track was built to emphasize power and starts, and the Ducati Desmo450 MX rose to the challenge. Improved launches off the start throughout the day highlighted the bike's horsepower and marked a clear step forward for the team. Although the morning began with setup challenges, the crew worked through the issues, ultimately identifying and correcting, turning the day into a positive step in overall development.

Dylan Ferrandis entered the weekend under the weather but ready to push forward. The day took an early hurdle during Qualifying 1 when Ferrandis was struck by a rock from another rider, resulting in a laceration to his eyebrow that required stitches and forced him to retire early from the session.

With limited track time compared to the rest of the field, Ferrandis returned for Qualifying 2, finishing 15th overall and lining up for Heat Race 2.

In the heat race, Ferrandis delivered one of the highlights of the night with a strong start, a major positive for the team after prioritizing starts and starting positions. Running fourth off the gate in a stacked heat, he ultimately finished 8th.

Ferrandis carried momentum into the Main Event with another excellent start, crossing the line around fourth place on the opening lap. After being shuffled just outside the top five early, he battled in the 7th-8th range before settling into 9th by lap nine, where he would finish. The result marked his fourth top-ten finish of the season and his third ninth-place result.

"It was overall a very difficult day for me," said Dylan Ferrandis. "I came to this race a little sick. Then 1st practice, I was hit by a rock… and I cut my eyebrow and I had to pull out from the practice to go stitches. So we lost one full practice and track time and was struggling a lot with a good feeling on the track. I had great starts every time we were on track, so that was very, very positive for today. I struggled a bit with the bike set up, and I made some change for main event and It was better. It was a bad beginning of the day but We salvaged to make at least the same result as my best result so far."

Despite the adversity, Glendale proved to be a valuable round for the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Team, showcasing improved starts, continued progress with the Desmo450 MX, and the resilience to turn a difficult beginning into another solid top-ten finish.

The post Supercross: More From Teams at Glendale appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

In the first half of 2025, KTM seemed utterly lost. The Austrian factory had two new riders in Tech3, Pedro Acosta having graduated to the factory team alongside Brad Binder. In the satellite Tech3 squad, Enea Bastianini floundered, while Maverick Viñales went about the business of being fast, blithely unaware of the fact that no one else in KTM seemed to know how to make the 2025 RC16 work.

It was obvious to even the most casual observer that KTM were struggling. Four riders had four different bikes, and each seemed to be pursuing their own direction. There was no sense that anyone had a clear idea of how the RC16 was supposed to work. It felt like KTM were just throwing parts at the bike in the hope that they would spontaneously self-organize into a race-winning motorcycle.

• Read more about Sepang MotoGP Test Analysis, Part 3: A Photo Essay Deep Dive Into KTM - Starting From A Better Place
• Log in or register to post comments

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, announced today that tickets are officially on sale for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track. Scheduled for Saturday, March 21, the event marks Round 3 of the 2026 season and the series' anticipated return to the red clay of Senoia Raceway.

The Georgia venue has quickly cemented its reputation as a pivotal stop on the circuit. For the past three seasons, the high-banked, 3/8-mile oval has served as a springboard for championship battles that lasted until the final checkered flag of the season. Last season, Briar Bauman brought home the Harley-Davidson XG750R's maiden Mission AFT SuperTwins win, setting the stage for a months-long duel with Dallas Daniels, who ultimately prevailed to secure the 2025 Mission AFT SuperTwins Championship.

The 2026 edition of the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track promises an expanded slate of action featuring four distinct classes: Mission AFT SuperTwins, KICKER AFT Singles, AFT AdventureTrackers and the emerging AFT ProSport 450. It will mark the first time both the AFT AdventureTrackers and AFT ProSport 450 take to the red clay of Senoia Raceway.

Originally built in 1969 by Hence Pollard, the facility has undergone a modern resurgence under the leadership of the Pollard family and short-track standout Bubba Pollard. Beyond the on-track competition, fans can enjoy a festival-style atmosphere that includes live music, a premier fireworks display, an interactive Fan Zone and Kids Zone, multi-day camping opportunities and a variety of local food vendors.

A wide range of ticketing options and premium experiences are available for fans of all ages. General admission tickets are priced at $50 for adults, while students can attend for $30 with valid student identification presented at the event. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with the purchase of a paid adult ticket. Reserved Grandstand seating is available for all ages, with Row 1 priced at $70 and Rows 2 and above available for $60.

Fans looking to get closer to the action can enhance their race day with the Trackside Fan Experience. Opening Ceremonies access includes infield viewing of the opening ceremonies and one segment of racing action, priced at $135 for all ages or available as a $95 add-on to an existing ticket. Practice Viewing offers infield access for one segment of on-track action during practice sessions and is available for $110 for all ages or $70 as an add-on.

Pit access is also available, with Pit Passes priced at $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 12 and under. A Trackside Entry Ticket, available for all ages, is offered at $85. Reserved Trackside Parking can be purchased for $100 per vehicle, while Multi-Day Camping Passes are available for $75.

• To purchase Yamaha Atlanta Short Track tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-atlanta-short-track-165280

Don't miss the start of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season. The series kicks off the season with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6.

• To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack.

• Watch every race live on https://www.floracing.com.

• Grab the latest Grand National Championship gear at the American Flat Track online store at https://shop.americanflattrack.com.

The post AFT: Tickets on Sale Now for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

The 2026 season is officially underway for Bodie Paige and Jake Paige, as the brothers opened their Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup campaign with the first official test at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

This season, the Paige brothers are racing both the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup and the full MotoAmerica series.

Sepang Test Results - Day Two (Combined Sessions)

Tuesday's combined morning sessions delivered clear progress for both riders:

• Bodie Paige - 5th overall

Fastest lap: 2:17.613

• Jake Paige - 18th overall

Fastest lap: 2:19.310

Tuesday afternoon, the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup riders completed a 10-lap race simulation, where Bodie Paige delivered an impressive performance to take the win, while fellow Australian Jake Paige finished ninth as he continued building race pace and consistency.

The post Moto4 Asia Talent Cup: Positive Sepang Tests for Paige Brothers appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

The 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will once again take place over 12 rounds and 36 races. The season will start in Phillip Island with the Australian Round on February 21st and while there are many changes for the coming campaign one thing remains constant, WorldSBK is Pure Motorsport.

Armed with the fastest production derived motorcycles in the world the 22 rider field will deliver excitement at every round. History has proven that in this championship that the rider has been the biggest factor in making the difference between success and failure. For the six manufacturers on the grid they'll be hoping that their line-up proves pivotal in getting the most from their machinery and delivering success throughout the campaign.

The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team enters the season as the reigning Riders' Championship holder but with a new line-up. Miguel Oliveira joins the series following a successful Grand Prix career that included race victories in all three classes, while three-time WorldSBK race winner Danilo Petrucci switches manufacturers after three seasons aboard Ducati machinery.

Ducati will once again be led by 2025 title runner-up Nicolo Bulega. The 26-year-old returns to the Aruba.It Racing - Ducati squad for his third Superbike season and will aim to become the first rider to win both Supersport and Superbike world titles. After finishing second in last year's championship despite 14 race wins, Bulega enters 2026 as the title favourite. Nicolo Bulega will line up alongside a new teammate in 2026, with Iker Lecuona replacing Alvaro Bautista in the Ducati factory squad. After four seasons with Honda HRC, Lecuona has shown encouraging form during pre-season testing aboard the updated Panigale V4 R. Ducati will also boast a formidable Independent line-up, headed by Bautista following the double World Champion's move to Barni Spark Racing Team. Sam Lowes will look to continue his upward momentum with the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team after securing a pole position last season.

• WORLDSBK ENTRY LIST

Yamaha heads into the new season with a revamped rider line-up, adding Xavi Vierge and reigning WorldSSP Champion Stefano Manzi. Manzi steps up to WorldSBK following his title-winning campaign, while Vierge arrives from Honda. After securing a race win last season through Andrea Locatelli, Yamaha will look to the Italian to lead its challenge, supported by former Moto2 World Champion Remy Gardner as he enters his fourth year in the championship.

Bimota and Kawasaki will retain unchanged line-ups for 2026. Alex Lowes delivered a strong return season for bimota, finishing sixth in the standings and claiming four podiums. The Italian marque will aim to build on that progress, with Axel Bassani targeting further gains. Kawasaki will again be represented by Garrett Gerloff as the sole rider for the brand.

Honda has bolstered its WorldSBK effort with the signing of two Moto2 race winners. Jake Dixon returns to Superbike competition after seven years in Grand Prix racing to contest his first full WorldSBK season, having previously appeared as a wildcard at Donington Park in 2017. He will be joined by Somkiat Chantra on the Honda CBR1000RR-R SP. Chantra is set to make history as the first full-time Thai rider in WorldSBK, though a pre-season injury will rule him out of the opening round.

WorldSBK boasts a rich heritage and celebrated its landmark 1,000th race last season. With only one Superbike World Champion on the grid for 2026, the stage is set for a new name to be written into the history books.

WorldSBK is back for more in 2026, with the season getting underway at the Australian Round at Phillip Island on 20-22 February.

With WorldSSP entering the fifth year of its "Next Generation" regulations, the series continues to grow in stature. This season, eight manufacturers will take to the grid, with ZXMOTO joining in 2026. The Chinese manufacturer has partnered with the World Championship-winning Evan Bros Racing team and will field two bikes for Valentin Debise and Federico Caricasulo. The regulations allow a wide range of machinery to be competitive, with the grid featuring two-, three-, and four-cylinder machines. Last year, four manufacturers claimed victories, and with double WorldSSP champion Dominique Aegerter returning to the class, Kawasaki will be confident of winning races for the first time since 2023.

Last year's champion, Manzi, has been promoted to the Superbike class, but the majority of last year's front-runners will be back for 2026. Can Oncu replaces Manzi at the Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing squad, and having proven himself with six victories last year, the Turkish rider will be the early-season favourite. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) and Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) return to the class this year and will be confident of adding to their race-winning pedigree, while former champions like Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) and Aegerter will look to return to the front of the field.

• WORLDSSP ENTRY LIST

WorldSBK will feature a new class in 2026, with the FIM Sportbike World Championship making its debut at the Portuguese Round. With six manufacturers competing, the new class has already proven very popular, with Aprilia and Suzuki returning to the paddock.

The Portuguese Round will also be the first round of the WorldWCR season, with Maria Herrera returning as the defending champion. 

2026 FIM REGULATIONS

The post WorldSBK Set for a Wide-Open 2026 Season appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Xavi Vierge makes the move from Honda while Stefano Manzi joins as the WorldSSP Champion alongside Andrea Locatelli and Remy Gardner

Royalty Racing has announced that Carson King will enter the Supersport Championship for the 2026 MotoAmerica season.

King, who is from Caseyville, Illinois, will be aboard the #35 Suzuki GSX-R750 beginning next month when he races in his first Daytona 200. After progressing through both the Junior Cup Championship and the Talent Cup Championship where he recorded multiple top-four finishes and qualified on the front row multiple times, this will be the 17-year-old's third full season in MotoAmerica.

The move up to Supersport marks the next step in King's development as he faces a deeper, more experienced field of riders. Royalty Racing team owner Travis King commented, "Carson was a little bit oversized for the Talent Cup bike, and we're excited to see what he can do on a bike that fits him better and has plenty of power."

King and his Royalty Racing team are supported by Window Depot, MotoSetup Pro, Woodcraft Technologies, Dunlop, Bison, Helmet House, Shoei, and Vortex.

The Daytona 200 kicks off the 2026 MotoAmerica season on March 5 through 8 at Daytona International Speedway.

For the full 2026 MotoAmerica schedule and to purchase tickets for MotoAmerica events, click HERE

For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica series, click HERE

The post MotoAmerica: King Moves Up To Supersport For 2026 appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Thousands of motorcycle riders again made their annual pilgrimage to Southland for the 19th annual Burt Munro Challenge festival this year and all were rewarded with special memories to cherish.

Perhaps the most special moments of all, however, belonged to Bay of Plenty racer Mitch Rees as he took his Honda CBR1000RR-R to a perfect run of wins in two separate elements of the week-long extravaganza.

The 33-year-old businessman from Whakatane, the multi-time and current champion in both the New Zealand Superbike Championships and the popular Suzuki International Series as well, proved to be almost unstoppable at the opening event of the multi-discipline four-day festival on Thursday, despite extra challenges being put in front of him.

Rees headed off Wakefield rider Angus Phyn in the series of sprint races to the top of Bluff Hill, recapturing the trophy he had also collected when he won the same race at the Bluff Hill event the last time he raced there in 2018.

His father, Tony Rees (on an identical Honda CBR1000RR-R) is currently recovering from an injury sustained while racing at Manfeild in December - he won the Bluff Hill race last season (and also in 2023, and 2024) - and he acted as his son's mechanic during this year's Burt Munro Challenge.

Meanwhile, the reigning national superbike champion was on a mission at the Teretonga Park, the venue hosting the second round of four in the 2026 New Zealand Superbike Championships (NZSBK), with this separate two-day event being included within the Burt Munro Challenge programme.

However, while the elite 1000cc Formula One and superbike class riders were being raced on the track simultaneously, the two classes were scored separately.

Even so, Mitch Rees qualified fastest rider over both categories at the weekend and, despite a massive delay between when the NZSBK riders were set off at the race start and the Burt Munro F1 riders were released, Rees made short work of powering through the entire gaggle of bikes, impressively winning the first combined race of the weekend.

Rees was further nobbled in the last race on Sunday, the delay increased further between when the NZSBK riders were started and the F1 Burt Munro categories were launched, and he was unfortunately unable to bridge the gap in the short eight-lap race.

Mitch Rees was unbeaten in his four F1 race category outings over Saturday and Sunday, with Richmond rider Heath Botica (Ducati V4S 1100) finishing F1 class runner-up.

"I was forced to start behind the superbike riders and then battle through traffic in all the races, but I had a lot of fun," said Rees afterwards.

"I set a new track record at the same time.

"I'm going international for the next wee while and that's why I'm not defending my superbike crown in the nationals this season," he explained.

"I have the Isle of Man races coming up in May and June, but, before that, I will race a couple of rounds of the British Superbike Championships in early May and also the North-west 200 in Northern Ireland that same month."

Meanwhile, as regards the off-road brigade, the popular beach race phase of the Burt Munro Challenge again attracted hundreds of riders to Oreti Beach from all over New Zealand and from overseas too.

Southlander Johnny Racz (Honda CRF450, from Otautau) was simply too quick for his rivals, winning the main 50-lap feature race, finishing two laps ahead of runner-up rider Matthew Davies (Husqvarna FC450), of Australia.

With these major event wins ticked off, the Honda brigade certainly had reason to celebrate the Burt Munro Challenge 2026.

The post Burt Munro Challenge: Honda Rider Rees Dominates the Field appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

The 2026 season is officially underway for Bodie Paige and Jake Paige, as the brothers opened their Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup campaign with the first official test at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

This season, the Paige brothers are racing both the Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup and the full MotoAmerica series.

Sepang Test Results - Day One (Combined Sessions)

Monday's combined morning and afternoon sessions delivered clear progress for both riders:

• Bodie Paige - 9th overall

Fastest lap: 2:18.871

• Jake Paige - 20th overall

Fastest lap: 2:20.773

In a 22-rider international field, Bodie finished inside the top 10, less than two seconds from the fastest time, while Jake continued to build pace on a challenging circuit.

Highlights from Day One can be viewed HERE

The Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup is a key step on the Road to MotoGP, running alongside select MotoGP events across Asia and the Pacific region. The official 2026 series schedule can be found below.

The post Moto4 Asia Cup: Bodie & Jake Paige Open 2026 with Sepang Test appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Jorge Martin has been given the all clear by doctors to travel to Buriram for the final test of the 2026 MotoGP preseason.On Monday, he had a medical check at the Hospital Ruber Internacional in Madrid to assess his left scaphoid and right collarbone. That doctors gave a positive assessment to his recovery from surgery in mid December, allowing him to travel to Buriram in the hope of taking part in the test.

The factory Aprilia rider will have to pass a physical evaluation by the MotoGP medical team before he is actually allowed to ride, but in most cases, that is almost a formality, as the medical team treating the rider's injuries will have been in touch with the MotoGP medical team after the examination.

The news that Martin has been allowed to travel to Buriram makes it almost certain that the Aprilia rider will be able to compete in the Thai GP, the opening round of 2026, barring injury during the test. 

• Read more about Jorge Martin Given Go Ahead To Travel To Buriram MotoGP Test
• Log in or register to post comments

Former Grand Prix crew chief Peter Bom traveled to Sepang for the first tests of the 2026 MotoGP season, and he sits down with Roadracing World MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley to share his first-hand insights in the latest edition of the Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast.

Listen to the podcast here:

The post Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: What Happens In Sepang … appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.

Two big names from the MotoGP paddock make the jump into WorldSBK in 2026!