Nicolo Bulega was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, in Spain. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.75-mile (4.42 km) track, the Italian recorded a 1:38.155 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Sam Lowes was the best of the rest with a 1:38.407 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.
Bulega's teammate, Iker Lecuona was third-fastest with a 1:38.489.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 13th with a 1:39.631 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Danilo Petrucci was 17th with a time of 1:39.926 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR.
WSBK FP1
More, from a press release issued by WSBK:
Bulega beats Sam Lowes to P1 in WorldSBK FP1, Lecuona completes top three. The 2026 Champion started his weekend in the perfect fashion by taking top spot by a quarter of a second.
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) claimed P1 by more than two tenths in Free Practice 1 in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. The Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, Andalucia is hosting all the action of the Pirelli Spanish Round, with Bulega leading Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and teammate Iker Lecuona in the first session of the final round of 2026.
Bulega will be aiming to end his last weekend in WorldSBK with another treble, and he started the action at Jerez by claiming P1 in Free Practice 1. He set a 1'38.155s, coming in an ultra-consistent opening stint where he was faster than anyone else on all but three laps in his 10-lap run. He was 0.252s clear of Sam Lowes, with the #14 looking to get back on form after a tricky Estoril. He posted a 1'38.407s to finish in second, ahead of Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati). The #7 was around a tenth back from the Brit as he posted a 1'38.489s.
Iker Lecuona (7) at Jerez. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) will be aiming to secure third in the standings in Race 1, and he finished FP1 in fourth place with a fastest time of a 1'38.521s, 0.366s slower than Bulega. Rookie Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) was fifth with a late lap as the #67 aims to keep up his strong form after taking three podiums at Estoril. He finished with a 1'38.597s. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) claimed sixth place and is the only rider who can usurp Montella in the battle for bronze, although he sits 53 points behind the #5. The Bimota rider set a 1'38.625s to take P6 in the morning session.
Sam Lowes (14) at Jerez. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven), fresh from his contract renewal with GoEleven Ducati, was seventh as he lapped just over half-a-second slower than Bulega. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) ensured both Bimotas were in the top eight with a 1'38.580s while Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) and Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) rounded out the top ten.
The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:
- Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) 1'38.155s
- Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.252s
- Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) +0.334s
- Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.366s
- Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) +0.442s
- Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.470s
Watch every moment from WorldSBK FP2 at 15:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass - now only €4.99!
The post WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Opening Practice At Jerez appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
Iconic insurance specialist Shannons is the new naming rights partner for the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), extending its already significant commitment to local motorsport competition into the nation's premier motorcycle circuit racing arena.
Shannons, which has brought together enthusiasts who share a genuine passion for motorcycles and cars for over half a century, is joining forces with ASBK as it makes a landmark switch to a summer-based calendar for the first time since the championship's inception in 1989.
The ASBK summer calendar will also present opportunities for international teams and riders, as well as high-profile expatriates such as Jack Miller, to make their way Down Under to battle against Australia's best riders - adding more spice to an already fiercely contested championship.
The 2027 Shannons Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli will officially commence alongside the 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island from October 23-25, with a huge field of 32 riders to contest the season opener in front of tens of thousands of spectators.
ASBK then visits The Bend (November 13-15, 2026), One Raceway (December 4-6, 2026), Queensland Raceway (January 15-17, 2027) and Phillip Island (February 19-21, 2027) before the grand finale at Sydney Motorsport Park (March 19-20, 2027).
Shannons will not only be a huge ASBK presence in terms of sponsorship and brand recognition, but will also be in attendance at all six rounds of the 2027 season with exciting fan activations.
Shannons was founded by the late Robert Shannon with a steadfast belief that enthusiasts deserved something different - insurance and adjacent services designed for everything from classic restorations to modern collectibles. It's a philosophy that still resonates sharply today.
Shannons' product catalogue includes motorcycle, car and home insurance, and it also actively supports a wide variety of two- and four-wheel events.
For more information on the company's suite of products, visit www.shannons.com.au. Also, stay connected with Shannons' social channels for the latest on news, events and competitions.
With Shannons the new naming rights sponsor of the ASBK Championship, Motorcycling Australia members will be able to benefit from a range of great deals - including discounts on motorcycle insurance.
To purchase tickets for round one of the 2027 Shannons Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli at Phillip Island from October 23-25, click here.
Jonathan Nahlous (20), Anthony West (13) and Josh Waters (1) during a superbike race in 2026.
Campbell Wright, Executive General Manager, Shannons: "Shannons is extremely proud to join forces with Motorcycling Australia and the Australian Superbike Championship as it embarks on a new era of summer competition.
"Shannons is the original insurance for motoring enthusiasts, and this new partnership is a commitment to supporting our passionate community, no matter if you are aligned with two-wheels or four.
"Motorcycling fans across the country are going to have access to the new Shannons SuperRig at every round of the ASBK Championship, along with community bike nights held at Shannons showrooms where you will be able to meet and greet some of the ASBK riders and teams.
"We are excited for the summer ahead and look forward to getting behind all of the teams, riders, officials and volunteers in what is set to be an evolution of Superbike racing in this country."
Peter Doyle, CEO, Motorcycling Australia: "There are insurance companies and then there's Shannons - an institution in Australia and one that embodies passion, enthusiasm and six decades of unrivalled excellence.
"Shannons is an amazing success story, and we're ecstatic that it will be partnering with the ASBK Championship to showcase Australia's circuit racing talent in the best possible light."
For more information on the 2027 Shannons Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli:
The post ASBK Names Shannons as New Title Sponsor appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
Ed Bargy, AHRMA's longtime National Starter and flagger, officially retired from the role this past weekend after waving the green flag for the final race of the final day of the 21st Annual Barber Vintage Festival at Barber Motorsports Park.
Bargy, who has been a fixture at AHRMA road race events for years, brought decades of experience, precision, and a deep commitment to safety to every start. His presence on the grid—calm, authoritative, and focused—helped ensure clean, safe launches for competitors across the full spectrum of AHRMA classes, from pure vintage machines to modern Sound of Thunder and Formula bikes.
Bargy has been involved in nearly every aspect of motorsports since he was introduced to racing at a 5/8-mile oval by his brother-in-law in 1955. He earned his first trophy at age 11 racing hydroplane boats. While stationed in England in the early 1960s, he was introduced to motorcycle road racing and set up a street-based training course for airmen. A winning motorcycle racer (including regional and national championships with WERA, CMA, and various amateur clubs), he also helped establish WERA. He is the founder and operator of the Ed Bargy Motorcycle Racing School, widely regarded as one of the oldest and most comprehensive advanced riding schools in the country. His résumé further includes work as a Senior National Race Director and National Starter with WERA, race announcer, safety crew member and trainer, track designer (once called "the King of Track Layout" by WERA), and safety consultant for both WERA and AHRMA. He has authored books on racing technique and track design and has coached riders since 1968.
Among his lasting contributions to race safety, Bargy was the first to require the red flag at all corner stations (rather than only at the start/finish line), established the requirement for two ALS ambulances (instead of a single BLS unit) as the standard for road-race events, and created standardized motorcycle corner-worker procedures distinct from the auto-racing standards then in use. In 2022, AHRMA formally named him its Official Starter and partnered with him on advanced riding workshops at selected events.
While Bargy is stepping away from flagging duties with AHRMA, he continues to operate his racing school and remains active in the broader motorsports community.
Ed Bargy. Photo by Leasha Overturf.
"It's been an honor to work with the AHRMA racers and crew all these years," said Bargy. "The starts are the most critical moment of any race, and I've always tried to do it right—for the safety of the riders and the quality of the racing. AHRMA has a special atmosphere, and I'm proud to have been part of it. I'll miss the flag, but it's time."
Leasha Overturf, AHRMA Road Race Director, added: "As I transitioned from racer to Road Race Director, Ed Bargy was tremendously helpful. He was not only a mentor, but also a cornerstone of our race program, bringing safety, professionalism, and consistency to every start. His guidance, support, and teamwork have been invaluable throughout the years.
I always knew the day would come when he would retire, but that didn't make the announcement any easier to hear. I am deeply grateful for everything Ed has contributed to our sport and our organization. His presence, leadership, and steady hand will be greatly missed on the grid."
Greg "GT" Tomlinson, Chairman of the AHRMA Board of Trustees, said: "Ed Bargy has been a fixture of AHRMA since its inception, and while he may be retiring as our official flagger, he'll always be so much more than our starter. Ed is an inspiration, and his knowledge, professionalism, and presence in our road race paddock are part of AHRMA's institutional fabric.
As a racer, if you've ever had the good fortune of starting a race with Ed, you know exactly what I mean. After Ed, every other starter seems second rate! When he leaned in on the "two board" from the start tower, you could feel his intensity, as if he were racing right alongside you. I know it sure ramped up my own intensity, and my bike's revs!
As Chairman, working with Ed has been an absolute delight. His decades of experience brought a steadfast professionalism to our entire Road Race team, and his sage-like advice has been invaluable. We'll miss that wisdom, but more than anything, we'll miss having Ed right there with us.
I was proud to be on hand for his final throw of the checkered flag. It was a special moment, and one I won't forget. Ed, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have raced with you, worked alongside you, and called you a friend. I'm humbled to have been part of your journey and to have started and worked with the best. Thank you for everything you've given AHRMA, Ed. You've left an indelible mark on this club, and you'll always have a place in our paddock."
AHRMA thanks Ed for his many contributions and looks forward to seeing him at future events in a different capacity.
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With nearly 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
The post Longtime AHRMA Starter Ed Bargy Throws His Final Flag at Barber appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
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Foto: Flickr (Tony Blazier)
As the world leader in crash protection products for motorcycles, R&G has been protecting riders around the world for over 25 years. Now, American riders can have peace of mind that their bike is protected in the event of a drop or fall thanks to a new partnership between R&G and distributor Twisted Throttle.
Having had a strong presence in the United States for several years, including prominent sponsorship of the MotoAmerica series, the new partnership with Twisted Throttle will allow even more motorcyclists to access R&G's ever-growing range of crash protection and styling accessories.
With a stock of core crash protection products already available, dealers and riders across America will be able to enjoy same-day shipping on a huge range of R&G items when ordered directly from the Twisted Throttle website (https://twistedthrottle.com/) before 2pm (Pacific Time).
Simon Hughes, Managing Director at R&G, said: "We are really excited to be working with Twisted Throttle and their parent company CycoActive, Inc. R&G's presence in the United States has been growing in recent years, particularly with our support of the MotoAmerica series, so to have a distributor readily available for dealerships and riders to purchase their products from is fantastic.
Twisted Throttle already has a range of our crash protection and styling accessories in stock, meaning riders across America will be able to protect their pride and joy quickly."
Paul Guillien, CEO of Twisted Throttle, said:"The R&G brand needs no introduction, and we're thrilled to be partnering with them for product distribution throughout the United States. We know that protecting your bike is incredibly important, which is why we're proud to be offering dealers and riders same-day shipping on orders placed before 2pm, ensuring quick delivery no matter where they are."
You can stay up to date with the latest news by following R&G on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
For product and dealer opportunities, please contact 01420 89007 / info@rg-racing.com or an R&G Sales Agent.
To connect with the Twisted Throttle team about R&G products please call 1 (855) 255-5550 or emailinfo@twistedthrottle.com.
The post R&G Expands U.S. Presence with Twisted Throttle Partnership appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
The 2027 calendar launching a new era of the British Superbike Championship has been announced today (Thursday 15 October).
The much-anticipated new season will feature the introduction of the new "Next Generation" technical platform, designed to deliver closer competition, greater manufacturer diversity and improved cost control while maintaining BSB's position as the world's leading domestic motorcycle racing championship.
The Championship will kick off the 11-round title battle at Oulton Park on the May Bank Holiday weekend. This will be followed by the first of two visits to Donington Park at the end of the month.
The annual visit to Knockhill remains in June for round three, before the summer season with visits to Snetterton and Brands Hatch in July, before the title chase ramps up with a return to Oulton Park. The month of August continues with another Thruxton thriller before the return to Cadwell Park for the fan favourite 'Party in the Park'.
The Championship intensifies with the Showdown kicking off at the TT Circuit Assen in September before returning to Donington Park for the penultimate round. Brands Hatch then is the stage for the title decider, maintaining a long-standing tradition.
There will be two official tests prior to the start of the 2027 season, with the first taking place in March at Donington Park, before moving to Oulton Park ahead of the opening round.
The post 2027 British Superbike Championship Calendar Announced appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
Vegas schools are coming up! There's still time to get on track and sharpen your skills before the season ends.
We have three Two-Day Camps remaining in Las Vegas:
- October 24-25 (Saturday-Sunday)
- November 12-13 (Thursday-Friday)
- November 14-15 (Saturday-Sunday)
Why we like Vegas:
- Easy to get to and an easy excuse for a quick getaway!
- Typically mild fall weather.
- Long track with plenty of corners and minimal congestion.
- Excellent variety of technical, flowing, braking, and acceleration sections.
- Consistent grip throughout the circuit.
- Plenty of opportunities to work on your riding and make real improvements.
Check out the photo for a taste of what's waiting for you.
Give us a call or sign up online and finish the season with some great riding, real improvement, and a little adventure.
See you at the track!
California Superbike School:
Take a look at the schedule, call the office at 800-530-3350 or go online to lock in your spots for the 2026 season and we'll see you at the track!
See our Schedule
Call us toll-free (800) 530-3350 to check availability
The post Superbike School Going to Las Vegas Motor Speedway appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
Complete race results from the 2026 AHRMA Road Racing Series presented by VIB-ISO event held October 10-11 at the Barber Vintage Festival, Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL.
2026-Barber_RRW
The post AHRMA: Race Results from Barber Motorsports Park appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
The FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship heads to Jerez from 16-18 October for the final round of the 2026 season. After a dominant campaign, Maria Herrera arrives in Spain with the opportunity to secure the WorldWCR title in Race 1.
Recent Form and Momentum
- Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) has won six of the season's ten races and finished on the podium in every race.
- Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) has taken two wins at Assen and Donington Park. Their rivalry peaked at Donington, where they collided on the opening lap of Race 1. Herrera recovered to win despite two Long Lap Penalties, while Neila retired, ending her 22-race podium streak. Neila then inherited the Race 2 victory after a penalty dropped Herrera to second.
- Klint Racing Team teammates Roberta Ponziani and Paola Ramos have been battling for third in the standings. Both have scored podium finishes this season, but Ramos's campaign was disrupted by a heavy crash in Race 1 at Assen that left her with a foot injury, forcing her to miss Race 2.
- Muklada Sarapuech (Yamaha AD78 FIMLA by EEST NJT Racing) has scored podiums at Misano and Donington. Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) and Chloe Jones (Monster Energy Crescent Yamaha) have also reached the podium.
Maria Herrera (6) at Misano. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Championship Standings
- Herrera leads with 226 points, 44 ahead of Neila, and can secure the title in Race 1 at Jerez.
- Neila remains mathematically in contention with 50 points available, but has already secured second place, holding a 64-point advantage over Ponziani.
- Ponziani leads the fight for third by just one point over Ramos. Sarapuech is also in contention, 18 points behind Ramos.
Beatriz Neila (36) and Maria Herrera (6) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Title Permutations
- Maria Herrera will be crowned the 2026 WorldWCR Champion after Race 1 at Jerez if any of the following scenarios occur:
- Herrera finishes in the top 10, regardless of Beatriz Neila's result.
- Herrera finishes 11th to 15th and Neila does not win the race.
- Neila finishes third or lower, regardless of Herrera's result.
Back in WorldWCR
- Avalon Lewis makes her first WorldWCR appearance of 2026 after injury ruled her out of the season. She finished eighth in the 2025 Championship.
- Sara Varon returns as a wildcard after competing in the inaugural 2024 season and making a replacement appearance in 2025.
- Maria Herrera, Sara Sanchez and Paola Ramos have all won at Jerez. Ramos claimed her first WorldWCR victory at the circuit in Race 2 in 2025.
- Beatriz Neila has finished on the podium in all four races at Jerez but is yet to win there.
- Race 1: Maria Herrera, Chloe Jones, Beatriz Neila
Race 2: Paola Ramos, Beatriz Neila, Lucie Boudesseul
The post Jerez Set For WorldWCR Title Showdown appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
"MATCHBOX THE MOVIE" FEATURES TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 1200 XE ICON EDITION.
● Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE plays a key role in the action-packed new feature film, Matchbox The Movie
● The award-winning Scrambler appears throughout the film, including in one of the movie's standout action sequences
● Exclusive behind-the-scenes content showcases the making of the film's spectacular stunt scenes featuring the Scrambler 1200 XE
● Matchbox The Movie premieres globally on Apple TV on October 9, 2026
Bringing Triumph's distinctive blend of capability, character and performance, the Scrambler 1200 XE appears throughout, Matchbox The Movie, a new feature inspired by the iconic Mattel toy brand.
Matchbox The Movie follows a group of childhood friends whose lives are turned upside down when their former leader, now undercover CIA agent Sean (John Cena), returns home and inadvertently draws them into a high-stakes international mission to save the world.
Showcasing its versatility in a series of dynamic riding sequences, the motorcycle takes center stage in one of the movie's climactic action scenes, demonstrating why the Scrambler has become a favorite among filmmakers seeking authentic adventure and performance.
A dedicated behind-the-scenes featurette gives fans exclusive access to the making of the film's spectacular stunt sequences, revealing how the action teams worked with the Scrambler 1200 XE to bring some of the movie's most memorable moments to life.
Nick Bell, Triumph's Chief Marketing Officer said: "The Scrambler 1200 XE is renowned for combining exceptional off-road capability with timeless Bonneville-inspired design, and has earned a reputation as one of the most capable and charismatic adventure motorcycles available today. So it's a natural fit for the demanding action sequences featured in Matchbox The Movie."
Matchbox The Movie will premiere globally on October 9 on Apple TV.
ABOUT TRIUMPH:
First established in 1902, Triumph Motorcycles celebrated 120 years of motorcycle manufacture in 2022. For more than three decades, Triumph Motorcycles has been based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and has produced iconic bikes that perfectly blend authentic design, character, charisma, and performance.
The post Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE in "Matchbox: The Movie" appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
The 21st Annual Barber Vintage Festival wrapped up at Barber Motorsports Park. A rainy Saturday affected the road racing action, but weather cleared beautifully for Sunday, October 11, 2026, setting the stage for the highly anticipated Open 2-Stroke Money Race under blue skies. AHRMA officials shifted the headline shootout to Sunday from Saturday due to wet conditions, giving a fierce field of 14 entries a dry track.
Organized with the generous support of Rising Sun Cycles, Mojo Racing, 4 Anonymous, San Diego Sash Company, and TZ Mike Studzinski, the race put screaming 125cc lightweight Grand Prix bikes, agile 250cc twin-cylinders, and fire-breathing 500cc-plus monsters on the same tarmac fighting for a $4,700 cash purse. Bridgestone Tires also contributed a fresh set of race tires exclusively for the overall winner.
The race quickly turned into a two-rider duel as Ralph Staropoli on a Honda RS250 and Oliver Hutchinson on a Yamaha TZ250 pulled away. Staropoli put on a charging performance, leading the first four laps. On the 5th lap, Hutchinson made a competitive pass going into the iconic Museum Turn to snatch the lead.
Winning bikes from Left to Right: Honda RS250, belonging to Ralph Staropoli (2nd place in 250cc)Yamaha TZ250, belonging to Oliver Hutchinson (1st place in 250cc)
Honda RS125, belonging to Nobi Iso (1st place in 125cc). Photo by Alberto Gonzalez.
The battle went down to the wire. The two went tire-to-tire down the front straightaway into turn one on the final lap. Deep in the draft air, Staropoli got caught and went wide, giving Hutchinson an opening. Coming into Charlotte's Web, Hutchinson ran wide too, but Staropoli couldn't close the gap. Hutchinson held his advantage to win by 20 bike lengths, with Staropoli crossing behind him in a well-fought second place.
The successful transition from a soggy Saturday grid to a blistering, dry Sunday showdown ensured that the 21st edition of the Barber Vintage Festival concluded on the highest possible note, keeping the spirit of classic Grand Prix motorcycle racing fast, loud, and alive.
"Another successful open two-stroke race for 2026. I would like to give a big thanks to all the sponsors who contributed to the purse for this race. I would also like to thank all the riders for coming out to participate. Looking forward to next year to continue the tradition and increase the purse for the race and the number of riders," said Ralph Staropoli, coordinator of AHRMA's 2026 Open 2-Stroke purse race.
About Rising Sun Cycles:
Rising Sun Cycles have been importers of new and used Yamaha and Honda Grand Prix road-racing motorcycles and replacement parts and accessories since 1997. They possess a rock-solid reputation of providing fast shipping, support, and satisfaction and pride themselves on giving their customers the best service available, the best parts and accessories, and a staff that understands all aspects of our business.
About Mojo Yamaha:
Mojo Yamaha is a motorcycle racing team focused on classic Yamahas. The team runs monster Formula One racers based on the Yamaha FJ1100 engine pushed out to nearly 1300cc by Larry Cook Racing, as well as the legendary 2-stroke, the Yamaha TZ750. All bikes are housed in frames produced by the renown builder Denis Curtis at CMR Racing. Josh Hayes and Mojo Yamaha won Race 4 of the International Challenge the Phillip Island Classic in 2019.
About Bridgestone:
Bridgestone Tires offers tires for all types of motorcycles including road and off road racing.
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With nearly 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
The post The 21st Barber Vintage Festival Open 2-Stroke Money Race appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
Themed Events, Triple Crown Races, 250SMX Divisions & Showdowns, and KTM Junior Supercross Announced.
ELLENTON, Fla. / MORGANTOWN, W. Va. - Two weeks removed from announcing the regular season schedule for the 2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship, tickets are now on sale to the general public for all rounds of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, just in time for the holiday buying season. Additionally, the SMX LeagueTM announced four themed events for the regular season and confirmed which Supercross rounds will host the Triple Crown format, the 250SMX Eastern & Western Divisions and Showdowns, and the slate of KTM Junior Supercross races.
2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Full Schedule with Special Events
The SMX World Championship regular season will feature four themed events, with both Supercross and Pro Motocross teaming up to each host a St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer race and Military Appreciation Race. The annual celebration of the longstanding partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will be held at Round 6 during the Supercross visit to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on February 13, and will expand to include Pro Motocross for the first time at the Round 28 regular season finale from Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, during the Ironman National Finals on August 28. Each respective race will feature specially designed custom gear and graphics in honor of St. Jude, some of which will be auctioned off as part of the yearly fundraising for the Love Moto Stop Cancer initiative.
St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Races
- Round 6 / State Farm Stadium - Glendale, Arizona / February 13
- Round 28 / Ironman Raceway - Crawfordsville, Indiana / August 28
The St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Race is highlighted by specially designed gear and graphics auctioned off in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The Military Appreciation Race for Supercross will take place at Round 11, held at Lumen Field in Seattle for the first time on March 20. The effort to honor America's service men and women will remain in the Pacific Northwest for Round 25 during Pro Motocross, where Washougal MX Park in Washougal, Washington, will continue its recent initiative of veteran support at the Washougal National on July 24. The state of Washington is home to thousands of active-duty military members and their families, with 10 separate installations for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy.
Military Appreciation Races
- Round 11 / Lumen Field - Seattle / March 20
- Round 25 / Washougal MX Park - Washougal, Washington / July 24
The annual Supercross Military Appreciation Race will be held at Lumen Field in Seattle on March 20.
The Monster Energy Supercross campaign will also host a trio of thrilling Triple Crown races over the course of the indoor stadium season. The unique three Main Event format amplifies the intensity of every gate drop, where Olympic scoring creates unpredictable outcomes that can often carry major implications in the battle for the championship. The Triple Crown will have an early impact in 2027, beginning with Round 3 from Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on January 23. The annual visit to Arlington, Texas, for Round 8 will see the second Triple Crown commence inside AT&T Stadium on February 27, while Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, will host the final Triple Crown during Round 12 on April 3.
Triple Crown Races
- Round 3 / Angel Stadium - Anaheim, California / January 23
- Round 8 / AT&T Stadium - Arlington, Texas / February 27
- Round 12 / Gillette Stadium - Foxborough, Massachusetts / April 3
Washougal MX Park will continue to host the Pro Motocross Military Appreciation Race on July 24, featuring the annual Warrior Class race comprised of veterans.
The 250SMX Class field will be split evenly into Eastern and Western Divisions for the Supercross season, with seven region-specific rounds and a trio of exciting East/West Showdowns. The Western Division will get the ball rolling during the first four rounds of the season before giving way to the Eastern Division at Round 5, one week prior to the first East/West Showdown of the year from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Each division will see action through the heart of the championship, between Rounds 7-14, before coming together once again at Round 15 from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The Round 17 Monster Energy Supercross Finals in Salt Lake City will host the final and most storied East/West race on May 15, with the prestigious Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Showdown inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.
250SMX Western Divisional Championship
- Round 1 / Angel Stadium - Anaheim, California / January 9
- Round 2 / Snapdragon Stadium - San Diego / January 16
- Round 3 / Angel Stadium - Anaheim, California / January 23
- Round 4 / Alamodome - San Antonio / January 30
- Round 8 / AT&T Stadium - Arlington, Texas / February 27
- Round 11 / Lumen Field - Seattle / March 20
- Round 16 / Empower Field at Mile High - Denver / May 8
250SMX Eastern Divisional Championship
- Round 5 / Raymond James Stadium - Tampa, Florida / February 6
- Round 7 / Ford Field - Detroit / February 20
- Round 9 / Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, Florida / March 6
- Round 10 / Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis / March 13
- Round 12 / Gillette Stadium - Foxborough, Massachusetts / April 3
- Round 13 / M&T Bank Stadium - Baltimore / April 10
- Round 14 / MetLife Stadium - East Rutherford, New Jersey / April 17
250SMX East/West Showdowns
- Round 6 / State Farm Stadium - Glendale, Arizona / February 13
- Round 15 / Acrisure Stadium - Pittsburgh / April 24
- Round 17 / Rice-Eccles Stadium - Salt Lake City / May 15
The prestigious Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Showdown will serve as the final 250SMX combined race of the season on May 15 in Salt Lake City.
The beloved KTM Junior Supercross Presented by Wells Fargo will embark on its 28th season of competition in 2027 with 11 events throughout Monster Energy Supercross. The Junior Supercross races will begin with a West Coast swing before traveling eastward through the middle of the season and returning west at the end of the campaign, which will culminate with a Championship Race at the Salt Lake City finale. This celebrated youth showcase was introduced by KTM North America nearly three decades ago and has fostered the competitive future of many SMX, WMX, and SMX Next athletes throughout its existence.
KTM Junior Supercross
- Round 1 / Angel Stadium - Anaheim, California / January 9
- Round 2 / Snapdragon Stadium - San Diego / January 16
- Round 3 / Angel Stadium - Anaheim, California / January 23
- Round 4 / Alamodome - San Antonio / January 30
- Round 6 / State Farm Stadium - Glendale, Arizona / February 13
- Round 8 / AT&T Stadium - Arlington, Texas / February 27
- Round 10 / Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis / March 13
- Round 13 / M&T Bank Stadium - Baltimore / April 10
- Round 14 / MetLife Stadium - East Rutherford, New Jersey / April 17
- Round 16 / Empower Field at Mile High - Denver / May 8
- Round 17 / Rice-Eccles Stadium - Salt Lake City / May 15
Registration for the 2027 KTM Junior Supercross program will open in November. More information is available at KTMJRSX.com.
KTM Junior Supercross returns for its 28th season with an 11-race schedule.
Tickets for all rounds of the 2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship are now available. Tickets for Monster Energy Supercross can be purchased by visiting SupercrossLIVE.com, while tickets for the Pro Motocross Championship can be purchased by visiting ProMotocross.com.
For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
- Instagram: @supermotocross
- Facebook: @supermotocross
- Twitter: @supermotocross
- YouTube: @supermotocross
The post SMX World Championship: Regular Season Tickets Now On Sale appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
The Vintage Cup series reached its 2026 race season conclusion at the Barber Vintage Festival, Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL, October 10-11 as part of the 2026 AHRMA National Roadracing Series presented by VIB-ISO.
Sponsored by RoadracingWorld.com and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA's 2026 Vintage Cup features the 250 Grand Prix class: any fully GP-kitted 250cc OHV/OHC four-stroke; 250cc air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke; 175cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke; or 175cc air-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke built before December 31, 1968. It is a showdown of classic small-displacement racing that lives on corner speed, momentum, and precise engineering—and it rarely fails to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Typical 250GP grids mix machines such as Aermacchi, Bultaco, Greeves, Montesa, Ducati, NSU, Ossa, and more.
Hurricane Isaiah bore down on Birmingham and Barber Motorsports Park early Saturday morning and continued throughout the race day, drowning a lot of the potential fast laps in our 250GP., and all the day's racing. But long before the afternoon's featured Vintage Cup race, the drama had begun early in the day. The morning's Formula 125 race, in which several 250 GP riders campaigned, had many riders come back with issues. Craig Hirko (1967 Bridgestone TA1) chased F125 class leader Holly Varey (1968 VanTech CS3) as he still had a chance to win the F125 championship. On the last lap, Hirko made a big effort to pass Varey, but crashed. Seconds later, Varey crashed. Neither was hurt, but Hirko's bike suffered considerable damage. Once back in the pits a mad scramble ensued to get Hirko's bike ready for the afternoon's 250GP big show. Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson (1968 Yamaha YCS1) had a motor failure in this early race, and he too went to work to make the afternoon show, installing a spare motor. Sadly, Johnson ran out of time and didn't make the start of the 250GP. Hirko's team managed to get his bike back together and through tech in the nick of time, albeit with the clutch dragging.
Rob Hall (270), Craig Light (79), Eric Watts (87), Jonas Stein (123), Tim Terrell (220). Photo by EtechPhoto
As the green flag dropped for our afternoon's 250GP Vintage Cup race, Hirko's dragging clutch caused him to stall on the grid and forced him to pull off. Erik Green crashed on the first lap bringing out the red flag, which gave Hirko another chance for a clean start. On the restart Rob Hall (1965 Honda CB160) jumped into the lead followed by Jonas Stein (1972 Honda CB175), Trevor Scales (1969 Honda CB160) and Tim Terrell (1966 Honda CB160), all on Honda twins. Hirko was fifth on his Bridgestone. Having already secured the championship, he was cautious to nurse his bike around and gather a few points to add to his total. Of the impressive 25 entries for the season-ending Barber Vintage Cup 250GP race, only 9 started on Saturday in the pouring rain.
Sunday was a totally different situation. With the su250 n out and the track now dry, there were 18 starters. Hall again jumped into the lead, but on the second lap, his bike broke. Johnson inherited the lead on his Yamaha and held it to the end. Jack Kainz (1972 Yamaha CS3) ran third also on a Yamaha twin until Paul Germain (1967 Yamaha DTIRR) charged past on his Yamaha single. The two of them exchanged second place several times, with Kainz ultimately prevailing over Germain after Stein dropped out. Varey was fourth, Hirko fifth, and Scales sixth.
So, the four-strokes prevailed in the wet on Saturday, and the two-strokes dominated in the dry on Sunday.
2026 was a hugely successful Vintage Cup with 7 different winners in the 22 races, on 6 different brands of bikes, 15 of them two-strokes, 5 four-strokes, 14 of them twins, and 6 of them singles, despite the weather.
"As a sponsor and fan, I am so pleased to close out the 2026 Vintage Cup at the Barber Vintage Festival the way we did. Saturday's rain from Hurricane Isaiah thinned the grid, but the riders who went out still put on a proper show of small-displacement racing—corner speed, momentum, and pure determination. Watching four-strokes take it in the wet and then the two-strokes answer in the dry on Sunday was exactly the kind of variety this class delivers.
We've had so many different riders on the podium this year, so many different bikes up front, with a great mix of twins and singles, two-strokes and four-strokes. I can honestly say this has been the most dynamic Vintage Cup we've ever had. A special thanks to everyone who helped keep machines running through the weather, and to the racers who turned up for the finale. A big shout out to all the year's riders, owners and mechanics. And much appreciation to the AHRMA staff that offer up the latitude to put on this special race class and make sure we nurture these special classics each year. And also big ups to the supporters who chipped in for the Top 5 Purse payout this weekend - this goes a long way for a team's morale; getting a little back for the thousands they put in each year. When I sat in the announcer's booth on Sunday and that Alabama sun started shining I knew we would go out with style…. And we did! We're pushing hard to get the healthy grids in place for next year's Formula 750 class. Tune em up, folks. As a wise racer once said, "It's gonna be Hot and Hazy… Fast and Crazy!"" said series sponsor Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton.
AHRMA first launched the Vintage Cup series in 2019 by spotlighting the 350GP class. The series resumed in 2021 and highlighted the 500 Premier class, followed by Vintage Superbike Heavyweight in 2022 and Formula 750 in 2023. In 2024 the second rotation of featured classes began with 350GP, then 500 Premier in 2025. 250GP was added in 2026—the first year it has been featured.
Dustin Johnson (760). Photo by EtechPhoto.
"The final weekend of the 250GP Vintage Cup at Barber gave us everything. Rain cut the Saturday grid, then a red-flag restart and clutch issues still produced a race, with Rob Hall leading a pack of Honda twins. Sunday's dry track flipped the script completely—Dustin Johnson took the win on his Yamaha after Hall's machine failed, and the battles for second and third stayed tight all the way.
What stands out most is the season as a whole: seven different winners, a healthy mix of machines, and racing that never got boring. Featuring the 250GP class for the first time in the Vintage Cup rotation brought some of the most diverse and exciting grids we've had. The camaraderie in the pits, the willingness to push through weather, and the way riders supported each other all weekend is what AHRMA is about. Looking ahead to Formula 750 in 2027, I know the excitement will continue," said Leasha Overturf, AHRMA's Road Race Director.
Rounds 1 and 2 of the AHRMA National Road Race Series will resume mid-February 2027 at Roebling Road Raceway, in Bloomingdale, GA. The 2027 Vintage Cup featured class is Formula 750.
The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA's road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class at each race event. Enhanced awards for Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event. Highlights from each Vintage Cup race are reported in RoadracingWorld.com's online edition. At the end of the season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy is engraved with the national champion's name and presented at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.
2026 AHRMA Roadracing Series Presented by VIB-ISO, 250GP - Vintage Cup Results
Barber Motorsports Park - Saturday, October 10, 2026
- 270 Rob Hall, 1965 Honda CB160, Charlotte, NC - Vintage Cup Purse Payout $1,125
- 123 Jonas Stein, 1972 Honda CB175, Nashville, TN - Vintage Cup Purse Payout $750
- 779 Trever Scales, 1969 Honda CB160, Graham, NC - Vintage Cup Purse Payout $525
- 220 Tim Terrell, 1966 Honda CB160, Burlington, NC - Vintage Cup Purse Payout $325
- 641 Craig Hirko, 1967 Bridgestone TA 1, Newark Valley, NY - Vintage Cup Purse Payout $275
- 68 Jake Hall, 1972 Honda CL 175, Ashville, NC
- 805 Greyson Rogers, 1970 Yamaha DT1, Claremont, NC
- 50H Holly Varey, 1968 VanTech CS3, Brantford, ON
- 903 Robert Brangaccio, 1971 Ducati 250, Basking Ridge, NJ
Barber Motorsports Park - Sunday, October 11, 2026
- 760 Dustin Johnson, 1968 Yamaha YCS1, San Francisco, CA
- 35L Jack Kainz, 1972 Yamaha CS3, Helenville, WI
- 61 Paul Germain, 1967 Yamaha DTIRR, Winnipeg, MB
- 50H Holly Varey, 1968 VanTech CS3, Brantford, ON
- 641 Craig Hirko, 1967 Bridgestone TA 1, Newark Valley, NY
- 779 Trever Scales, 1969 Honda CB160, Graham, NC
- 42 Colton Roberts, 1968 Harley-Davidson Aermacchi, Pawnee, IL
- 79 Craig Light, 1973 Bultaco, Peachtree City, GA
- 37 Jim Jowers, 1965 Ducati 250, East Hampton, NY
- 87 Eric Watts, 1966 Ducati 250, Johnstown, OH
- 805 Greyson Rogers, 1970 Yamaha DT1, Claremont, NC
- 66E Erik Green, 1966 Ducati 250, Brooklyn, NY
- 888 Ennis King, 1961 Moto Parilla 250cc High Cam MSDS Grand Sport, Rio Rancho, NM
- 220 Tim Terrell, 1966 Honda CB160, Burlington, NC
- 903 Robert Brangaccio, 1971 Ducati 250, Basking Ridge, NJ
- 523 John Kern, 1968 Ducati 250 Desmo, Tryon, NC
- 123 Jonas Stein, 1972 Honda CB175, Nashville, TN
- 270 Rob Hall, 1965 Honda CB160, Charlotte, NC
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
The post AHRMA Vintage Cup Race Recap at Barber Motorsports Park appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
The Circuito de Jerez - Ángel Nieto hosts the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season finale from 16-18 October.
Recent Form and Momentum
- Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) arrives at the season finale as WorldSBK Champion with 664 points, having set a new record for the most points scored in a single season.
- Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) has secured second place in the Championship with 518 points.
- Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) has clinched the Independent Riders' title and sits third overall with 290 points. He holds a 53-point advantage over Alex Lowes.
- Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) remains in contention for third with 62 points still available at Jerez. He must also defend fourth place from his brother, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), who is just 12 points behind in fifth.
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Ducati.
At Stake This Weekend
- Despite securing the title at Cremona and setting several records, Nicolo Bulega still has more milestones within reach at Jerez.
- He is one podium finish away from matching Jonathan Rea's record of 34 podiums in a single season, set in 2019. Bulega could also surpass Rea's record of 48 consecutive races in the points, provided he scores in all three races at Jerez.
Iker Lecuona (7) at Cremona. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Local Colours
- Iker Lecuona, Alvaro Bautista and Xavi Vierge will represent the Spanish contingent at Jerez. Second in the Championship, Lecuona is the highest-placed Spanish rider.
- Tenth in the standings, Bautista will be looking to finish the season strongly after narrowly missing out on a podium at Estoril.
- Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) will also be aiming for a strong result in his final race with Yamaha, with the opportunity to become the highest-placed Yamaha rider in the standings.
Alvaro Bautista (19) at Aragon. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Historical Performance
- Alvaro Bautista and Nicolo Bulega are the most successful WorldSBK riders at Jerez, with five victories each. No other rider on the current grid has won a WorldSBK race at the Spanish circuit.
- Ducati leads the victory count among manufacturers currently competing in WorldSBK, with 17 wins at Jerez, ahead of Kawasaki with four, Yamaha with three and BMW with one.
2025 Results
Race 1: Nicolo Bulega, Toprak Razgatlioglu, Alvaro Bautista
Tissot Superpole Race: Nicolo Bulega, Alvaro Bautista, Andrea Iannone
Race 2: Nicolo Bulega, Alvaro Bautista, Toprak Razgatlioglu
WSBKChampionshipStandings
2026_WorldSBK_ESP_Event_Schedule_18Sep2026.01
WorldSSP set for three-way fight for third at Jerez
World Supersport race. Photo courtesy WSBK.
The FIM Supersport World Championship heads to Jerez from 16-18 October for the final round of the 2026 season. With Albert Arenas already crowned Champion, attention turns to the battle for third, with Can Oncu, Jaume Masia and Jeremy Alcoba separated by just five points.
Recent Form and Momentum
- Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team), the newly crowned WorldSSP Champion, arrives in Jerez with 364 points.
- Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Evan Bros Factory) has secured second place in the Championship with 291 points, 57 ahead of Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing).
- Can Oncu sits third with 234 points, but faces pressure from Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) and Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team), who are both just five points behind. Alcoba has won three of the last four races, making him a strong contender in the fight for third.
Albert Arenas won the WorldSSP Race 2 at Misano. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Historical Performance
- Federico Caricasulo (EASTROC ZXMOTO Evan Bros Factory) is the most successful rider on the current WorldSSP grid at Jerez, with two victories. Jaume Masia and Dominique Aegerter (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) have also won at the Spanish circuit, with one victory each.
2025 Results
Race 1: Stefano Manzi, Jeremy Alcoba, Can Oncu
Race 2: Jaume Masia, Tom Booth-Amos, Stefano Manzi
WSSPChampionshipStandings
Salvador and Artigas take WorldSPB title fight to Jerez
WorldSPB race start. Photo courtesy WSBK.
The inaugural FIM Sportbike World Championship season will reach its conclusion at Jerez from 16-18 October. David Salvador and Xavi Artigas arrive at the Spanish circuit separated by just 12 points, with the Championship set to be decided between the two Spaniards.
Recent Form and Momentum
- David Salvador (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) heads to Jerez as the Championship leader with 224 points. However, his advantage over Xavi Artigas (MTM Kawasaki) was cut from 30 to just 12 points after the Italian Round.
- With a win and a second place in Cremona, Artigas is now onto 212 points. With 50 points still available at the season finale, the title remains within reach.
- Mathematically out of the title race, Carter Thompson (Team BrCorse) moved up to third in the standings, overtaking Antonio Torres (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI). The pair are separated by just one point, also making the fight for third place another key battle to watch in Jerez.
- Completing the top five, Fenton Seabright (PHR Performance Triumph) is 30 points behind Torres. He will face challenge from Ferre Fleerackers (Track & Trades Wixx Racing), who is just four points behind behind the British rider in sixth.
Title Permuations
- David Salvador will be crowned the 2026 WorldSPB Champion after Race 1 at Jerez if he extends his Championship lead over Xavi Artigasby at least 14 points, through any of the following scenarios:
- Salvador wins and Artigas finishes fifth or lower.
- Salvador finishes second and Artigas finishes 10th or lower.
- Salvador finishes third and Artigas finishes 14th or lower.
WSPBChampionshipStandings
The post WorldSBK Heads To Jerez For The 2026 Season Finale appeared first on Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News.
A Zero DS has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest journey by an electric motorbike on a single charge, covering 436.5 kilometres between the French-Italian Alps and the Mediterranean coast. The distance beats the previous record of 310.689 km by 125.8 km, an improvement of just over 40 percent. The ride was tracked by GPS and independently verified by Guinness World Records.
The rider was Jelle Verstaen, a motorcyclist from Belgium. He rode a standard production Zero DS fitted with the optional Power Tank accessory, which is available at retail.
Battery and rangeThe Zero DS has a 15.6 kWh battery with a claimed city range of 249 km. The Power Tank adds 3.6 kWh, bringing total capacity to 19.2 kWh. Over 436.5 km, that works out to an average consumption of roughly 44 Wh per kilometre, well beyond the bike's rated range.
According to Zero, the bike was otherwise unmodified, running standard tyres at standard pressures. The company attributes the result to the efficiency of the Z-Force powertrain: the energy density of the battery pack, low drivetrain losses, and regenerative braking.
CEO Pierre-Martin Bos pointed to the use of three production bikes on public roads, one of them ridden by a customer: "A record only means something if riders can recognise themselves in it."
The Zero DS is the brand's entry-level dual-sport model and a lighter sibling of the DSR/X. It can be ridden on an A1 licence, and in some countries on a car (B) licence.
The route
The attempt was made on public roads rather than a test track, using minor roads and French departmental routes. The route was planned to limit energy-consuming stops and acceleration at junctions and traffic lights, while still including mountain passes, town centres, villages and open country roads.
Jarno Middelbosch, Senior Director Global Marketing at Zero Motorcycles, said range anxiety remains a barrier for riders considering a switch to electric, and that demonstrating more than 400 km on a single charge is intended to show what is achievable with current technology.
On the mountain descents, regenerative braking was used to recover energy. On the faster, more open roads towards the coast, where consumption rises with speed, the rider held a steady cruising speed. Conditions stayed dry until the route reached the Camargue, where a heavy storm set in. The final 100 km were ridden in heavy rain.
Three bikes, three record distances
Three riders set off together, each on a different Zero model, and all three exceeded the previous record:
Louis Renaud, a Zero customer, rode his own standard Zero SR/S for 350 km, finishing with 4 percent charge remaining.
Jenny Brookes, Senior Global Brand Manager at Zero Motorcycles, rode a standard Zero DSR/X for 384 km until the battery was empty. Jelle Verstaen's Power Tank-equipped Zero DS covered the longest distance at 436.5 km.
Where road conditions and speed limits allowed, the group averaged a cruising speed of around 52 km/h, which Zero says is significantly higher than in the previous record attempt.
Zero at 20The record coincides with Zero Motorcycles' 20th anniversary. The California-founded company was established in 2006.
ZERO MOTORCYCLES >
Was this a good weekend for Aprilia? Two bikes in the top four in the sprint race (after two Aprilias crashed out at the start) and then the top four places on Sunday, plus pole position and second on the grid, a new outright pole record, a new lap record, and beating the fastest race duration by 18 seconds. That was a pretty crushing display of superiority.
On the other hand, Jorge Martin entered the Indonesian GP leading Marc Márquez in the championship by just 2 points. Yet after Aprilia crushing the opposition in almost every respect at Mandalika, Martin leaves Indonesia with that lead unchanged. On a weekend when he had a golden opportunity to extend the lead and put pressure on Marc Márquez heading into a couple of the Ducati Lenovo rider's least favorite tracks, Jorge Martin's lead over Marc Marquez remains just 2 points.
David Emmett Tue, 13/Oct/2026 - 21:56The weekend started with a ride out to the circuit led by the home hero Miguel Oliveira. The Portuguese star was born just 30 minutes from the Estoril Circuit and while he had a hat-trick of podiums at Portimao in Round 2 this was a special occassion for the BMW man. Having a corner named after him and being the star attraction for the weekend wasn't enough for Miguel; he enjoyed his best weekend since the Hungarian Round. The circuit was busier this year than previous years, more than 5000 extra tickets were sold in advance of the weekend, but unfortunately for Oliveira it was another weekend of Ducati domination.
David Emmett Mon, 12/Oct/2026 - 20:31Mandalika was a suburb of Noale this weekend, with four Aprilias taking the top four spots on Sunday. And yet Jorge Martin leaves Indonesia with exactly the same 2-point gap over Marc Marquez as he arrived with. So was this a good weekend or a bad weekend for Aprilia and Martin? Neil, David, and Adam discuss this, plus Marco Bezzecchi's pepper pot, Raul Fernandez' broken finger, tyre pressures getting in the way of the racing, Pedro Acosta finishing first non-Aprilia, and Max Quiles getting the job done to take the 2026 Moto3 crown. Plus our winners, losers, and grades for an eventful Indonesian GP.
David Emmett Sun, 11/Oct/2026 - 17:24World Superbike standings after Race 2 at Estoril:
David Emmett Sun, 11/Oct/2026 - 17:11 Round Number 11 Year 2026World Supersport standings after Race 2 at Estoril:
David Emmett Sun, 11/Oct/2026 - 17:09 Round Number 11 Year 2026World Superbike standings after the Superpole race at Estoril:
David Emmett Sun, 11/Oct/2026 - 17:07 Round Number 11 Year 2026The Portuguese national anthem was performed ahead of the World Superbike race by Miguel Gameiro of Pólo Norte with a brace of jets flying overhead. After a smattering of rain in the World Supersport race earlier, a hint of unpredictability hung over the grid, and the wind was still present, at 15kmh for the twenty-one lap race.
The recorded attendance was 36,257 over the weekend.
Jared Earle Sun, 11/Oct/2026 - 15:11
