Darryn Binder Joins Celtic / Economy Lube & Tire by Warhorse HSBK Ducati for 2026 MotoAmerica Supersport Season
Celtic Racing and Warhorse HSBK Racing return to the MotoAmerica Supersport championship in 2026 with a two-rider program under the banner Celtic/Economy Lube & Tire by Warhorse HSBK Ducati. Led by longtime team principal Barry Gilsenan, the lineup welcomes Darryn Binder (#15), who enters the championship after three seasons in the Moto2 World Championship and a rare direct leap from Moto3 to MotoGP earlier in his career. Binder brings world-class racecraft, Grand Prix experience, and proven speed to the Ducati Panigale V2 platform. He will be joined by Wristin Grigg (#227), who enters his sophomore year aboard Ducati V2 machinery.
Binder arrives with a strong international resume that includes a Moto3 Grand Prix victory, six career Moto3 podiums, three Moto3 poles, and points-scoring performances in MotoGP during his year with the RNF Yamaha program. In 2023 and 2024, he raced in Moto2 with Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP before signing with Italjet Gresini Moto2 for the 2025 season. While his 2025 campaign was cut short by a late-season ulna injury, he delivered several points-scoring rides and finished with 19 championship points. Binder is widely recognized for his aggressive race craft, resilience, and ability to adapt quickly to new machinery.
“I am very excited to start this new chapter with Celtic Racing, Economy Lube and Tire, and Warhorse HSBK Ducati,” Binder said. “My journey through Moto3, MotoGP, and Moto2 has taught me a lot, and I feel ready to bring all of that experience into MotoAmerica. The Panigale V2 is a bike with proven speed and championship history, and I cannot wait to get to work with the team. The goal is simple. I want to race at the front, enjoy the battle, and build something strong for the future. I am grateful for the opportunity and for the confidence the team has shown in me, and I am fully motivated to make the most of this season.”
Grigg made an impressive 2024 debut in the MotoAmerica Supersport Series, earning several strong finishes, including an 11th at Mid-Ohio and a personal best 9th at New Jersey. Grigg’s rookie year also featured two expert National Titles at Daytona, highlighted by his AMA 600 Title victory, which underscored his adaptability and potential on road courses. With factory-level Ducati support and continued backing from Grigg Electric and Economy Lube and Tire, the team expects continued growth in Grigg’s performance as he builds on the experience aboard the V2. The objective for 2026 is to develop consistent top ten speed while progressing toward podium contention in the middle portion of the season.
Gilsenan expresses strong confidence in the new structure and emphasizes the positive impact of adding an internationally experienced racer like Binder while continuing to invest in emerging American talent.
“Bringing Darryn into our Supersport program is a major step for our team. He has raced at the highest levels of the sport, including MotoGP and Moto2, and knows how to fight in very competitive fields. His experience, his attitude, and his natural speed will help raise the level of the entire program. Pairing him with Wristin, who continues to grow and has already shown real promise, gives us an exciting lineup for 2026. Our partnership with Economy Lube and Tire and Warhorse HSBK Ducati continues to strengthen, and we are entering the new season fully committed to chasing wins. We are proud to welcome Darryn and proud to support Wristin as we move Celtic Racing forward.”
The team has a clear objective for 2026: challenge for race wins, podiums, and the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.
About Warhorse HSBK Racing
Founded in 2011, HSBK Racing partnered with powersports dealer group Warhorse Group in 2020 to bring Ducati back to the forefront of MotoAmerica. The team earned a symbolic victory in its first season with Lorenzo Zanetti before building on a successful 2020 and taking fourth in the championship in 2021 with Loris Baz. In 2022, Warhorse HSBK Racing secured the talents of MotoGP race winner Danilo Petrucci and expanded into the Supersport series with AMA race winner Josh Herrin. The pair earned 32 podiums and 14 wins, securing the Supersport title and narrowly missing the Superbike crown. In 2023, Herrin moved to Superbike, earning three victories and finishing second in the title race. In Supersport, the team brought in Xavi Fores, who dominated the season while securing the championship. In 2024, the team expanded to a two-bike Superbike line-up with Herrin being joined by returning star Loris Baz. Herrin would go on to win the 2024 Superbike title.
About Celtic Racing
Established in 2001 by Barry Gilsenan, Celtic Racing has solidified its reputation as a premier privateer racing team. The program began with two-stroke development in the 125cc and 250cc categories before transitioning into AMA Pro Racing, where it found success from Superbike to Supersport. In recent years, Celtic Racing has focused on Sportbike and Supersport classes with Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha four-stroke platforms. Gilsenan’s ability to identify and nurture talent has helped riders advance to MotoGP, World Supersport, British Superbike, and MotoAmerica Superbike competition. With three AMA Pro Supersport championships, Celtic Racing remains a force in the racing community and a proven path for the sport’s rising stars, including names such as PJ Jacobsen, Chaz Davies, Michael Laverty, and numerous AMA champions.
For more, watch this video of Darren Binder being interviewed by MotoAmerica’s Sean Bice: