Dunlop Announces 2026 Team Dunlop Road Race Elite Roster

Dunlop Announces 2026 Team Dunlop Road Race Elite Roster

© 2026, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a press release issued By Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

Rancho Cucamonga, CA — Dunlop Tires is proud to announce the 2026 Team Dunlop Road Race Elite roster, continuing the brand’s commitment to developing the next generation of American road racing talent. Designed to support young riders competing at the highest amateur and junior professional levels, the Road Race Elite program provides a proven pathway toward national and international competition.

The 2026 roster features a diverse and highly accomplished group of 10 riders competing across MotoAmerica Mini Cup, Talent Cup, FIM MiniGP, World Finals, and international development series. Representing the depth and reach of the program are Christian Berlowitz, Connor Raymond, Gabe Datis, Zaal Farhand, Cruise Texter, Cooper Jazikoff, Chase Jazikoff, Jase Dill, Maverick Johnson, and Kensei Matsudaira.

The 2025 Mission MotoAmerica Mini Cup Champions show off their No. 1 plates. (From left to right) Bodie Paige, Cruise Texter, Kensei Matsudaira, Zaal Farhand, and Chase Jazikoff. Photo by Larry Lawrence
The 2025 Mission MotoAmerica Mini Cup Champions show off their No. 1 plates. (From left to right) Bodie Paige, Cruise Texter, Kensei Matsudaira, Zaal Farhand, and Chase Jazikoff. Photo by Larry Lawrence

Among the standout athletes, Connor Raymond enters his second year on Team Dunlop after finishing second overall in the MotoAmerica 190cc Championship, while Kensei Matsudaira continues his progression on a global stage with experience in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup, FIM MiniGP World Series, Asia Talent Cup, and JuniorGP European Talent Cup. Chase Jazikoff returns as a back-to-back MotoAmerica Mini Cup National Champion, joined by younger brother Cooper Jazikoff, who continues to build momentum across multiple MiniGP platforms. Riders such as Christian Berlowitz, Gabe Datis, Zaal Farhand, and Jase Dill bring championship-winning resumes from MotoAmerica, FIM MiniGP, and international competition, while Maverick Johnson enters his first year with Dunlop following a rapid rise through national ranks and upcoming international opportunities. Cruise Texter, already a proven multi-discipline racer, continues to showcase Dunlop performance across road race and beyond.

 

 

The Team Dunlop Road Race Elite program mirrors the structure and philosophy of Dunlop’s established Elite initiatives, providing select riders with technical support, product access, and brand partnership both on and off the track. With an increasing number of Elite alumni advancing into professional competition, Dunlop’s road racing development efforts continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of the sport.

“We’re excited to continue growing the Team Dunlop Road Race Elite program in 2026,” said Cori Maynard, Dunlop Coordinator of Motorsports Logistics. “This group represents the next wave of road racing talent, and it’s rewarding to see how quickly these riders progress when given the right support and opportunities. The depth of this roster speaks to the strength of the program and the future of American road racing.”

Kensei Matsudaira Makes MotoAmerica Debut at Circuit of the Americas with a Podium. Photo credit: Karen E. Ott Photography
Kensei Matsudaira made his MotoAmerica Talent Cup debut in September 2025 at Circuit of the Americas, and finished on the podium. Photo by Karen E. Ott Photography.

Fans and industry members can look for these Team Dunlop Road Race Elite riders competing throughout the 2026 MotoAmerica Mini Cup season, where many will continue to showcase their development and racecraft at some of the most competitive youth road racing events in the country. The Mini Cup series remains a key proving ground for emerging talent, and Dunlop looks forward to supporting these riders as they continue to progress on the national stage.

Team Roberts 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup rider Kensei Matsudaira will also race in the 2026 FIM Moto4 Latin Cup. Photo by Karen E. Ott Photography.

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:

Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in North America. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @RideDunlop on Instagram, Facebook, and X for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.

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