MRA Hosts Record- Setting 2026 Race School

The Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) successfully completed its 2026 Race School last weekend, delivering a record-setting program that introduced a new wave of riders to the sport of motorcycle road racing.

VP Tim Ellis working with a student racer at High Plains Raceway. Photo by: Cindy Vernell

The two-part school took place April 3, 2026 (virtual classroom session) and April 11, 2026 (on-track training), at High Plains Raceway in Deer Trail, Colorado. Riders were met with beautiful spring weather conditions, with temperatures in the 70’s and partly cloudy skies that provided an ideal environment for learning and development on track.

from left – VP Tim Ellis, New Rider Director Orkun Krand, Race School Sponsor Jim Wilson, President Bob HasenHundl. Photo by: Chandler Dahl.

Sponsored by Ride-On Motorcycle Training, the event hosted 52 students, making it the largest race school in MRA history on record. Of those participants, 40 riders successfully earned their official MRA race license, marking a significant milestone for both the riders and the organization.

from left – Start Finish Mel Vialpando, VP Rulebook Salvatore Rizzo, Sponsorships Mika Davies, New Rider Director Orkun Krand. Photo by: Chandler Dahl.

The program was led by Orkun Krand, MRA’s New Rider Director, whose leadership and organization were instrumental in executing the record-breaking event. Under his direction, students received structured classroom instruction followed by comprehensive on-track coaching from experienced, licensed club racers.

Race students preforming race craft drills during the 2026 MRA Race School. Photo by: Kelly Vernell.

Participants were guided through fundamental race craft, safety protocols, and riding techniques designed to build confidence and improve performance at all skill levels. The combination of classroom education and hands-on track experience ensured riders left the program better prepared for competitive racing.

New Rider Director Orkun Krand cover race bike tech inspection with students at lunch time. Photo by: Chandler Dahl.

“I genuinely enjoyed this year’s race school,” said Krand. “It was very fun to see students come back to the classroom after an on-track session with a glimmer in their eyes, absolutely excited to talk about how they did things they didn’t know they could do. You could see things clicking for them session after session and their passion increasing as the day went on.”

The MRA Race School continues to serve as a cornerstone program for developing safe, skilled racers while fostering growth within the club racing community. The MRA will be hosting its first round of racing on May 10th at High Plains Raceway running the full course configuration. Giving all 40 newly licensed racers their first opportunity to put what they have learned to the test. The MRA is looking forward to an amazing 2026 season!

For more information about future events and licensing opportunities, visit www.mraracing.org.