California RoadRace Association Round 3 Delivers a Standout Weekend at Buttonwillow
BUTTONWILLOW, Calif. — September 13, 2026 — The California RoadRace Association (CRA) returned to Buttonwillow Raceway Park – The Circuit September 12–13 for Round 3 of the 2026 racing season. The weekend delivered intense competition, standout amateur performances, and the successful debut of CRA’s new Sportsman racing initiative designed to introduce street and track-day riders to motorcycle racing.
With close racing across multiple classes and a focus on bringing new riders into the sport, Round 3 demonstrated that CRA is more than a racing organization; it is a community built to help riders progress at every level of racing.
McMahel Leads Early in Dramatic Heavyweight GP Battle
Sunday’s Heavyweight GP race provided one of the weekend’s most dramatic races.
Eugene McMahel on a 2025 Ducati V4S with Dunlop tires initially dominated the field, leading the first six laps and building an impressive 7.4 second advantage. A mistake entering Turn 7 cost McMahel the lead, allowing Sahar Zvik on a 2024 Yamaha R1 with Dunlop tires and Middleweight GP competitor Haydn Meng on a 2022 Suzuki GSX-R750 with Pirelli tires to move ahead.
McMahel fought back, closing an approximately 11-second gap and setting the Round 3 lap record of 1:42.68.
The battle intensified when McMahel and Meng fought for position heading into Turn 6. Meng won the position while McMahel ran into the dirt, preventing him from making another charge at Zvik on the final lap.
Sahar Zvik secured P1 in Heavyweight GP, with McMahel finishing P2. In the Middleweight GP, Haydn Meng took the victory with an impressive 29-second lead.
The Lightweight GP sponsored by Oculus Financial Group delivered its own memorable battle, with Geiser Hernandez on a 2023 Aprilia RS660 with Dunlop tires and Gio Alvarez on a 2026 Aprilia RS660 with Dunlop tires battling throughout the race and even sharing a fist bump. Hernandez ultimately secured P1 by just 0.17 seconds at the finish.
Amateur Classes Deliver Standout Performances
The amateur classes were another highlight of Round 3.
Jonathan Romero on a 2009 Yamaha R6 with Dunlop tires delivered a standout victory in Amateur 600 Supersport sponsored by Speed Wobble, while Ryan Dean on a 2024 Yamaha R6 with Dunlop tires posted the fastest lap of the race at 1:47.76 and went on to take P1 in Amateur 1000 Supersport sponsored by Adrian Law Firm.
Stephanie Krahnke also turned heads as a standout rider in the Amateur 1000 Supersport aboard a borrowed 2023 Yamaha XSR900 from Carbon Merrill with Dunlop Tires. Running predominantly in the 1:53s, Krahnke delivered a personal-record pace while battling Jared Diamond on a 2014 Yamaha R1 and Adam Thiesen on a 2014 Suzuki GSX-R750. Her consistency, determination, and racecraft highlighted the growing strength of CRA’s amateur field.
CRA Sportsman Program Opens the Door to New Racers
Round 3 marked the debut of CRA’s new Sportsman racing initiative, giving street riders and track-day enthusiasts an opportunity to experience racing without immediately investing in a fully prepared racebike.
The program attracted 15 registrations, with 12 racers taking the grid Saturday morning. Sergio Rios took the inaugural Sportsman victory aboard his 2017 Yamaha R6.
The successful debut demonstrates the potential for Sportsman racing to create a pathway for riders who have wanted to race but may have been hesitant to make the financial and logistical commitment required to enter traditional competition.
Racing Is Only Part of the CRA Experience
CRA continues to emphasize education, mentorship, and community alongside competition.
The Racer411 program, led by Antlee Terry and Aliki Karayan, provides guidance and support to new racers making the transition into organized competition.
CRA also hosted its Saturday night social, sponsored by Coyote Bar and Grill, bringing racers, families, and members of the motorcycle community together after a full day at the track.
These programs remain an important part of CRA’s mission to create a welcoming environment where riders of every experience level can compete, learn, and grow.
Round 4: A Weekend Dedicated to Women in Racing
CRA will return to Buttonwillow Raceway Park – The Circuit October 17–18 for the 2026 season finale.
Round 4 will place a special focus on women in motorcycle racing, with CRA preparing one of its largest initiatives yet to encourage more women to get onto the racetrack.
Following the success of the Sportsman program in Round 3, CRA will continue its efforts to expand access to motorcycle racing and create opportunities for riders who want to take the next step.
All Race results can be found at
https://race-cra.com/26-r3-buttonwillow-the-circuit-info-results/
CRA extends its gratitude to title sponsor Oculus Financial Group, alongside key partners whose combined backing makes our 2026 race season possible.