Editorial Note: Four years ago, Kevin Olmedo was partially paralyzed and diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare and sometimes fatal disorder in which the immune system attacks the body’s nerves. A day after being hospitalized, Olmedo couldn’t eat or blink or even close his eyelids, which were taped closed so he could fall asleep. It took him nine months before he could walk again. He’s still not 100%, but his long and difficult recovery culminated in a podium finish in a MotoAmerica Twins Cup race at Road Atlanta last weekend...

Karns Performance Racing Scores Podium, Pair of Top Fives, and Rookie Breakthrough at Road Atlanta

Round 2 of the MotoAmerica season at Road Atlanta delivered another strong weekend for Karns Performance Racing, highlighted by a podium finish from Kevin Olmedo, consistent front-running pace from Isaac Woodworth, and a breakthrough top-10 result for Twins Cup rookie Solly Mervis.

Road Atlanta proved to be a demanding battleground, but the team showed speed, resilience, and continued progress as momentum builds early in the 2026 campaign.

Olmedo overcame adversity all weekend to earn a hard-fought podium finish. Confident from the outset at a circuit where he had prior experience, he quickly adapted to the Karns Suzuki GSX-8R and felt comfortable with the setup. However, a qualifying crash left him managing pain in his right ankle and caused significant damage to the motorcycle.

The Karns Performance Racing crew responded immediately, working tirelessly to repair the bike and return it to race-ready condition.

Starting eighth on the grid in Race 1, Olmedo surged to third on the opening lap before suffering a rear tire issue that forced him off track and out of contention. Sunday’s changing weather conditions created new challenges, but the team continued working through setup adjustments.

In Race 2, Olmedo again started from eighth. After an initial poor launch, he regrouped and stayed with the lead pack. A red flag restart created another opportunity, and he capitalized with a stronger second start. In an intense closing battle, Olmedo made a last-corner pass to secure third place and bring home another podium for the team.

“It was a fun race battling and passing each other,” said Olmedo. “I really appreciate all the support, and I want to continue improving and bring home more podiums this season.”

Woodworth continued his impressive form with two fifth-place finishes, once again showing race pace and determination throughout the weekend. In Race 1, he lost positions off the start but charged back through the field with a series of decisive passes to secure P5. In Race 2, Woodworth immediately placed himself in contention, running third before a red flag reset the race. Following the restart, he launched well and remained in the fight for the podium before crossing the line fifth once again.

“Overall, the speed is there, and we’re continuing to build,” said Woodworth. “We’re focused on putting everything together in qualifying and bringing more aggression into the races as we head into the next round.”

Mervis also delivered a milestone weekend, earning his first MotoAmerica Twins Cup top-10 finish and continuing his rapid progression as a rookie in one of the most competitive classes in the paddock.

“I had a solid weekend and learned more and more about my Karns Performance / Ice Barn Racing Suzuki GSX-8R,” said Mervis. “I want to thank Jason and the entire Karns team for putting in the work to make my bike the best it can be. I especially want to thank Danny Walker, Nick Daniels, and Thor Thomas on the Ice Barn Racing crew for their exceptional effort all weekend. I’m looking forward to getting back on the GSX-8R at Barber Motorsports Park when MotoAmerica resumes in May.”

Team principle Jason Karns said “With a podium finish, multiple top-five finishes, another key rookie milestone achieved, and overcoming significate adversity early in the weekend, Karns Performance Racing leaves Road Atlanta with confidence and momentum heading into the next round of the MotoAmerica championship.”

Karns Performance Racing thanks all sponsors, partners, crew members, and supporters for their continued commitment throughout the 2026 season.