Julian Correa makes history as the first American to score points in the inaugural World Sportbike Championship.
AUTODRON MOST, CZECH REPUBLIC (May 18, 2026) — American motorcycle racing sensation Julian “Juju” Correa etched his name into the history books this past weekend at Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic. Riding for Pons Motorsport Italika Racing, the 17-year-old from Jupiter, Florida, overcame a rollercoaster of adversity during Round 5 of the 2026 FIM Sportbike World Championship (WorldSPB) to secure his first World Championship points, becoming the very first American rider to do so in the newly formed class.
The weekend at the fast and highly technical 4.212 km Czech circuit was anything but easy. Correa faced a steep learning curve, battling through the field as he and the team worked tirelessly to dial in the setup on his Kawasaki ZX-6R. Following a challenging opening to the weekend where unpredictable track conditions and fierce midfield battles tested his resilience, Correa was forced to dig deep.
Race 1 presented a tough climb, but Correa’s signature grit was on full display as he fought tooth and nail just outside the points-paying positions. Refusing to back down, the young American and his Pons Motorsport crew regrouped overnight, making crucial adjustments and resetting their focus for Sunday.
That perseverance paid off spectacularly in Race 2. Launching off the grid with renewed aggression, Correa executed a calculated and relentless ride. Navigating through a highly competitive pack of the world’s best young riders, he crossed the finish line in a hard-fought 12th place—just 16.112 seconds off the race winner. The result earned him his first 4 World Championship points and firmly cemented his place in American motorcycle racing history.
“This weekend was a massive test for us, both mentally and physically,” said Correa following Race 2.
“We had our fair share of ups and downs trying to find the right feeling with the bike on this track, and things weren’t really clicking early on. But my team never stopped working, and I never stopped believing. To fight through that adversity, cross the line in the points, and make history for the United States in the World Sportbike Championship is a dream come true. This is just the beginning, and we’re going to keep pushing for more.”
Correa’s historic achievement at Autodrom Most is the latest milestone in an already groundbreaking career. After making waves as the first American to podium in the British Talent Cup and showcasing his elite versatility across multiple international series, his transition to the World Championship stage is proving to be a resounding success.
As the sole American rider in the 2026 WorldSPB grid, Correa continues to fly the U.S. flag with pride. He and the Pons Motorsport Italika Racing team will look to carry this momentum into Round 6 at MotorLand Aragón in Spain at the end of May.
About Julian Correa:
Julian “Juju” Correa is a premier 17-year-old American motorcycle road racer from Jupiter, Florida. Competing on the global stage, Correa has established himself as one of the brightest young prospects in motorsport, pioneering a path for U.S. athletes in international championships. In 2026, he stepped up to the inaugural FIM Sportbike World Championship aboard a Kawasaki ZX-6R with Pons Motorsport Italika Racing.