WorldSBK: Official 2026 Entry Lists Include Gerloff & Correa

John Ulrich

-

November 27, 2025

WorldSBK: Official 2026 Entry Lists Include Gerloff & Correa

Editorial Note: Americans Garrett Gerloff and Julian Correa are racing in WorldSBK and Sportbike classes.

2026 entry lists announced: A record 13 manufacturers across WorldSBK, WorldSSP & WorldSPB

The FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization have officially revealed the 2026 entry lists for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), FIM Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP) and inaugural FIM Sportbike World Championship (WorldSPB), with a total of thirteen manufacturers involved across the three classes.

The new season is set to get underway on 20 February at Phillip Island (Australia) for WorldSBK and WorldSSP, while WorldSPB will kick off on 27 March in Portimao (Portugal). Each category will take part in an official test ahead of their respective opening rounds: 16-17 February at Phillip Island for WorldSBK and WorldSSP, and 23 March at Portimao for WorldSPB.

New line-ups and major movements for 2026

World Superbike: 22 riders – 14 teams – 8 nationalities

The 2026 WorldSBK grid features significant changes, with established contenders switching teams or manufacturers and several new faces joining the category. The championship retains its global character, with riders representing Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania.

Double runner-up Nicolo Bulega continues with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, aiming to fight once again for the title. He is joined by Iker Lecuona, who makes the move from Honda. Alvaro Bautista, third in the 2025 standings, begins a new chapter with Barni Spark Racing Team.

At ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, a completely new rider pairing sees race winner Danilo Petrucci and Portuguese star Miguel Oliveira join the squad that has clinched the last two Riders’ Championships.

Yamaha also presents an updated structure for 2026: Xavi Vierge teams up with Andrea Locatelli at Pata Maxus Yamaha, while 2025 WorldSSP Champion Stefano Manzi joins Remy Gardner at the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.

Honda introduces an entirely new rider line-up featuring Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra, both stepping into WorldSBK for 2026.

New additions to the category include Lorenzo Baldassarri, Alberto Surra and Mattia Rato, further strengthening a competitive grid.

2026_WorldSBK_Provisional_Permanent_Entry_List

World Supersport: A landmark year with nine manufacturers

33 riders – 21 teams – 14 nationalities

The 2026 WorldSSP season reaches a milestone with a total of nine manufacturers, marking one of the most diverse line-ups in the championship’s history.

Newcomer ZX Moto joins the grid with an experienced duo: Valentin Debise and Federico Caricasulo.

Among the headline movements, 2025 runner-up Can Oncu joins Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing, the team that secured its 11th Riders’ Championship in 2025, and two-time WorldSSP Champion (2021, 2022) Dominique Aegerter returns to the category, this time competing with Kawasaki.

2026_WorldSSP_Provisional_Permanent_Entry_List

World Sportbike: Six manufacturers and a mix of champions and rookies for the new era

33 riders – 18 teams – 16 nationalities

The inaugural season of the FIM Sportbike World Championship (WorldSPB) features six manufacturers Aprilia, Kawasaki, Kove, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha, ready to take on the new category.

The grid brings together established winners and rising stars, with former WorldSSP300 Champions Benat Fernandez (2025) and Jeffrey Buis (2020, 2023) among those stepping up to WorldSPB.

Alongside familiar names from the previous 300cc class, the series welcomes a broad group of newcomers, including Xavi Artigas, Taiko Aksu, Gabin Cazard, Julian Correa, Alvaro Fuertes, Arai Agaska, Alessandro Di Persio, Thomas Benetti, Harrison Dessoy, Mattia Sorrenti, Ferre Fleerackers and Kas Beekman.

The new category launches with a distinctly international flavour, featuring riders from Europe, North and South America and Asia.

2026_WorldSPB_Provisional_Permanent_Entry_List

WorldSBK: More From Two-Day Jerez Test

John Ulrich

-

November 27, 2025

0

Lowes tops the timesheets as Jerez test wraps up ahead of January action

As winter testing continues to shape early 2026 preparations, teams and riders concluded two productive days of running at Jerez. Attention now turns to the next winter testing, with the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto hosting another test on 21-22 January 2026, followed by two further days at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on 28-29 January 2026.

Key Points from Day 2

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) topped the timesheets with a 1:37.824, a lap comparable to his race pace from the 2025 Spanish Round.

Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) continued to shine in blue, securing second place only 0.234 seconds behind Lowes as he continues adapting to the Yamaha R1.

Michael van der Mark (BMW) finished third with a 1:38.125 after completing 72 laps.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) evaluated a revised swingarm and a second test bike, closing out the day in fourth place.

Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) both worked through a structured testing plan with new technical staff, finishing fifth and eighth respectively.

Danilo Petrucci was fifth-quickest during the second day of testing at Jerez. WorldSBK photo.

Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completed his first test day with new crew chief Uri Pallares, finishing sixth as the team experimented with new parts and settings.

Andrea Locatelli was fourth-quickest on the second day of WorldSBK testing at Jerez. WorldSBK photo.

Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) completed a productive day, placing seventh and continuing his adaptation to the Yamaha R1.

Honda HRC focused on familiarization work for Somkiat Chantra and Jake Dixon, who collectively completed more than 120 laps; Dixon experienced two harmless off-track excursions at Turn 2 and Turn 5.

The combined top six permanent grid riders from both days of the Jerez Test:

1. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) 1:37.825s

2. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.233s

3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.309s

4. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.645s

5. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.759s

6. Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) +0.781s

More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha:

The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team returned to action at the Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto in Spain for a productive two-day private test, with Stefano Manzi completing extensive mileage aboard the Yamaha R1.

Manzi made the most of the fully dry conditions on Day 1, with uninterrupted track time available from 10:00 to 18:00. The Italian immediately hit the asphalt in the morning session, continuing his adaptation to the Superbike machinery in what was only his second test with the Yamaha R1. He completed 95 laps throughout the day, showing consistent improvement. In the final runs, the 2025 WorldSSP Champion posted his best lap in 1’39.442 (lap 84), placing him seventh overall and giving the team a solid base of data.

The positive weather continued into Day 2, allowing Manzi and the team to carry on their program without interruption. The #62 rider demonstrated notable progress, improving his pace by almost a full second from the previous day. He clocked a strong 1’38.606, completing 72 laps to place himself seventh again overall, bringing his total over the two days to 167 laps.

On the other side of the garage, Remy Gardner did not take part in the Jerez test due to a shoulder injury sustained in a training incident. The Australian rider is now focused on achieving full recovery and is expected to return to action in 2026.

Stefano Manzi
“First of all, I’d like to send my best wishes or a quick recovery to Remy! Then, talking about the test, it was nice to be back on the bike and to complete two solid days of testing. I’m continuing to get used to the Yamaha R1 and to the whole crew around me, which is really positive. Just like in the first test, the main goal was to put in laps and build feeling with the bike, and I think we made some good progress. Unfortunately, we’ll now have to wait until next year before getting back on track, but that’s actually a good thing: we’re doing a good job, and we’re all looking forward to what’s next. We know we need to take things step by step and stay patient. For now, I’ll enjoy a bit of rest and keep training hard to be fully ready for 2026!”

Stefano Manzi in action on the GYTR GRT Yamaha during testing at Jerez. Yamaha photo.

ASRA Releases 2026 Schedules

John Ulrich

-

November 27, 2025

0

ASRA has released its 2026 schedules:

WorldSBK Returns To Jerez For Second Winter Test

Mathilde Gasnier

-

November 26, 2025

0

WorldSBK Returns To Jerez For Second Winter Test

The second winter test of the off-season is underway at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, with teams returning to the track on 26-27 November to continue their preparations for the 2026 season.

Miguel Oliveira (55) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna

The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team began testing with its full 2026 rider line-up, Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira, on track together for the first time. Both riders focused on familiarising themselves with the BMW M1000RR, steadily increasing their pace throughout the day. Petrucci ended Day 1 as the sixth-fastest rider, with Oliveira close behind in eighth.

Somkiat Chantra (on the left) and Jake Dixon (on the right) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna

Somkiat Chantra and Jake Dixon made their long-awaited WorldSBK debuts with Honda HRC. The pair were running inside the top ten, Dixon ninth (61 laps), Chantra tenth (71 laps), after a productive first day on the CBR1000RR-R.

Stefano Manzi (62) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna

It was a productive day for Yamaha as Xavi Vierge, Stefano Manzi, and Andrea Locatelli completed extensive track time. Vierge and Manzi continued their adaptation to the Yamaha R1, focusing on pace and familiarity with their new package. Meanwhile, Locatelli undertook his first test alongside his new Chief Engineer, Giulio Nava, as they began building their working relationship ahead of 2026. Locatelli ended Day 1 as the fastest rider overall, and the only rider to break into the 1’38s.

Dominique Aegerter (77) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna

In WorldSSP, Dominique Aegerter completed his first laps on the Kawasaki ZX-6R as he returns to the category after three seasons in WorldSBK.

FIM Moto4 Asia Cup Announces Provisional Calendar

Mathilde Gasnier

-

November 26, 2025

0

FIM Moto4 Asia Cup Announces Provisional Calendar

The Cup powers into a new era, with the class of 2026 set to battle across six rounds.

The 2026 Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup is set to enter an exciting new era, with riders from six countries gearing up to battle for the ultimate prize. This season promises unmissable action, with 14 new talents ready to join the grid following another successful Selection Event. They join a number of returning riders, including Noprutpong Bunprawes and Teerin Fleming, who are eager to carry their momentum into 2026.

It’s another packed grid with riders representing Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand. They’ll take to the track for the first time in pre-season testing on the 9th-10th of February.

The calendar features five rounds alongside MotoGP as Thailand plays host to the season opener from the 27th of February to March 1st, before Round 2 sees a trip to the Lusail International Circuit in April. Round 3 is to be confirmed before we prepare for a busy end to the season, beginning at the Mobility Resort Motegi in Japan for Round 4. One week later, riders head to the Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia before the season finale takes place in Malaysia from October 30th to November 1st at Sepang.

Check out the full 2026 Entry List and provisional Calendar as we race into a new era on the Road to MotoGP™!

XCEL Trackdays Publishes Its 2026 Event Schedule

Mathilde Gasnier

-

November 26, 2025

0

XCEL Trackdays Publishes Its 2026 Event Schedule

The new season begins January 25, 2026, on the freshly repaved West Track, offering riders one of the smoothest and most exciting riding experiences in Arizona. Known for its small group sizes, expert coaching, and focus on rider development and safety, XCEL Trackdays provides an ideal environment for riders of all skill levels to improve their technique, gain confidence, and enjoy more quality track time.

2026 XCEL Trackdays Schedule:

• Jan 25 – Firebird Motorsports Park – West Track

• Feb 22 – Firebird Motorsports Park – West Track

• Mar 15 – Firebird Motorsports Park – East Track

• Apr 12 – Firebird Motorsports Park – East Track

• May 3 – Firebird Motorsports Park – West Track

• Summer Break

• Sep 27 – Firebird Motorsports Park – East Track

• Oct 18 – Firebird Motorsports Park – West Track

• Nov 15 – Firebird Motorsports Park – East Track

• Dec 6 – Firebird Motorsports Park – West Track

With Arizona’s mild winter weather and Firebird Motorsports Park’s convenient Chandler location, XCEL Trackdays offers riders an ideal venue for year-round training and skill development. The track’s recent updates—including fresh asphalt on the West layout—make it a favorite among regional riders, just 15 minutes from Phoenix International Airport.

For more information and online registration, visit www.xceltrackdays.com .

2026 WeatherTech Raceway Tickets On Sale Now

Mathilde Gasnier

-

November 25, 2025

0

2026 WeatherTech Raceway Tickets On Sale Now

Monterey, CA (Nov. 25, 2025) – Get ready, race fans, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is excited to announce that tickets for the marquee events in the highly anticipated 2026 racing season are on sale online at WeatherTechRaceway.com and at the Raceway ticket office.

As of today, November 25th, fans can purchase:

General Admission
Car Corrals
Preferred Parking
Season Passes and Season Parking
General Tent Camping

For the following 2026 events:

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (May 1-3)
Ferrari Challenge (June 19-21)
Monterey Pre-Reunion (August 8-9)
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (August 12-15)
INDYCAR Grand Prix of Monterey – Season Finale (September 4-6)

Starting December 17th, fans can purchase additional ticket options, featuring new-for-2026 premium hospitality experiences like the Turn 3 VIP Club, as well as all camping options, including trackside premium.

“We’re gearing up for what we believe will be our best season yet,” said Mel Harder, President and General Manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “The 2026 calendar is packed with iconic events that feature a variety of world-class racing and countless ways for fans to immerse themselves in the action. It’s shaping up to be a milestone year at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.”

From the nonstop intensity of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition, and the timeless craftsmanship and heritage celebrated during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, to the high-stakes drama of the NTT INDYCAR Series Grand Prix of Monterey season finale, the 2026 season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca promises unforgettable moments for every motorsports fan. With such a diverse and iconic lineup on tap, there’s never been a better time to experience the excitement, tradition, and world-class racing that define this legendary circuit.

Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets and camping to guarantee the best pricing for another year of world-class motorsports on the iconic Monterey Peninsula. As always, children under 15 will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. For more information and to purchase tickets, book camping, and more visit the official WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca website.

About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca:

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned motorsport facility located in Monterey, California, operated and managed by Friends of Laguna Seca, a 501c(3) non-profit. Nestled among scenic hills, it has a rich history of hosting premier racing events, making it a favorite destination for motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. The 2.238-mile raceway features 11 challenging turns and approximately 180 feet of elevation change, including the world-famous Corkscrew, providing a thrilling experience for both drivers and fans. Friends of Laguna Seca is committed to delivering top-tier racing and entertainment experiences year after year. Find out how you can get involved at FriendsOfLagunaSeca.org.

Josh Herrin Racing Supersport With Rahal Ducati Moto

Mathilde Gasnier

-

November 25, 2025

0

Josh Herrin Racing Supersport With Rahal Ducati Moto

ZIONSVILLE, IN. (Nov 25, 2025) Rahal Ducati Moto (RDM) is excited to announce that multi-time champion, Josh Herrin, will join the team for the 2026 MotoAmerica Supersport season, supported by Desnuda Tequila as a primary partner. With extensive Ducati experience, Herrin’s arrival represents a significant competitive shift for the growing Ducati program as it sharpens its ambitions for the upcoming season.

“Racing with RDM feels like the perfect next step,” said Herrin. “Graham and Ben moved mountains to make this happen so quickly, and throughout the entire process, they’ve been nothing but professional, supportive, and genuine. They picked me up at a moment when I needed it most, and that means a lot. The future is bright with this team, and I’m excited to get to work.”

A proven force in American road racing, Herrin brings nearly two decades of results at the front of national competition. His resume includes the 2013 AMA Superbike Championship, a dominant 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, four Daytona 200 victories, and, most recently, the 2024 MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike Championship – Ducati’s first American Superbike Championship since 1994.

Josh Herrin will race a Desnuda Tequila-backed Rahal Ducati Moto Panigale V2 in the 2026 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship. Photo courtesy Rahal Ducati Moto

“We’re thrilled to welcome Josh to Rahal Ducati Moto,” said Graham Rahal, Team Owner. “It was an opportunity too good to pass up. Desnuda is rebuilding a vibrant, fun, and unapologetic energy, and that spirit aligns perfectly with Josh. We’re focused on growing this team and already looking ahead to 2027, where the possibility of running multiple Superbikes on the grid is within reach. We couldn’t do this without the support of Ray from Roller Die and Jonathan with Brew Watches, and with our ongoing team restructuring, including Grace Kever stepping into the Team Manager role and Tom Campion moving into Technical Director, we’re more excited than ever to see what the future holds.”

Herrin’s addition to RDM signals a renewed emphasis on performance development for the team, building on its foundation from the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Desnuda Tequila, distilled traditionally from small-batch organic agave, partners with Rahal Ducati Moto for Herrin’s 2026 Supersport campaign, reflecting a shared commitment to precision, passion, and pursuit of excellence. This marks the organic tequila distillery’s first venture in the MotoAmerica series and continues their involvement in American motorsports.

“Rahal Ducati Moto and Josh Herrin compete with the intensity, precision, and heart that define great teams. Desnuda is proud to be the primary sponsor supporting that level of performance,” said Brandon Korthuis, President of Desnuda Tequila. “This partnership elevates our brand and connects us with fans who appreciate authenticity and excellence.”

The 2026 season also reflects a broader restructuring within RDM, including expanded technical infrastructure, strengthened rider support systems, and new leadership roles within the organization. The team continues to invest in long-term program depth as it moves toward the goal of fielding multiple Superbikes in 2027, while simultaneously nurturing rising talent within its Supersport efforts.

“It’s an exciting time for the team,” said Rahal Ducati Moto Team Principal Ben Spies. “Josh brings incredible experience and a championship-winning mindset that will be invaluable to our younger riders, Kayla and Alessandro. Building on the guidance PJ has provided over the past two years, Josh’s mentorship on and off the track will help them develop faster, elevate their performance, and strengthen the program as a whole.”

“The team is excited to welcome Josh into the RDM family,” said Team Manager Grace Kever. “Our Supersport program has grown substantially over the last two seasons, and Josh’s arrival helps us take the next step in raising our level of competition. Beyond his performance on track, he brings a presence that engages fans and strengthens our visibility all over the country. We’re looking forward to building momentum on every front as we head into 2026.”

About Desnuda Tequila:

Desnuda Tequila is redefining the art of tequila-making by embracing the purity of tradition and the essence of sustainability. Crafted in the heart of Mexico, Desnuda Tequila honors the ancient methods of agave cultivation and distillation. Each bottle begins in the red clay soil of the Jalisco region of Mexico and ends in your glass. Certified organic and free from additives, Desnuda has been honored by those who taste without bias and awarded by those who know better.

Visit Desnuda Tequila

About Rahal Ducati Moto:

With a rich history in four-wheel competition, the Rahal name is synonymous with speed, passion, and commitment. A legacy started by 1986 Indy 500 and three-time INDYCAR Champion Bobby Rahal that has been handed down to second-generation driver and six-time INDYCAR race winner, Graham Rahal. Rahal Ducati Moto was formed through a drive for competition, the thrill of a new challenge, and eagerness to grow the Rahal name in motorsport. The team is part of the broader Rahal brand ecosystem, which includes automotive performance, motorsports, and dealership operations across multiple markets.

Superbike-Coach Corp Announces 2026 Schedule

Mathilde Gasnier

-

November 25, 2025

0

Superbike-Coach Corp Announces 2026 Schedule

Sacramento, CA – Superbike-Coach, a premier West Coast motorcycle riding school known for rapidly advancing street and track rider skills, today unveiled its exhilarating and extensive 2026 class and track day schedule. The new season elevates the student experience by integrating significant added value into all programs.

For 2026, the school is boosting benefits for students by including: Complimentary Pro-Level Action Photography by Dean Lonskey at all classes and events; an Enhanced Coaching Team focusing on specialized rider development; and Free Refreshments, Coffee, and Snacks provided throughout the day.

“We’re committed to making advanced rider training accessible, fun, and truly comprehensive,” says Can Akkaya, Head Coach and founder of Superbike-Coach. “For 2026, we’ve loaded the value and bolstered our staff expertise, ensuring every student leaves with new skills, great memories, and professional photos to prove it. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran track racer, we have a unique program to push your limits.”

Diverse 2026 Program Offerings:

Superbike-Coach offers unique classes and renowned 1-on-1 programs tailored for street and track riders of all ages and levels:

• Cornering School Days 1-3: For street and track riders on a small race track, with no track fees.

• Track Days: Open events for all riders and bike categories at Thunderhill Raceway.

• Track Rookie Class: For all riders who want to start out track days at Thunderhill Raceway.

• Body Position & Knee Down Class: For all Sportbike street riders and track riders, with no track fees.

• Track Academy: For track riders of mid-levels and up at Thunderhill Raceway.

• Road Skill 1-on-1 coaching: For all street riders of all ages, levels, and categories.

• Wheelie Course: For all street riders, track riders, and racers of all ages.

• Track Drill 1-on-4 coaching: For all sport and track riders and racers of all ages and levels at your track day.

• Supermotard 1-on-1: Personalized coaching for street and track riders, and racers of all ages.

• Supermoto Class & Race: For street and track riders, and racers of all ages, with no track fees.

• Basic Rider 1on1: For absolute beginners, to prepare for the M1 drivers license test.

• Suspension Workshop & Track Time: For all street and track riders on a small race track, with no extra track fees.

• Group Events: Individual classes for all motorcycle clubs, group members, companies, dealerships, and corporate groups.

Complete Superbike-Coach 2026 Season Schedule:

01/25/2026 Cornering School – Day 1

02/08/2026 Cornering School – Day 1

02/22/2026 Cornering School – Day 2

02/28/2026 Track Drill 1on4 Coaching, Thunderhill Raceway

03/08/2026 Cornering School – Day 3

04/12/2026 Cornering School – Day 1

04/19/2026 Cornering School – Day 2

04/20/2026 Track Drill 1on4 Coaching, Sonoma Raceway

05/02/2026 Body Position & Knee Down Class

05/03/2026 Wheelie Course

05/17/2026 Cornering School – Day 1

06/07/2026 Supermoto Race Class

06/20/2026 Track Drill 1on4 Coaching, Buttonwillow Raceway

06/21/2026 Track Drill 1on4 Coaching, Buttonwillow Raceway

06/28/2026 Cornering School – Day 3

07/01/2026 Cornering School – Day 1

07/26/2026 Suspension Workshop & Track Time

08/09/2026 LADIES ONLY Cornering Class

08/23/2026 Cornering School – Day 2

09/13/2026 Cornering School – Day 3

09/19/2026 Body Position & Knee Down Class

09/20/2026 Wheelie Course

10/03/2026 Track Drill 1on4 Coaching, Thunderhill West Raceway

10/04/2026 Track Drill 1on4 Coaching, Thunderhill West Raceway

10/31/2026 TRACK DAY & Track Rookie Class, Thunderhill Raceway

11/01/2026 TRACK DAY & Track Academy Class, Thunderhill Raceway

11/15/2026 Cornering School – Day 1

11/22/2026 Cornering School – Day 2

12/06/2026 Cornering School – Day 3

About Superbike-Coach:

Superbike-Coach Corp, based in Sacramento, CA, is a leading motorcycle riding school dedicated to enhancing the skills, safety, and performance of street and track riders across all experience levels. Led by veteran coach Can Akkaya, the school offers a diverse range of unique programs, designed to build rider confidence and performance across the West Coast.

Team MotoAmerica Finishes Baja 1000

Mathilde Gasnier

-

November 25, 2025

0

Now heading into its 12th year of existence, MotoAmerica is otherwise known as the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship. The series’ focus is, of course, on motorcycle road racing, but that’s not the only form of racing that the people of MotoAmerica are interested in, and more importantly, participate in.

Front row, left to right: Carl Price, Dan Argano, Michael Martin, and Zack Eaton. Back row, left to right: Linda Argano, Forrest Powell, Reina Dronen, Ryan Nelson, Heather Jackson, Scott Hayes, Manny Gonzales, Tony Zabala, Robert Eaton, Mark Yates, Scotty Hubbard, and Scott Padgitt. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Last week, a cadré of MotoAmerica officials and staff gathered in Ensenada, Mexico, to participate in the famous Baja 1000, which is an annual Mexican off-road motorsports race held on the Baja Peninsula. The course has remained relatively the same over the years, with every other event or so being either a point-to-point race from Ensenada to La Paz or a loop race starting and finishing in Ensenada. This year’s Baja 1000 was a loop race, so Team MotoAmerica established a home base at an Airbnb in Ensenada.

Five riders and 13 support crew members made up the team, which was led by rider of record Dan Argano, who is an FIM/AMA/MotoAmerica Official. Argano is a wily veteran of four Baja 1000 events as is his beloved 2005 Honda CRF450X upon which he’s ridden thousands of miles of Baja’s punishing terrain.

Argano’s fellow riders included Zack Eaton (also an FIM/AMA/MotoAmerica Official), former motorcycle road racer and current MotoAmerica Rider Representative Michael Martin, current motorcycle road racer and MotoAmerica Chief Medical Officer Carl Price, and former motorcycle road racer Curtis Adams, who manages and maintains MotoAmerica’s mobile electrical generators.

Dust and darkness were no match for Team MotoAmerica and their support crew. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

The five riders were supported by a topnotch crew, which included chase vehicle drivers Robert Eaton (an FIM/AMA/MotoAmerica Official), Scott Hayes, Mark Yates, and SLO Auto Glass & Tint owner Tony Zabala. Also part of the support crew were MotoAmerica staff members Heather Jackson, Manny Gonzales, and Scotty Hubbard; FIM/AMA/MotoAmerica Officials Ryan Nelson and Scott Padgitt; MotoAmerica Official Photographer Brian J. Nelson; Dan Argano’s wife Linda Argano and her daughter Reina Dronen; and Forrest Powell.

The expression on Curtis Adams’ face says it all. The Baja 1000 is no joke. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Adversity struck early for the team when rider Curtis Adams suffered a hard tumble off the bike and sustained fractured ribs, which took him out of the remainder of the event.

Despite the setback, the team motored on, with Dan Argano piling up a total of 235 miles, while Zack Eaton logged the most miles at 375.

When all was said and done, Argano and his team crossed the finish line fifth in the Pro Moto Limited class.

Congratulations to Dan and his wolf pack of 17 men and women for their hard work, dedication, camaraderie, and perseverance.

WorldSBK: Official 2026 Entry Lists Include Gerloff & Correa

November 27, 2025

gerloff 2 — Garrett Gerloff (31) is continuing in World Superbike. He'll be joined by young American Julian Correa who will race in the new Sportbike class. Photo courtesy Puccetti Racing.

Editorial Note: Americans Garrett Gerloff and Julian Correa are racing in WorldSBK and Sportbike classes.

2026 entry lists announced: A record 13 manufacturers across WorldSBK, WorldSSP & WorldSPB

The FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization have officially revealed the 2026 entry lists for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), FIM Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP) and inaugural FIM Sportbike World Championship (WorldSPB), with a total of thirteen manufacturers involved across the three classes.

The new season is set to get underway on 20 February at Phillip Island (Australia) for WorldSBK and WorldSSP, while WorldSPB will kick off on 27 March in Portimao (Portugal). Each category will take part in an official test ahead of their respective opening rounds: 16-17 February at Phillip Island for WorldSBK and WorldSSP, and 23 March at Portimao for WorldSPB.

New line-ups and major movements for 2026

World Superbike: 22 riders – 14 teams – 8 nationalities

The 2026 WorldSBK grid features significant changes, with established contenders switching teams or manufacturers and several new faces joining the category. The championship retains its global character, with riders representing Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania.

Double runner-up Nicolo Bulega continues with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, aiming to fight once again for the title. He is joined by Iker Lecuona, who makes the move from Honda. Alvaro Bautista, third in the 2025 standings, begins a new chapter with Barni Spark Racing Team.

At ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, a completely new rider pairing sees race winner Danilo Petrucci and Portuguese star Miguel Oliveira join the squad that has clinched the last two Riders’ Championships.

Yamaha also presents an updated structure for 2026: Xavi Vierge teams up with Andrea Locatelli at Pata Maxus Yamaha, while 2025 WorldSSP Champion Stefano Manzi joins Remy Gardner at the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team.

Honda introduces an entirely new rider line-up featuring Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra, both stepping into WorldSBK for 2026.

New additions to the category include Lorenzo Baldassarri, Alberto Surra and Mattia Rato, further strengthening a competitive grid.

2026_WorldSBK_Provisional_Permanent_Entry_List

World Supersport: A landmark year with nine manufacturers

33 riders – 21 teams – 14 nationalities

The 2026 WorldSSP season reaches a milestone with a total of nine manufacturers, marking one of the most diverse line-ups in the championship’s history.

Newcomer ZX Moto joins the grid with an experienced duo: Valentin Debise and Federico Caricasulo.

Among the headline movements, 2025 runner-up Can Oncu joins Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing, the team that secured its 11th Riders’ Championship in 2025, and two-time WorldSSP Champion (2021, 2022) Dominique Aegerter returns to the category, this time competing with Kawasaki.

2026_WorldSSP_Provisional_Permanent_Entry_List

World Sportbike: Six manufacturers and a mix of champions and rookies for the new era

33 riders – 18 teams – 16 nationalities

The inaugural season of the FIM Sportbike World Championship (WorldSPB) features six manufacturers Aprilia, Kawasaki, Kove, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha, ready to take on the new category.

The grid brings together established winners and rising stars, with former WorldSSP300 Champions Benat Fernandez (2025) and Jeffrey Buis (2020, 2023) among those stepping up to WorldSPB.

Alongside familiar names from the previous 300cc class, the series welcomes a broad group of newcomers, including Xavi Artigas, Taiko Aksu, Gabin Cazard, Julian Correa, Alvaro Fuertes, Arai Agaska, Alessandro Di Persio, Thomas Benetti, Harrison Dessoy, Mattia Sorrenti, Ferre Fleerackers and Kas Beekman.

The new category launches with a distinctly international flavour, featuring riders from Europe, North and South America and Asia.

2026_WorldSPB_Provisional_Permanent_Entry_List

WorldSBK: More From Two-Day Jerez Test

November 27, 2025

WSBK Test day two 30026da2-7d2e-c6f6-e209-e7a7100b741a Lowes — Alex Lowes was quick in WorldSBK testing at Jerez. WorldSBK photo.