David Alonso earned pole position during Moto2 World Championship qualifying Saturday afternoon at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Colombian rider turned a 1:57.718 to top the field of 27 riders.
Home hero, Filip Salac was second-best with a 1:57.923 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Alonso’s teammate, Daniel Holgado claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:58.107.
Row-two qualifiers included Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s Manuel Gonzalez (1:58.113) and Senna Agius (1:58.137), and QJMotor MSI’s Ivan Ortola (1:58.206).
American Joe Roberts finished the qualifying session 10th on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex with a time of 1:58.568.
Alonso earns Brno pole ahead of Salač and Holgado. A double Aspar crash didn’t stop the Colombian and Spaniard from clinching front row starts, and joining them on Row 1 is the home hero…
A Turn 1 crash didn’t stop David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) from clinching a second pole position of the season as the Colombian sets his sights on a first win of the year from the spearhead of the grid. Alonso’s new Brno Moto2 lap record, a 1:57.718, was 0.205s faster than second place Filip Salač (OnlyFans American Racing Team), with the Czech rider bagging a second consecutive front row of the year, this time in front of his home fans. Third on the grid goes to Alonso’s teammate Daniel Holgado, and like the #80, the #96 was unharmed positionally after a crash in Q2.
Front-row starters at Brno, from left: Filip Salac, David Alonso and Daniel Holgado. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
A late lap from World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) saw the Spaniard leapfrog teammate Senna Agius into P4, with the Aussie settling for P5. Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – Exocom – MSI) also managed to slot in a late personal best time to push himself onto the outside of the second row. That was important too, with Ortola facing a Long Lap penalty in tomorrow’s race.
The riders second and third in the championship, Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) and Celestino Vietti (HDR SpeedRS Team), will line up in P7 and P8 respectively in the hope of clawing some points back on Gonzalez in Brno.
Tune into the Moto2 race at 12:15 (UTC +1) local time on Sunday!
David Almansa earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM on Pirelli control tires, Almansa turned a lap time of 2:04.069. Not only was that good enough to lead the 26-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Alvaro Carpe’s 2026 All-Time Lap Record of 2:04.394, set in FP2 this morning.
Hakim Danish was the best of the rest with a 2:04.086 on his AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, and Maximo Quiles claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:04.490 on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM.
Row-two qualifiers included Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe (2:04.634) and Brian Uriarte (2:04.643), and GRYD Racing’s Eddie O’Shea (2:05.140).
Almansa strikes for third consecutive pole as he denies Danish at Brno. The Spanish rider left it until his final lap in Q2 to claim P1 ahead of Danish, with just 0.017s between the pair.
David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) left it late in Q2 to make it three consecutive pole positions in Moto3, setting the fastest lap of the weekend with a 2:04.069 as he secured P1 by just 0.017s. Hakim Danish (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) will line up from second after he improved his time right at the end of the session, with Almansa and Danish denying Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team). The #28 was running in P1 until the final run, when he brought his bike back to the pits without the chance of improving his time in the final three minutes.
Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will lead away the second row for Sunday’s Grand Prix as he posted a 2:04.634, half-a-second down on Almansa’s pole time. He’s joined by teammate Brian Uriarte on the second row, as the #51 was fifth quickest, with Eddie O’Shea (GYRD Racing) lining up from P6. The British rider had shown pace good enough to go directly into Q2, but a technical infringement meant he was disqualified from Practice. However, the #8 made his way through Q1 to claim sixth in Q2.
After a crash in Practice, Marco Morelli (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) was forced into Q2. It looked like he had the pace to make it through, but the #97 was in his box when he was second on the timesheets; however, while he watched on, he found himself demoted out of the top four places in Q1.
Ai Ogura claimed pole position during MotoGP qualifying Saturday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26 on the dry 3.36-mile (5.40 km) track, Ogura turned a 1:51.139. Not only was that good enough to top the 22-rider field, it also eclipsed his own 2026 All-Time Lap Record of 1:51.735, set during Friday afternoon’s practice session.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of the rest with a 1:51.350 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26, and Francesco Bagnaia claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:51.383 on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Row-two qualifiers included Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi (1:51.428), Bagnaia’s teammate, Marc Marquez (1:51.436) and Pro Honda LCR’s Diogo Moreira (1:51.691).
Ogura smashes Brno lap record for maiden MotoGP pole. The #79 continues his charge in Czechia, heading Di Giannantonio and Bagnaia on the front row at Brno.
Can anyone stop Ai Ogura in Brno? The SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP team rider was fastest on Friday before smashing the lap record again on Saturday morning, taking his very first pole position in MotoGP. His 1:51.139 puts him more than two tenths clear of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in second place, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) just another 0.033 in arrears in third. Ogura is the sixth different polesitter this season and becomes the first Japanese rider on pole since the 2020 Teruel GP.
Here’s how it played out in Czechia.
Q1: Martin makes it count
Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) is fit to ride but a little worse for wear this weekend in the aftermath of his Hungarian GP crash, leaving the 2024 World Champion down in Q1 following Friday’s action. But he was able to ease through into the second qualifying session, putting in a 1:51.819 to top Q1 by a couple of tenths ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).
That left Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) just thousandths out of Q2 with the #12 to start in P13 just ahead of the returning Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). An incident between Toprak Razgatliouglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) saw the Italian gesticulating on track after feeling his lap was interrupted, and that was looked at by the FIM MotoGP Stewards, who then gave the Turkish rider a three-place grid penalty for Sunday. After a tougher session anyway, that drops him behind Castrol Honda LCR’s Cal Crutchlow.
Ai Ogura (79) at Brno. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Q2: Ogura unmatchable
The grid was nearly impossible to predict ahead of the session and after the first runs it was Diggia on provisional pole ahead of Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) and Ogura, but more red sectors were lighting up the timesheets.
The first of a flotilla of improvers was Bagnaia, who scorched round to shave a quarter of a second off Diggia’s previous best laptime at the top. Then came Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), who came up on his teammate short by half a tenth, before the graphics lit up with another red-red-red: Ogura. It was a stunner, putting the Japanese rider on provisional pole by over two tenths with just two minutes of the session remaining. Could anyone hit back?
Di Giannantonio was next to put in a fast one but he couldn’t depose Ogura, slotting into second as he just edged Bagnaia down to third. As the track went quieter it seemed a done deal, with no one able to put together an attack for the front row. The remaining question seemed to be Marc Marquez, but the #93 then rolled out of his final attempt at it too. That was that: Ogura remained unmatched in Brno.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (left) and Francesco Bagnaia in parc fermé after the MotoGP qualifying session. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
The Grids
Behind that top three of Ogura, Diggia and Bagnaia, Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) slots into fourth at the head of the second row. He’s got Marc Marquez alongside him in P5, with that row completed by Moreira as the Brazilian rookie continues his run of impressive Q2 results and sets another personal best.
Raul Fernandez, who has been suffering from some illness on the way into the round, is the second SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP team machine heading Row 3 in seventh, just ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who will be gunning for a lot more once the lights go out for racing. Morbidelli takes P8 having come through Q1, reversing the order as the #21 will now start just ahead of the rider who topped that first qualifying session: Martin. In the Tissot Sprint the #89 has a straight ride to the finish, but on Sunday he has two Long Lap penalties to serve for that incident at Turn 1 in Hungary.
Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) takes P11 ahead of Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), with Viñales, Alex Marquez and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoG) completing Row 5.
That’s that on qualifying – with the grids set to deliver some stunning showdowns in Brno. Can Ogura convert pole? The master of tyre life – or as Marco Bezzecchi put it on Friday, “a pain in the ass” now starts ahead of the rest… tune in at 15:00 on Saturday for the Tissot Sprint and then 14:00 on Sunday for the Grand Prix!
Raul Fernandez led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:52.050 to lead the 22-rider field.
Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:52.885 on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Maverick Viñales was third at 1:52.915 on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16.
Fermin Aldeguer finished the session fourth with a 1:53.012 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Fernandez’s teammate, Ai Ogura got fifth with a lap time of 1:53.021.
Home hero, Filip Salac was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his Pirelli-shod OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex on the 3.36-mile (5.40 km) track, the Czech rider recorded a 1:57.978. Not only was that good enough to lead the 27-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Barry Baltus’s 2025 All-Time Lap Record of 1:58.322.
His teammate, Joe Roberts was the best of the rest with a 1:58.207.
Celestino Vietti was third-fastest with a 1:58.387 on his HDR SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.
Alvaro Carpe led Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. The Spaniard used his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo machine to lap the 3.36-mile (5.40 km) track in 2:04.394, which led the field of 26 riders and broke Hakim Danish’s All-Time Lap Record of 2:04.754 he set Friday afternoon during the practice session.
Maximo Quiles was second-best with a time of 2:04.823 on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM and his teammate, Marco Morelli claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:05.120.
Showdown On The Sound: Four Feature Classes Join Superbike Stars In The PNW. Supersport, Talent Cup, The Mission Super Hooligan National Championship, And Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. Coming To Ridge Motorsports Park.
IRVINE, CA – Four classes of racing set course for Ridge Motorsports Park to begin MotoAmerica’s critical mid-season, West Coast swing on June 26-28. The technical, 2.47-mile counter-clockwise road course shifts the paradigm for the feature class grids. Absent the sprawling drafting opportunities of the faster tracks, finding success in the Evergreen State demands razor-sharp handling and the pure bravery needed to negotiate the tricky, 50-foot “waterfall” known as the Ridge Complex.
Supersport
Middleweight racing at Ridge turns into an exhausting, high-G athletic workout where corner speed and tire management are paramount. Without the long straightaways to rely on a slipstream, success hinges on stringing together a highly technical rhythm through the track’s undulating turn sequences.
Following a dominant double-victory performance at Road America, South African star Darryn Binder has streaked clear at the top of the standings. Binder and his Celtic/Economy Lube + Tire/Warhorse team have displayed stellar form, but his Ducati Panigale V2 will face an immediate trial by fire from former champion Josh Herrin. The Californian, piloting the Rahal Ducati Moto with Desnuda Organic Tequila Ducati Panigale V2, is desperate to halt Binder’s momentum after a costly final-lap miscue at the previous round.
Darryn Binder (53) bundled a pair of wins at Road America, giving him a 34-point lead over Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The chasing pack remains completely ruthless. Look for Rahal Ducati Moto with Droplight’s Kayla Yaakov to leverage her undeniable speed—bolstered by multiple pole positions—as the teenager hunts for her first career Supersport victory aboard her Ducati Panigale V2. Ready to crash the Ducati festa is M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott, whose high-revving Suzuki GSX-R750 is fully capable of carving through the inner loops, while Strack Racing Yamaha’s Blake Davis aims to maximize his YZF-R9’s chassis compliance to put himself right back on the podium.
MotoAmerica Talent Cup
The next generation of global road racing stars takes to the grid in Talent Cup, bringing a fiercely competitive field of young racers out West. Running on equal machinery, these riders leave zero margin for error in an environment that heavily values roll speed and fluid momentum.
Team Roberts’ Kensei Matsudaira is currently tied for the points lead with Quarterley Racing’s Nathan Gouker, who is coming off a double-win in the most recent Talent Cup race at Barber and aims to turn that momentum into an outright championship lead.
Nathan Gouker (19) took both wins during the most recent Talent Cup event at Barber Motorsports Park and looks to ride that momentum into round four, and is tied with Kensei Matsudaira (74) in points. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Meanwhile, Team Hammer’s Jake Paige continues to show frontrunning race-craft, preparing for a multi-rider dogfight where a single mistake on the technical asphalt can instantly derail a championship campaign.
Mission Super Hooligan National Championship
The Mission Super Hooligan National Championship brings its visceral presence to the Pacific Northwest. These are big-bore twins, triple-cylinder naked bikes, and high-performance streetfighters being wrestled around a track that was never meant for wide, flat handlebars. Managing the sheer torque and atypical front-end physics of these machines is a flat-out survival test.
Gus Rodio leads the class into Washington State following a dominant double-victory at Barber Motorsports Park. Riding the Rodio Racing Ducati Streetfighter V2, Rodio faces heavy pressure from a highly competitive chasing pack. Just seven points behind Rodio is defending class champion James Rispoli aboard his Saddlemen Race Development Harley-Davidson Pan America and veteran Josh Herrin gaining speed on the all-electric OrangeCat Racing Lightfighter V3-RH.
Gus Rodio (95) wrangled the Super Hooligan points lead at Barber Motorsports Park last month. Here, Josh Herrin (2) pursues. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Robertino Pietri continues his upward climb aboard the COATZYMOTO-LATIN WE Yamaha XSR900. Meanwhile, BPR Racing Yamaha teammates Bryce Kornbau and Pacific Northwest-native Andy DiBrino are making significant progress aboard their triple-cylinder Yamaha MT-09 SP machines. Finally, ARCH Racing continues to advance its bespoke, V-Twin 2s-R race machine, guided by the highly skilled duo of Corey Alexander and Jeremy McWilliams.
Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race.
The inspiring and highly competitive Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. (BTR) program brings its unique flavor of grassroots engineering and high-stakes racing to Shelton. Highlighting the mechanical aptitude and racing talent of women who race-prepped their own Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 motorcycles before lining up on the grid, the program’s championship battle is tightening significantly after the midway point of the season.
Jasmine Noelle carries the points lead and maximum momentum into the weekend as the primary target for the field. Close on her heels is the tactically sharp Brazilian rider Tati Paze, while Brianna Cutler remains poised to disrupt the order at the front. Navigating Ridge on the twin-cylinder machines will require incredibly smooth, precise riding inputs to maximize mid-corner velocity and keep the momentum moving forward through the technical gaps.
Jasmine Noelle (#711) leads the BTR field into round three at Ridge Motorsports Park with a commanding 23-point lead. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
For the full 2026 MotoAmerica schedule, and to purchase tickets for MotoAmerica events, CLICK HERE
For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica series, CLICK HERE
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit
Josh Brookes was back on top in the British Superbike Championship at Knockhill today, leading the combined Free Practice times in the wet conditions to fire the DAO Racing Honda team ahead of the chasing pack.
As always, the hectic Fife circuit produced incredibly close results with the top 19 riders covered by just 0.921s. However, Brookes mastered the conditions to lead Fraser Rogers by 0.188s, as the TAG Honda rider continued to show his impressive wet pace at Knockhill after sealing his debut BSB podium finish in Scotland last year.
Jason O’Halloran completed an all Honda top three on combined times, keeping the Honda Racing UK team ahead of Storm Stacey on the Bathams AJN Racing Ducati, with Max Cook getting his first wet weather experience on the new AJN Steelstock bimota in fifth position.
Home hero Rory Skinner was sixth fastest on the Cheshire Mouldings Yamaha, edging out Christian Iddon and Sencat Racing Honda and McAMS Yamaha’s Bradley Ray.
Honda riders completed the top ten with Lee Jackson and Ryan Vickers, easing Ilya Mikhalchik into eleventh by just 0.017s for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad British Superbike Race team.
Championship leader Kyle Ryde ended the opening day in 17th position and 0.862s adrift of Brookes’ pace-setting time, with the Nitrous Coin Nitrous Competitions Racing rider choosing to sit out the second session.
The BSB Pre-Qualifying session was postponed until tomorrow (Saturday) with a revised bumper schedule for Super Scottish Saturday awaiting the Knockhill fans.
Josh Brookes – DAO Racing Honda:
“It was the same for everybody and we are all trying no matter what the conditions. For me, we made a lot of changes to the bike before we even set off for the first laps. We have wiped the slate clean and have just started again in a new position and try to forget about what we have been trying to improve with the bike as I feel that we were compromising good areas of the bike, to try to fix weaknesses.
“We set out this weekend with a new frame of mind, a new set-up on the bike and from the roll out it felt good. We have been improving, the track has good grip in the wet, so we have good feedback. It may not reflect what the bike may feel like in the dry, so we have that to try again and I really hope, like everybody, that it will be dry and we can continue to work in this new direction.
“It is really nice to be in a strong position and start the weekend off on the right foot.”
British Superbike Championship, Knockhill, combined Free Practice times:
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will begin a new chapter in Australia from 2028, with The Bend set to host the Australian Round on a multi-year agreement.
Located in South Australia, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend will join the WorldSBK calendar from the Championship’s 41st season onwards.
Australia has been a cornerstone of WorldSBK since the Championship first visited the country in 1990, producing some of the sport’s most successful riders and delivering memorable moments for almost four decades.
The Bend is one of Australia’s leading motorsport facilities, featuring multiple circuit configurations and modern infrastructure designed to host international events.
Dr Sam Shahin, Managing Director of Shell V-Power Motorsport Park: “Securing WorldSBK is a significant achievement for The Bend and today’s announcement marks a historic day for motorsport and for South Australia. From the outset, our vision has been to create a proud facility capable of attracting the world’s leading motorsport categories and hosting the highest levels of international competition. A decade on, we celebrate a major milestone; WorldSBK is coming. This championship is set to bring the top motorcycle manufacturers, teams and riders to South Australia, creating a powerful platform that will showcase our venue, our passionate motorsport community and our state to a global audience. WorldSBK has an incredibly passionate global fanbase and we look forward to welcoming them to The Bend and delivering an event experience that reflects the significance of this championship and its place on the international calendar.”
Peter Malinauskas, South Australian Premier:“Securing WorldSBK further strengthens South Australia’s position as Australia’s motorsport capital and will deliver significant economic, tourism and profile benefits across the state, and in particular our regions. South Australia has built one of the strongest motorsport portfolios in the country. From the world-class facilities at The Bend to the Adelaide street circuit, we are attracting premier events, passionate fans and global attention. With WorldSBK joining MotoGP, the Adelaide 500 and the AirTouch 500 Enduro, this announcement reinforces our commitment to motorsport and reflects our determination to ensure South Australia remains the home of motorsport in this country. It also provides a pathway for the next generation of riders, engineers, officials, volunteers and motorsport enthusiasts to engage with world-class competition right here at home.”
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director:“Australia holds a special place in the history of WorldSBK and remains an important market for our championship, manufacturers, teams and fans. We are pleased to confirm The Bend as the future home of the Australian Round from 2028. The venue offers excellent facilities and a strong commitment to motorsport, providing a solid platform for the next chapter of WorldSBK in Australia. We look forward to working closely with the team at The Bend and all local stakeholders as preparations begin for the first event in 2028.”
Further information regarding the inaugural WorldSBK event at The Bend, including dates and ticketing details, will be announced in due course.
High-Octane Battle Brewing: MotoAmerica Injects A Double Shot Of Adrenaline Into Seattle’s Backyard. Championship Grid Grinds For Margins At Technical Washington Circuit.
IRVINE, CA – A state famous for craft coffee roasters, grunge music, and volcanoes is about to experience a different kind of energy and seismic rumble. The Quad Lock Superbike Championship makes its highly anticipated annual stop at Ridge Motorsports Park on June 26-28, bringing 200-plus horsepower machines to the dense coniferous forests of Shelton, Washington.
The 2.47-mile counter-clockwise layout delivers a relentless, technical workout, packing 16 turns and 300 feet of elevation change into each lap. The circuit demands ultimate precision, highlighted by a blistering half-mile-long front straight, heavy braking zones, a sweeping edge-grip-challenging carousel, and rapid transitions with elevation change.
Quad Lock Superbike & Superbike Cup
Success at the Washington circuit demands an impeccable chassis setup. Unlike the wide-open nature of the previous round, this is a track that throws a massive challenge directly at the top speed merchants, shifting the advantage to those who can carry immense rolling momentum through the corners.
The unique layout alters the dynamic for current championship points leader, Sean Dylan Kelly. While the Floridian and his OrangeCat Racing BMW M 1000 RR have optimized their high-speed stability to muscle ahead in the standings, they must now adapt to a tighter, faster-steering environment. To defend his narrow advantage, Kelly will need to lean on a smooth, calculated approach to perfectly spot hidden apexes and manage the Beemer’s brute force out of the technical exits.
Sean Dylan Kelly entered Road America’s victory lane to an ecstatic OrangeCat Racing welcoming committee. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Hot on his heels in the standings is South African standout Mathew Scholtz, sitting in a prime striking position in second place, just a single point back. Competing for Strack Racing aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1, the multi-time Superbike race winner feels right at home on layouts that favor nimble handling over outright horsepower. Scholtz’s fierce corner-entry style and extensive history with the R1 platform make him a devastating threat on a circuit that heavily rewards side-grip and momentum.
Mathew Scholtz struggled slightly at the previous round and aims to reclaim the points lead at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Much like Scholtz, the powerhouse teammates of Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing will be looking to capitalize on the handling prowess of the Yamaha YZF-R1 in the technical sectors. Currently third in points, Bobby Fong brings an explosive, aggressive riding style that could yield high rewards over the track’s dramatic crests. Right behind him in fourth is JD Beach, whose dirt-track heritage gives him a masterful ability to back his Yamaha YZF-R1 into tight corners and slide through rapid transitions.
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing stablemates Bobby Fong and JD Beach have been inseparable all year, consistently battling each other, as well as the leaders, at each round. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Sitting fifth in the championship hunt is Cameron Petersen, who looks to assert himself at the sharp end of the field aboard the Wrench Motorcycles Ducati Panigale V4 R. Coming off a race one win at Road America, the South African is the only active rider in the class with a Ridge win to his name, and he has podiumed a total of five times in his career at the circuit.
The deep grid features plenty of spoiler talent capable of turning the weekend upside down. The hungry pack includes M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammates Richie Escalante and Brandon Paasch, both pushing their Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbikes to find maximum consistency.
One of the big stories heading into round four is that Warhorse HSBK Ducati Flo4Law rider Cameron Beaubier, who underwent shoulder surgery after his Road America race one crash, will be out for an indefinite amount of time. Already at a 59-point deficit, it likely spells the end of his championship defense in 2026, even if he does return to racing later this season. The team has enlisted the services of their former Superbike rider Loris Baz, beginning with the upcoming round in the Evergreen State.
Rahal Ducati Moto with XPEL rider PJ Jacobsen is another rider who has had a challenging start to his season. The 32-year-old New Yorker reversed his fortunes at the previous round by capturing his first podium of the season. The breakthrough performance signals a dramatic turnaround in luck and velocity. Expect Jacobsen to maintain this upward trajectory at Ridge Motorsports Park, acting as a prime championship disruptor as he fights for wins.
Showing upward momentum, the red wing of the Real Steel Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP ridden by Hayden Gillim is beginning to take flight. Watch for the Kentuckian to continue his rise towards a podium finish as he has continuously improved the package and is knocking on the door of the top five.
Meanwhile, Superbike Cup leader Andrew Lee will try to continue his success and keep his Real Steel Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at the top of the Superbike Cup standings.
Superbike Cup points leader Andrew Lee (#14) has four first-place finishes in a row and looks poised to leave Washington with six. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Chandler Named Grand Marshal
As the season-long celebration of “50 Years Of Superbike Racing” continues, MotoAmerica is honoring three-time AMA Superbike Champion Doug Chandler as the Grand Marshal for the race weekend at Ridge. An absolute legend of American motorcycle racing, “DC-10” is one of only four riders in history to achieve the prestigious AMA Grand Slam—capturing national victories across a mile, half-mile, short track, TT, and a road race. Best known for his clinical execution aboard his iconic, green #10 Muzzy Kawasaki ZX-7RR, Chandler claimed his titles in 1990, 1996, and 1997 before representing the United States at the absolute pinnacle of the sport in the 500cc Grand Prix World Championship. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee is a perfect selection to usher in the Superbike podium celebrations over the weekend, cementing his legacy not just as a champion, but as one of the most versatile and respected icons the sport has ever known.
Doug Chandler in 1997 aboard his Muzzy Kawasaki ZX-7RR. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
For the full 2026 MotoAmerica schedule, and to purchase tickets for MotoAmerica events, CLICK HERE
For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica series, CLICK HERE
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit
David Alonso took pole position at Brno. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
David Alonso earned pole position during Moto2 World Championship qualifying Saturday afternoon at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Colombian rider turned a 1:57.718 to top the field of 27 riders.
Home hero, Filip Salac was second-best with a 1:57.923 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Alonso’s teammate, Daniel Holgado claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:58.107.
Row-two qualifiers included Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP’s Manuel Gonzalez (1:58.113) and Senna Agius (1:58.137), and QJMotor MSI’s Ivan Ortola (1:58.206).
American Joe Roberts finished the qualifying session 10th on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex with a time of 1:58.568.
Alonso earns Brno pole ahead of Salač and Holgado. A double Aspar crash didn’t stop the Colombian and Spaniard from clinching front row starts, and joining them on Row 1 is the home hero…
A Turn 1 crash didn’t stop David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) from clinching a second pole position of the season as the Colombian sets his sights on a first win of the year from the spearhead of the grid. Alonso’s new Brno Moto2 lap record, a 1:57.718, was 0.205s faster than second place Filip Salač (OnlyFans American Racing Team), with the Czech rider bagging a second consecutive front row of the year, this time in front of his home fans. Third on the grid goes to Alonso’s teammate Daniel Holgado, and like the #80, the #96 was unharmed positionally after a crash in Q2.
Front-row starters at Brno, from left: Filip Salac, David Alonso and Daniel Holgado. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
A late lap from World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) saw the Spaniard leapfrog teammate Senna Agius into P4, with the Aussie settling for P5. Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – Exocom – MSI) also managed to slot in a late personal best time to push himself onto the outside of the second row. That was important too, with Ortola facing a Long Lap penalty in tomorrow’s race.
The riders second and third in the championship, Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) and Celestino Vietti (HDR SpeedRS Team), will line up in P7 and P8 respectively in the hope of clawing some points back on Gonzalez in Brno.
Tune into the Moto2 race at 12:15 (UTC +1) local time on Sunday!
David Almansa (22) at Brno. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
David Almansa earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP KTM on Pirelli control tires, Almansa turned a lap time of 2:04.069. Not only was that good enough to lead the 26-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Alvaro Carpe’s 2026 All-Time Lap Record of 2:04.394, set in FP2 this morning.
Hakim Danish was the best of the rest with a 2:04.086 on his AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI KTM, and Maximo Quiles claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:04.490 on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM.
Row-two qualifiers included Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe (2:04.634) and Brian Uriarte (2:04.643), and GRYD Racing’s Eddie O’Shea (2:05.140).
Almansa strikes for third consecutive pole as he denies Danish at Brno. The Spanish rider left it until his final lap in Q2 to claim P1 ahead of Danish, with just 0.017s between the pair.
David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) left it late in Q2 to make it three consecutive pole positions in Moto3, setting the fastest lap of the weekend with a 2:04.069 as he secured P1 by just 0.017s. Hakim Danish (AEON Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) will line up from second after he improved his time right at the end of the session, with Almansa and Danish denying Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team). The #28 was running in P1 until the final run, when he brought his bike back to the pits without the chance of improving his time in the final three minutes.
Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) will lead away the second row for Sunday’s Grand Prix as he posted a 2:04.634, half-a-second down on Almansa’s pole time. He’s joined by teammate Brian Uriarte on the second row, as the #51 was fifth quickest, with Eddie O’Shea (GYRD Racing) lining up from P6. The British rider had shown pace good enough to go directly into Q2, but a technical infringement meant he was disqualified from Practice. However, the #8 made his way through Q1 to claim sixth in Q2.
After a crash in Practice, Marco Morelli (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) was forced into Q2. It looked like he had the pace to make it through, but the #97 was in his box when he was second on the timesheets; however, while he watched on, he found himself demoted out of the top four places in Q1.
Ai Ogura (79) and Diogo Moreira (11) at Brno. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Ai Ogura claimed pole position during MotoGP qualifying Saturday at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26 on the dry 3.36-mile (5.40 km) track, Ogura turned a 1:51.139. Not only was that good enough to top the 22-rider field, it also eclipsed his own 2026 All-Time Lap Record of 1:51.735, set during Friday afternoon’s practice session.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of the rest with a 1:51.350 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26, and Francesco Bagnaia claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:51.383 on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Row-two qualifiers included Aprilia Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi (1:51.428), Bagnaia’s teammate, Marc Marquez (1:51.436) and Pro Honda LCR’s Diogo Moreira (1:51.691).
Ogura smashes Brno lap record for maiden MotoGP pole. The #79 continues his charge in Czechia, heading Di Giannantonio and Bagnaia on the front row at Brno.
Can anyone stop Ai Ogura in Brno? The SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP team rider was fastest on Friday before smashing the lap record again on Saturday morning, taking his very first pole position in MotoGP. His 1:51.139 puts him more than two tenths clear of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in second place, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) just another 0.033 in arrears in third. Ogura is the sixth different polesitter this season and becomes the first Japanese rider on pole since the 2020 Teruel GP.
Here’s how it played out in Czechia.
Q1: Martin makes it count
Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) is fit to ride but a little worse for wear this weekend in the aftermath of his Hungarian GP crash, leaving the 2024 World Champion down in Q1 following Friday’s action. But he was able to ease through into the second qualifying session, putting in a 1:51.819 to top Q1 by a couple of tenths ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team).
That left Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) just thousandths out of Q2 with the #12 to start in P13 just ahead of the returning Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). An incident between Toprak Razgatliouglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) saw the Italian gesticulating on track after feeling his lap was interrupted, and that was looked at by the FIM MotoGP Stewards, who then gave the Turkish rider a three-place grid penalty for Sunday. After a tougher session anyway, that drops him behind Castrol Honda LCR’s Cal Crutchlow.
Ai Ogura (79) at Brno. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Q2: Ogura unmatchable
The grid was nearly impossible to predict ahead of the session and after the first runs it was Diggia on provisional pole ahead of Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) and Ogura, but more red sectors were lighting up the timesheets.
The first of a flotilla of improvers was Bagnaia, who scorched round to shave a quarter of a second off Diggia’s previous best laptime at the top. Then came Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), who came up on his teammate short by half a tenth, before the graphics lit up with another red-red-red: Ogura. It was a stunner, putting the Japanese rider on provisional pole by over two tenths with just two minutes of the session remaining. Could anyone hit back?
Di Giannantonio was next to put in a fast one but he couldn’t depose Ogura, slotting into second as he just edged Bagnaia down to third. As the track went quieter it seemed a done deal, with no one able to put together an attack for the front row. The remaining question seemed to be Marc Marquez, but the #93 then rolled out of his final attempt at it too. That was that: Ogura remained unmatched in Brno.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (left) and Francesco Bagnaia in parc fermé after the MotoGP qualifying session. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
The Grids
Behind that top three of Ogura, Diggia and Bagnaia, Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) slots into fourth at the head of the second row. He’s got Marc Marquez alongside him in P5, with that row completed by Moreira as the Brazilian rookie continues his run of impressive Q2 results and sets another personal best.
Raul Fernandez, who has been suffering from some illness on the way into the round, is the second SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP team machine heading Row 3 in seventh, just ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who will be gunning for a lot more once the lights go out for racing. Morbidelli takes P8 having come through Q1, reversing the order as the #21 will now start just ahead of the rider who topped that first qualifying session: Martin. In the Tissot Sprint the #89 has a straight ride to the finish, but on Sunday he has two Long Lap penalties to serve for that incident at Turn 1 in Hungary.
Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) takes P11 ahead of Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), with Viñales, Alex Marquez and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoG) completing Row 5.
That’s that on qualifying – with the grids set to deliver some stunning showdowns in Brno. Can Ogura convert pole? The master of tyre life – or as Marco Bezzecchi put it on Friday, “a pain in the ass” now starts ahead of the rest… tune in at 15:00 on Saturday for the Tissot Sprint and then 14:00 on Sunday for the Grand Prix!
Raul Fernandez (25) at Brno. Photo courtesy Trackhouse Team.
Raul Fernandez led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his SuperFile Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:52.050 to lead the 22-rider field.
Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:52.885 on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Maverick Viñales was third at 1:52.915 on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16.
Fermin Aldeguer finished the session fourth with a 1:53.012 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Fernandez’s teammate, Ai Ogura got fifth with a lap time of 1:53.021.
Home hero, Filip Salac was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. Riding his Pirelli-shod OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex on the 3.36-mile (5.40 km) track, the Czech rider recorded a 1:57.978. Not only was that good enough to lead the 27-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Barry Baltus’s 2025 All-Time Lap Record of 1:58.322.
His teammate, Joe Roberts was the best of the rest with a 1:58.207.
Celestino Vietti was third-fastest with a 1:58.387 on his HDR SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro.
Brian Uriarte (51) and Alvaro Carpe (83) at Brno. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Alvaro Carpe led Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Automotodrom Brno, in Czech Republic. The Spaniard used his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo machine to lap the 3.36-mile (5.40 km) track in 2:04.394, which led the field of 26 riders and broke Hakim Danish’s All-Time Lap Record of 2:04.754 he set Friday afternoon during the practice session.
Maximo Quiles was second-best with a time of 2:04.823 on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team KTM and his teammate, Marco Morelli claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:05.120.
Supersport race 2 at Road America, with Tyler Scott (70) battling Josh Herrin (2), Josh Hayes (4), Kayla Yaakov (19), Blake Davis (22), and Darryn Binder (53). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Showdown On The Sound: Four Feature Classes Join Superbike Stars In The PNW. Supersport, Talent Cup, The Mission Super Hooligan National Championship, And Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. Coming To Ridge Motorsports Park.
IRVINE, CA – Four classes of racing set course for Ridge Motorsports Park to begin MotoAmerica’s critical mid-season, West Coast swing on June 26-28. The technical, 2.47-mile counter-clockwise road course shifts the paradigm for the feature class grids. Absent the sprawling drafting opportunities of the faster tracks, finding success in the Evergreen State demands razor-sharp handling and the pure bravery needed to negotiate the tricky, 50-foot “waterfall” known as the Ridge Complex.
Supersport
Middleweight racing at Ridge turns into an exhausting, high-G athletic workout where corner speed and tire management are paramount. Without the long straightaways to rely on a slipstream, success hinges on stringing together a highly technical rhythm through the track’s undulating turn sequences.
Following a dominant double-victory performance at Road America, South African star Darryn Binder has streaked clear at the top of the standings. Binder and his Celtic/Economy Lube + Tire/Warhorse team have displayed stellar form, but his Ducati Panigale V2 will face an immediate trial by fire from former champion Josh Herrin. The Californian, piloting the Rahal Ducati Moto with Desnuda Organic Tequila Ducati Panigale V2, is desperate to halt Binder’s momentum after a costly final-lap miscue at the previous round.
Darryn Binder (53) bundled a pair of wins at Road America, giving him a 34-point lead over Josh Herrin (2). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
The chasing pack remains completely ruthless. Look for Rahal Ducati Moto with Droplight’s Kayla Yaakov to leverage her undeniable speed—bolstered by multiple pole positions—as the teenager hunts for her first career Supersport victory aboard her Ducati Panigale V2. Ready to crash the Ducati festa is M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott, whose high-revving Suzuki GSX-R750 is fully capable of carving through the inner loops, while Strack Racing Yamaha’s Blake Davis aims to maximize his YZF-R9’s chassis compliance to put himself right back on the podium.
MotoAmerica Talent Cup
The next generation of global road racing stars takes to the grid in Talent Cup, bringing a fiercely competitive field of young racers out West. Running on equal machinery, these riders leave zero margin for error in an environment that heavily values roll speed and fluid momentum.
Team Roberts’ Kensei Matsudaira is currently tied for the points lead with Quarterley Racing’s Nathan Gouker, who is coming off a double-win in the most recent Talent Cup race at Barber and aims to turn that momentum into an outright championship lead.
Nathan Gouker (19) took both wins during the most recent Talent Cup event at Barber Motorsports Park and looks to ride that momentum into round four, and is tied with Kensei Matsudaira (74) in points. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Meanwhile, Team Hammer’s Jake Paige continues to show frontrunning race-craft, preparing for a multi-rider dogfight where a single mistake on the technical asphalt can instantly derail a championship campaign.
Mission Super Hooligan National Championship
The Mission Super Hooligan National Championship brings its visceral presence to the Pacific Northwest. These are big-bore twins, triple-cylinder naked bikes, and high-performance streetfighters being wrestled around a track that was never meant for wide, flat handlebars. Managing the sheer torque and atypical front-end physics of these machines is a flat-out survival test.
Gus Rodio leads the class into Washington State following a dominant double-victory at Barber Motorsports Park. Riding the Rodio Racing Ducati Streetfighter V2, Rodio faces heavy pressure from a highly competitive chasing pack. Just seven points behind Rodio is defending class champion James Rispoli aboard his Saddlemen Race Development Harley-Davidson Pan America and veteran Josh Herrin gaining speed on the all-electric OrangeCat Racing Lightfighter V3-RH.
Gus Rodio (95) wrangled the Super Hooligan points lead at Barber Motorsports Park last month. Here, Josh Herrin (2) pursues. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Robertino Pietri continues his upward climb aboard the COATZYMOTO-LATIN WE Yamaha XSR900. Meanwhile, BPR Racing Yamaha teammates Bryce Kornbau and Pacific Northwest-native Andy DiBrino are making significant progress aboard their triple-cylinder Yamaha MT-09 SP machines. Finally, ARCH Racing continues to advance its bespoke, V-Twin 2s-R race machine, guided by the highly skilled duo of Corey Alexander and Jeremy McWilliams.
Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race.
The inspiring and highly competitive Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. (BTR) program brings its unique flavor of grassroots engineering and high-stakes racing to Shelton. Highlighting the mechanical aptitude and racing talent of women who race-prepped their own Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 motorcycles before lining up on the grid, the program’s championship battle is tightening significantly after the midway point of the season.
Jasmine Noelle carries the points lead and maximum momentum into the weekend as the primary target for the field. Close on her heels is the tactically sharp Brazilian rider Tati Paze, while Brianna Cutler remains poised to disrupt the order at the front. Navigating Ridge on the twin-cylinder machines will require incredibly smooth, precise riding inputs to maximize mid-corner velocity and keep the momentum moving forward through the technical gaps.
Jasmine Noelle (#711) leads the BTR field into round three at Ridge Motorsports Park with a commanding 23-point lead. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
For the full 2026 MotoAmerica schedule, and to purchase tickets for MotoAmerica events, CLICK HERE
For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica series, CLICK HERE
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit
Josh Brookes (25) at Knockhill. Photo courtesy BSB.
Josh Brookes was back on top in the British Superbike Championship at Knockhill today, leading the combined Free Practice times in the wet conditions to fire the DAO Racing Honda team ahead of the chasing pack.
As always, the hectic Fife circuit produced incredibly close results with the top 19 riders covered by just 0.921s. However, Brookes mastered the conditions to lead Fraser Rogers by 0.188s, as the TAG Honda rider continued to show his impressive wet pace at Knockhill after sealing his debut BSB podium finish in Scotland last year.
Jason O’Halloran completed an all Honda top three on combined times, keeping the Honda Racing UK team ahead of Storm Stacey on the Bathams AJN Racing Ducati, with Max Cook getting his first wet weather experience on the new AJN Steelstock bimota in fifth position.
Home hero Rory Skinner was sixth fastest on the Cheshire Mouldings Yamaha, edging out Christian Iddon and Sencat Racing Honda and McAMS Yamaha’s Bradley Ray.
Honda riders completed the top ten with Lee Jackson and Ryan Vickers, easing Ilya Mikhalchik into eleventh by just 0.017s for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad British Superbike Race team.
Championship leader Kyle Ryde ended the opening day in 17th position and 0.862s adrift of Brookes’ pace-setting time, with the Nitrous Coin Nitrous Competitions Racing rider choosing to sit out the second session.
The BSB Pre-Qualifying session was postponed until tomorrow (Saturday) with a revised bumper schedule for Super Scottish Saturday awaiting the Knockhill fans.
Josh Brookes – DAO Racing Honda:
“It was the same for everybody and we are all trying no matter what the conditions. For me, we made a lot of changes to the bike before we even set off for the first laps. We have wiped the slate clean and have just started again in a new position and try to forget about what we have been trying to improve with the bike as I feel that we were compromising good areas of the bike, to try to fix weaknesses.
“We set out this weekend with a new frame of mind, a new set-up on the bike and from the roll out it felt good. We have been improving, the track has good grip in the wet, so we have good feedback. It may not reflect what the bike may feel like in the dry, so we have that to try again and I really hope, like everybody, that it will be dry and we can continue to work in this new direction.
“It is really nice to be in a strong position and start the weekend off on the right foot.”
British Superbike Championship, Knockhill, combined Free Practice times:
The Bend racetrack, in Australia. Photo courtesy WSBK.
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will begin a new chapter in Australia from 2028, with The Bend set to host the Australian Round on a multi-year agreement.
Located in South Australia, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend will join the WorldSBK calendar from the Championship’s 41st season onwards.
Australia has been a cornerstone of WorldSBK since the Championship first visited the country in 1990, producing some of the sport’s most successful riders and delivering memorable moments for almost four decades.
The Bend is one of Australia’s leading motorsport facilities, featuring multiple circuit configurations and modern infrastructure designed to host international events.
Dr Sam Shahin, Managing Director of Shell V-Power Motorsport Park: “Securing WorldSBK is a significant achievement for The Bend and today’s announcement marks a historic day for motorsport and for South Australia. From the outset, our vision has been to create a proud facility capable of attracting the world’s leading motorsport categories and hosting the highest levels of international competition. A decade on, we celebrate a major milestone; WorldSBK is coming. This championship is set to bring the top motorcycle manufacturers, teams and riders to South Australia, creating a powerful platform that will showcase our venue, our passionate motorsport community and our state to a global audience. WorldSBK has an incredibly passionate global fanbase and we look forward to welcoming them to The Bend and delivering an event experience that reflects the significance of this championship and its place on the international calendar.”
Peter Malinauskas, South Australian Premier:“Securing WorldSBK further strengthens South Australia’s position as Australia’s motorsport capital and will deliver significant economic, tourism and profile benefits across the state, and in particular our regions. South Australia has built one of the strongest motorsport portfolios in the country. From the world-class facilities at The Bend to the Adelaide street circuit, we are attracting premier events, passionate fans and global attention. With WorldSBK joining MotoGP, the Adelaide 500 and the AirTouch 500 Enduro, this announcement reinforces our commitment to motorsport and reflects our determination to ensure South Australia remains the home of motorsport in this country. It also provides a pathway for the next generation of riders, engineers, officials, volunteers and motorsport enthusiasts to engage with world-class competition right here at home.”
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director:“Australia holds a special place in the history of WorldSBK and remains an important market for our championship, manufacturers, teams and fans. We are pleased to confirm The Bend as the future home of the Australian Round from 2028. The venue offers excellent facilities and a strong commitment to motorsport, providing a solid platform for the next chapter of WorldSBK in Australia. We look forward to working closely with the team at The Bend and all local stakeholders as preparations begin for the first event in 2028.”
Further information regarding the inaugural WorldSBK event at The Bend, including dates and ticketing details, will be announced in due course.
Superbike Race 2 at Road America. Photo by Brian J Nelson.
High-Octane Battle Brewing: MotoAmerica Injects A Double Shot Of Adrenaline Into Seattle’s Backyard. Championship Grid Grinds For Margins At Technical Washington Circuit.
IRVINE, CA – A state famous for craft coffee roasters, grunge music, and volcanoes is about to experience a different kind of energy and seismic rumble. The Quad Lock Superbike Championship makes its highly anticipated annual stop at Ridge Motorsports Park on June 26-28, bringing 200-plus horsepower machines to the dense coniferous forests of Shelton, Washington.
The 2.47-mile counter-clockwise layout delivers a relentless, technical workout, packing 16 turns and 300 feet of elevation change into each lap. The circuit demands ultimate precision, highlighted by a blistering half-mile-long front straight, heavy braking zones, a sweeping edge-grip-challenging carousel, and rapid transitions with elevation change.
Quad Lock Superbike & Superbike Cup
Success at the Washington circuit demands an impeccable chassis setup. Unlike the wide-open nature of the previous round, this is a track that throws a massive challenge directly at the top speed merchants, shifting the advantage to those who can carry immense rolling momentum through the corners.
The unique layout alters the dynamic for current championship points leader, Sean Dylan Kelly. While the Floridian and his OrangeCat Racing BMW M 1000 RR have optimized their high-speed stability to muscle ahead in the standings, they must now adapt to a tighter, faster-steering environment. To defend his narrow advantage, Kelly will need to lean on a smooth, calculated approach to perfectly spot hidden apexes and manage the Beemer’s brute force out of the technical exits.
Sean Dylan Kelly entered Road America’s victory lane to an ecstatic OrangeCat Racing welcoming committee. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Hot on his heels in the standings is South African standout Mathew Scholtz, sitting in a prime striking position in second place, just a single point back. Competing for Strack Racing aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1, the multi-time Superbike race winner feels right at home on layouts that favor nimble handling over outright horsepower. Scholtz’s fierce corner-entry style and extensive history with the R1 platform make him a devastating threat on a circuit that heavily rewards side-grip and momentum.
Mathew Scholtz struggled slightly at the previous round and aims to reclaim the points lead at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Much like Scholtz, the powerhouse teammates of Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing will be looking to capitalize on the handling prowess of the Yamaha YZF-R1 in the technical sectors. Currently third in points, Bobby Fong brings an explosive, aggressive riding style that could yield high rewards over the track’s dramatic crests. Right behind him in fourth is JD Beach, whose dirt-track heritage gives him a masterful ability to back his Yamaha YZF-R1 into tight corners and slide through rapid transitions.
Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing stablemates Bobby Fong and JD Beach have been inseparable all year, consistently battling each other, as well as the leaders, at each round. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Sitting fifth in the championship hunt is Cameron Petersen, who looks to assert himself at the sharp end of the field aboard the Wrench Motorcycles Ducati Panigale V4 R. Coming off a race one win at Road America, the South African is the only active rider in the class with a Ridge win to his name, and he has podiumed a total of five times in his career at the circuit.
The deep grid features plenty of spoiler talent capable of turning the weekend upside down. The hungry pack includes M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammates Richie Escalante and Brandon Paasch, both pushing their Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbikes to find maximum consistency.
One of the big stories heading into round four is that Warhorse HSBK Ducati Flo4Law rider Cameron Beaubier, who underwent shoulder surgery after his Road America race one crash, will be out for an indefinite amount of time. Already at a 59-point deficit, it likely spells the end of his championship defense in 2026, even if he does return to racing later this season. The team has enlisted the services of their former Superbike rider Loris Baz, beginning with the upcoming round in the Evergreen State.
Rahal Ducati Moto with XPEL rider PJ Jacobsen is another rider who has had a challenging start to his season. The 32-year-old New Yorker reversed his fortunes at the previous round by capturing his first podium of the season. The breakthrough performance signals a dramatic turnaround in luck and velocity. Expect Jacobsen to maintain this upward trajectory at Ridge Motorsports Park, acting as a prime championship disruptor as he fights for wins.
Showing upward momentum, the red wing of the Real Steel Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP ridden by Hayden Gillim is beginning to take flight. Watch for the Kentuckian to continue his rise towards a podium finish as he has continuously improved the package and is knocking on the door of the top five.
Meanwhile, Superbike Cup leader Andrew Lee will try to continue his success and keep his Real Steel Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at the top of the Superbike Cup standings.
Superbike Cup points leader Andrew Lee (#14) has four first-place finishes in a row and looks poised to leave Washington with six. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Chandler Named Grand Marshal
As the season-long celebration of “50 Years Of Superbike Racing” continues, MotoAmerica is honoring three-time AMA Superbike Champion Doug Chandler as the Grand Marshal for the race weekend at Ridge. An absolute legend of American motorcycle racing, “DC-10” is one of only four riders in history to achieve the prestigious AMA Grand Slam—capturing national victories across a mile, half-mile, short track, TT, and a road race. Best known for his clinical execution aboard his iconic, green #10 Muzzy Kawasaki ZX-7RR, Chandler claimed his titles in 1990, 1996, and 1997 before representing the United States at the absolute pinnacle of the sport in the 500cc Grand Prix World Championship. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee is a perfect selection to usher in the Superbike podium celebrations over the weekend, cementing his legacy not just as a champion, but as one of the most versatile and respected icons the sport has ever known.
Doug Chandler in 1997 aboard his Muzzy Kawasaki ZX-7RR. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
For the full 2026 MotoAmerica schedule, and to purchase tickets for MotoAmerica events, CLICK HERE
For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica series, CLICK HERE
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit
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Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
November 10, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
Josh Brookes – DAO Racing Honda: 
