WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Final Practice In Hungary

Mathilde Gasnier

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May 2, 2026

Nicolò Bulega led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 3 (FP3) Saturday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R on spec Pirelli tires, the Italian rider covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track in 1:38.339 to lead the field of 22 riders.

His teammate, Iker Lecuona was second-best with a 1:38.473.

Lorenzo Baldassarri was third with a 1:38.603 on his Team Goeleven Ducati Panigale V4R.

Danilo Petrucci was 13th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a lap time of 1:39.533.

American Garrett Gerloff was 14th with a time of 1:39.649 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

fp3 wsbk

KICKER AFT Singles Set for Silver Dollar Showdown

Mathilde Gasnier

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May 1, 2026

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KICKER AFT Singles Set for Silver Dollar Showdown

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The KICKER AFT Singles championship fight that will continue with the Silver Dollar Short Track this Saturday, May 2, in Chico, California, is shaping up to be among the most competitive and compelling in years.

Silver Dollar Speedway stands as one of the West Coast’s most revered auto racing dirt track venues. Now set to host Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, for the third consecutive season, the track is fast building a similar reputation in the two-wheeled world. This weekend presents another opportunity to add to that budding legacy.

Four for Four

As the KICKER AFT Singles campaign heads into the fifth round of the season, the class has yet to see a repeat winner.

Defending class champion Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) holds down the early-season points lead. That comes as no surprise. However, the Australian has not been the dominant figure to start this season that he was to end last season.

Drane raised the bar a year ago, and his rivals have responded. But like his Estenson Racing teammate and fellow reigning champion, Dallas Daniels, Drane’s week-in, week-out consistency can be his hallmark even in stretches when the wins don’t come as readily as he’d prefer.

While that strength keeps Drane the firm title favorite, the spotlight has – at least for the moment – shifted to rising star Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).

Tadman burst onto the scene in 2025 by winning his first two professional races, sweeping the West Coast double at Ventura Raceway and Silver Dollar Speedway.

The Salinas, California, native is attempting to pull off the same feat again in ‘26. He’s halfway there, now days removed from earning his third-career win after holding Drane at bay in last Saturday’s Ventura Short Track.

Senoia Raceway winner Trevor Brunner (No. 21 KMA Racing/March Equipment Yamaha YZ450F) was rolling at Ventura, at least until an imperfect launch in the Main dashed his designs of snatching consecutive victories. That missed opportunity was clearly chafing at Brunner, and he rides at his best when he’s got that edge.

Meanwhile, the season’s other winner, Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F), could use a big result to add to his DAYTONA triumph.

While Pfanders is no doubt focused on adding a second (and third and fourth, etc.) win to his career tally as quickly as possible, even when he’s not battling at the front, he continues to serve as an example of the opportunity that exists for a rider to emerge and collect a maiden win on any given weekend.

On the Chase

Few would have predicted there would be four different KICKER AFT Singles race winners in the season’s first four races. Fewer still would have guessed that Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) would not be among those four.

There’s nothing wrong with Saathoff, as evidenced by his two podiums. But one can imagine the title hopeful is growing more than a little tired watching his rivals celebrate atop the podium, especially from the outside looking in as was the case following last weekend’s sixth.

Saathoff finished second to current Mission AFT SuperTwins championship leader Kody Kopp at Silver Dollar Speedway two years back. In other words, this might be a prime setting for the 1st Impressions Husvarna pilot to up the class’ winners run to five for five.

California Dreamin’

Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) was a dark horse pick to finally get his first career KICKER AFT Singles win this past weekend at Ventura Raceway.

It wasn’t to be. A crash in his heat race forced him through the Last Chance Qualifier and placed him on the back row for the Main Event. He completed the opening lap of the race outside the top ten and remained in that general vicinity for the opening quarter of the event. 

Santero gradually picked up steam and picked off riders as he did, ultimately ending up a strong fifth. While impressive, Santero isn’t gunning for fifths. Fortunately for the Petaluma native, he has another shot to at last breakthrough in victorious fashion and do so with his friends and family cheering him on.

While racing much further from home, Indiana’s Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) would be perfectly content to get his first win – or even podium – while the series completes its West Coast swing.

Lowe looked as strong as he ever has last weekend, running either first or second throughout practice, qualifying, and his heat race, before leading Main Event laps for the time in his KICKER AFT Singles career.

Lowe continued to race inside the top three past half-distance before settling into fourth. It was a shame he couldn’t celebrate that standout form on the podium. Still, it should serve as a confidence booster and provide him some real momentum to carry into this weekend’s rematch.

And Beyond…

There are plenty of other riders well poised to spring a surprise. 

Justin Jones (No. 91 Fairway Ford Chevy GMC Yamaha YZ450F) is currently enjoying a career renaissance and hoping to cement that triumphant return to form with an actual triumph.

Meanwhile, there are several young riders looking to accomplish what Jones did back in 2015 when he got his first win. That long list includes the likes of Jack Brucks (No. 113 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Logan Eisenhard (No. 66 Eisenhard Racing/Pags Powersports KTM 450 SX-F), Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F), Ryder Reese (No. 41 Fasthouse/Smoking Butcher Coffee KTM 450 SX-F FE) and Skylar Sentell (No. 60 R&D Racing/Hoffer Performance KTM 450 SX-F).

Future Pros

The Progressive American Flat Track paddock has immediately embraced the all-new AFT ProSport 450 class, which provides promising amateurs an opportunity to showcase their talent before a national audience of fans and insiders.

A number of the sport’s biggest and most influential teams have gotten involved, backing the efforts of some talented stars-in-the-making. 

Estenson Racing’s Sam Drane (No. 7 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) has taken a pair of wins, while 1st Impressions Husqvarna’s Jett Katarzy (No. 17 1st Impressions Husqvarna FC450) was victorious last time out. And Turner Honda’s Adam Costan-Wood (No. 88 Turner Racing Honda CRF450R) finished 4th while making his debut this past weekend.

However, the beauty of the class is the fact that its tightly restricted, stock-based regs reduce the financial barriers associated with entry. This allows riders without the support of a powerhouse team to complete on level terms. Talent shines above all.

Nearly half of this year’s podiums have gone to racers whose team name is their own. That list includes Bitz-Hay Racing’s Ryder Bitz-Hay (No. 14 Bitz-Hay Racing KTM 450 SX-F), who is the only rider to finish on the box in all three rounds this season.

Sweet!

The event will be overloaded with activities from start to finish, on and off the track. World of Outlaws legend and Silver Dollar Speedway co-owner Brad Sweet will serve as Grand Marshal. Fans will also be treated to multiple Thrashed Kids Freestyle Shows throughout the day.

Attendees can also expect a multitude of vendors, big screen viewing, designated motorcycle parking, and a variety of food and beverage options.

Your Ticket, Please

General Admission Grandstand tickets for the Silver Dollar Short Track are just $40 (kids 12 and under free) while Reserved Grandstand tickets ($65, all ages), Pit Grandstand tickets ($80, all ages), and Trackside Box tickets ($95, all ages) offer upgraded viewing experiences. 

And if you use the promo code “RESERVED25” at checkout, you can get one Limited Reserved Grandstand Ticket discounted to $25.

And for $135 ($95 as a ticket add-on), you can get the Harley-Davidson VIP Experience, which includes dedicated VIP H-D motorcycle parking, access to an exclusive grandstand seating section, a meet-and-greet with the Harley-Davidson racers, and a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line, photos opps included.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-silver-dollar-short-track-168776 to reserve your seats today.

Gates will open for fans at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

WERA Heads To Grattan, and Not To Vintage Motorcycle Days

John Ulrich

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May 1, 2026

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WERA Heads To Grattan, and Not To Vintage Motorcycle Days

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing Kicks Off 2026 Northeast Season at Grattan Raceway While Bidding Farewell to a Long-Running Engagement

WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is proud to announce the opening of the 2026 Northeast region season with an exciting event at Grattan Raceway in Michigan on May 16–17. Pre-registration is currently open and will remain available through midnight on May 9th. Those who miss the deadline can still register at the track.

As the season gets underway, WERA also marks the end of a significant chapter in its history. Since 2009, WERA has been contracted by the American Motorcyclist Association to manage and operate the roadracing portion of Vintage Motorcycle Days, one of the most celebrated events in the vintage motorcycle community. Over the course of that 15-year engagement, WERA’s oversight of the roadracing program transformed the competition into something the grassroots road racing community could be proud of, growing participation dramatically, and in recent years achieving record numbers with over 200 riders competing in the roadrace portion alone.

That growth didn’t happen by accident. It was the product of years of operational expertise, dedication to the competitor experience, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the “vintage” in Vintage Motorcycle Days, ensuring that the roadracing program remained true to its roots and accessible to the riders and machines that define the vintage racing community.

The AMA has announced that moving forward, Vintage Motorcycle Days will bring the roadracing operation in-house, with MotoAmerica assisting in timing and scoring, a direction that reflects a different vision for what the event will be. WERA wishes the AMA well and is proud of what was built over the last 15 years.

For WERA moving forward, the mission remains the same: providing roadracers with the most competitive, well-organized, and accessible racing program in the country. That mission continues this season in the Northeast at Grattan Raceway on May 16–17.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the premier organization for developing talent in the sport of motorcycle roadracing. Our legacy of producing professional riders at the national and world level is second to none. All events are organized and operated by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and are co-sanctioned by the AMA. Competition is available for riders of all skill levels in the WERA Sportsman Series, as well as the Pro-Am Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series. WERA also proudly hosts a dedicated Vintage Racing program. For those seeking maximum seat time and real-world experience, the National Endurance Series offers both Ultralightweight and Big Bike Endurance events. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted AMA Track Organizer of the Year in both 2017 and 2024. There is something for everyone with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing!

For further information contact WERA Motorcycle Roadracing or check the web site at www.wera.com.

ASBK: Championship Heads to The Bend for Round Three

Mathilde Gasnier

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May 1, 2026

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ASBK: Championship Heads to The Bend for Round Three

Round three of the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK) will be held at The Bend from May 1-3, in what is shaping as a tantalising ‘make or break’ round for riders as the calendar hits the halfway mark.

In a break from recent tradition, The Bend takes its place in the ASBK Championship during the ‘meaty’ part of the season rather than the hosting the grand finale. However, the stakes will be just as high across the five championship classes – SW-Motech Superbike, Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen, Race and Road Supersport 300 and the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup – with the balance of power capable of changing in the blink of an eye.

In the premier Superbike class, Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati) has the target on his back after winning three of the opening five races, but there’s a pack of hard-chargers desperate to reign him in as the championship reaches a critical juncture.

The Bend’s on-track schedule will also feature the 2026 Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship – featuring 10 Australian riders – sports car action thanks to the season-opening round of the Radical Cup Australia Series, pillion rides behind former Australian Superbike champion and ASBK TV commentator Steve Martin, and stunt shows courtesy of the fearless Tjay Stuntz.

There will be plenty of off-track entertainment as well, including a bike display in the circuit’s welcome centre – which will also host ASBK media conferences across the weekend – the ASBK Trade Alley, and a free pitlane walk on Sunday.

2026-Penrite-Australian-Superbike-Championship-Presented-by-Pirelli-RD-3-The-Bend-Entry-List-V1

SW-Motech Superbike

One rider who will return to The Bend with fond memories is Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati), who wrapped up a fifth Australian Superbike title at the Tailem Bend venue in November 2025.

Waters returns to The Bend second in the 2026 championship behind his teammate Voight, with the pair having won four of the five races so far.

Voight leads Waters by 14pts (110 to 96), with Jacob Roulstone (Motocity Honda, 95pts) next in line after a promising start to his local Superbike career.

Waters has a huge body of work at The Bend to call upon – 15 races for two victories and six podiums – while Voight and Roulstone will be making their premier class debuts around the world-class 4.95km layout – but as the duo’s already proven this season they aren’t averse to challenges.

Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati, 73pts) is in fourth spot after making huge gains at Sydney Motorsport Park’s round two with a pair of podium finishes, with the next six riders then separated by 12pts: Anthony West (DesmoSport Ducati, 72pts), Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools East Racing Yamaha, 71pts), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati, 71pts), Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team, 67pts), Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team, 65pts) and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 60pts).

Jones is the only other Superbike rider who has winning form at The Bend and, after a subdued start to 2026 with just a best finish of fifth, the reigning No. 2 is looking to begin his resurgence in Sunday’s two 11-lap races. His record at The Bend is outstanding, with three pole positions and eight podiums (for three wins) in 11 races.

Meanwhile, crashes for Dunker and Nahlous in Sydney brought them back to the field after multiple podium finishes, but look out for the young hard-chargers to rebound strongly in South Australia.

John Lytras (Yamaha), Marcus Hamod (Motocity Honda) and Josh Newman (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati) will also push for top-10 finishes, while local star Ty Lynch (AMR Motorsports Yamaha) has performed a miracle mission to be on the grid on a new YZF-R1 after his previous machine exploded in flames during pre-event testing a few weeks ago.

ASBK Paddock at The Bend. Photo courtesy ASBK.

Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen

Two separate championships but with similar performance characteristics makes for cut-throat racing, which is what we’ve seen at the opening two rounds of the Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen Championships.

With three victories on the trot and pole position at the last round in Sydney, Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) has surged into the Supersport lead on 96pts ahead of Valentino Knezovic (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 94pts) and Josh Soderland (Yamaha, 74pts).

At The Bend, the contenders will also include local lads Ghage Plowman (Yamaha), Sam Pezzetta (Yamaha) and Jordy Simpson (Yamaha) who will be digging deep in front of friends and family to give the interstate riders some curry.

In the Next Gen class, Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati, 108pts) leads the way from BCperformance Kawasaki teammates Tom Edwards (104pts) and Hayden Nelson (101pts) and Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati), who will be out to make amends after a mechanical issue saw him retire from race two in Sydney.

Edwards recently made his FIM Endurance World Championship debut in France, finishing eighth in the Le Mans 24-hour.

Farnsworth (#49) and Olly Simpson (#45) lead the way in round two Supersport/Supersport Next Gen action. Photo courtesy ASBK

Race and Road Supersport 300

Two rounds with five races and four different winners – sounds about normal for the perennially unpredictable intermediate class!

New Zealander Tyler King (Kawasaki, 95pts), who finished third in the title last year, leads the way after a win and three second-place finishes. He’s in front of boom class rookie, Orlando Peovitis (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki, 85pts), with the Sandgroper trouncing the field in Sydney with a combined winning margin of over 11 seconds across the two races.

Third overall is Jordy Simpson (Yamaha, 82pts), and then only 22pts back to 10th place is Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki). In between sit Blue Marlin Pools East Racing Yamaha pair Phoenix O’Brien (79pts) and Jake Senior (75pts), Lincoln Knight (Yamaha, 69pts), Rossi McAdam (Yamaha, 68pts), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki, 67pts) and Seth Dellow (Yamaha, 66pts).

BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup

The BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup kicked off in Sydney, with the academy riders producing a belter.

Tom Cameron may have won all three races, but his largest winning margin was just 0.039secs when he edged out Callum Campbell in the opening bout.

The final race under lights was the highlight, with six riders covered by 0.21secs – Cameron pipping Patrick Lucchitti, Austin Attard, Lucas Hyslop, Charlie Nichols and Campbell.

The Bend is the next challenge, on a circuit where the fleet of diminutive Yamaha YZF-R15s are pushed to the limit.

Cameron takes a 22pt (75 to 53) lead over Attard and Lucchitti into The Bend, with Nichols (51pts) and Campbell (50pts) also well placed.

Thomas Cameron (#23) leads during a thrillng six-way fight at the front in Sydney’s race three. Photo courtesy ASBK

For more information on the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli:

WorldSSP: Arenas Tops Superpole Qualifying In Hungary

Mathilde Gasnier

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May 1, 2026

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WorldSSP: Arenas Tops Superpole Qualifying In Hungary

Albert Arenas was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Superpole qualifying Friday afternoonn at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his AS BLU CRU Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R9 on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:42.050, topping the field of 33 riders.

Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:42.255 on his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9.

Matteo Ferrari was third with a lap time of 1:42.354 on his WRP Racing Ducati Panigale V2.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 6th with a 1:42.568 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.

wssp superpole

More from a press release issued by WorldSBK:

Superpole stunner: Arenas profits from Masia’s crash to take pole in front of several riders earning personal bests. Arenas will start from pole for the first time this season, while his title rival languishes back in P25.

The FIM Supersport World Championship tore onto the tarmac at Balaton Park Circuit for their Motul Hungarian Round. Friday afternoon saw fireworks at the lakeside venue as the paddock returned for the second time to the circuit. Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) took P1, ahead of Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) in second and third. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) crashed off the track on the fast Turn 8. While he walked away unharmed, the mechanics were unable to repair the bike in time to set an improved time, meaning the Championship leader will start from P25.

SIEZING THE INITIATIVE: Arenas takes pole while his title rival tumbles to P25

Albert Arenas strived to take full advantage of the Riders’ Championship leader’s crash; he hung around the top positions the entire session and hit his mark late in the event as a 1’42.050s time sent him to pole position for the first time this season. Can Oncu looked stronger than the start of his season so far as he led the session early, breaking the standing lap record of 1’42.799 set last season by his rival Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team). While he improved his time to 1’42.255s, he will start from P2 for his second front row of the season. The former MotoE rider was taking no prisoners in the session as Matteo Ferrari tussled with Oncu for pole position early on. He will enjoy the first front-row start of his WorldSSP career in Race 1, finishing a tenth behind Oncu. While Masia’s lowside crash left his bike worse for wear, he has a history of strong recovery rides. Here at Balaton Park last year, he made lemonade out of lemons as he started P31 and finished P7 in Race 1.

Can Oncu (61) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WSBK.

JESPERSEN JUMPS FORWARD AGAIN: The Balaton Park specialist takes his season’s best Superpole placement

Simon Jespersen (EAB Racing Team) enjoyed another breakout day at Balaton as he improved his previous best Superpole result of the season, from P10 to P4. He hopes to capitalize to take his second-ever WorldSSP podium on Saturday afternoon. Two tenths behind the Dane, Filippo Farioli (VFT Racing) was fast at Balaton again as his 1’42.557s time took him to P5 to follow up on his fourth place qualification here last year. Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) snagged the final spot of the second row, a mere nine thousandths behind Farioli. He hopes to get his ZXMOTO SRK820RR back on the podium this weekend.

Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) has set a strong base of results in the top ten so far in 2026, but at Balaton Park, he’s aiming higher as he will start from P9.

GARCIA P7: His teammate Mahias slips to P15

Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) carried the GMT94 Yamaha flag on the day as he took a team-high P7 with a lap time of 1’42.601s ahead of teammate Lucas Mahias, who slipped to P15. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) continues to pick up his pace in 2026 after setting a season-high Superpole session placement of P8 on the back of his 1’42.623s time. Federico Caricasulo (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) was similarly showing signs of improvement, as for the second time on ZXMOTO machinery, he earned a top ten spot. The Italian took P9 with a time of 1’42.713s. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) rounded out the top ten with a time four hundredths slower than the Italian. He hopes to emulate his Assen successes in the races to come.

Albert Arenas on pole position at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WSBK.

The top six from the WorldSSP Tissot Superpole session, full results here!

1. Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) 1’42.050s

2. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +0.205s

3. Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) +0.304s

4. Simon Jespersen (EAB Racing Team) +0.309s

5. Filippo Farioli (VFT Racing Yamaha) +0.507s

6. Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Evan Bros Factory) +0.518s

Watch the thrilling pair of races to come Live and On-Demand with the WorldSBK VideoPass! Now 30% off!

WorldSBK: Lecuona Heads Friday Practice At Balaton Park

Mathilde Gasnier

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May 1, 2026

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WorldSBK: Lecuona Heads Friday Practice At Balaton Park

Iker Lecuona was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 2 (FP2) Friday afternoon at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:38.860 to lead the field of 22 riders.

His teammate, Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:38.963. Sam Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:39.001 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.

American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 14th with a 1:39.991 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

Danilo Petrucci was 15th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a time of 1:40.164.

fp2 wsbk

More from a press release issued by WorldSBK:

A tenth in it: Lecuona completes Friday clean sweep ahead of Bulega at Balaton Park. The #7 topped both Free Practice sessions in Hungary as he laid down a gauntlet on the opening day of action at Balaton Park.

Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) made it two from two on Friday in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as he topped both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 at the Balaton Park Circuit. There was just a tenth between Lecuona and teammate Nicolo Bulega at the Motul Hungarian Round, while Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) claimed third place.

LECUONA ON TOP: Little to separate the top three, Surra impresses with P5

After topping Free Practice 1 this morning, Lecuona backed that up with top spot in Free Practice 2 with his last flying lap. The #7 set a 1’38.860s to demote teammate Bulega into second place after the Championship leader set a 1’38.963s. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) just missed out on a time in the 1’38s as he posted a 1’39.001s to secure P3, with the #14 also putting in some impressively consistent laps across a 17-lap run. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) was fourth as he worked on some ergonomics on his Panigale V4R, just four tenths off top spot, while rookie Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) was a surprise name as he claimed fifth. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and teammate Alvaro Bautista rounded out the top seven, with just 0.044s separating the two Barni Ducati riders on the timesheets. Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) and Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) were 11^th and 12^th.

Nicolo Bulega (11) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

IN THE TOP TEN: Both Bimotas in the mix for a strong result?

Both Bimota riders were in the top ten on Friday, with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) ahead of teammate Axel Bassani. The #22 finished in eight place with a 1’38.584s, losing a lot of ground in the second half of the lap, while Bassani was two places back, with two tenths between the two Bimota competitors.

NEW FAIRING AT BMW: Oliveira in the top ten, Petrucci crashes

BMW introduced a slightly revised fairing for this weekend, featuring fins on the lower part of the fairing, while they also worked on the electronic settings. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claimed ninth place as he ran the new item, setting a 1’39.684s to claim a spot in the top ten. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was 15^thafter he had a strange crash at Turn 3 in the final third of FP2. He also lost around 10 minutes of running in FP1 due to an airbox issue.

LOCATELLI ON TOP IN BLUE: The #55 finishes as the highest-placed Yamaha rider

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was the fastest Yamaha rider on Day 1 at Balaton Park, although he was in 13^th place after posting a 1’39.974s. Teammate Xavi Vierge was 16^th, around three tenths behind his teammate, although he was a tenth clear of rookie Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in 17^th. The #62 headed teammate Remy Gardner by one tenth, with no one between them. Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 19^th and Mattia Rato (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 21^st.

GERLOFF IN 14^TH: Aiming for more on Saturday

American star Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) was sixth in FP1 after bolting on some fresh tyres at the end of the 45-minute session, but the #31 finished in 14^th overall as everyone – including the Texan – found time in FP2. He set a 1’39.991s to finish 1.131s off the pace.

TRICKY START TO HONDA: Chantra returns, Kunii gets first taste of WorldSBK

Somkiat Chantra (Honda HRC) led Honda’s charge on Friday at Balaton Park ahead of teammate Yuki Kunii. The #35 set a 1’40.914s on his way to 20^th as he made his return to action after being forced to miss the races at Assen after his heavy FP3 crash. Kunii is making his WorldSBK debut in Hungary, a track he knows from Moto2 last year, as he brought up the WorldSBK field. He posted a 1’42.121s as he finished in 22^nd place.

The top six from Friday’s WorldSBK running, full results here:

1. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’38.860s

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.103s

3. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.141s

4. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.437s

5. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) +0.522s

6. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.621s

Don’t miss Saturday’s action from Balaton Park from 09:40 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 30% off!

WorldWCR: Herrera Takes Pole Position at Balaton Park

Mathilde Gasnier

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May 1, 2026

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WorldWCR: Herrera Takes Pole Position at Balaton Park

Maria Herrera topped FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Superpole qualifying Friday afternoon at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera lapped the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) course in 1:52.264 to top the field of 24 riders and earn pole position.

Paola Ramos was the best of the rest with a 1:52.826 on her Klint Racing Yamaha YZF-R7, and her teammate, Paola Ramos, earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:53.587.

American Mallory Dobbs got 17th on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 with a time of 1:56.963.

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More from a press release issued by WorldSBK:

Herrera stays perfect in 2026 WorldWCR Superpole sessions while Ramos crashes out late to sit P2. The #6 takes her first pole at the Hungarian Circuit while both of her title rivals struggled to keep up.

The FIM Women’s World Championship rolled out onto the scenic lakeside Balaton Park Circuit for the opening Tissot Superpole session of the Motul Hungarian Round to set their grid for another heart-pounding round of racing. Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) took pole position for her third pole of the season. Behind her Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) and Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) will form the front row for Saturday’s Race 1.

Paola Ramos (58) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

HERRERA SAILS FREE: Outpaces the pack by more than half a second to sit pole

Just after the session started, Emily Bondi (FT Racing Academy) came to grief with a highside crash on Turn 15-16, bringing out the red flag with 22 minutes to go as she was taken to the medical centre for further examination where later she was deemed fit. Maria Herrera held off Paola Ramos for pole position on account of her 1’52.264s lap, breaking Chloe Jones’s (Monster Energy Crescent Yamaha) standing track record of 1’53.089s by nearly eight tenths of a second. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) was trading hot laps for her first pole of the season when, from P2 with two minutes left, she was unable to improve on her 1’52.826s time as she came into Turn 1 out of shape, lost the front, and saw gravel. Roberta Ponziani took a pair of P4s here last season and was sitting in P3 when she unfortunately crashed out of the session on Turn 12-13. Her 1.53.587s held on however, to land the Italian P3 on Saturday.

SARAPUECH SOARS: Improves her personal best Superpole result of P12 to P4

Muklada Sarapuech (EEST NJT Racing Team) continues to shine in her third wildcard appearance of the season, clinching fourth place in what was her best Superpole performance as of yet by far with a 1’53.923s time landing her 1.7s out from P1. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) took a race win and a podium here last season, but her 1’53.969s pace was unable to fight with the riders at the front as she fell to P5. Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) crashed out of a WorldWCR race for her first time ever last round, despite having competed in all three seasons so far of the Championship. Undeterred, she rode as high as P4 on the session and finished in P6 with a 1.54.098s time. Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) took her best Superpole result last time out, and while a Race 1 injury ruled her out for the rest of the round, she is back in business in P7 after a 1’54.167s time.

SPEED DEMON: Despite setting the fastest max speed of the session of 197.1km/h, the Brit falls to P7

Astrid Madrigal (Pons Italika Racing FIMLA) didn’t crash in the session but ran only seven laps compared to most of the pack’s 11 or 12. She opted for quality over quantity, however, and took eighth place with a time of 1’54.457s. Behind her, with her first top ten Superpole result of 2026, Chloe Jones landed P9, just under two tenths behind Madrigal. Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) keeps her top ten Superpole session streak alive in 2026 as she snags the last spot of the top 10.

The top six from the WorldWCR Tissot Superpole session, full results here!

1. Maria Herrera (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) 1’52.264s

2. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) +0.562s

3. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) +1.323s

4. Muklada Sarapuech (EEST NJT Racing Team) +1.659s

5. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +1.705s

6. Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) +1.834s

Keep up with WorldWCR as they battle for supremacy in their pair of races to come by subscribing to the WorldWCR YouTube channel and following the Championship on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook!

WorldSSP: Masia Quickest In Opening Practice In Hungary

Mathilde Gasnier

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May 1, 2026

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WorldSSP: Masia Quickest In Opening Practice In Hungary

Jaume Masia was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2 on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:42.965, topping the field of 33 riders.

Matteo Ferrari was the best of the rest with a 1:43.021 on his WRP Racing Ducati Panigale V2.

Can Oncu was third with a lap time of 1:43.173 on his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 11th with a 1:43.760 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.

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WorldSBK: Lecuona Tops Opening Practice At Balaton Park

Mathilde Gasnier

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May 1, 2026

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WorldSBK: Lecuona Tops Opening Practice At Balaton Park

Iker Lecuona was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:39.454 to lead the field of 22 riders.

His teammate, Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:39.697. Sam Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:39.922 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.

American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 6th with a 1:40.576 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

Danilo Petrucci was 15th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a time of 1:41.296.

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More from a press release issued by WorldSBK:

Lecuona beats Bulega at Balaton Park in FP1 by 0.243s, Sam Lowes in P3. The #7 was quick throughout the session and left it until his last flying lap to claim P1 from his factory Ducati teammate.

Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) set the pace in Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship ahead of teammate Nicolo Bulega by almost a quarter of a second at the Balaton Park Circuit. The two factory Ducati riders, combined with Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in third, were the only riders in the 1’39s bracket during the opening 45-minute session for the Motul Hungarian Round.

Lecuona put Bulega’s time under pressure in the latter stages of FP1 but was often losing out in Sector 4, which features having braking for Turn 15 heading into a technical sector. Having posted a 1’39.887s, the #7 briefly went into P1 and was often gaining time until the final section, before Bulega set a 1’39.697s to re-claim P1 – a position he held for most of the session before his teammate demoted him. On his last flying lap, Lecuona improved his time to a 1’39.454s to snatch P1 from his teammate by almost a quarter of a second to secure P1 in FP1. Bulega was forced to settle for second while Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) secured third place with a 1’39.922s, with the three Ducati riders the only riders in the 1’39s bracket.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) finished fourth in FP1 as he tried a new seat on his Panigale V4R machine which Team Manager Denis Sacchetti said in pitlane was in order to move his weight on the back of the bike and make ‘Balda’ more comfortable. He set a 1’40.242s. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was fifth with Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) in sixth after the #31 slowly built his times as the session progressed.

Gerloff’s late improvement demoted Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) after the Portuguese rider set a 1’40.593s. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was eighth with Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) in ninth – it was this venue last year that he first jumped on his team’s Panigale V4R and impressed. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) rounded out the top ten.

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

1. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’39.454s

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.243s

3. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.468s

4. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.788s

5. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.962s

6. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) 1.122s

Don’t miss FP2 at 15:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 30% off!

WorldWCR: Herrera Quickest In Opening Practice in Hungary

Mathilde Gasnier

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May 1, 2026

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WorldWCR: Herrera Quickest In Opening Practice in Hungary

Maria Herrera was fastest during FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Free Practice Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:54.179, topping the field of 24 riders.

Roberta Ponziani was the runner-up on her Klint Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R7 with a time of 1:54.366, and Beatriz Neila got third on her Ampito Crescent Yamaha YZF-R7 with a lap time of 1:54.416.

American Mallory Dobbs got 16th on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 with a lap time of 1:58.342.

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WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Final Practice In Hungary

May 2, 2026

Nicolò Bulega led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 3 (FP3) Saturday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R on spec Pirelli tires, the Italian rider covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track in 1:38.339 to lead the field of 22 riders.

His teammate, Iker Lecuona was second-best with a 1:38.473.

Lorenzo Baldassarri was third with a 1:38.603 on his Team Goeleven Ducati Panigale V4R.

Danilo Petrucci was 13th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a lap time of 1:39.533.

American Garrett Gerloff was 14th with a time of 1:39.649 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

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KICKER AFT Singles Set for Silver Dollar Showdown

May 1, 2026

Jack Brucks (No.113) and Jaymes Arnaiz (No. 227) racing during the 2026 Ventura Short Track. Photo by Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The KICKER AFT Singles championship fight that will continue with the Silver Dollar Short Track this Saturday, May 2, in Chico, California, is shaping up to be among the most competitive and compelling in years.

Silver Dollar Speedway stands as one of the West Coast’s most revered auto racing dirt track venues. Now set to host Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, for the third consecutive season, the track is fast building a similar reputation in the two-wheeled world. This weekend presents another opportunity to add to that budding legacy.

Four for Four