Suzuki Italy’s GSX-8R Cup Champion Michel Agazzi Making MotoAmerica Debut at Daytona
Italian Racer Earns Wild Card Entry to Twins Cup Season Opener After Winning Inaugural Single-Make Championship
Brea, CA – (February 27, 2026) – In partnership with Team Hammer and Suzuki Italy, Michel Agazzi, the 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R Cup Champion, will compete as a wild card entry in the opening round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship at Daytona International Speedway this March.
In 2025, Suzuki Italy launched the GSX-8R Cup—a single-make championship that quickly became a breakout success. Designed to be accessible and competitive, the series attracted both experienced riders and emerging talents across five rounds in Italy, offering significant prizes for a modest investment and putting the Suzuki GSX-8R at the center of the action.
At the fourth round at Modena Circuit, Michel Agazzi clinched the championship title. His reward? A wild card entry into the opening round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship at the legendary Daytona International Speedway.
A Racer’s Journey
Michel Agazzi started racing in 2019 at the age of 18, making his debut in the MotoEstate championship. He then competed in several single-brand trophies and later in CIV 300, while in 2024 he participated as a substitute in four races in the World 300 Championship and Spanish Championship.
Michel Agazzi.
Off the track, Michel works as an electrician and electrical designer alongside his father and brother—a family trade that keeps him grounded between race weekends.
Victory was his goal for the first edition of the Suzuki GSX-8R Cup, seeking greater consistency and less explosiveness than in previous years. However, he admits he would have been happy just to finish in the top five. Instead, he dominated the series and earned his ticket to Daytona.
The Story Behind #24
Michel has a curious story behind the number he races with. When he first started racing, he debuted with 111, derived from the position of the initials of his first and last name in the alphabet (M is the eleventh letter, A is the first).
Michel Agazzi races as #24 in the Italian CIV Series.
In 2021, he switched to number 11 when he entered the Italian 300 Championship, on the advice of his team manager who didn’t particularly like three digits. Michel thought that by winning the championship, he could eliminate another 1 the following year, but unfortunately, he was unable to triumph.
After a year away from racing, he returned with number 24 as a wild card in the CIV 300 at Imola Circuit and achieved an excellent second place. From that day on, 24 became his definitive number—and the number he’ll carry at Daytona.
Memorable Moments
Michel has several fond memories from the track: his first podium at Imola in the 300 Championship, the podium at Estoril in the Spanish Championship, and, of course, his first victory in the opening race of the GSX-8R Cup Trophy.
Michel Agazzi in victory.
Team Hammer is joining forces with Suzuki Italy to make Michel’s American racing dream a reality this March at Daytona.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2026 season will mark Team Hammer’s 46th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 135 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 382 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol and won four F-USA Championships.
Marco Bezzecchi led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian turned a lap time of 1:28.526. Not only was that good enough to lead the 22-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Francesco Bagnaia’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:28.700.
Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:28.947 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was third at 1:29.010 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Pedro Acosta finished the session fourth with a 1:29.185 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin crossed the finish line fifth with a lap time of 1:29.229.
Francesco Bagnaia is 15th on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26 with a time of 1:29.824.
Day one of 2026 banked, P1 bagged for Bezzecchi as the Italian leads the way to Sprint Saturday.
MotoGP’s Practice at Buriram saw most of the paddock looking at the sky just as much as they were looking at the timing screens as the persistent afternoon shower threat lingered across the entirety of the session. This made for drama as everyone pushed for lap times from the start in the pursuit of a direct Q2 placing. Staying dry until the end, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) continued to dominate with a new lap record whereas there’re surprises and shocks both in and out of the top ten.
BACK IN BEZNESS: #72 vibes on Friday
Just like in the morning, it was a strong day for Aprilia Racing’s duo of Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin who were inside the top four. Bezzecchi made it a Friday clean sweep, having topped FP1 and then setting a new lap record on Friday afternoon. A 1’28.526 was quicker than what he was able to do in the test and it’s fair to say that Bez’s pace is also strongest. Perhaps the favourite tag will be attached to him. Martin was fifth at the chequered flag, marking Aprilia’s strongest first day to a season.
Marc Marquez (93) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Contrasting fortunes for Ducati Lenovo Team, Marquez P2 and Bagnaia Q1
It was very much a session of two halves for Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) who spent a fair portion of it outside the top ten before bouncing up to fifth with 20 minutes to go. The early scare was well behind him when he jumped up the order into P2 by the end of the session. As the #93 was got up to the pointy end, it was a challenging opening day for teammate Francesco Bagnaia who could only 15th and finds himself as the headlining name going through Q1.
DIGGIA ATTACK: P3 bagged in Buriram on Friday
More testing form was translated from pre-season to Round 1, this time in the case of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). He sat pretty at the head of the field for most of Practice before being pushed back to third late on. Just like in FP1, the #49’s best lap time was set towards the end of a stint, showing that he doesn’t just have one-lap pace but right throughout his runs.
Acosta and Binder lead KTM charge to Q2
Making it three manufacturers and four teams in the top four, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) set his fastest lap of the session on his penultimate lap, 0.659s off Bezzecchi’s time. The celebrations in orange continued on the other side of the box as for the first time since Barcelona in 2025, Acosta’s teammate Brad Binder took P8 to move directly into Q2.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49), Diogo Moreira (11) and Alex Marquez (73) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Alex Marquez P6, Honda with double Q2 entry
With Martin fifth, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) clinched sixth, just ahead of Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) who was Honda’s top representative. The Japanese brand had a second rider straight to Q2 with Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) in 10th.
Mixed bag at Trackhouse: Ogura crashes to take P9, Fernandez Q1-bound
Despite looking strong in P4 in the morning and bagging himself P9 and a Q2 spot, Ai Ogura’s (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) session ended early with just over two minutes remaining as he fell at Turn 7. He was all OK and will hope to redeem himself in the pole shootout on Saturday morning. Teammate Raul Fernandez couldn’t make it four Aprilias directly into Q2, taking 14th.
Manuel Gonzalez led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) road course in 1:34.501, topping the field of 28 riders and breaking his own All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.591 from 2025.
Alex Escrig was second-best with a time of 1:34.625 on his Klint Racing Team Forward.
Izan Guevara did a third-fastest 1:34.686 on his Blu Cru Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.
American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 16th with a best time of 1:35.134 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
A brief rain shower at the end of Moto2 Practice sees drama in the top 14 race unfold, with big names missing out on the opening Friday of the season.
2025 Thai Grand Prix winner Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) topped the opening Friday of the season in a rain-hit Moto2 Practice session. Pre-season pacesetter Alex Escrig (KLINT Racing Team) and last year’s Valencian GP victor Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) completed a top three split by 0.185s, with Gonzalez setting a new all-time lap record – a 1:34.501. However, it was Day 1 disappointment for Friday morning’s table-topper David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team).
The Colombian ended Practice down in P22 as a quick dose of rain in Sector 1 meant improving times became impossible when it mattered most for some, as Turn 1 unfortunately caught out the unlucky Adrian Huertas (Italtrans Racing Team).
David Alonso (80) during the practice session at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Alonso will be competing in Q1 alongside a whole host of Moto2 race winners, including Alonso Lopez (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), Tony Arbolino (REDS Fantic Racing), Deniz Öncü (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), and the Turk’s teammate Aron Canet. In other words: a stacked Q1 line-up.
Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Mario Aji (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) are two riders who don’t have to worry about Q1 on Saturday afternoon though. The 2025 Rookie of the Year and Indonesian finished P4 and P5 on Day 1 in Thailand, with Australia’s Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) sixth quickest.
Angel Piqueras (QJMOTOR – Pont Grup – MSI) got his rookie Moto2 season off to a great start with a P13 finish on Friday, meaning the Spaniard heads directly into the Moto2 pole position shootout at 14:05 local time, with Q1 going green at 13:40.
David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP to lap the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track in 1:40.990 to lead the field of 26 riders.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe was second-best with a time of 1:41.068.
Valentin Perrone, piloting his Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:41.194.
So often was the case last year, 2026 has started in the best possible way for the #22 in his new team.
Moto3’s first day is in the books at the Chang International Circuit with plenty of headlines both in and out of the directing seeding to Q2. Leading the way on his debut with his new team, David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) continued on from his 2025 Practice and was the pacesetter on Friday.
Almansa got straight down to business and never found himself too far away from the top of the timesheets. The first and only rider in the 1’40s, he had just under a tenth of a second in his pocket over fellow countryman and Buriram podium finisher from 2025, Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The #83 starts his second season in P2 but got very much down to business on day one. He in-turn had over a tenth of a second to the next rider, Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3). Watched on by new team CEO Gunther Steiner, it was a positive day for the Argentinean.
Maximo Quiles (28) during the practice session at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) secured fourth and was just one place ahead of his teammate Marco Morelli, who likewise made it two Argentinean riders in the top five and both directly into Q2. Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) rounded out an all-KTM top six with the Brit less than half a second from Almansa’s top time.
Elsewhere, notable performances consist of Honda’s top finisher and class rookie Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) and fellow star rookie Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) as both came home in P7 and P8 respectively. Irish star Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was also impressive as he got into Q2 with 13th. The biggest name to miss out was three-time Grand Prix winner from 2025’s season David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP), unable to replicate his teammate’s strong start and rooted to 16th place, having to go through Q1.
Marco Bezzecchi topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Michelin-shod Aprilia Racing RS-GP26, the Italian turned a lap of 1:29.346 around the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track and led the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best with a 1:29.456 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin was third with a lap of 1:29.551.
2025 MotoGP World Champion, Marc Marquez finished the opening session in 6th with a lap time of 1:29.772 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26.
His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia was 7th with a 1:29.791.
Less than a second cover the top 13 and all five manufacturers as MotoGP’s first Grand Prix weekend ignites in the Thai heat.
MotoGP 2026: blast off! Buriram welcomed the riders back to the track after testing to the point we’ve all been waiting for – bikes on track in anger. Our first in-depth looking at who’s hot and who’s not for the year ahead and in FP1, it was reflective of the test. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) laid down the gauntlet early on to give the rest of the field something to ponder going into the afternoon.
On just his third lap of FP1, ‘Bez’ set a 1’29.346s to go top of the standings and lead the way for Aprilia, picking up from where he left off in testing. Fabio DI Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was the meat in an Aprilia sandwich, taking second with an improvement towards the end of the session. For Jorge Martin’s first Thai GP Aprilia weekend, it started with a small crash just ten minutes into the session at Turn 12. ‘The Martinator’ was back up and all OK, on his way to third come the chequered flag. Three Aprilias inside the top four as Buriram specialist from 2025 Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) secured fourth, one place ahead of KTM’s leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) got his season off and running with sixth at Buriram in FP1, a solid start just one place ahead of his teammate Francesco Bagnaia. Pecco, just 0.019s behind Marquez, set 19 laps compared to the #93’s 21 but both harness valuable information for the afternoon’s Practice. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was eighth ahead of Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), who made it four manufacturers in the top ten.
Yamaha’s best representative was Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in 13thwhilst for the rookies, Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) was 16th and reigning WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was 21st.
David Alonso was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex on the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track, the Colombian recorded a 1:35.148 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Izan Guevara was the best of the rest with a 1:35.160 on his BluCru Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.
Filip Salac was third-fastest with a 1:35.245 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
His teammate and American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 16th with a 1:35.917.
Adrian Fernandez was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) road course in 1:41.202, topping the field of 26 riders.
Joel Kelso was the best of the rest with a 1:41.519 on his GRYD-MLav Racing Honda.
David Almansa was third with a lap time of 1:41.586 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP KTM.
Pipe Dreams Podcast is pleased to release Episode 36 featuring the founders of ARCH Motorcycle, Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves.
What started as a simple referral to modify a motorcycle turned into a six-year collaboration and ultimately the creation of ARCH Motorcycle. Gard shares how building bikes from childhood shaped his approach to craftsmanship and attention to detail, while Keanu reflects on discovering riding at 22 and how it quickly became a lifelong passion.
The conversation traces the evolution of ARCH from custom builds to developing motorcycles entirely from the ground up, and eventually committing to compete in MotoAmerica Super Hooligans this past season.
They speak candidly about entering professional racing for the first time, building a production motorcycle and race bike simultaneously, and what year one truly looked like behind the scenes which will be featured in an upcoming docu-series.
They discuss the mistakes that come with being new, the moments that validated the decision to race, and why adding a second rider for year two gives them confidence moving forward. The episode closes with a look at what competition is teaching them and how racing is already shaping the future direction of ARCH Motorcycle.
We hope you enjoy learning more about Gard and Keanu, their friendship, and passion for motorcycles as much as we did.
🎧 Episode 36 is now streaming on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the full episode is out now.
More from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
After official testing, Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin are ready for first race of season.
After two intense days of official testing at Buriram, Aprilia Racing is ready to take on the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship at the Chang International Circuit with Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín.
Marco Bezzecchi had the opportunity to work on the RS-GP26 during the tests held between Sepang and Buriram. Over the five days of testing, the Italian rider showed strong harmony with the RS-GP26, consolidating the quality of the work carried out by the Racing Department of the Noale-based manufacturer and highlighting encouraging potential. Bezzecchi heads into the first race weekend in Thailand with great motivation, determined to confirm the speed and positive feeling that emerged during the Buriram tests, where he finished first at the end of the two-day session.
Jorge Martín, assessed by the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Medical Team on the day prior to the tests and declared fit to race, completed both days of testing in Thailand as scheduled, finishing in eighth position. For the Spanish rider, the main objective was to progressively rebuild confidence with the RS-GP, adopting an approach focused primarily on riding. Martín now heads into the first race weekend of the season, aiming to continue improving session by session and regain his competitiveness.
The Chang International Circuit in Buriram was built in 2014 and hosted its first MotoGP World Championship Grand Prix in 2018. The track is 4,550 metres long and features 12 corners – seven right-handers and five left-handers. The circuit layout alternates between very long straights and demanding braking zones.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Sepang, day 3. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Marco Bezzecchi:“The tests went quite well, we worked a lot and this helped us understand how the RS-GP26 is performing. I am satisfied, even though testing is very different from a race weekend. Now we have some time to work and analyse the data, trying to identify further areas for improvement. The guys have done a great job and I can’t wait to finally start racing.”
Jorge Martin (89) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Jorge Martin: “I’m really keen to start the season after last year’s complications due to injuries. Physically, I feel much better, and it was very positive to take part in the pre-season tests at Buriram to prepare for the race as well as possible. We start the year with a great desire to do well: the bike has improved, and so have I. Everything is in place to enjoy a great season.”
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC:
Honda HRC Castrol begin 2026 Season in Buriram.
Luca Marini and Joan Mir have completed their final preparations for their latest campaign, the pair aiming to do the colours of Honda HRC proud on the 60th anniversary of their entry into the premier class.
The Chang International circuit will once again host the opening round of the MotoGP World Championship, the 4.55 kilometres of tarmac the first stop in a journey across 22 different circuits. Set to be a unique season as the era of 1,000cc motorcycles is set to come to a close, all four Honda riders eager to add to the 85 victories achieved by the Honda RC213V since its debut in 2012.
Having made impressive improvements from 2024 to 2025, Luca Marini is out to make another step this year and take his challenge to the podium positions. A steady off season allowed for plenty of data and feedback for the #10, he and his team in a strong position to adapt to the ever-changing reality of the MotoGP World Championship. Marini achieved 12th at the Thai GP in 2025, a result he’ll need to surpass to leave the weekend satisfied.
Joan Mir was a standout of the end of 2025 as he raced to two podiums and a number of competitive rides. With his motivation reinvigorated, he approached the pre-season with complete dedication and focus, making further gains with the Honda RC213V. Still looking for more after the five days of testing, the 2026 World Champion is eager to resume his fight at the sharp end of each and every race. Mir’s best result on the Honda in Thailand is 12th, achieved in 2023.
Luca Marini (10) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini:“My third year in the factory Honda HRC team and my motivation only keeps increasing. Everyone inside Honda has been working hard, not just over the winter but over the past few years and I am determined to reward their efforts this season. We’ve seen from the test more or less where we are, but in the heat of a full Grand Prix weekend anything is possible. Maximising our performance in Qualifying will be really important at this track, so that is our first focus. There are just a couple of small pieces we need to put together and I know we can be even stronger than how we ended 2025.”
Joan Mir (36) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Joan Mir:“If it’s your first season or your eighth season in MotoGP, you’re always excited for the first race! It’s been a long winter of training and from the personal side I am ready to go. Honda have made good progress with the RC213V and we found a few things during the test, but it’s important to keep focused and work at our maximum during this first weekend. Let’s start the season well and build from there, 22 rounds and 44 races is a lot of laps, and anything can happen. I think it’s going to be a very interesting year!”
More from a press release issued by Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team:
Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli ready for the start of the 2026 season in Thailand.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team is back on track at the Chang International Circuit to kick off the 2026 MotoGP season, which gets underway this weekend with the Thailand GP.
The MotoGP winter break is over and the Thailand GP will be the opening race weekend of the 2026 season: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will hit the track with confidence after the positive winter test with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli, completed just a few days ago right in Buriram.
After a solid winter break and encouraging winter test, Di Giannantonio is eager to get the season underway again: on his Ducati Desmosedici GP, Fabio has shown consistency and competitiveness since the very first test in Malaysia, confirming his positive feelings in Buriram as well. At this circuit – where won in 2018 (Moto3) – the rider from Rome is ready for the first race weekend of 2026, marking his third consecutive year with the team.
Morbidelli is preparing to start his second season with the team following an intense winter. The pre-season tests gave him confidence and proved solidity and progress, session after session. Franco started to get familiar with the new package during the Sepang test, continuing the work in Buriram: at this track, where he narrowly missed the podium in 2025 and where he got a fourth place as his best result, the Italian-Brazilian rider confirmed the positive feeling with his bike during the latest test.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will go on track on Friday for the first free practice sessions. Qualifying will take place on Saturday starting at 10:50 (local time, +6 CET), followed by the Sprint at 15:00 (local time). The Thailand GP will conclude with Sunday’s race, which will start at 15:00 (local time).
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Fabio Di Giannantonio: “After five days of winter testing, the season is finally getting underway! We’re back on track for the first race weekend and I’m really happy to start from the Thailand GP! We arrive at the first weekend of the year with many clear ideas; we feel confident and in great shape with the team. The tests were very positive, perhaps the hardest of my career, but I’m very pleased with how they went and with the solutions we tried. We have a great team and the best bike on the grid – I’m fully convinced that we can do a great job with the package we have. The goal for the weekend will be to enjoy, push hard and do an excellent job.”
Franco Morbidelli (21) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Franco Morbidelli: “I’m very happy to start the season again, and doing it in Thailand will be great. We finished the winter tests here, where we understood many things about the new bike. Overall, the preseason was very positive and I’m ready for the start of 2026. We feel competitive for this first race weekend – we can have our chance. We’ve shown that we’re fast; we’re right there. The goal will be to confirm the good feelings from testing during the race weekend as well. We’re ready!”
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Set to Tackle 2026 Journey with Thai GP Season Kick-Off.
Following last weekend’s Buriram MotoGP Official Test, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins return to the Chang International Circuit to commence the 2026 MotoGP season with this weekend’s Grand Prix of Thailand.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are prepared for racing action at the Chang International Circuit this weekend. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins are keen to start the 2026 journey with the first of twenty-two MotoGP rounds.
The MotoGP paddock visited the Chang track six times before. El Diablo’s best result here was in his first Thai premier class race in 2019, when he secured second place. The number-20 rider always receives a lot of support from local fans, and he is looking forward to riding in front of them again at the season opener.
Following the winter break and the 2026 preseason testing, Rins is excited to greet the MotoGP fans at the track again. The Spaniard has used the last three months for training in order to be top fit for this weekend. He has ridden in Thailand five times before (he missed the 2023 event due to injury) and achieved his best result there in 2019, securing fifth in the MotoGP class.
The Chang International Circuit opened in 2014, and MotoGP made its debut there in 2018. The circuit is located about 410km northeast of the country’s capital, Bangkok, and is close to the town of Buriram. Many riders and fans are excited by the Chang track’s 4.55km layout that includes a 1km longest straight and five left and seven right turns.
The Grand Prix of Thailand is held in the GMT+7 time zone. FP1 will take place on Friday from 10:45-11:30 local track time and Practice will be held from 15:00-16:00. On Saturday, FP2 will be held from 10:10-10:40, and the qualifying sessions from 10:50-11:30, followed by the 13-lap Sprint that starts at 15:00. On Sunday, Warm Up is held from 10:40-10:50 and the 26-lap Race starts at 15:00.
Fabio Quartararo (on the left) and Alex Rins are ready for the season opener in Thailand. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Massimo Meregalli – Team Director:“The Grand Prix of Thailand marks the real start of our journey, and we can’t wait to feel the incredible atmosphere Buriram always creates. The preseason tests showed us challenging aspects, and the aligned feedback from the riders gives us a clear direction to work towards. There’s a lot of hard work ahead. Our aim this week is to make the most of the current package and gather as much data as possible in a Grand Prix setting.”
Fabio Quartararo:“The preseason is over, and we are starting the new season. We learned a lot in testing – there were some tough moments, but also some good steps – and now it’s time to build onto the base we have established. I really like Thailand, this track, and the fans here. I will do my best!”
Alex Rins:“After a long wait, it‘s time to go racing again! The tests showed us where we can push and develop more as well as where we need to work. The direction is pretty clear. There‘s always a great vibe in Thailand, and I‘m sure the fans worldwide are excited that MotoGP is back. I‘m ready to begin this journey!”
More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
A Season of Growth Begins for Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP in Thailand.
Four days after concluding pre-season testing at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP is set to begin its 2026 MotoGP World Championship campaign at the same venue. The Thai round officially opens a season focused on development and steady progression.
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP heads into the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship this weekend at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead. With a motorcycle only six months into its development, the early phase of the season will focus on learning and refinement. Encouragingly, during last week‘s pre-season test at the Thai venue, the gap to the benchmark was already within one second of a new track record — a solid base from which to begin the campaign with realism and confidence.
Jack Miller arrives at the Thai Grand Prix in a positive frame of mind after completing 71 laps across two productive test days in Buriram. The Australian concentrated on long runs and evaluating base set-ups, providing valuable feedback as the project continues to evolve. Acknowledging that further steps are needed to close the gap to the front, Miller believes the foundation is sound and is ready to use race conditions to continue shaping the Yamaha package into a competitive machine.
For Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, 2026 represents an entirely new chapter, with a new team, new bike and largely new circuits to master. The Turkish rider approaches the season with determination as he works to adapt to MotoGP demands. Buriram is not completely unfamiliar — he raced here in WorldSBK in 2019, the last visit of the production-based championship — and he completed 59 laps during last week‘s test, focusing on long runs and narrowing down workable set-ups as he builds confidence step by step.
Located around 410 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, the 4.554km Chang International Circuit features five left and seven right turns and a one-kilometre straight that places emphasis on top speed and braking stability. The typically hot conditions and heavy braking zones make tyre management and consistency crucial over race distance.
The Thai Grand Prix takes place in the GMT +7 time zone and begins on Friday with MotoGP Free Practice at 10:45 local time, followed by the decisive Practice session at 15:00. Qualifying on Saturday starts at 10:50 and sets the grid for both the Sprint and Sunday‘s Grand Prix, with the 13-lap Sprint scheduled for 15:00. The 26-lap race on Sunday, also at 15:00 local time, will crown the first winner of the 2026 season.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (07) and Jack Miller (43) are ready for the season opener in Thailand. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Gino Borsoi – Team Director: “First of all, it’s a pleasure and an honour to be part of this new Yamaha project. We all knew that building a bike in just a few months would not be easy, and that the early phase would require patience and hard work.
Even if the riders’ positions in testing don‘t immediately reflect it, the gap to the front is not as large as it might appear from the outside, and that is already a positive sign. If this is our starting point, I’m confident that over the course of the season we can reduce that gap. The first races will be very important for learning and refining the set-up, and that’s where we expect to make progress.
It’s true that we still lack some performance, particularly on the engine side, but the fact that the gap is manageable shows that the chassis is already working at a high level. That is encouraging. The team is highly motivated and determined to help bring Yamaha back to the results it deserves.”
Jack Miller: “It’s great to finally be back racing. The test gave us some good feedback, and while we know there are areas where we need to improve quite significantly, this is what we’re here for. Racing is what drives us, and it‘s also the best development tool we could ask for. Being on track in real race conditions will help us understand the bike even better and keep pushing the project forward.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: “I feel the pressure, but at the same time I’m very excited. I know I still have a lot to learn and that the first few races will be difficult, but I‘m really looking forward to this challenge and I feel ready for it. It’s a strange but very nice mix of emotions. It‘s incredible to think that I‘m about to start my first MotoGP race.”
More from a press release issued by ELF Marc VDS:
Canet and Oncu braced for opening battle in Buriram.
The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team starts its 17th season in the Moto2 World Championship in Thailand this weekend with an exciting new line-up of Aron Canet and Deniz Oncu ready to kickstart their 2026 title challenge.
For the second season in succession, the Chang International Circuit in Buriram hosts the first of an intense 22 round season and Canet and Oncu head to Southeast Asia eager to showcase their skills for the first time in Elf Marc VDS Racing Team livery.
The action commences with FP1 on Friday morning at 950am local time, with the opening Moto2 race action scheduled for lights out over 22 laps at 1315pm on Sunday afternoon.
Aron Canet (44) during the Moto2 pre-season test at Jerez. Photo courtesy Marc VDS.
The 27-year-old brings a wealth of experience and proven race-winning pedigree into his seventh season in Moto2, which will see him compete once again on Boscoscuro machinery for the first time in five years.
Runner-up in 2024 and third overall in 2022, the Spaniard is determined to emerge as a leading title contender once again as he looks to add to his five victories and 34 podium finishes in the ultra-competitive Moto2 category.
Canet has an incredibly impressive CV at Buriram with three top three finishes in four Moto2 appearances, which includes a sensational win by 3.6s in 2024 when he led every lap.
Aron Canet:“It’s always a special feeling going into a new season and I’m very excited to start this new challenge and new adventure with such a great team. It is going to take time to get up to speed with the new Boscoscuro but I’m confident we can be quickly achieving the results the team and I expect. I have no doubt there is plenty of potential to be unlocked from the package and with hard work and patience we know we can be fighting at the front. It’s good to be starting the season again in Thailand. The fans there are always incredible and it is a track where I’ve been able to get some very good results at in the past. My win there in 2024 was one of the best of my career, so I go to Buriram looking to gain experience with the new bike and getting a strong result to start the season in a positive way.”
Deniz Oncu (53) during the Moto2 pre-season test at Jerez. Photo courtesy Marc VDS.
This weekend’s Thai Grand Prix is not only the Turkish star’s Elf Marc VDS Racing Team debut, but it is going to be his first competitive action since the Brno round last July after a serious left leg injury prematurely ended his 2025 season.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last year with stunning victories in MotorLand Aragon and Sachsenring and he is eager to shine again in his first season racing the Italian crafted Boscoscuro chassis.
Oncu’s best finish in Buriram was a fifth from pole position in Moto3 in 2023, with 10th in his rookie year in 2024 his best finish in Moto2.
Deniz Oncu: “I’ve had to wait quite a long time to be racing again, so maybe my first race nerves and excitement going to Thailand are a little more than most on the grid. It hasn’t been an easy few months with my injury last year, but I have been working incredibly hard to make sure I am as ready as I can be both physically and mentally for the challenge ahead. Switching to the Boscoscuro chassis brings a new challenge for me and it is one I’m ready to face head on. Nothing is easy at this level, but I believe in my potential and believe I have a great team behind me to bring more success to this project. The goal of course is to be fighting at the front as soon as possible, but it is important right now in this learning phase to be making constant progress and I’ve no doubt we can do it.”
Non-stop racing action planned for July 5-10 in Du Quoin, Ill.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has officially announced the racing schedule and class structure for the 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing.
Running July 5-10 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill., the Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing represents the only amateur flat track competition in the country where racers can earn AMA National No. 1 plates.
“We have put together an outstanding racing schedule at the famed Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, with several events planned under the lights,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “The AMA Flat Track Grand Championship is such a special week, and we look forward to going back to Du Quoin and celebrating everything that makes flat track such an incredible sport.”
With racing across 25 classes planned for the week, competitors will also race for four prestigious special awards, including the Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award — which honors the legacy of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Nicky Hayden and is earned by the racer that shows the necessary character and ability to excel at the professional level. The AMA will also award the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award, the AMA Youth Flat Track Racer of the Year and the AMA Vet/Sr. Flat Track Racer of the Year.
New in 2026 is the Vintage Featured Magic Mile, which allows racers to take their vintage motorcycles (1998 and Older) out on the track at the famed Du Quoin Magic Mile for a night of competition. The Vintage Featured Magic Mile is an AMA Featured Event, and AMA National No. 1 plates will not be awarded at the event.
Racing pre-registration for this event will open in early April, and those who pre-register before June 17 will appear on the special-edition 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship rider’s shirt.
The class structure and event schedule can be found below:
Group 1 Classes: Youth/Vet
50cc Production Chain Drive (4-8)
50cc Production Shaft Drive (4-8)
65cc Production (7-11)
65cc Modified (7-11)
85cc Modified (9-11)
85cc Production (9-13)
85cc Modified (9-13)
Supermini (12-15)
Veteran (25+)
Senior (40+)
Super Senior (50+)
Masters (60+)
Group 2 Classes: Amateur
Women 122cc and Up (12+)
250cc
250 Jr. (12-17)
300cc (250cc 12+) (251-300cc 14+)
250cc — Open Singles (12+) (251cc Open 14+)
450cc Jr. (14-19)
450cc & Open Singles (14+) – Twins (17+)
505cc (450cc-505cc 14+)
Vintage Featured Magic Mile (1998 and Older)
250cc-400cc
Open Singles (No Rotax)
Open Rotax
Open Twins
50+
Event Schedule
Saturday, July 4 — Rider Registration
Sunday, July 5 — Amateur/Vet/Sr./Vintage Mile
Monday, July 6 — Youth Half-Mile
Tuesday, July 7 — Group 1 followed by Group 2 Half-Mile (Group 2 main events will be under the lights)
Wednesday, July 8 — Group 1 followed by Group 2 TT (Group 2 main events will be under the lights)
Thursday, July 9 — Group 1 followed by Group 2 Short Track
Suzuki Italy GSX-8R Cup Champion Michel Agazzi will race as a wild card in MotoAmerica twins Cup at Daytona.
Suzuki Italy’s GSX-8R Cup Champion Michel Agazzi Making MotoAmerica Debut at Daytona
Italian Racer Earns Wild Card Entry to Twins Cup Season Opener After Winning Inaugural Single-Make Championship
Brea, CA – (February 27, 2026) – In partnership with Team Hammer and Suzuki Italy, Michel Agazzi, the 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R Cup Champion, will compete as a wild card entry in the opening round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship at Daytona International Speedway this March.
In 2025, Suzuki Italy launched the GSX-8R Cup—a single-make championship that quickly became a breakout success. Designed to be accessible and competitive, the series attracted both experienced riders and emerging talents across five rounds in Italy, offering significant prizes for a modest investment and putting the Suzuki GSX-8R at the center of the action.
At the fourth round at Modena Circuit, Michel Agazzi clinched the championship title. His reward? A wild card entry into the opening round of the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship at the legendary Daytona International Speedway.
A Racer’s Journey
Michel Agazzi started racing in 2019 at the age of 18, making his debut in the MotoEstate championship. He then competed in several single-brand trophies and later in CIV 300, while in 2024 he participated as a substitute in four races in the World 300 Championship and Spanish Championship.
Michel Agazzi.
Off the track, Michel works as an electrician and electrical designer alongside his father and brother—a family trade that keeps him grounded between race weekends.
Victory was his goal for the first edition of the Suzuki GSX-8R Cup, seeking greater consistency and less explosiveness than in previous years. However, he admits he would have been happy just to finish in the top five. Instead, he dominated the series and earned his ticket to Daytona.
The Story Behind #24
Michel has a curious story behind the number he races with. When he first started racing, he debuted with 111, derived from the position of the initials of his first and last name in the alphabet (M is the eleventh letter, A is the first).
Michel Agazzi races as #24 in the Italian CIV Series.
In 2021, he switched to number 11 when he entered the Italian 300 Championship, on the advice of his team manager who didn’t particularly like three digits. Michel thought that by winning the championship, he could eliminate another 1 the following year, but unfortunately, he was unable to triumph.
After a year away from racing, he returned with number 24 as a wild card in the CIV 300 at Imola Circuit and achieved an excellent second place. From that day on, 24 became his definitive number—and the number he’ll carry at Daytona.
Memorable Moments
Michel has several fond memories from the track: his first podium at Imola in the 300 Championship, the podium at Estoril in the Spanish Championship, and, of course, his first victory in the opening race of the GSX-8R Cup Trophy.
Michel Agazzi in victory.
Team Hammer is joining forces with Suzuki Italy to make Michel’s American racing dream a reality this March at Daytona.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2026 season will mark Team Hammer’s 46th consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 135 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 382 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol and won four F-USA Championships.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Marco Bezzecchi led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian turned a lap time of 1:28.526. Not only was that good enough to lead the 22-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Francesco Bagnaia’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:28.700.
Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:28.947 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was third at 1:29.010 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Pedro Acosta finished the session fourth with a 1:29.185 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin crossed the finish line fifth with a lap time of 1:29.229.
Francesco Bagnaia is 15th on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26 with a time of 1:29.824.
Day one of 2026 banked, P1 bagged for Bezzecchi as the Italian leads the way to Sprint Saturday.
MotoGP’s Practice at Buriram saw most of the paddock looking at the sky just as much as they were looking at the timing screens as the persistent afternoon shower threat lingered across the entirety of the session. This made for drama as everyone pushed for lap times from the start in the pursuit of a direct Q2 placing. Staying dry until the end, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) continued to dominate with a new lap record whereas there’re surprises and shocks both in and out of the top ten.
BACK IN BEZNESS: #72 vibes on Friday
Just like in the morning, it was a strong day for Aprilia Racing’s duo of Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin who were inside the top four. Bezzecchi made it a Friday clean sweep, having topped FP1 and then setting a new lap record on Friday afternoon. A 1’28.526 was quicker than what he was able to do in the test and it’s fair to say that Bez’s pace is also strongest. Perhaps the favourite tag will be attached to him. Martin was fifth at the chequered flag, marking Aprilia’s strongest first day to a season.
Marc Marquez (93) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Contrasting fortunes for Ducati Lenovo Team, Marquez P2 and Bagnaia Q1
It was very much a session of two halves for Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) who spent a fair portion of it outside the top ten before bouncing up to fifth with 20 minutes to go. The early scare was well behind him when he jumped up the order into P2 by the end of the session. As the #93 was got up to the pointy end, it was a challenging opening day for teammate Francesco Bagnaia who could only 15th and finds himself as the headlining name going through Q1.
DIGGIA ATTACK: P3 bagged in Buriram on Friday
More testing form was translated from pre-season to Round 1, this time in the case of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). He sat pretty at the head of the field for most of Practice before being pushed back to third late on. Just like in FP1, the #49’s best lap time was set towards the end of a stint, showing that he doesn’t just have one-lap pace but right throughout his runs.
Acosta and Binder lead KTM charge to Q2
Making it three manufacturers and four teams in the top four, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) set his fastest lap of the session on his penultimate lap, 0.659s off Bezzecchi’s time. The celebrations in orange continued on the other side of the box as for the first time since Barcelona in 2025, Acosta’s teammate Brad Binder took P8 to move directly into Q2.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49), Diogo Moreira (11) and Alex Marquez (73) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Alex Marquez P6, Honda with double Q2 entry
With Martin fifth, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) clinched sixth, just ahead of Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) who was Honda’s top representative. The Japanese brand had a second rider straight to Q2 with Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) in 10th.
Mixed bag at Trackhouse: Ogura crashes to take P9, Fernandez Q1-bound
Despite looking strong in P4 in the morning and bagging himself P9 and a Q2 spot, Ai Ogura’s (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) session ended early with just over two minutes remaining as he fell at Turn 7. He was all OK and will hope to redeem himself in the pole shootout on Saturday morning. Teammate Raul Fernandez couldn’t make it four Aprilias directly into Q2, taking 14th.
Manuel Gonzalez (18) during the Moto2 preseason test at Portimao. Photo courtesy IntactGP Team
Manuel Gonzalez led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) road course in 1:34.501, topping the field of 28 riders and breaking his own All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.591 from 2025.
Alex Escrig was second-best with a time of 1:34.625 on his Klint Racing Team Forward.
Izan Guevara did a third-fastest 1:34.686 on his Blu Cru Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.
American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 16th with a best time of 1:35.134 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
A brief rain shower at the end of Moto2 Practice sees drama in the top 14 race unfold, with big names missing out on the opening Friday of the season.
2025 Thai Grand Prix winner Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) topped the opening Friday of the season in a rain-hit Moto2 Practice session. Pre-season pacesetter Alex Escrig (KLINT Racing Team) and last year’s Valencian GP victor Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) completed a top three split by 0.185s, with Gonzalez setting a new all-time lap record – a 1:34.501. However, it was Day 1 disappointment for Friday morning’s table-topper David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team).
The Colombian ended Practice down in P22 as a quick dose of rain in Sector 1 meant improving times became impossible when it mattered most for some, as Turn 1 unfortunately caught out the unlucky Adrian Huertas (Italtrans Racing Team).
David Alonso (80) during the practice session at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Alonso will be competing in Q1 alongside a whole host of Moto2 race winners, including Alonso Lopez (ITALJET Gresini Moto2), Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), Tony Arbolino (REDS Fantic Racing), Deniz Öncü (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), and the Turk’s teammate Aron Canet. In other words: a stacked Q1 line-up.
Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Mario Aji (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) are two riders who don’t have to worry about Q1 on Saturday afternoon though. The 2025 Rookie of the Year and Indonesian finished P4 and P5 on Day 1 in Thailand, with Australia’s Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) sixth quickest.
Angel Piqueras (QJMOTOR – Pont Grup – MSI) got his rookie Moto2 season off to a great start with a P13 finish on Friday, meaning the Spaniard heads directly into the Moto2 pole position shootout at 14:05 local time, with Q1 going green at 13:40.
David Almansa (22) during the practice session at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
David Almansa led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Almansa used his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP to lap the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track in 1:40.990 to lead the field of 26 riders.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe was second-best with a time of 1:41.068.
Valentin Perrone, piloting his Red Bull KTM Tech3 machine, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:41.194.
So often was the case last year, 2026 has started in the best possible way for the #22 in his new team.
Moto3’s first day is in the books at the Chang International Circuit with plenty of headlines both in and out of the directing seeding to Q2. Leading the way on his debut with his new team, David Almansa (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) continued on from his 2025 Practice and was the pacesetter on Friday.
Almansa got straight down to business and never found himself too far away from the top of the timesheets. The first and only rider in the 1’40s, he had just under a tenth of a second in his pocket over fellow countryman and Buriram podium finisher from 2025, Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The #83 starts his second season in P2 but got very much down to business on day one. He in-turn had over a tenth of a second to the next rider, Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3). Watched on by new team CEO Gunther Steiner, it was a positive day for the Argentinean.
Maximo Quiles (28) during the practice session at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) secured fourth and was just one place ahead of his teammate Marco Morelli, who likewise made it two Argentinean riders in the top five and both directly into Q2. Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) rounded out an all-KTM top six with the Brit less than half a second from Almansa’s top time.
Elsewhere, notable performances consist of Honda’s top finisher and class rookie Jesus Rios (Rivacold Snipers Team) and fellow star rookie Veda Pratama (Honda Team Asia) as both came home in P7 and P8 respectively. Irish star Casey O’Gorman (SIC58 Squadra Corse) was also impressive as he got into Q2 with 13th. The biggest name to miss out was three-time Grand Prix winner from 2025’s season David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP), unable to replicate his teammate’s strong start and rooted to 16th place, having to go through Q1.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Aprilia Racing
Marco Bezzecchi topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Michelin-shod Aprilia Racing RS-GP26, the Italian turned a lap of 1:29.346 around the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track and led the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best with a 1:29.456 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Bezzecchi’s teammate, Jorge Martin was third with a lap of 1:29.551.
2025 MotoGP World Champion, Marc Marquez finished the opening session in 6th with a lap time of 1:29.772 on his Ducati Lenovo Desmosedici GP26.
His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia was 7th with a 1:29.791.
Less than a second cover the top 13 and all five manufacturers as MotoGP’s first Grand Prix weekend ignites in the Thai heat.
MotoGP 2026: blast off! Buriram welcomed the riders back to the track after testing to the point we’ve all been waiting for – bikes on track in anger. Our first in-depth looking at who’s hot and who’s not for the year ahead and in FP1, it was reflective of the test. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) laid down the gauntlet early on to give the rest of the field something to ponder going into the afternoon.
On just his third lap of FP1, ‘Bez’ set a 1’29.346s to go top of the standings and lead the way for Aprilia, picking up from where he left off in testing. Fabio DI Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was the meat in an Aprilia sandwich, taking second with an improvement towards the end of the session. For Jorge Martin’s first Thai GP Aprilia weekend, it started with a small crash just ten minutes into the session at Turn 12. ‘The Martinator’ was back up and all OK, on his way to third come the chequered flag. Three Aprilias inside the top four as Buriram specialist from 2025 Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) secured fourth, one place ahead of KTM’s leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) got his season off and running with sixth at Buriram in FP1, a solid start just one place ahead of his teammate Francesco Bagnaia. Pecco, just 0.019s behind Marquez, set 19 laps compared to the #93’s 21 but both harness valuable information for the afternoon’s Practice. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was eighth ahead of Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), who made it four manufacturers in the top ten.
Yamaha’s best representative was Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in 13thwhilst for the rookies, Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) was 16th and reigning WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was 21st.
David Alonso (80) during the Moto2 preseason test at Jerez. Photo courtesy Aspar Team.
David Alonso was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Pirelli-shod CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team Kalex on the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) track, the Colombian recorded a 1:35.148 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Izan Guevara was the best of the rest with a 1:35.160 on his BluCru Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.
Filip Salac was third-fastest with a 1:35.245 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
His teammate and American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 16th with a 1:35.917.
Adrian Fernandez during the Moto3 preseason test at Jerez. Photo courtesy Leopard Racing.
Adrian Fernandez was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Chang International Circuit, in Thailand. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.83-mile (4.55 km) road course in 1:41.202, topping the field of 26 riders.
Joel Kelso was the best of the rest with a 1:41.519 on his GRYD-MLav Racing Honda.
David Almansa was third with a lap time of 1:41.586 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP KTM.
Jeremy McWilliams, far left, poses for a selfie with a fan along with current rider Corey Alexander (back), ARCH co-founder Gard Hollinger (front) and Keanu Reeves. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Pipe Dreams Podcast is pleased to release Episode 36 featuring the founders of ARCH Motorcycle, Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves.
What started as a simple referral to modify a motorcycle turned into a six-year collaboration and ultimately the creation of ARCH Motorcycle. Gard shares how building bikes from childhood shaped his approach to craftsmanship and attention to detail, while Keanu reflects on discovering riding at 22 and how it quickly became a lifelong passion.
The conversation traces the evolution of ARCH from custom builds to developing motorcycles entirely from the ground up, and eventually committing to compete in MotoAmerica Super Hooligans this past season.
They speak candidly about entering professional racing for the first time, building a production motorcycle and race bike simultaneously, and what year one truly looked like behind the scenes which will be featured in an upcoming docu-series.
They discuss the mistakes that come with being new, the moments that validated the decision to race, and why adding a second rider for year two gives them confidence moving forward. The episode closes with a look at what competition is teaching them and how racing is already shaping the future direction of ARCH Motorcycle.
We hope you enjoy learning more about Gard and Keanu, their friendship, and passion for motorcycles as much as we did.
🎧 Episode 36 is now streaming on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the full episode is out now.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
More from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
After official testing, Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin are ready for first race of season.
After two intense days of official testing at Buriram, Aprilia Racing is ready to take on the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship at the Chang International Circuit with Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín.
Marco Bezzecchi had the opportunity to work on the RS-GP26 during the tests held between Sepang and Buriram. Over the five days of testing, the Italian rider showed strong harmony with the RS-GP26, consolidating the quality of the work carried out by the Racing Department of the Noale-based manufacturer and highlighting encouraging potential. Bezzecchi heads into the first race weekend in Thailand with great motivation, determined to confirm the speed and positive feeling that emerged during the Buriram tests, where he finished first at the end of the two-day session.
Jorge Martín, assessed by the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Medical Team on the day prior to the tests and declared fit to race, completed both days of testing in Thailand as scheduled, finishing in eighth position. For the Spanish rider, the main objective was to progressively rebuild confidence with the RS-GP, adopting an approach focused primarily on riding. Martín now heads into the first race weekend of the season, aiming to continue improving session by session and regain his competitiveness.
The Chang International Circuit in Buriram was built in 2014 and hosted its first MotoGP World Championship Grand Prix in 2018. The track is 4,550 metres long and features 12 corners – seven right-handers and five left-handers. The circuit layout alternates between very long straights and demanding braking zones.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Sepang, day 3. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Marco Bezzecchi:“The tests went quite well, we worked a lot and this helped us understand how the RS-GP26 is performing. I am satisfied, even though testing is very different from a race weekend. Now we have some time to work and analyse the data, trying to identify further areas for improvement. The guys have done a great job and I can’t wait to finally start racing.”
Jorge Martin (89) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Jorge Martin: “I’m really keen to start the season after last year’s complications due to injuries. Physically, I feel much better, and it was very positive to take part in the pre-season tests at Buriram to prepare for the race as well as possible. We start the year with a great desire to do well: the bike has improved, and so have I. Everything is in place to enjoy a great season.”
More from a press release issued by Honda HRC:
Honda HRC Castrol begin 2026 Season in Buriram.
Luca Marini and Joan Mir have completed their final preparations for their latest campaign, the pair aiming to do the colours of Honda HRC proud on the 60th anniversary of their entry into the premier class.
The Chang International circuit will once again host the opening round of the MotoGP World Championship, the 4.55 kilometres of tarmac the first stop in a journey across 22 different circuits. Set to be a unique season as the era of 1,000cc motorcycles is set to come to a close, all four Honda riders eager to add to the 85 victories achieved by the Honda RC213V since its debut in 2012.
Having made impressive improvements from 2024 to 2025, Luca Marini is out to make another step this year and take his challenge to the podium positions. A steady off season allowed for plenty of data and feedback for the #10, he and his team in a strong position to adapt to the ever-changing reality of the MotoGP World Championship. Marini achieved 12th at the Thai GP in 2025, a result he’ll need to surpass to leave the weekend satisfied.
Joan Mir was a standout of the end of 2025 as he raced to two podiums and a number of competitive rides. With his motivation reinvigorated, he approached the pre-season with complete dedication and focus, making further gains with the Honda RC213V. Still looking for more after the five days of testing, the 2026 World Champion is eager to resume his fight at the sharp end of each and every race. Mir’s best result on the Honda in Thailand is 12th, achieved in 2023.
Luca Marini (10) at Buriram. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini:“My third year in the factory Honda HRC team and my motivation only keeps increasing. Everyone inside Honda has been working hard, not just over the winter but over the past few years and I am determined to reward their efforts this season. We’ve seen from the test more or less where we are, but in the heat of a full Grand Prix weekend anything is possible. Maximising our performance in Qualifying will be really important at this track, so that is our first focus. There are just a couple of small pieces we need to put together and I know we can be even stronger than how we ended 2025.”
Joan Mir (36) at Buriram. Photo courtesy MotoGP
Joan Mir:“If it’s your first season or your eighth season in MotoGP, you’re always excited for the first race! It’s been a long winter of training and from the personal side I am ready to go. Honda have made good progress with the RC213V and we found a few things during the test, but it’s important to keep focused and work at our maximum during this first weekend. Let’s start the season well and build from there, 22 rounds and 44 races is a lot of laps, and anything can happen. I think it’s going to be a very interesting year!”
More from a press release issued by Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team:
Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli ready for the start of the 2026 season in Thailand.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team is back on track at the Chang International Circuit to kick off the 2026 MotoGP season, which gets underway this weekend with the Thailand GP.
The MotoGP winter break is over and the Thailand GP will be the opening race weekend of the 2026 season: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will hit the track with confidence after the positive winter test with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli, completed just a few days ago right in Buriram.
After a solid winter break and encouraging winter test, Di Giannantonio is eager to get the season underway again: on his Ducati Desmosedici GP, Fabio has shown consistency and competitiveness since the very first test in Malaysia, confirming his positive feelings in Buriram as well. At this circuit – where won in 2018 (Moto3) – the rider from Rome is ready for the first race weekend of 2026, marking his third consecutive year with the team.
Morbidelli is preparing to start his second season with the team following an intense winter. The pre-season tests gave him confidence and proved solidity and progress, session after session. Franco started to get familiar with the new package during the Sepang test, continuing the work in Buriram: at this track, where he narrowly missed the podium in 2025 and where he got a fourth place as his best result, the Italian-Brazilian rider confirmed the positive feeling with his bike during the latest test.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will go on track on Friday for the first free practice sessions. Qualifying will take place on Saturday starting at 10:50 (local time, +6 CET), followed by the Sprint at 15:00 (local time). The Thailand GP will conclude with Sunday’s race, which will start at 15:00 (local time).
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Fabio Di Giannantonio: “After five days of winter testing, the season is finally getting underway! We’re back on track for the first race weekend and I’m really happy to start from the Thailand GP! We arrive at the first weekend of the year with many clear ideas; we feel confident and in great shape with the team. The tests were very positive, perhaps the hardest of my career, but I’m very pleased with how they went and with the solutions we tried. We have a great team and the best bike on the grid – I’m fully convinced that we can do a great job with the package we have. The goal for the weekend will be to enjoy, push hard and do an excellent job.”
Franco Morbidelli (21) at Buriram. Photo courtesy VR46
Franco Morbidelli: “I’m very happy to start the season again, and doing it in Thailand will be great. We finished the winter tests here, where we understood many things about the new bike. Overall, the preseason was very positive and I’m ready for the start of 2026. We feel competitive for this first race weekend – we can have our chance. We’ve shown that we’re fast; we’re right there. The goal will be to confirm the good feelings from testing during the race weekend as well. We’re ready!”
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Set to Tackle 2026 Journey with Thai GP Season Kick-Off.
Following last weekend’s Buriram MotoGP Official Test, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins return to the Chang International Circuit to commence the 2026 MotoGP season with this weekend’s Grand Prix of Thailand.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are prepared for racing action at the Chang International Circuit this weekend. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins are keen to start the 2026 journey with the first of twenty-two MotoGP rounds.
The MotoGP paddock visited the Chang track six times before. El Diablo’s best result here was in his first Thai premier class race in 2019, when he secured second place. The number-20 rider always receives a lot of support from local fans, and he is looking forward to riding in front of them again at the season opener.
Following the winter break and the 2026 preseason testing, Rins is excited to greet the MotoGP fans at the track again. The Spaniard has used the last three months for training in order to be top fit for this weekend. He has ridden in Thailand five times before (he missed the 2023 event due to injury) and achieved his best result there in 2019, securing fifth in the MotoGP class.
The Chang International Circuit opened in 2014, and MotoGP made its debut there in 2018. The circuit is located about 410km northeast of the country’s capital, Bangkok, and is close to the town of Buriram. Many riders and fans are excited by the Chang track’s 4.55km layout that includes a 1km longest straight and five left and seven right turns.
The Grand Prix of Thailand is held in the GMT+7 time zone. FP1 will take place on Friday from 10:45-11:30 local track time and Practice will be held from 15:00-16:00. On Saturday, FP2 will be held from 10:10-10:40, and the qualifying sessions from 10:50-11:30, followed by the 13-lap Sprint that starts at 15:00. On Sunday, Warm Up is held from 10:40-10:50 and the 26-lap Race starts at 15:00.
Fabio Quartararo (on the left) and Alex Rins are ready for the season opener in Thailand. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Massimo Meregalli – Team Director:“The Grand Prix of Thailand marks the real start of our journey, and we can’t wait to feel the incredible atmosphere Buriram always creates. The preseason tests showed us challenging aspects, and the aligned feedback from the riders gives us a clear direction to work towards. There’s a lot of hard work ahead. Our aim this week is to make the most of the current package and gather as much data as possible in a Grand Prix setting.”
Fabio Quartararo:“The preseason is over, and we are starting the new season. We learned a lot in testing – there were some tough moments, but also some good steps – and now it’s time to build onto the base we have established. I really like Thailand, this track, and the fans here. I will do my best!”
Alex Rins:“After a long wait, it‘s time to go racing again! The tests showed us where we can push and develop more as well as where we need to work. The direction is pretty clear. There‘s always a great vibe in Thailand, and I‘m sure the fans worldwide are excited that MotoGP is back. I‘m ready to begin this journey!”
More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
A Season of Growth Begins for Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP in Thailand.
Four days after concluding pre-season testing at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP is set to begin its 2026 MotoGP World Championship campaign at the same venue. The Thai round officially opens a season focused on development and steady progression.
Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP heads into the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship this weekend at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead. With a motorcycle only six months into its development, the early phase of the season will focus on learning and refinement. Encouragingly, during last week‘s pre-season test at the Thai venue, the gap to the benchmark was already within one second of a new track record — a solid base from which to begin the campaign with realism and confidence.
Jack Miller arrives at the Thai Grand Prix in a positive frame of mind after completing 71 laps across two productive test days in Buriram. The Australian concentrated on long runs and evaluating base set-ups, providing valuable feedback as the project continues to evolve. Acknowledging that further steps are needed to close the gap to the front, Miller believes the foundation is sound and is ready to use race conditions to continue shaping the Yamaha package into a competitive machine.
For Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, 2026 represents an entirely new chapter, with a new team, new bike and largely new circuits to master. The Turkish rider approaches the season with determination as he works to adapt to MotoGP demands. Buriram is not completely unfamiliar — he raced here in WorldSBK in 2019, the last visit of the production-based championship — and he completed 59 laps during last week‘s test, focusing on long runs and narrowing down workable set-ups as he builds confidence step by step.
Located around 410 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, the 4.554km Chang International Circuit features five left and seven right turns and a one-kilometre straight that places emphasis on top speed and braking stability. The typically hot conditions and heavy braking zones make tyre management and consistency crucial over race distance.
The Thai Grand Prix takes place in the GMT +7 time zone and begins on Friday with MotoGP Free Practice at 10:45 local time, followed by the decisive Practice session at 15:00. Qualifying on Saturday starts at 10:50 and sets the grid for both the Sprint and Sunday‘s Grand Prix, with the 13-lap Sprint scheduled for 15:00. The 26-lap race on Sunday, also at 15:00 local time, will crown the first winner of the 2026 season.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (07) and Jack Miller (43) are ready for the season opener in Thailand. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Gino Borsoi – Team Director: “First of all, it’s a pleasure and an honour to be part of this new Yamaha project. We all knew that building a bike in just a few months would not be easy, and that the early phase would require patience and hard work.
Even if the riders’ positions in testing don‘t immediately reflect it, the gap to the front is not as large as it might appear from the outside, and that is already a positive sign. If this is our starting point, I’m confident that over the course of the season we can reduce that gap. The first races will be very important for learning and refining the set-up, and that’s where we expect to make progress.
It’s true that we still lack some performance, particularly on the engine side, but the fact that the gap is manageable shows that the chassis is already working at a high level. That is encouraging. The team is highly motivated and determined to help bring Yamaha back to the results it deserves.”
Jack Miller: “It’s great to finally be back racing. The test gave us some good feedback, and while we know there are areas where we need to improve quite significantly, this is what we’re here for. Racing is what drives us, and it‘s also the best development tool we could ask for. Being on track in real race conditions will help us understand the bike even better and keep pushing the project forward.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: “I feel the pressure, but at the same time I’m very excited. I know I still have a lot to learn and that the first few races will be difficult, but I‘m really looking forward to this challenge and I feel ready for it. It’s a strange but very nice mix of emotions. It‘s incredible to think that I‘m about to start my first MotoGP race.”
More from a press release issued by ELF Marc VDS:
Canet and Oncu braced for opening battle in Buriram.
The Elf Marc VDS Racing Team starts its 17th season in the Moto2 World Championship in Thailand this weekend with an exciting new line-up of Aron Canet and Deniz Oncu ready to kickstart their 2026 title challenge.
For the second season in succession, the Chang International Circuit in Buriram hosts the first of an intense 22 round season and Canet and Oncu head to Southeast Asia eager to showcase their skills for the first time in Elf Marc VDS Racing Team livery.
The action commences with FP1 on Friday morning at 950am local time, with the opening Moto2 race action scheduled for lights out over 22 laps at 1315pm on Sunday afternoon.
Aron Canet (44) during the Moto2 pre-season test at Jerez. Photo courtesy Marc VDS.
The 27-year-old brings a wealth of experience and proven race-winning pedigree into his seventh season in Moto2, which will see him compete once again on Boscoscuro machinery for the first time in five years.
Runner-up in 2024 and third overall in 2022, the Spaniard is determined to emerge as a leading title contender once again as he looks to add to his five victories and 34 podium finishes in the ultra-competitive Moto2 category.
Canet has an incredibly impressive CV at Buriram with three top three finishes in four Moto2 appearances, which includes a sensational win by 3.6s in 2024 when he led every lap.
Aron Canet:“It’s always a special feeling going into a new season and I’m very excited to start this new challenge and new adventure with such a great team. It is going to take time to get up to speed with the new Boscoscuro but I’m confident we can be quickly achieving the results the team and I expect. I have no doubt there is plenty of potential to be unlocked from the package and with hard work and patience we know we can be fighting at the front. It’s good to be starting the season again in Thailand. The fans there are always incredible and it is a track where I’ve been able to get some very good results at in the past. My win there in 2024 was one of the best of my career, so I go to Buriram looking to gain experience with the new bike and getting a strong result to start the season in a positive way.”
Deniz Oncu (53) during the Moto2 pre-season test at Jerez. Photo courtesy Marc VDS.
This weekend’s Thai Grand Prix is not only the Turkish star’s Elf Marc VDS Racing Team debut, but it is going to be his first competitive action since the Brno round last July after a serious left leg injury prematurely ended his 2025 season.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last year with stunning victories in MotorLand Aragon and Sachsenring and he is eager to shine again in his first season racing the Italian crafted Boscoscuro chassis.
Oncu’s best finish in Buriram was a fifth from pole position in Moto3 in 2023, with 10th in his rookie year in 2024 his best finish in Moto2.
Deniz Oncu: “I’ve had to wait quite a long time to be racing again, so maybe my first race nerves and excitement going to Thailand are a little more than most on the grid. It hasn’t been an easy few months with my injury last year, but I have been working incredibly hard to make sure I am as ready as I can be both physically and mentally for the challenge ahead. Switching to the Boscoscuro chassis brings a new challenge for me and it is one I’m ready to face head on. Nothing is easy at this level, but I believe in my potential and believe I have a great team behind me to bring more success to this project. The goal of course is to be fighting at the front as soon as possible, but it is important right now in this learning phase to be making constant progress and I’ve no doubt we can do it.”
2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship Schedule and Class Structure Revealed. Photo by Addie Costan / courtesy AMA.
Non-stop racing action planned for July 5-10 in Du Quoin, Ill.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has officially announced the racing schedule and class structure for the 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing.
Running July 5-10 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill., the Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship presented by All Balls Racing represents the only amateur flat track competition in the country where racers can earn AMA National No. 1 plates.
“We have put together an outstanding racing schedule at the famed Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, with several events planned under the lights,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “The AMA Flat Track Grand Championship is such a special week, and we look forward to going back to Du Quoin and celebrating everything that makes flat track such an incredible sport.”
With racing across 25 classes planned for the week, competitors will also race for four prestigious special awards, including the Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award — which honors the legacy of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Nicky Hayden and is earned by the racer that shows the necessary character and ability to excel at the professional level. The AMA will also award the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award, the AMA Youth Flat Track Racer of the Year and the AMA Vet/Sr. Flat Track Racer of the Year.
New in 2026 is the Vintage Featured Magic Mile, which allows racers to take their vintage motorcycles (1998 and Older) out on the track at the famed Du Quoin Magic Mile for a night of competition. The Vintage Featured Magic Mile is an AMA Featured Event, and AMA National No. 1 plates will not be awarded at the event.
Racing pre-registration for this event will open in early April, and those who pre-register before June 17 will appear on the special-edition 2026 Roof Systems AMA Flat Track Grand Championship rider’s shirt.
The class structure and event schedule can be found below:
Group 1 Classes: Youth/Vet
50cc Production Chain Drive (4-8)
50cc Production Shaft Drive (4-8)
65cc Production (7-11)
65cc Modified (7-11)
85cc Modified (9-11)
85cc Production (9-13)
85cc Modified (9-13)
Supermini (12-15)
Veteran (25+)
Senior (40+)
Super Senior (50+)
Masters (60+)
Group 2 Classes: Amateur
Women 122cc and Up (12+)
250cc
250 Jr. (12-17)
300cc (250cc 12+) (251-300cc 14+)
250cc — Open Singles (12+) (251cc Open 14+)
450cc Jr. (14-19)
450cc & Open Singles (14+) – Twins (17+)
505cc (450cc-505cc 14+)
Vintage Featured Magic Mile (1998 and Older)
250cc-400cc
Open Singles (No Rotax)
Open Rotax
Open Twins
50+
Event Schedule
Saturday, July 4 — Rider Registration
Sunday, July 5 — Amateur/Vet/Sr./Vintage Mile
Monday, July 6 — Youth Half-Mile
Tuesday, July 7 — Group 1 followed by Group 2 Half-Mile (Group 2 main events will be under the lights)
Wednesday, July 8 — Group 1 followed by Group 2 TT (Group 2 main events will be under the lights)
Thursday, July 9 — Group 1 followed by Group 2 Short Track
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