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
Team Hammer And Suzuki Announce 2026 MotoAmerica Lineup
Fresh Livery, Strong Riders, and a Return to Twins Cup Mark New Season for Suzuki and Team Hammer
2026 is here and everyone at Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer are counting down the days to the start of the season at Daytona. Team Hammer, racing as M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, is thrilled to kick off the 2026 MotoAmerica season with a fresh look, exceptional riders, and the drive and determination to compete at the highest level.
Team Hammer will field Suzuki motorcycles in three premier categories including Superbike, Supersport, and a welcome return to the Twins Cup class.
Superbike: Experience Meets Speed
Leading the charge on the Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbikes will be perennial front-runner and 2020 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Richie Escalante alongside two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch.
Hailing from Tizayuca, Mexico, Escalante finished sixth in the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with strong, spirited rides and podium finishes at Road America, Virginia International Raceway and New Jersey Motorsports Park. For 2026, Escalante looks to contend for the championship and push toward the front of the field.
Brandon Paasch returns to M4 ECSTAR Suzuki on the GSX-R1000R in the Superbike class full of energy and motivation. The two-time Daytona 200 winner will bring his experience and speed to the GSX-R with hopes of delivering strong and consistent performances throughout the year. Adding to the excitement, M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R machines will sport the stunning 40th anniversary GSX-R livery in the classic Suzuki blue and white color combination for the 2026 season.
“I am glad to be back for a fifth year,” said Escalante. “I am super excited to continue with Suzuki and the team and our sponsors, so thanks to everyone for making it happen for 2026. We have proven we are competitive and the goal is to keep improving. We have fought for the podium for the last few years in Superbike and we are always trying our best to get even better results. The team has improved the bike again and we also want a top spot in the championship. I have trained hard to be ready for our first race of the year in Daytona, where we will race a Suzuki GSX-R750 in a different class. We have been very fast in the previous Daytona 200s and set a qualifying lap record last year. As for Superbike, my emphasis will be on qualifying and getting up to speed in the early laps. We’ve proven we can finish on the podium, now we want to be even faster and more consistent.”
Brandon Paasch is returning to MotoAmerica Superbike with Team Hammer in 2026.
“I’m excited to be joining the team again,” said Paasch. “I was bummed I didn’t race with the team last year but it was clear the team had moved in the right direction with the bike and found some solutions we had been looking for in 2024. I enjoyed riding the bike earlier this year at a test and think we can fight for podiums. I’ve been training hard at the gym and the practice track. I think I am a more mature rider now, having gained more life experience and it has refocused me. I am hungrier for success than I have ever been. I know the class is stacked but I have more confidence in myself than ever. I was also impressed with the team. I can tell they have worked hard to be even more streamlined and organized so we all can really focus on success.”
Supersport: Proven Winner Returns
Riding the Suzuki GSX-R750 for Team Hammer, Tyler Scott will once again line up against the top riders in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. Scott brings a track record of race wins and fast laps and is sure to be at the front of the pack when the Daytona 200 kicks off in early March.
An impressive talent in MotoAmerica competition, Scott has proven his speed with thrilling race wins despite his young age. Scott is sure to once again be a championship contender for Suzuki in 2026.
Tyler Scott is continuing to race in Supersport with Team Hammer.
“This year is looking very good to me, so of course I am excited to get underway,” said Scott. “We are very prepared and I think that gives me an edge. The team has done a great job this off-season and I feel we are ready to go. I have been training in Florida this winter to be ready. I have some good experience in the class and we have a history of winning and being competitive. It will never be easy, but I like where we are as a team. I feel really comfortable with the bike.”
Twins Cup: The Return of the GSX-8R
M4 ECSTAR Suzuki returns to the MotoAmerica Twins Cup class in 2026 on the race-winning GSX-8R sportbike. The Team Hammer 8Rs will be in good hands with two teenagers who are locked in and ready to go.
Matthew Chapin will make his debut on the Team Hammer GSX-8R and has already proven to be a race winner and championship contender with multiple race wins on the 8R.
Matthew Chapin is joining Team Hammer in MotoAmerica Twins Cup.
New to the team is two-time AMA Horizon Award winner and two-time AMA National Champion Bodie Paige, from Australia. M4 ECSTAR Suzuki is excited to welcome Bodie to the team and give him a strong boost to his professional road racing career with Suzuki.
“I am very excited to be on a M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-8R in 2026,” said Chapin. “I feel the experience that (team manager) Chris Ulrich and (team owner) John Ulrich have in the paddock will help me continue to grow as a racer. Our families have a lot in common. I am also excited with the crew that the team assembled for me. We will definitely be ready to go fast right out of the gate.”
Paige said, “It will be great to race for Team Hammer this season on the Suzuki GSX-8R. It’s honestly a dream come true to come over here and race with a top team in America. It’s something I’ve worked hard toward for a very long time. The whole team has been amazing so far, and I’m ready to get the season started.”
Bodie Paige will race a Team Hammer Suzuki GSX-8R in MotoAmerica Twins Cup.
“Team Hammer’s 46th consecutive season features an ambitious program,” said Team Hammer’s Chris Ulrich. “We have five riders spread across three classes. In Twins Cup, we have had success before and this season we have two really talented riders we believe can demonstrate the abilities of the Suzuki GSX-8R. Ty Scott is back in Supersport. He can make some good things happen and we expect a focused Ty to run at the front. Richie Escalante is back in Superbike, along with Brandon Paasch. We developed some good momentum last year in Superbike and over the winter, we’ve made some further improvements we feel good about.”
The 2026 racing season kicks off for Team Hammer March 5-7 at Daytona International Speedway. Suzuki Motor USA wishes everyone on the team the best of luck in the 2026 racing season.
About Suzuki
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
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.
Samsung TV Plus Becomes Exclusive FAST Home For Live MotoAmerica Races For The Entire 2026-2027 Seasons In Partnership With V10 Entertainment
The DAYTONA 200 Kicks Off March 6th On Samsung TV Network (STN),
The Service’s Flagship Channel, Accelerating Access To Premium Motorsports
IRVINE, CA (February 26, 2026) – Samsung TV Plus, which recently surpassed 100 million monthly active users, and V10 Entertainment today unveiled a multi-year partnership with MotoAmerica that will bring fans every live race and immersive, wall-to-wall coverage of the 2026-2027 seasons. The 84th running of the DAYTONA 200 kicks off March 6th on the Samsung TV Network (STN), followed by the debut of MotoAmericaTV, the exclusive Samsung FAST destination slated to launch later this spring. The 24/7 channel will present 200+ hours of North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series and premium race content, as well as live event streams, full race replays, select practice sessions and qualifiers, and complete race coverage. For the first time ever, every class will be televised, including an all-women’s class and the MotoAmerica premier Superbike class, which is celebrating 2026 as the pinnacle of 50 years of production-based motorcycle racing. Fans can also catch select live races on STN throughout the season.
“The most enduring sports racing segments are driven, literally and figuratively, by passionate fans. This launch, along with our partnership with MotoAmerica and V10, marks an exciting expansion into new sports franchises with millions of viewers,” noted Salek Brodsky, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus. “As Samsung TV Plus continues to broaden its live sports portfolio, this new content strengthens our lineup by providing an immersive, accessible, and dedicated destination for motorcycle racing.”
The new destination will also deliver a rare look at behind-the-scenes content and a deep library of archival videos, including highlight reels. MotoAmerica’s 2026 season will span 10 race weekends from March through September across seven premier classes and 10 states, with events held at legendary circuits, including Daytona International Speedway, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and the Circuit of The Americas.
“Having a company like Samsung get behind MotoAmerica is significant for our continued growth and provides a unique opportunity, beginning with the Daytona 200, to bring MotoAmerica to the Samsung TV Plus audience of more than 100 million monthly users,” said Chuck Aksland, COO of MotoAmerica. “MotoAmerica premier live races will take center stage on the Samsung TV Network, marking an exciting new chapter for the sport. This is a defining moment for our series, for motorcycle racing, and for the next generation of riders and fans alike.”
Full MotoAmerica Race Schedule:
March 5-7: Daytona International Speedway*
April 17-19: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
May 15-17: Barber Motorsports Park
May 29-31: Road America
June 26-28: Ridge Motorsports Park
July 10-12: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
July 31-Aug 2: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Aug 14-16: VIRginia International Raceway
Sept 11-13: Circuit of The Americas
Sept 25-27: New Jersey Motorsports Park
*The DAYTONA 200 will be available to watch on STN with subsequent races also available on MotoAmericaTV
In 2025, MotoAmerica closed out its most successful season to date, with a surge in linear TV viewership, as well as over 2.5 million digital video views and a passionate social following of over four million fans. Its live-event races brought in over 400,000 enthusiasts across 12 events, including a record-setting crowd at Road America. At the intersection of lifestyle, sports, and media, MotoAmerica has a loyal and rapidly growing fanbase. MotoAmerica brings to audiences more than 100 live races across seven premier classes, including Superbike, Supersport, King Of The Baggers, Twins Cup, Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race., the Super Hooligan National Championship, and the newly launched Talent Cup.
MotoAmerica is the latest addition to Samsung TV Plus’s expanding lineup of live events from leading sports leagues, including the NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and FAST exclusive MLV coverage. Made for everyone and every moment, Samsung TV Plus offers over 4,300 channels globally, subscription-free, and is available in 30 countries exclusively across Samsung TVs, Samsung Galaxy phones, XR headsets, Galaxy Tab, Smart Monitor, and Family Hub lineups. This includes the new 2026 TV series announced earlier this year at CES, spanning Samsung Micro RGB TV, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame, The Frame Pro, and more.
About Samsung TV Plus
Samsung TV Plus is a premium global entertainment service committed to delivering exceptional experiences for everyone and every moment. As a leader in FAST with more than 100 million monthly active users, Samsung TV Plus offers thousands of shows and movies on-demand all in one place. The streaming service carries over 4,300 ad-supported linear channels across 30 countries and is accessible exclusively on active Samsung devices. Samsung TV Plus is the exclusive FAST home to curated channels and live events, including the livestream of the 2025 Jonas Brothers JONAS 20 Tour, Letterman TV, Conan O’Brien TV, The Ringer from Spotify, BillboardTV, and top digital creators featuring Mark Rober TV, Dhar Mann TV, and Michelle Khare’s Challenge Accepted. Samsung TV Plus is available on Samsung TVs, Galaxy devices, Samsung Smart Monitors, and Family Hubs, all subscription-free. To learn more, visit samsungtvplus.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
About V10 Entertainment
V10 Entertainment is a Clarion Capital-backed media group focused on investment in companies with owned IP and economic rights. In 2022, V10 acquired Vin Di Bona Productions (producer of America’s Funniest Home Videos for ABC), Venture 10 Studio Group, Fishbowl Media, and the Clip Tiger companies. With a library of 2.8 million+ digital assets, V10 Networks creates 250+ hours of original content annually to program 44 owned FAST and digital channels. V10 has 100M+ followers across social media. In April 2025, V10 acquired the digital rights management and production company, Tower House.
*DAYTONA 200, Daytona International Speedway, WeatherTech, Laguna Seca, Circuit of The Americas, Road America, Michelin, Barber Motorsports Park, VIRginia International Raceway, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Royal Enfield, Super Hooligan, NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, MLV, America’s Funniest Home Videos, ABC, and CES are trademarks of their respective owners. Use herein does not imply sponsorship or endorsement.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
Virginia International Raceway (VIRginia International Raceway), August 7–9 — N2 Track Days and N2 Road Racing Association (N2RA) have officially announced the inaugural N2RA 6-Hours of VIR, set to take place August 7–9 at VIR.
The event launches with $20,000 in confirmed purse money, with additional increases currently in development through partnerships focused on expanding:
Total purse payouts
Class-specific contingency programs
On-site prizes and awards
Organizers expect the purse and contingency structure to grow as additional sponsors come on board.
Grid from the N2 Endurance Race at CMP. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Endurance Racing, N2 Style
The N2RA 6-Hours of VIR is designed to be competitive, accessible, and rider-focused. The event format emphasizes clear procedures, balanced class structure, safety, and maximum track time. Whether teams are seasoned endurance veterans or building their first effort, the goal is to provide a professionally run endurance platform with strong organizational support.
Event Registration will be live in the next few weeks.
Rulebook Updates
In response to racer feedback, N2RA has implemented updates to its official rulebook, including:
Revised SV650 airbox regulations
Yamaha R7 airbox and engine overbore clarifications
Additional technical updates based on community input
Sam Fleming of Army of Darkness. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Partnership Opportunities
Companies interested in participating as event partners, sponsors, or contingency providers are encouraged to inquire.
The N2RA 6-Hours of VIR represents a significant addition to the American endurance racing calendar, with a focus on community-driven growth and professional execution.
Founded in 2014, N2 Track Days is the East Coast leader in structured motorcycle track events, rider training programs using Yamaha Champions Riding School methodology, and the revitalization of American endurance racing. N2 has been a major contributor to the MotoAmerica paddock, the Roadracing World Action Fund, and the broader riding community.
The stars of MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 came together to strike a pose for the traditional class photos, capturing the full grid ahead of the new season. Take a look at the official shots below as the paddock lines up for the battles to come.
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
In his fifth year with Team Hammer, Richie Escalante is leading the charge in Superbike.
Team Hammer And Suzuki Announce 2026 MotoAmerica Lineup
Fresh Livery, Strong Riders, and a Return to Twins Cup Mark New Season for Suzuki and Team Hammer
2026 is here and everyone at Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer are counting down the days to the start of the season at Daytona. Team Hammer, racing as M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, is thrilled to kick off the 2026 MotoAmerica season with a fresh look, exceptional riders, and the drive and determination to compete at the highest level.
Team Hammer will field Suzuki motorcycles in three premier categories including Superbike, Supersport, and a welcome return to the Twins Cup class.
Superbike: Experience Meets Speed
Leading the charge on the Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbikes will be perennial front-runner and 2020 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Richie Escalante alongside two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch.
Hailing from Tizayuca, Mexico, Escalante finished sixth in the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship with strong, spirited rides and podium finishes at Road America, Virginia International Raceway and New Jersey Motorsports Park. For 2026, Escalante looks to contend for the championship and push toward the front of the field.
Brandon Paasch returns to M4 ECSTAR Suzuki on the GSX-R1000R in the Superbike class full of energy and motivation. The two-time Daytona 200 winner will bring his experience and speed to the GSX-R with hopes of delivering strong and consistent performances throughout the year. Adding to the excitement, M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R machines will sport the stunning 40th anniversary GSX-R livery in the classic Suzuki blue and white color combination for the 2026 season.
“I am glad to be back for a fifth year,” said Escalante. “I am super excited to continue with Suzuki and the team and our sponsors, so thanks to everyone for making it happen for 2026. We have proven we are competitive and the goal is to keep improving. We have fought for the podium for the last few years in Superbike and we are always trying our best to get even better results. The team has improved the bike again and we also want a top spot in the championship. I have trained hard to be ready for our first race of the year in Daytona, where we will race a Suzuki GSX-R750 in a different class. We have been very fast in the previous Daytona 200s and set a qualifying lap record last year. As for Superbike, my emphasis will be on qualifying and getting up to speed in the early laps. We’ve proven we can finish on the podium, now we want to be even faster and more consistent.”
Brandon Paasch is returning to MotoAmerica Superbike with Team Hammer in 2026.
“I’m excited to be joining the team again,” said Paasch. “I was bummed I didn’t race with the team last year but it was clear the team had moved in the right direction with the bike and found some solutions we had been looking for in 2024. I enjoyed riding the bike earlier this year at a test and think we can fight for podiums. I’ve been training hard at the gym and the practice track. I think I am a more mature rider now, having gained more life experience and it has refocused me. I am hungrier for success than I have ever been. I know the class is stacked but I have more confidence in myself than ever. I was also impressed with the team. I can tell they have worked hard to be even more streamlined and organized so we all can really focus on success.”
Supersport: Proven Winner Returns
Riding the Suzuki GSX-R750 for Team Hammer, Tyler Scott will once again line up against the top riders in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. Scott brings a track record of race wins and fast laps and is sure to be at the front of the pack when the Daytona 200 kicks off in early March.
An impressive talent in MotoAmerica competition, Scott has proven his speed with thrilling race wins despite his young age. Scott is sure to once again be a championship contender for Suzuki in 2026.
Tyler Scott is continuing to race in Supersport with Team Hammer.
“This year is looking very good to me, so of course I am excited to get underway,” said Scott. “We are very prepared and I think that gives me an edge. The team has done a great job this off-season and I feel we are ready to go. I have been training in Florida this winter to be ready. I have some good experience in the class and we have a history of winning and being competitive. It will never be easy, but I like where we are as a team. I feel really comfortable with the bike.”
Twins Cup: The Return of the GSX-8R
M4 ECSTAR Suzuki returns to the MotoAmerica Twins Cup class in 2026 on the race-winning GSX-8R sportbike. The Team Hammer 8Rs will be in good hands with two teenagers who are locked in and ready to go.
Matthew Chapin will make his debut on the Team Hammer GSX-8R and has already proven to be a race winner and championship contender with multiple race wins on the 8R.
Matthew Chapin is joining Team Hammer in MotoAmerica Twins Cup.
New to the team is two-time AMA Horizon Award winner and two-time AMA National Champion Bodie Paige, from Australia. M4 ECSTAR Suzuki is excited to welcome Bodie to the team and give him a strong boost to his professional road racing career with Suzuki.
“I am very excited to be on a M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-8R in 2026,” said Chapin. “I feel the experience that (team manager) Chris Ulrich and (team owner) John Ulrich have in the paddock will help me continue to grow as a racer. Our families have a lot in common. I am also excited with the crew that the team assembled for me. We will definitely be ready to go fast right out of the gate.”
Paige said, “It will be great to race for Team Hammer this season on the Suzuki GSX-8R. It’s honestly a dream come true to come over here and race with a top team in America. It’s something I’ve worked hard toward for a very long time. The whole team has been amazing so far, and I’m ready to get the season started.”
Bodie Paige will race a Team Hammer Suzuki GSX-8R in MotoAmerica Twins Cup.
“Team Hammer’s 46th consecutive season features an ambitious program,” said Team Hammer’s Chris Ulrich. “We have five riders spread across three classes. In Twins Cup, we have had success before and this season we have two really talented riders we believe can demonstrate the abilities of the Suzuki GSX-8R. Ty Scott is back in Supersport. He can make some good things happen and we expect a focused Ty to run at the front. Richie Escalante is back in Superbike, along with Brandon Paasch. We developed some good momentum last year in Superbike and over the winter, we’ve made some further improvements we feel good about.”
The 2026 racing season kicks off for Team Hammer March 5-7 at Daytona International Speedway. Suzuki Motor USA wishes everyone on the team the best of luck in the 2026 racing season.
About Suzuki
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
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.
Samsung TV Plus is the new home for live MotoAmerica races for 2026-2027. Photo illustration by MotoAmerica.
Samsung TV Plus Becomes Exclusive FAST Home For Live MotoAmerica Races For The Entire 2026-2027 Seasons In Partnership With V10 Entertainment
The DAYTONA 200 Kicks Off March 6th On Samsung TV Network (STN),
The Service’s Flagship Channel, Accelerating Access To Premium Motorsports
IRVINE, CA (February 26, 2026) – Samsung TV Plus, which recently surpassed 100 million monthly active users, and V10 Entertainment today unveiled a multi-year partnership with MotoAmerica that will bring fans every live race and immersive, wall-to-wall coverage of the 2026-2027 seasons. The 84th running of the DAYTONA 200 kicks off March 6th on the Samsung TV Network (STN), followed by the debut of MotoAmericaTV, the exclusive Samsung FAST destination slated to launch later this spring. The 24/7 channel will present 200+ hours of North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series and premium race content, as well as live event streams, full race replays, select practice sessions and qualifiers, and complete race coverage. For the first time ever, every class will be televised, including an all-women’s class and the MotoAmerica premier Superbike class, which is celebrating 2026 as the pinnacle of 50 years of production-based motorcycle racing. Fans can also catch select live races on STN throughout the season.
“The most enduring sports racing segments are driven, literally and figuratively, by passionate fans. This launch, along with our partnership with MotoAmerica and V10, marks an exciting expansion into new sports franchises with millions of viewers,” noted Salek Brodsky, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus. “As Samsung TV Plus continues to broaden its live sports portfolio, this new content strengthens our lineup by providing an immersive, accessible, and dedicated destination for motorcycle racing.”
The new destination will also deliver a rare look at behind-the-scenes content and a deep library of archival videos, including highlight reels. MotoAmerica’s 2026 season will span 10 race weekends from March through September across seven premier classes and 10 states, with events held at legendary circuits, including Daytona International Speedway, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and the Circuit of The Americas.
“Having a company like Samsung get behind MotoAmerica is significant for our continued growth and provides a unique opportunity, beginning with the Daytona 200, to bring MotoAmerica to the Samsung TV Plus audience of more than 100 million monthly users,” said Chuck Aksland, COO of MotoAmerica. “MotoAmerica premier live races will take center stage on the Samsung TV Network, marking an exciting new chapter for the sport. This is a defining moment for our series, for motorcycle racing, and for the next generation of riders and fans alike.”
Full MotoAmerica Race Schedule:
March 5-7: Daytona International Speedway*
April 17-19: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
May 15-17: Barber Motorsports Park
May 29-31: Road America
June 26-28: Ridge Motorsports Park
July 10-12: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
July 31-Aug 2: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Aug 14-16: VIRginia International Raceway
Sept 11-13: Circuit of The Americas
Sept 25-27: New Jersey Motorsports Park
*The DAYTONA 200 will be available to watch on STN with subsequent races also available on MotoAmericaTV
In 2025, MotoAmerica closed out its most successful season to date, with a surge in linear TV viewership, as well as over 2.5 million digital video views and a passionate social following of over four million fans. Its live-event races brought in over 400,000 enthusiasts across 12 events, including a record-setting crowd at Road America. At the intersection of lifestyle, sports, and media, MotoAmerica has a loyal and rapidly growing fanbase. MotoAmerica brings to audiences more than 100 live races across seven premier classes, including Superbike, Supersport, King Of The Baggers, Twins Cup, Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race., the Super Hooligan National Championship, and the newly launched Talent Cup.
MotoAmerica is the latest addition to Samsung TV Plus’s expanding lineup of live events from leading sports leagues, including the NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and FAST exclusive MLV coverage. Made for everyone and every moment, Samsung TV Plus offers over 4,300 channels globally, subscription-free, and is available in 30 countries exclusively across Samsung TVs, Samsung Galaxy phones, XR headsets, Galaxy Tab, Smart Monitor, and Family Hub lineups. This includes the new 2026 TV series announced earlier this year at CES, spanning Samsung Micro RGB TV, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame, The Frame Pro, and more.
About Samsung TV Plus
Samsung TV Plus is a premium global entertainment service committed to delivering exceptional experiences for everyone and every moment. As a leader in FAST with more than 100 million monthly active users, Samsung TV Plus offers thousands of shows and movies on-demand all in one place. The streaming service carries over 4,300 ad-supported linear channels across 30 countries and is accessible exclusively on active Samsung devices. Samsung TV Plus is the exclusive FAST home to curated channels and live events, including the livestream of the 2025 Jonas Brothers JONAS 20 Tour, Letterman TV, Conan O’Brien TV, The Ringer from Spotify, BillboardTV, and top digital creators featuring Mark Rober TV, Dhar Mann TV, and Michelle Khare’s Challenge Accepted. Samsung TV Plus is available on Samsung TVs, Galaxy devices, Samsung Smart Monitors, and Family Hubs, all subscription-free. To learn more, visit samsungtvplus.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
About V10 Entertainment
V10 Entertainment is a Clarion Capital-backed media group focused on investment in companies with owned IP and economic rights. In 2022, V10 acquired Vin Di Bona Productions (producer of America’s Funniest Home Videos for ABC), Venture 10 Studio Group, Fishbowl Media, and the Clip Tiger companies. With a library of 2.8 million+ digital assets, V10 Networks creates 250+ hours of original content annually to program 44 owned FAST and digital channels. V10 has 100M+ followers across social media. In April 2025, V10 acquired the digital rights management and production company, Tower House.
*DAYTONA 200, Daytona International Speedway, WeatherTech, Laguna Seca, Circuit of The Americas, Road America, Michelin, Barber Motorsports Park, VIRginia International Raceway, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Royal Enfield, Super Hooligan, NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, MLV, America’s Funniest Home Videos, ABC, and CES are trademarks of their respective owners. Use herein does not imply sponsorship or endorsement.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
N2 Endurance event at Pit Racc with Hayden Gillem (912), Josh Hayes (434) and Josh Herrin (2). Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Virginia International Raceway (VIRginia International Raceway), August 7–9 — N2 Track Days and N2 Road Racing Association (N2RA) have officially announced the inaugural N2RA 6-Hours of VIR, set to take place August 7–9 at VIR.
The event launches with $20,000 in confirmed purse money, with additional increases currently in development through partnerships focused on expanding:
Total purse payouts
Class-specific contingency programs
On-site prizes and awards
Organizers expect the purse and contingency structure to grow as additional sponsors come on board.
Grid from the N2 Endurance Race at CMP. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Endurance Racing, N2 Style
The N2RA 6-Hours of VIR is designed to be competitive, accessible, and rider-focused. The event format emphasizes clear procedures, balanced class structure, safety, and maximum track time. Whether teams are seasoned endurance veterans or building their first effort, the goal is to provide a professionally run endurance platform with strong organizational support.
Event Registration will be live in the next few weeks.
Rulebook Updates
In response to racer feedback, N2RA has implemented updates to its official rulebook, including:
Revised SV650 airbox regulations
Yamaha R7 airbox and engine overbore clarifications
Additional technical updates based on community input
Sam Fleming of Army of Darkness. Photo courtesy N2 Track Days.
Partnership Opportunities
Companies interested in participating as event partners, sponsors, or contingency providers are encouraged to inquire.
The N2RA 6-Hours of VIR represents a significant addition to the American endurance racing calendar, with a focus on community-driven growth and professional execution.
Founded in 2014, N2 Track Days is the East Coast leader in structured motorcycle track events, rider training programs using Yamaha Champions Riding School methodology, and the revitalization of American endurance racing. N2 has been a major contributor to the MotoAmerica paddock, the Roadracing World Action Fund, and the broader riding community.
The stars of MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 came together to strike a pose for the traditional class photos, capturing the full grid ahead of the new season. Take a look at the official shots below as the paddock lines up for the battles to come.
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Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
