Ducati introduces predictive maintenance for the Desmo450 MX
A revolutionary algorithm and industry first, developed by Ducati Corse, determines maintenance intervals based on the actual intensity of the bike’s use
The X-Link app, available on iOS and Android, allows you to check maintenance due dates in real time
The feature is activated via a free software update
Ducati is bringing a revolutionary innovation to the world of off-road motorcycling: Predictive maintenance. After introducing the first Traction Control system capable of accurately determining the rear wheel slip in motocross, the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer has developed a new software system for the Desmo450 MX that calculates maintenance intervals based on engine use intensity. To access these new features, fans can simply visit their local Ducati dealer, where the engine control unit can be updated free of charge.
Drawing on its experience in Superbike and MotoGP, Ducati Corse has developed a specific algorithm for the Desmo450 MX that calculates an engine stress index in real time, based on operating parameters and usage conditions. This index also takes into account the type of terrain on which the bike is ridden and continuously increments a percentage-based engine-wear counter. The system then uses this counter to update maintenance schedules, which can be viewed via the Ducati X-Link app.
The intervals for inspection and servicing are tailored to the rider’s riding style, with more frequent servicing for professional or intensive use, and less frequent servicing for amateur riders, moving beyond traditional static schedules. If the stress on the engine is lower than anticipated in the calculation of the maintenance deadline — based on Alessandro Lupino’s use of the bike — it is possible to postpone servicing, offering a financial benefit to the customer and longer intervals between services.
The interval for the MID Service, which includes replacing the piston and checking the valve clearances, can therefore range from 45 to 60 hours, depending on the engine’s actual wear and tear. Similarly, a full engine overhaul (FULL Service) can take between 90 and 120 hours.
On the official Ducati website, you can configure your own Desmo450 MX or arrange a visit to your nearest dealership. All the information is available on the official Ducati website.
Richest Single Motorcycle Race Ever to Debut at Mid-Ohio September 18–20, 2026 & WMC’s Utah Motorsports Campus Race Stop Moves to Summer 2027
The World Moto Clash race series announces an important schedule change: The debut race will now take place at Mid-Ohio in Lexington, Ohio on September 18–20, 2026.
The first race of the series, originally scheduled for July 10–12 at Utah Motorsports Campus, has been moved to Summer 2027. Organizers reached a unanimous decision during a Board of Directors meeting earlier this week, with WMC CEO Stanford W. Crane, Jr. stating, “When we entered into the agreement with UMC, we were not aware of date conflicts with other race series. After subsequent conversations with riders, teams and well-respected motorcycle racing professionals, it became apparent that the best possible starting grid would not be achievable with a July 10–12 race date. So, we made the schedule change. We want every qualified racer to have a shot at competing for the $1,000,000 first-place cash prize, as well as creating a memorable fan experience.”
World Moto Clash is a first-of-its-kind motorcycle road racing series that features a first-place prize of $1,000,000 per race, with an additional $1,960,000 to the remainder of the field. WMC’s innovative format allows racers to compete on any type of motorcycle—from any manufacturer or even one built from scratch—with no mandated technical specifications.
World Moto Clash (WMC) is the brainchild of Stanford Crane, a former motorcycle racer and team owner. The series promises $2.8 million in purse money at each event, with $1 million to win and $500,000 for second, and paying down 30 places. Photo courtesy WMC.
World Moto Clash: Building An Entertainment Product Around Racing
By Michael Gougis
Don’t think of World Moto Clash in terms of motorcycle road racing as it is traditionally done. You have a much better chance of grasping the idea behind World Moto Clash, which promises $1 million to the winner of each race and a $2.86 million purse for each weekend, if you think of it as a made-for-Hollywood project, where the racing provides the structure and format for a television show.
“Our real model is the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship),” said Stanford W. Crane, Jr., founder and Chief Executive Officer of World Moto Clash, in a wide-ranging interview with RoadracingWorld.
The idea behind World Moto Clash (WMC) has been around for nearly two decades, and news releases have been posted several times in the past about the concept, which promised motorcycles faster than those raced in MotoGP.
Crane now says WMC has a date for its first race at the Utah Motorsports Campus (which has new American owners and until recently was owned and operated by a Chinese company as Burt Brothers Motorpark) in Grantsville, Utah; plans to run at least two races in 2026; has a television production crew on board; and has commitments for the funding needed to make it all happen. And Crane says the purse money for the racers will be in an escrow account 30 days before the first race.
There are two key components to the WMC concept, Crane says.
The main product is the television series leading up to the event, Crane said in the interview that also included WMC Chief Financial Officer Matt Doty; WMC Competition Director Carry Andrew (a championship-winning former racer/team owner, and retired racebike builder and tuner); and WMC Chief Communications Officer Cheryl Lynch. The programming will tell the stories of the riders involved, the teams, the machines themselves, with narratives that will be familiar to audiences of reality television competition programs like the UFC. The goal is to provide that content for streaming services, and although talks are ongoing, Lynch says, no contracts have been signed to air the content as of now and nothing has been optioned. The shows will be supported by a social media campaign focused on making the racers, crews and family members the center of attention.
The secondary product will be the race weekends themselves: “Epic events,” as Crane described them. They will be invitation-only, with 48 riders invited and the field being whittled to 30 starters for Sunday’s main race through a series of qualifying heats and a last-chance shootout. A handful of spots on the grid will be reserved for racers who failed to qualify but are selected by a vote of fans on social media. WMC hopes to provide a Formula One level of experience for well-heeled fans attending the events, with behind-the-scenes access, fan rides, exclusive VIP areas, and interactions with celebs, racers and teams. “It will seem more like you’re going to the Super Bowl,” Crane says. “By the time we get to (the second race at Mid-Ohio), it will be a VIP-rich experience.” The races themselves are a separate media product, being marketed and produced independently of the reality TV series.
That, in a nutshell, is the high concept.
WMC differs from the traditional racing model in a number of ways. It’s not racing that is hopefully entertaining (formula libre a.k.a. open formula motorcycle road racing in the U.S. has not generally produced close on-track racing). WMC is an entertainment product built around racing. It is not a series of races to determine the winner of a Championship. Instead, each race weekend will crown its own Champion. There is only one class. Of those who apply to participate, being fast isn’t necessarily what gets them an invitation. This is entertainment. Participants in the interview made it very clear that while the cast (and it’s not unfair to think of the riders, teams and crew members as cast members) would have an international component, the focus would be on U.S.-based teams, riders and builders. Narratives, rivalries and back stories of those involved would be key to the selection process. “(In the past Americans) went over there (to race in the Grand Prix World Championship) because that was the big show,” Crane says. “In my world, the big show is not Europe.” Crane is targeting a U.S. audience because of its size–in his words, 35% of global advertising spending takes place in the U.S.A. And WMC is not just looking for backing among the typical supporters of motorcycle road racing, but envisions getting support from investors interested in backing an entertainment product. “As far as sponsors go,” Crane says, “endemic sponsors are very important to WMC; however, we don’t want the series to revolve around factories or sponsors, but have them support instead. As a matter of fact, WMC is happy to offer advantageous terms to early supporters.”
Crane says the investors already behind the project are “high-net-worth individuals” who are fans of motorcycle racing, but their interest is in the entertainment product. This is the idea behind Crane’s belief that the product’s valuation could reach $1 billion, based on what other reality/sports entertainment products currently are valued at. WMC declined to identify the investors, but said that the first two rounds are fully funded for purse and production.
And to further the emphasis on entertainment, WMC’s core team consists mostly of people who have experience in producing motorsports and reality television programming. Among them are Michael A. Simon, who was responsible for VH1’s Storytellers show and directs the clip video show Ridiculousness; Tom Shelly, one of the original producers of the “Survivor” television show; and Chet Burks, best known for his work producing NASCAR on TBS and the Winter Olympics in the 1990s, but was also the executive director for the “What’s In The Barn?” show about motorcycle barn finds. Will Staeger of Sonoma Sports & Entertainment, who has worked with projects for ESPN, WWE, LIV Golf, Endeavor and Dick Clark Productions, is shopping global media rights.
Michael Simon.Will Staeger.Tom Shelly.
And WMC is even looking for alternative sources of entertainment-oriented revenue. Crane pointed out that the team has had preliminary talks with Mattel to produce toy versions of the motorcycles slated to compete in WMC.
This is expected to be a proof-of-concept year for WMC. Currently, the July 10-12 date for the Utah event conflicts with the MotoAmerica round at Laguna Seca and the MotoGP race at the Sachsenring. Crane said in the interview that he did not know about the scheduling conflict with MotoAmerica when the Utah WMC date was selected and that he was considering changing the date of the WMC event.
Next season is supposed to increase the at-track VIP experience and add more events. And 2027 is where the “Super Teams” concept will be introduced, with ex-racers including Superbike Champions Miguel Duhamel and Colin Edwards, and AMA Formula 1 race winner and famed stunt man/stunt director Gregg Smrz running teams and competing against each other and “The Privateers,” the independent teams.
WMC does not intend to seek sanctioning from any existing racing sanctioning body, and while it says that the track in Utah was FIM Grade B compliant when it hosted World Superbike in the past, it does not intend to seek FIM certification for the track due to the cost. Tracks are rated by the FIM as A, B or C, with a Grade A license mandatory for MotoGP events, Grade B for World Superbike, and Grade C deemed suitable for events featuring smaller, lower-powered, and slower machines. WMC will adhere to FIM North America Safety Standards as they pertain to the track, riders, and equipment.
“To me, professional racing is when you can actually make a real living, not a baseline living, but a real living. And so I said, ‘Why don’t we just take money that would be allocated to sanctioning bodies and put that towards the purse?'” Crane says. A WMC spokesperson said racers would need to have a valid competition license issued by a recognized sanctioning body like AMA, WERA, FIM, ASRA, etc.
Crane is a former racer of motorcycles and powerboats, and was last involved with AMA Pro Road Racing in the mid-2000s running the Lion Racing team with Andrew in the Superstock class. He is the founder of Crane Electronics, which manufacturers electrical connectors, and The Panda Project, a Florida-based company that produced computers. He is also the founder of a tech incubator firm in Silicon Valley and the CEO of NewGuard Entertainment.
Stanford Crane on track at Thunderhill Raceway. Photo courtesy WMC.
Much of the rhetoric surrounding WMC has focused on the unlimited machine format. Crane is hoping to attract builders who are thinking outside of the rules of professional racing series. Forced induction, open aerodynamics, open tires, ultra light weight–all are permitted. The idea is to encourage creativity among the motorcycle developers, to have them generate unique, innovative machines. If modern top-line racebikes from, say, MotoGP or World Superbike, are not on hand (and no factory or satellite MotoGP team has competed in any non-Championship event with a MotoGP racebike for years, if ever), that’s not really a problem.
Lap times aren’t the goal here.
Stories are.
Crane illustrated the main idea behind World Moto Clash by recounting a discussion he had with Simon about Hard Knocks, a behind-the-scenes reality show about professional football.
Simon, Crane says, told him that his wife “will not watch an NFL game, but she will not miss an episode of Hard Knocks because she wants to see what’s going on with the families, what’s going on with the people, not what’s going on with the football.”
More, from a press release issued by World Moto Clash (WMC):
WORLD MOTO CLASH, Richest Single Motorcycle Race Ever, Taps Reality TV Vets Tom Shelly and Michael A. Simon to Lead WMC Series Programming
Will Staeger to Rep Global Media Rights and Chet Burks Handling Race Production Services for the Invitation-only, Open-Class, Open-Equipment Race Series
Often referred to as one of the original disruptive entrepreneurs, Stanford W. Crane, Jr, founder of the Silicon Valley Incubator, holder of more than 170 patents, accomplished Superbike racer and race team owner for over 30 years, has tapped Emmy award-winners and Executive Producer-Showrunner Tom Shelly (Survivor) and Director-Producer Michael A. Simon (Ridiculousness) to create unscripted shows and story-rich background material to add to the LIVE motorsports race weekend content portfolio for World Moto Clash.
A first-of-its-kind Grand Prix and Superbike-style motorcycle racing series, World Moto Clash features a record-breaking, highest single-race first-place prize of $1,000,000 dollars and an invitation-only, open-class, open-equipment rules race format. WMC’s uniquely innovative race format allows racers to compete aboard any type of motorcycle, from any manufacturer, or one created from scratch, with no technical specifications mandated.
As the newest entry to the LIVE televised global motorsports arena, WMC’s 3 day | 6 race weekend race event debuts July 10th – 12th, 2026, at the Utah Motorsports Campus, a premier motorsports venue in Grantsville, Utah, featuring a 3.05-mile, 15-turn Outer Loop Circuit. Will Staeger of Sonoma Sports & Entertainment is exclusively repping global media rights, with Chet Burks providing race weekend production execution and innovation.
The spectacular no-holds-barred racing format starts with a field of 48 reduced to 30 racers for the final grid, with bikes reaching top speeds in excess of 200+ miles per hour and lean angles of more than 60 degrees. Racers will compete for a share of a $2,860,000 field cash prize purse that breaks down as follows: $1,000,000 for first place, $500,000 for second place and $250,000 for third place, with the remaining winnings being divided among the remaining field of 27 qualifiers.
Crane said of the game-changing race event, “I have a unique perspective that allowed me to create WMC. I’ve been a racer, a team owner, a sponsor, and a fan, but I’ve also been a disruptive entrepreneur. The former traits gave me knowledge and perspective, while the latter gave me the ability to create a unique entertainment property with a superior business solution.”
Executive Producer Tom Shelly shared, “I’m excited to be a part of World Moto Clash, the next big spectacle in motorsports competition. The inherent drama, stunning visuals, and fascinating characters of professional motorcycle racing make it the perfect subject for unscripted television.”
Director Michael A. Simon added, “Sometimes projects fall to you, and you never saw them coming. World Moto Clash feels like that, it’s got story, speed (lots of speed) and very ‘non-scripted’ endings.”
Will Staeger commented, “This is a dynamic property in a proven sport. World Moto Clash
is built for TV, built for fans, and built for the racers that put it all on the line at each race.”
Crane went on to add, “Many things in life are the way they are because of their history, and motorsport is no exception. Most motorsports were built after WWII, following a ‘let’s get everyone involved’ mindset that drove revenue from the back gate. Some series have evolved, but even those that did evolve were betrayed by having taken that first wrong step. Everything from that moment on was a course correction in some limited fashion. WMC was built for the front gate, meaning the entertainment, because we were not burdened by a flawed past, but rather by a clear vision of where things needed to go today.”
Aiming to create a truly international race circuit, WMC is already attracting racers from Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. Within the United States, top American race talent two-time World Superbike Champion Colin Edwards and five-time Daytona 200 winner Miguel Duhamel are participating with Gregg Smrz, famed Second Unit Director and Team Principal for the Superteam, Action Stars Racing, confirming early attendance to the inaugural WMC race event in July.
Crane also announced the formation of WMC’s executive team with world-class experience spanning innovation award-winning entrepreneurs, C-suite executives from Fortune 100 companies, along with longtime motorsports and motorcycle racing industry experts. The 2026 WMC Executive Team includes: Stanford W. Crane, Jr. – Chief Executive Officer; Matt Doty – Chief Operating Officer; Steve Arnott – Chief Marketing Officer; Andrew Kastner – Chief Creative Officer; Steve Kompolt – Chief Knowledge Officer; Cheryl Lynch – Chief Communications Officer; Philip Barone – Executive Producer WMC Media; and Carry Andrew – Director of Racing.
The announcement regarding the scheduling of the second stop of the World Moto Clash 2026 race season will be made shortly with plans for an expanded 2027 WMC race schedule in the works. Ticket packages for the July 10-12 WMC event at the Utah Motorsports Campus are on sale NOW at WMC Tickets
The World Moto Clash never-before-seen race format and staggering prize purses are the first of their kind in motorcycle racing. In terms of the $2,860,000 overall prize purse per race, each single WMC race stop equates to a championship unto itself, unlike other race circuits running today. The World Moto Clash $1,000,000 first place prize money and innovative race format – no limits – open qualifying – no technical specs – one class – The GO-FAST CLASS are truly making motorsports history.
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Texas Mini Cup has joined the growing list of organizations hosting qualifiers for the 2026 Mission Mini Cup National Final.
The addition of Texas Mini Cup further strengthens MotoAmerica’s nationwide grassroots development program by giving riders in the Lone Star State two opportunities to earn bonus points and prepare for the biggest Mission Mini Cup event of the season.
“We appreciate Ryan Max Johnson and the Texas Mini Cup organization’s commitment to hosting these MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup qualifiers,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “They have been an enthusiastic partner with us, and it’s great to see them hosting two events that will give young riders the opportunity to earn the 10 available bonus points toward the National Final in August. We look forward to seeing these Texas racers join the championship roster at Road America this summer.”
“Texas Mini Cup is proud to partner with MotoAmerica and host these two Mission Mini Cup qualifiers in Cresson, Texas,” said Owner/Race Director of Texas Mini Cup, Ryan Max Johnson. “MotoAmerica does a great job presenting a pathway for young racers to progress through the sport. We’re proud to give our riders, especially our youngest competitors in the Stock 50 class, their shot at a national title.”
Mission Mini Cup features riders aged six to 16 in the following classes:
Stock 50 (ages 6-8)
Stock 110 (ages 8-12)
GP 110 (ages 10-14)
GP 160 (ages 10-14)
GP 190 (ages 12-16)
The Mission Mini Cup Championship serves as the official youth development ladder of MotoAmerica and is a proving ground for the sport’s next generation of professional talent.
They say everything’s bigger in Texas—including the talent pool. Maverick Nichols of Dripping Springs, Texas, rode his blue Ohvale GP 110 to fourth at last year’s Mission Mini Cup National Final. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
The two Texas Mini Cup-hosted Mission Mini Cup qualifiers will take place over a doubleheader race weekend at Kart Moto in Cresson, Texas, beginning with race one on May 23 and concluding with race two on May 24.
A one-time, 10-point bonus is awarded to participants in any of the 2026 Mission Mini Cup qualifiers, regardless of the number of events entered and will be used to calculate the final finishing order for the Mission Mini Cup National Final, to be held at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex on August 7-9.
Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha again are providing manufacturer contingency to support the Stock 50 and Stock 110 classes, further enhancing the offering for riders throughout the 2026 season.
For more details on the Texas Mini Cup-hosted Mission Mini Cup qualifiers, CLICK HERE
For more details on all available Mission Mini Cup qualifiers, CLICK HERE
To watch all the Mission Mini Cup National Final action this August, CLICK HERE
The Grand Prix In Grand Junction: Colorado-Based Racing Organization Will Send Young Stars To National Final.
IRVINE, CA – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Rocky Mountain Mini Moto has joined the growing list of organizations hosting qualifiers for the 2026 Mission Mini Cup National Final.
The addition of Rocky Mountain Mini Moto further strengthens MotoAmerica’s nationwide grassroots development program by giving riders in the Western Slope an opportunity to earn bonus points and prepare for the biggest Mission Mini Cup event of the season.
“We’re pleased to partner with Rocky Mountain Mini Moto once again to host a qualifier for the Mission Mini Cup National Final,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Thank you to James (Tittle) and his entire team for continuing to provide young riders in their region the opportunity to be part of the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Championship. We look forward to seeing the talent that comes out of this event when we head to the National Final at Road America this August.”
Mission Mini Cup features riders aged six to 16 in the following classes:
Stock 50 (ages 6-8)
Stock 110 (ages 8-12)
GP 110 (ages 10-14)
GP 160 (ages 10-14)
GP 190 (ages 12-16)
The Mission Mini Cup serves as the official youth development ladder of MotoAmerica and is a proving ground for the sport’s next generation of professional talent.
“Rocky Mountain Mini Moto is thrilled to join the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Championship and bring this nationally recognized format to our riders,” said Director of Rocky Mountain Mini Moto James Tittle. “Since 2005, our mission has been to grow mini moto road racing in Colorado by giving riders of all ages and skill levels a fun, safe environment in which to develop. Partnering with MotoAmerica allows us to take that vision even further, providing a clear pathway for our racers to progress and compete on a national stage.”
New Jersey’s Christian Berlowitz (#17) leading the two Colorado natives, Israel Cavazos (#633) and Nico Bandel (#186), into a wet lefthander at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex last summer. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
The Rocky Mountain Mini Moto-hosted Mission Mini Cup qualifier will take place at Grand Junction Speedway in Grand Junction, Colorado on May 17.
A one-time, 10-point bonus is awarded to participants in any of the 2026 Mission Mini Cup qualifiers, regardless of the number of events entered and will be used to calculate the final finishing order for the Mission Mini Cup National Final, to be held at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex on August 7-9.
Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha again are providing manufacturer contingency to support the Stock 50 and Stock 110 classes, further enhancing the offering for riders throughout the 2026 season.
For more details on the Rocky Mountain Mini Moto-hosted Mission Mini Cup qualifiers, visit CLICK HERE
For more details on all available Mission Mini Cup qualifiers visit CLICK HERE
To watch all the Mission Mini Cup National Final action this August CLICK HERE
2026 AHRMA Vintage Cup Race Recap – Willow Springs Raceway & Inde Motorsports Ranch
The AHRMA Vintage Cup series returned to the historical Willow Springs Raceway April 18-19, continuing with a back-to-back weekend in the Western Region at Inde Motorsports Ranch, April 25-26 as part of the 2026 AHRMA National Roadracing Series presented by VIB-ISO, delivering a double dose of classic motorcycle racing.
Sponsored by Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), this year AHRMA’s 2026 Vintage Cup features the 250 Grand Prix class, which includes any fully GP-kitted 250cc OHV/OHC four-stroke; 250cc air-cooled single cylinder two stroke; 175cc liquid cooled single cylinder two-stroke; or 175cc air-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke built before December 31, 1968. It’s a showdown of classic small displacement racing that relies heavily on corner-speed, momentum, and precise engineering, and certain to leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Typical AHRMA 250GP grids include a wide variety of motorcycles such as Aermacchi, Brisgestone, Bultaco, Greeves, Montesa, Ducati, NSU, Ossa, Yamaha and more.
In Saturday’s race at Willow, Dustin Johnson took the holeshot on his 1968 Yamaha YCS1/YamaHonda (with a Honda CB160 sloper frame modified to a full cradle frame to hold the Yamaha YCS1 motor, and pipes built by Highwayman Bikes) with Paul Germain hot on his tail riding a 1967 Yamaha DTI RR. Germain overtook Johnson through turn two, developing and keeping the lead to the checkered flag, with Johson taking second. Jason Lindquist, riding his 1968 Yamaha DT-1, rounded out the podium, with Paul Piskor, racing a 1965 Bridgestone SR175, taking fourth.
In Sunday’s race Germain took the lead at the green flag and held it through the checkered flag, with Johnson taking second and Lindquist finishing third.
The following weekend at Inde Motorsports Ranch brought together a strong field, including four returnees from Big Willow — Germain, Johnson, Lindquist, and Piskor — plus Rounds 3 and 4 Carolina Motorsports Park winners: Holly Varey on her 1968 VanTech CS3 and Craig Hirko riding his 1967 Bridgestone TA 1.
On Saturday, Varey got a great start and cleared Turn 1 in the lead with Germain, Hirko, and the rest of the grid in hot pursuit. Germain was forced to retire with a mechanical early in the race. Hirko closed the gap on Varey, catching her through the tighter sections of the track. However, Varey’s superior power allowed her to pull away on the front straight each time. Hirko finally made a decisive pass just before the final lap and held on to take the victory at the checkered flag, with Varey finishing second, Lindquist third, Johnson fourth, Piskor fifth, and Germain sixth.
On Sunday, the race start mirrored Saturday’s, with Varey once again leading through Turn 1, followed by Johnson, Hirko, and the rest of the field. Hirko overtook Johnson after the first lap, during which time Varey had built a solid gap. Hirko eventually closed the distance, passed Varey for the lead, and held it to the checkered flag. Varey finished second, followed by Johnson in third, Germain in fourth, Lindquist in fifth, and Piskor in sixth.
“We raced in sunshine once again for our west coast rounds. Folks traveled from all over the country for all the AHRMA classes of racing during these back to back events. But I was particularly pleased the 250GP Vintage Cup class was truly an international event, having a couple of Canadians come down to show us some style,” said series sponsor Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton.
“Paul Germain got it done both days at the fastest track in the west, and Holly Varey put her head down both days at Inde (although fellow New Yorker Craig Hirko put his head down further getting those wins!). Was great to see west coast brothers Lindquist and Piskor in the mix, and Dustin Johnson is the guy to keep your eye on. Congratulations to all the racers and a shout out to the folks from all over the rest of the country making the trek and keeping our Vintage Racing dreams alive!”
AHRMA first launched the Vintage Cup series during 2019 by spotlighting the 350 GP class. The series resumed in 2021 and highlighted the 500 Premier class. It was followed by Vintage Superbike Heavyweight in 2022, and Formula 750 in 2023. In 2024, the second rotation of featured classes was initiated with 350GP, followed by 500 Premier in 2025. 250GP was added to the series in 2026 – the first year it has been featured.
“As AHRMA shifted to the West Coast series, I knew the 250GP Vintage Cup was going to get exciting,” said Leasha Overturf, AHRMA’s Road Race Director. “The usual front‑runners from the first two rounds weren’t on the grid at Willow Springs, but Canadian racer Paul Germain was—and knowing how fast and consistent he is, I expected a great battle. As predicted, Germain delivered and took both wins for the weekend.
“The following weekend at Inde Motorsports Ranch in Willcox, Arizona, some of the familiar contenders were back. My first thought was how the showdown between Holly Varey and Craig Hirko would unfold with Germain also in the mix. The opening laps were pure excitement as the three of them charged around the circuit. Then, suddenly, Germain was out with a mechanical issue. Varey kept her head down and pushed hard, holding the lead while Hirko steadily closed the gap. I found myself holding my breath as they swapped positions again and again, until Hirko finally managed to secure the win. This year’s Vintage Cup is shaping up to keep us on the edge of our seats all season long.”
“Rounds at Willow Springs and INDE felt like asking the same orchestra to play two completely different symphonies back-to-back. At Willow, it’s all about bravery and revs—nine corners, wide open, where the 250 Grand Prix machines are pushed to their absolute edge. Then you arrive at INDE, and suddenly it’s a chess match—20-plus turns, precision over power, where corner speed writes the story. That contrast is exactly why our Vintage Cup, featuring the 250 GP class, stands as the centerpiece of AHRMA’s 2026 season. It rewards not just speed, but adaptability, preparation, and a rider’s feel for the machine beneath them.
“Congratulations to the entire 250 GP field for putting on a spectacular show, and especially to Paul Germain and Craig Hirko on their impressive wins. If these rounds proved anything, it’s that the plot is only getting richer as we head to Nebraska”, said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, AHRMA Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Rounds nine and 10 of the AHRMA National Road Race Series Presented by VIB-ISO will be held May 15-17 at Motorsport Park Hastings, Hastings, Nebraska.
From Bob Robbins, co-Chairman of the AHRMA Safety Committee “AHRMA’s RWAF (Roadracing World Action Fund) fundraising continues to improve our racers’ safety with the use of Airfence soft barrier at both Willow Springs and Inde Motorsports Ranch. The Roadracing World Action Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit was founded in 2000 by John Ulrich and continues to protect racers & track day riders when things go wrong. To donate go to roadracingworld.com/actionfund.”
The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event. Highlights from each Vintage Cup race are reported on RoadracingWorld.com and in the print version of Roadracing World magazine. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy is engraved with the national championship winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.
2026 AHRMA Roadracing Series Presented by VIB-ISO, 250GP – Vintage Cup Results
Big Willow/Willow Springs Raceway – Saturday, April 17, 2026
1. 61 Paul Germain, 1967 Yamaha DTIRR, Winnipeg, MB
2. 760 Dustin Johnson, 1968 Yamaha YCS1, San Francisco, CA
3. 13 Jason Lindquist, 1968 Yamaha DT-1, Chula Vista, CA
4. 58 Paul Piskor, 1965 Bridgestone SR175, San Diego, CA
Big Willow/Willow Springs Raceway – Sunday, April 18, 2026
1. 61 Paul Germain, 1967 Yamaha DTIRR, Winnipeg, MB
2. 760 Dustin Johnson, 1968 Yamaha YCS1, San Francisco, CA
3. 13 Jason Lindquist, 1968 Yamaha DT-1, Chula Vista, CA
Inde Motorsports Ranch – Saturday, April 25, 2026
1. 641 Craig Hirko, 1967 Bridgestone TA 1, Newark Valley, NY
2. 50H Holly Varey, 1968 VanTech CS3, Brantford, ON
3. 760 Dustin Johnson, 1968 Yamaha YCS1, San Francisco, CA
4. 61 Paul Germain, 1967 Yamaha DTIRR, Winnipeg, MB
5. 13 Jason Lindquist, 1968 Yamaha DT-1, Chula Vista, CA
6. 58 Paul Piskor, 1965 Bridgestone SR175, San Diego, CA
Inde Motorsports Ranch – Sunday, April 26, 2026
1. 641 Craig Hirko, 1967 Bridgestone TA 1, Newark Valley, NY
2. 50H Holly Varey, 1968 VanTech CS3, Brantford, ON
3. 13 Jason Lindquist, 1968 Yamaha DT-1, Chula Vista, CA
4. 760 Dustin Johnson, 1968 Yamaha YCS1, San Francisco, CA
5. 58 Paul Piskor, 1965 Bridgestone SR175, San Diego, CA
6. 61 Paul Germain, 1967 Yamaha DTIRR, Winnipeg, MB
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
Craig Hirko (641) and Holly Varey (50H) in action at Inde Motorsports Ranch. Photo by Skywest Media.
The final round of the CVMA 2025/2026 Winter Series kicked off on Friday, 4/24/2026, with racer practice and the New Racer School. Four enthusiastic riders completed the program and are now set to compete in the amateur ranks with CVMA. Perfect weather greeted the weekend, with sunshine and surprisingly cool temperatures adding to the thrill. On track, racers pushed their limits in fierce battles for the double championship points on offer in the series finale.
Saturday night featured a spirited club event, complete with a delicious dinner, thrilling raffles, and generous giveaways from our vendors and sponsors supporting the club. The weekend of racing action was awesome, and it was a fitting finale for the CVMA 2025/2026 Winter Series.
Saturday Qualifying
The fastest of all in Saturday morning qualifying was Brenden Ketelesen, turning a 1:44.829 lap time on his middleweight bike.
Michael Gilbert was fastest on an open-class bike, turning a 1:46.008 lap time.
Gio Alvarez was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:49.748 lap time.
Nathan Gravelle was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:57.833 lap time.
Joel Ohman was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:50.708 lap time.
Saturday Races
Standout racers on Saturday included:
● Mark Degross won two open-class races.
● Eugene McMahel won two amateur open-class races.
● Joel Ohman won both CVMA Hooligans races.
● Gio Alvarez won two lightweight races.
● Ryan Champ won two amateur middleweight races.
Michael Gilbert winning The Shootout. Photo by Caliphotography
Sunday Shootouts
In the premier race of the day, The Shootout, Michael Gilbert got the holeshot on his BPR Yamaha YZF-R1. At the completion of the first lap, Gilbert led, followed by Nicholas Ciling and Aldo Rovirosa in second and third, respectively, all riders on Yamaha YZF-R1s. Rovirosa carried tremendous speed around turn thirteen (the bowl) and set up an inside pass for second in turn fourteen, demoting Ciling to third on the second lap. Things spread out after that, with all the racers maintaining positions until the eighth lap. On lap eight, Mark DeGross (Yamaha YZFR1) made a pass on Ciling to take third. Unfortunately, DeGross crashed out in turn seven on the last lap, handing third back to Ciling. In the end, it was Gilbert for the win, Rovirosa second, and Ciling third. The race win secured the Shootout class championship for Gilbert, earning him his fourth CVMA #1 plate!
Brenden Ketelesen leading the Middleweight Shootout. Photo by Caliphotography
At the start of the Middleweight Shootout, Brenden Ketelesen (Yamaha YZF-R9) was first off the line and into turn one, followed by Alexander Enriquez (Yamaha YZF-R9) and Jack Roach (Kawasaki ZX-6R). Ketelesen and Enriquez ran nose to tail until the fourth lap when Enriquez crashed out, handing second to Roach and Third to Alberto Rovirosa (Yamaha YZF-R6). The order was unchanged for the remainder of the race, with Ketelesen taking the win, Roach second, Rovirosa third.
Gio Alvarez leading the Lightweight Shootout. Photo by Caliphotography
The Formula Lightweight Twins Shootout started with Gio Alvarez (Aprilia RS 660) getting the hole shot with Matt Cavarlez (Kramer HKR EVO2-690) second and Andrew Krall (Yamaha YZF-R7) third. Krall was able to take second on the third lap from Cavarlez. On the Final lap Harry Brehm (Aprilia RS 660) made a charge from fourth to second, passing Cavarlez for third into turn four and then going around Krall in turn 11. At the stripe, it was Alvarez with a runaway win, followed by Brehm in second and Krall third.
At the start of the Formula Ultra Lightweight Shootout, Nathan Gravelle (Kawasaki Ninja 500) was first, followed by Jojo Dabalos (Kawasaki Ninja 400) and Anthony Estrada (Kawasaki Ninja 400). At the halfway point, Estrada passed Dabalos for second. Gravelle made a big mistake and ran off the track while leading on lap six. This handed the lead to Estrada, second to Dabalos, and third to Chris Binker. At the finish, it was Estrada for the win, Dabalos second, and Binker third.
CVMA looks forward to following our racers as they compete with other organizations around the world during our summer break. The CVMA 2026/2027 Winter Series is scheduled to kick off with round one on October 23-25, 2026, and we look forward to seeing everyone back at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in the fall for another great season of the best club racing anywhere!
CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.
CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting in racing on the Friday before each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.
CVMA. For racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!
CVMA would also like to thank the 2024/2025 Winter Series Sponsors: Support Moto Racing, Apex Assassins, Ryder Gear, CaliPhotography, Racers Edge/Dunlop, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, 2 Fast Track Days, LapSnap
NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop
Nine from nine: Bulega targets record run at Balaton Park.
Recent Form and Momentum
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) continues to lead the Championship standings after another dominant performance in Assen, where he secured three further victories. Having won all nine races of the 2026 season so far, the Italian has amassed 186 points and holds a 69-point advantage over teammate Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati).
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati duo has dominated recent rounds, locking out the top two positions in the last six races, with Lecuona finishing runner-up in each of those outings.
Thanks to three third-place finishes at Assen, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) has climbed to third in the standings with 82 points, moving ahead of Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), who drops to fourth after a more challenging Dutch Round.
Oliveira, the leading non-Ducati rider, is level on 69 points with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team).
Iker Lecuona (7) at Assen. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Team & Rider News
Honda HRC has confirmed that, although Jake Dixon continues to make good progress in his recovery, he will not be fit to race at the Motul Hungarian Round. The British rider will be replaced by Japan’s Yuki Kunii.
Historical Performance
The 2025 season marked the first visit to Balaton Park in WorldSBK history. Toprak Razgatlioglu completed a clean sweep across the three races that weekend.
Nicolo Bulega finished second in both Race 1 and Race 2, while Sam Lowes and Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) also featured on the podium.
Nicolo Bulega (11) at Assen. Photo courtesy WSBK.
At Stakes This Weekend
On a winning streak since the 2025 Spanish Round, Nicolo Bulega has claimed victory in the last 13 races, equalling the all-time WorldSBK record for consecutive wins set by three-time Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu. A win in Race 1 at the Motul Hungarian Round would see the Italian become the outright record holder for most consecutive victories in WorldSBK history.
With a perfect tally of nine wins from the first nine races of 2026, Bulegaheads to Balaton Park with a chance to extend his winning streak to 12. Doing so would surpass the all-time record of 11 consecutive victories, set by Neil Hodgson in 2003 and matched by Alvaro Bautista in 2019.
All to play for: one point splits Masia and Arenas at Balaton Park
WSSP Race start at Assen. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Recent Form and Momentum
Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) continues to lead the Championship standings ahead of the Hungarian Round, but his advantage has been reduced to just one point over Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team). The two Spaniards are locked together on 106 and 105 points respectively after Arenas secured two second-place finishes at Assen.
Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) sits third in the standings with 79 points, the German rider arriving in Hungary on a high after claiming his maiden WorldSSP victory in Race 2 at Assen.
Valentin Debise (ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) holds fourth place with 72 points, followed by fellow Frenchman Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) on 54 points.
After securing his first podium of the season, Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) has moved up to sixth in the standings.
Valentin Debise (53) at Assen. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Historical Performance
The 2025 season marked the first WorldSSP visit to Balaton Park, where 2025 Champion Stefano Manzi completed a dominant double victory.
Can Oncu featured on the podium in both races, finishing second and third, while Simon Jespersen (EAB Racing Team) secured second place in Race 2.
The Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. (BTR) Road Race program embarked on its sixth year at the opening round of the 2026 MotoAmerica season, as the opening two races were held at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta last weekend.
The 2026 Build.Train.Race. Road Race program, whereby 10 female competitors each build their own race-spec Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 models, sees six new riders enter the series for 2026, alongside four returning competitors from 2025. Of the 10-rider lineup, four of these are international racers from Brazil, including returning racers Tati Paze and Karina Simoes, plus new to the program Sany Max Falci and Juliana Bernardes.
The first of this year’s four-round, eight-race Championship, saw the all-female road racing series Class of ‘26 take on the undulating Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta circuit. A combination of both new and returning riders on identical Royal Enfield machinery took to the grid for the first time this year, following on from their Build.Train.Race. Flat Track counterparts season start at Daytona in March.
Brianna Cutler after winning race 1 and 2 at Road Atlanta. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield.
Race One saw a four-way battle for the podium across a five-lap dash, as Brianna Cutler took victory for the first time this season. Jasmine Noelle and Bryanna Everitt completed the podium, as all three riders finished within a second of each other. Emily Dickson was unfortunate to crash at the final corner, while fighting for a podium position in her debut BTR event.
Brianna Cutler completed a double victory, following a commanding Race Two win, as the podium was once again completed with a second-place finish for Jasmine Noelle, and third-place for Bryanna Everitt.
Adrian Sellers, Head – Custom & Motorsport at Royal Enfield said:“It’s always a pleasure to welcome the new riders to the Build.Train.Race. program, and see who will lay down an early marker for the season at the opening round. It’s also exciting to witness the progress of these new riders, and track their development from this first round throughout the season. Brianna Cutler’s off-season dedication and practice paid off, and she couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year. I’m looking forward to seeing who will challenge her at Round Two in a month’s time.”
Next up for the Build.Train.Race. Road Racing program is Road America, Wisconsin, 29-31 May, which will host the third and fourth races of this season’s Championship.
The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created beautifully crafted motorcycles since 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. A leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market, Royal Enfields are engaging, uncomplicated, accessible and fun to ride; a vehicle for exploration and self-expression. It’s an approach the brand calls ‘Pure Motorcycling’.
Royal Enfield’s premium middleweight line-up includes a range of twin-cylinder 650cc models including the Bear 650, INT 650, Continental GT 650, Shotgun 650 and Super Meteor 650. In addition, the new liquid-cooled Sherpa 450 engine has garnered great interest with the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450. The even more affordable 350cc models consist of the Hunter 350, Meteor 350, Bullet 350, Classic 350 and Goan Classic 350. Riders and a passionate community are fostered with a rich profusion of events at a local, regional and international level. Royal Enfield operates through nearly 4,000 stores in 80+ countries around the globe, including approximately 150 dealers in North America.
The 2026 Ducati Desmo450 MX. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Ducati introduces predictive maintenance for the Desmo450 MX
A revolutionary algorithm and industry first, developed by Ducati Corse, determines maintenance intervals based on the actual intensity of the bike’s use
The X-Link app, available on iOS and Android, allows you to check maintenance due dates in real time
The feature is activated via a free software update
Ducati is bringing a revolutionary innovation to the world of off-road motorcycling: Predictive maintenance. After introducing the first Traction Control system capable of accurately determining the rear wheel slip in motocross, the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer has developed a new software system for the Desmo450 MX that calculates maintenance intervals based on engine use intensity. To access these new features, fans can simply visit their local Ducati dealer, where the engine control unit can be updated free of charge.
Drawing on its experience in Superbike and MotoGP, Ducati Corse has developed a specific algorithm for the Desmo450 MX that calculates an engine stress index in real time, based on operating parameters and usage conditions. This index also takes into account the type of terrain on which the bike is ridden and continuously increments a percentage-based engine-wear counter. The system then uses this counter to update maintenance schedules, which can be viewed via the Ducati X-Link app.
The intervals for inspection and servicing are tailored to the rider’s riding style, with more frequent servicing for professional or intensive use, and less frequent servicing for amateur riders, moving beyond traditional static schedules. If the stress on the engine is lower than anticipated in the calculation of the maintenance deadline — based on Alessandro Lupino’s use of the bike — it is possible to postpone servicing, offering a financial benefit to the customer and longer intervals between services.
The interval for the MID Service, which includes replacing the piston and checking the valve clearances, can therefore range from 45 to 60 hours, depending on the engine’s actual wear and tear. Similarly, a full engine overhaul (FULL Service) can take between 90 and 120 hours.
On the official Ducati website, you can configure your own Desmo450 MX or arrange a visit to your nearest dealership. All the information is available on the official Ducati website.
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio will now host the debut World Moto Clash event on September 18-20, 2026.
WORLD MOTO CLASH ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE CHANGE
Richest Single Motorcycle Race Ever to Debut at Mid-Ohio September 18–20, 2026 & WMC’s Utah Motorsports Campus Race Stop Moves to Summer 2027
The World Moto Clash race series announces an important schedule change: The debut race will now take place at Mid-Ohio in Lexington, Ohio on September 18–20, 2026.
The first race of the series, originally scheduled for July 10–12 at Utah Motorsports Campus, has been moved to Summer 2027. Organizers reached a unanimous decision during a Board of Directors meeting earlier this week, with WMC CEO Stanford W. Crane, Jr. stating, “When we entered into the agreement with UMC, we were not aware of date conflicts with other race series. After subsequent conversations with riders, teams and well-respected motorcycle racing professionals, it became apparent that the best possible starting grid would not be achievable with a July 10–12 race date. So, we made the schedule change. We want every qualified racer to have a shot at competing for the $1,000,000 first-place cash prize, as well as creating a memorable fan experience.”
World Moto Clash is a first-of-its-kind motorcycle road racing series that features a first-place prize of $1,000,000 per race, with an additional $1,960,000 to the remainder of the field. WMC’s innovative format allows racers to compete on any type of motorcycle—from any manufacturer or even one built from scratch—with no mandated technical specifications.
WMC Competition Director Carry Andrew (left) with actor/producer (and former racer) Brett Harrelson. Photo courtesy WMC.
World Moto Clash (WMC) is the brainchild of Stanford Crane, a former motorcycle racer and team owner. The series promises $2.8 million in purse money at each event, with $1 million to win and $500,000 for second, and paying down 30 places. Photo courtesy WMC.
World Moto Clash: Building An Entertainment Product Around Racing
By Michael Gougis
Don’t think of World Moto Clash in terms of motorcycle road racing as it is traditionally done. You have a much better chance of grasping the idea behind World Moto Clash, which promises $1 million to the winner of each race and a $2.86 million purse for each weekend, if you think of it as a made-for-Hollywood project, where the racing provides the structure and format for a television show.
“Our real model is the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship),” said Stanford W. Crane, Jr., founder and Chief Executive Officer of World Moto Clash, in a wide-ranging interview with RoadracingWorld.
The idea behind World Moto Clash (WMC) has been around for nearly two decades, and news releases have been posted several times in the past about the concept, which promised motorcycles faster than those raced in MotoGP.
Crane now says WMC has a date for its first race at the Utah Motorsports Campus (which has new American owners and until recently was owned and operated by a Chinese company as Burt Brothers Motorpark) in Grantsville, Utah; plans to run at least two races in 2026; has a television production crew on board; and has commitments for the funding needed to make it all happen. And Crane says the purse money for the racers will be in an escrow account 30 days before the first race.
There are two key components to the WMC concept, Crane says.
The main product is the television series leading up to the event, Crane said in the interview that also included WMC Chief Financial Officer Matt Doty; WMC Competition Director Carry Andrew (a championship-winning former racer/team owner, and retired racebike builder and tuner); and WMC Chief Communications Officer Cheryl Lynch. The programming will tell the stories of the riders involved, the teams, the machines themselves, with narratives that will be familiar to audiences of reality television competition programs like the UFC. The goal is to provide that content for streaming services, and although talks are ongoing, Lynch says, no contracts have been signed to air the content as of now and nothing has been optioned. The shows will be supported by a social media campaign focused on making the racers, crews and family members the center of attention.
The secondary product will be the race weekends themselves: “Epic events,” as Crane described them. They will be invitation-only, with 48 riders invited and the field being whittled to 30 starters for Sunday’s main race through a series of qualifying heats and a last-chance shootout. A handful of spots on the grid will be reserved for racers who failed to qualify but are selected by a vote of fans on social media. WMC hopes to provide a Formula One level of experience for well-heeled fans attending the events, with behind-the-scenes access, fan rides, exclusive VIP areas, and interactions with celebs, racers and teams. “It will seem more like you’re going to the Super Bowl,” Crane says. “By the time we get to (the second race at Mid-Ohio), it will be a VIP-rich experience.” The races themselves are a separate media product, being marketed and produced independently of the reality TV series.
That, in a nutshell, is the high concept.
WMC differs from the traditional racing model in a number of ways. It’s not racing that is hopefully entertaining (formula libre a.k.a. open formula motorcycle road racing in the U.S. has not generally produced close on-track racing). WMC is an entertainment product built around racing. It is not a series of races to determine the winner of a Championship. Instead, each race weekend will crown its own Champion. There is only one class. Of those who apply to participate, being fast isn’t necessarily what gets them an invitation. This is entertainment. Participants in the interview made it very clear that while the cast (and it’s not unfair to think of the riders, teams and crew members as cast members) would have an international component, the focus would be on U.S.-based teams, riders and builders. Narratives, rivalries and back stories of those involved would be key to the selection process. “(In the past Americans) went over there (to race in the Grand Prix World Championship) because that was the big show,” Crane says. “In my world, the big show is not Europe.” Crane is targeting a U.S. audience because of its size–in his words, 35% of global advertising spending takes place in the U.S.A. And WMC is not just looking for backing among the typical supporters of motorcycle road racing, but envisions getting support from investors interested in backing an entertainment product. “As far as sponsors go,” Crane says, “endemic sponsors are very important to WMC; however, we don’t want the series to revolve around factories or sponsors, but have them support instead. As a matter of fact, WMC is happy to offer advantageous terms to early supporters.”
Crane says the investors already behind the project are “high-net-worth individuals” who are fans of motorcycle racing, but their interest is in the entertainment product. This is the idea behind Crane’s belief that the product’s valuation could reach $1 billion, based on what other reality/sports entertainment products currently are valued at. WMC declined to identify the investors, but said that the first two rounds are fully funded for purse and production.
And to further the emphasis on entertainment, WMC’s core team consists mostly of people who have experience in producing motorsports and reality television programming. Among them are Michael A. Simon, who was responsible for VH1’s Storytellers show and directs the clip video show Ridiculousness; Tom Shelly, one of the original producers of the “Survivor” television show; and Chet Burks, best known for his work producing NASCAR on TBS and the Winter Olympics in the 1990s, but was also the executive director for the “What’s In The Barn?” show about motorcycle barn finds. Will Staeger of Sonoma Sports & Entertainment, who has worked with projects for ESPN, WWE, LIV Golf, Endeavor and Dick Clark Productions, is shopping global media rights.
Michael Simon.Will Staeger.Tom Shelly.
And WMC is even looking for alternative sources of entertainment-oriented revenue. Crane pointed out that the team has had preliminary talks with Mattel to produce toy versions of the motorcycles slated to compete in WMC.
This is expected to be a proof-of-concept year for WMC. Currently, the July 10-12 date for the Utah event conflicts with the MotoAmerica round at Laguna Seca and the MotoGP race at the Sachsenring. Crane said in the interview that he did not know about the scheduling conflict with MotoAmerica when the Utah WMC date was selected and that he was considering changing the date of the WMC event.
Next season is supposed to increase the at-track VIP experience and add more events. And 2027 is where the “Super Teams” concept will be introduced, with ex-racers including Superbike Champions Miguel Duhamel and Colin Edwards, and AMA Formula 1 race winner and famed stunt man/stunt director Gregg Smrz running teams and competing against each other and “The Privateers,” the independent teams.
WMC does not intend to seek sanctioning from any existing racing sanctioning body, and while it says that the track in Utah was FIM Grade B compliant when it hosted World Superbike in the past, it does not intend to seek FIM certification for the track due to the cost. Tracks are rated by the FIM as A, B or C, with a Grade A license mandatory for MotoGP events, Grade B for World Superbike, and Grade C deemed suitable for events featuring smaller, lower-powered, and slower machines. WMC will adhere to FIM North America Safety Standards as they pertain to the track, riders, and equipment.
“To me, professional racing is when you can actually make a real living, not a baseline living, but a real living. And so I said, ‘Why don’t we just take money that would be allocated to sanctioning bodies and put that towards the purse?'” Crane says. A WMC spokesperson said racers would need to have a valid competition license issued by a recognized sanctioning body like AMA, WERA, FIM, ASRA, etc.
Crane is a former racer of motorcycles and powerboats, and was last involved with AMA Pro Road Racing in the mid-2000s running the Lion Racing team with Andrew in the Superstock class. He is the founder of Crane Electronics, which manufacturers electrical connectors, and The Panda Project, a Florida-based company that produced computers. He is also the founder of a tech incubator firm in Silicon Valley and the CEO of NewGuard Entertainment.
Stanford Crane on track at Thunderhill Raceway. Photo courtesy WMC.
Much of the rhetoric surrounding WMC has focused on the unlimited machine format. Crane is hoping to attract builders who are thinking outside of the rules of professional racing series. Forced induction, open aerodynamics, open tires, ultra light weight–all are permitted. The idea is to encourage creativity among the motorcycle developers, to have them generate unique, innovative machines. If modern top-line racebikes from, say, MotoGP or World Superbike, are not on hand (and no factory or satellite MotoGP team has competed in any non-Championship event with a MotoGP racebike for years, if ever), that’s not really a problem.
Lap times aren’t the goal here.
Stories are.
Crane illustrated the main idea behind World Moto Clash by recounting a discussion he had with Simon about Hard Knocks, a behind-the-scenes reality show about professional football.
Simon, Crane says, told him that his wife “will not watch an NFL game, but she will not miss an episode of Hard Knocks because she wants to see what’s going on with the families, what’s going on with the people, not what’s going on with the football.”
More, from a press release issued by World Moto Clash (WMC):
WORLD MOTO CLASH, Richest Single Motorcycle Race Ever, Taps Reality TV Vets Tom Shelly and Michael A. Simon to Lead WMC Series Programming
Will Staeger to Rep Global Media Rights and Chet Burks Handling Race Production Services for the Invitation-only, Open-Class, Open-Equipment Race Series
Often referred to as one of the original disruptive entrepreneurs, Stanford W. Crane, Jr, founder of the Silicon Valley Incubator, holder of more than 170 patents, accomplished Superbike racer and race team owner for over 30 years, has tapped Emmy award-winners and Executive Producer-Showrunner Tom Shelly (Survivor) and Director-Producer Michael A. Simon (Ridiculousness) to create unscripted shows and story-rich background material to add to the LIVE motorsports race weekend content portfolio for World Moto Clash.
A first-of-its-kind Grand Prix and Superbike-style motorcycle racing series, World Moto Clash features a record-breaking, highest single-race first-place prize of $1,000,000 dollars and an invitation-only, open-class, open-equipment rules race format. WMC’s uniquely innovative race format allows racers to compete aboard any type of motorcycle, from any manufacturer, or one created from scratch, with no technical specifications mandated.
As the newest entry to the LIVE televised global motorsports arena, WMC’s 3 day | 6 race weekend race event debuts July 10th – 12th, 2026, at the Utah Motorsports Campus, a premier motorsports venue in Grantsville, Utah, featuring a 3.05-mile, 15-turn Outer Loop Circuit. Will Staeger of Sonoma Sports & Entertainment is exclusively repping global media rights, with Chet Burks providing race weekend production execution and innovation.
The spectacular no-holds-barred racing format starts with a field of 48 reduced to 30 racers for the final grid, with bikes reaching top speeds in excess of 200+ miles per hour and lean angles of more than 60 degrees. Racers will compete for a share of a $2,860,000 field cash prize purse that breaks down as follows: $1,000,000 for first place, $500,000 for second place and $250,000 for third place, with the remaining winnings being divided among the remaining field of 27 qualifiers.
Crane said of the game-changing race event, “I have a unique perspective that allowed me to create WMC. I’ve been a racer, a team owner, a sponsor, and a fan, but I’ve also been a disruptive entrepreneur. The former traits gave me knowledge and perspective, while the latter gave me the ability to create a unique entertainment property with a superior business solution.”
Executive Producer Tom Shelly shared, “I’m excited to be a part of World Moto Clash, the next big spectacle in motorsports competition. The inherent drama, stunning visuals, and fascinating characters of professional motorcycle racing make it the perfect subject for unscripted television.”
Director Michael A. Simon added, “Sometimes projects fall to you, and you never saw them coming. World Moto Clash feels like that, it’s got story, speed (lots of speed) and very ‘non-scripted’ endings.”
Will Staeger commented, “This is a dynamic property in a proven sport. World Moto Clash
is built for TV, built for fans, and built for the racers that put it all on the line at each race.”
Crane went on to add, “Many things in life are the way they are because of their history, and motorsport is no exception. Most motorsports were built after WWII, following a ‘let’s get everyone involved’ mindset that drove revenue from the back gate. Some series have evolved, but even those that did evolve were betrayed by having taken that first wrong step. Everything from that moment on was a course correction in some limited fashion. WMC was built for the front gate, meaning the entertainment, because we were not burdened by a flawed past, but rather by a clear vision of where things needed to go today.”
Aiming to create a truly international race circuit, WMC is already attracting racers from Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. Within the United States, top American race talent two-time World Superbike Champion Colin Edwards and five-time Daytona 200 winner Miguel Duhamel are participating with Gregg Smrz, famed Second Unit Director and Team Principal for the Superteam, Action Stars Racing, confirming early attendance to the inaugural WMC race event in July.
Crane also announced the formation of WMC’s executive team with world-class experience spanning innovation award-winning entrepreneurs, C-suite executives from Fortune 100 companies, along with longtime motorsports and motorcycle racing industry experts. The 2026 WMC Executive Team includes: Stanford W. Crane, Jr. – Chief Executive Officer; Matt Doty – Chief Operating Officer; Steve Arnott – Chief Marketing Officer; Andrew Kastner – Chief Creative Officer; Steve Kompolt – Chief Knowledge Officer; Cheryl Lynch – Chief Communications Officer; Philip Barone – Executive Producer WMC Media; and Carry Andrew – Director of Racing.
The announcement regarding the scheduling of the second stop of the World Moto Clash 2026 race season will be made shortly with plans for an expanded 2027 WMC race schedule in the works. Ticket packages for the July 10-12 WMC event at the Utah Motorsports Campus are on sale NOW at WMC Tickets
The World Moto Clash never-before-seen race format and staggering prize purses are the first of their kind in motorcycle racing. In terms of the $2,860,000 overall prize purse per race, each single WMC race stop equates to a championship unto itself, unlike other race circuits running today. The World Moto Clash $1,000,000 first place prize money and innovative race format – no limits – open qualifying – no technical specs – one class – The GO-FAST CLASS are truly making motorsports history.
And just down the Texas road, another Maverick—this one from Weatherford and with the last name of Johnson—rode through the Sunday rain to secure second in GP 110 class points at last year’s Mission Mini Cup National Final. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
Back-To-Back Qualifiers Coming To Cresson
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Texas Mini Cup has joined the growing list of organizations hosting qualifiers for the 2026 Mission Mini Cup National Final.
The addition of Texas Mini Cup further strengthens MotoAmerica’s nationwide grassroots development program by giving riders in the Lone Star State two opportunities to earn bonus points and prepare for the biggest Mission Mini Cup event of the season.
“We appreciate Ryan Max Johnson and the Texas Mini Cup organization’s commitment to hosting these MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup qualifiers,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “They have been an enthusiastic partner with us, and it’s great to see them hosting two events that will give young riders the opportunity to earn the 10 available bonus points toward the National Final in August. We look forward to seeing these Texas racers join the championship roster at Road America this summer.”
“Texas Mini Cup is proud to partner with MotoAmerica and host these two Mission Mini Cup qualifiers in Cresson, Texas,” said Owner/Race Director of Texas Mini Cup, Ryan Max Johnson. “MotoAmerica does a great job presenting a pathway for young racers to progress through the sport. We’re proud to give our riders, especially our youngest competitors in the Stock 50 class, their shot at a national title.”
Mission Mini Cup features riders aged six to 16 in the following classes:
Stock 50 (ages 6-8)
Stock 110 (ages 8-12)
GP 110 (ages 10-14)
GP 160 (ages 10-14)
GP 190 (ages 12-16)
The Mission Mini Cup Championship serves as the official youth development ladder of MotoAmerica and is a proving ground for the sport’s next generation of professional talent.
They say everything’s bigger in Texas—including the talent pool. Maverick Nichols of Dripping Springs, Texas, rode his blue Ohvale GP 110 to fourth at last year’s Mission Mini Cup National Final. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
The two Texas Mini Cup-hosted Mission Mini Cup qualifiers will take place over a doubleheader race weekend at Kart Moto in Cresson, Texas, beginning with race one on May 23 and concluding with race two on May 24.
A one-time, 10-point bonus is awarded to participants in any of the 2026 Mission Mini Cup qualifiers, regardless of the number of events entered and will be used to calculate the final finishing order for the Mission Mini Cup National Final, to be held at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex on August 7-9.
Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha again are providing manufacturer contingency to support the Stock 50 and Stock 110 classes, further enhancing the offering for riders throughout the 2026 season.
For more details on the Texas Mini Cup-hosted Mission Mini Cup qualifiers, CLICK HERE
For more details on all available Mission Mini Cup qualifiers, CLICK HERE
To watch all the Mission Mini Cup National Final action this August, CLICK HERE
Thirteen-year-old Pennsylvanian Connor Raymond finished second in the GP 190 class at last year’s Mission Mini Cup National Final. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
The Grand Prix In Grand Junction: Colorado-Based Racing Organization Will Send Young Stars To National Final.
IRVINE, CA – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Rocky Mountain Mini Moto has joined the growing list of organizations hosting qualifiers for the 2026 Mission Mini Cup National Final.
The addition of Rocky Mountain Mini Moto further strengthens MotoAmerica’s nationwide grassroots development program by giving riders in the Western Slope an opportunity to earn bonus points and prepare for the biggest Mission Mini Cup event of the season.
“We’re pleased to partner with Rocky Mountain Mini Moto once again to host a qualifier for the Mission Mini Cup National Final,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Thank you to James (Tittle) and his entire team for continuing to provide young riders in their region the opportunity to be part of the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Championship. We look forward to seeing the talent that comes out of this event when we head to the National Final at Road America this August.”
Mission Mini Cup features riders aged six to 16 in the following classes:
Stock 50 (ages 6-8)
Stock 110 (ages 8-12)
GP 110 (ages 10-14)
GP 160 (ages 10-14)
GP 190 (ages 12-16)
The Mission Mini Cup serves as the official youth development ladder of MotoAmerica and is a proving ground for the sport’s next generation of professional talent.
“Rocky Mountain Mini Moto is thrilled to join the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Championship and bring this nationally recognized format to our riders,” said Director of Rocky Mountain Mini Moto James Tittle. “Since 2005, our mission has been to grow mini moto road racing in Colorado by giving riders of all ages and skill levels a fun, safe environment in which to develop. Partnering with MotoAmerica allows us to take that vision even further, providing a clear pathway for our racers to progress and compete on a national stage.”
New Jersey’s Christian Berlowitz (#17) leading the two Colorado natives, Israel Cavazos (#633) and Nico Bandel (#186), into a wet lefthander at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex last summer. Photo by Larry Lawrence.
The Rocky Mountain Mini Moto-hosted Mission Mini Cup qualifier will take place at Grand Junction Speedway in Grand Junction, Colorado on May 17.
A one-time, 10-point bonus is awarded to participants in any of the 2026 Mission Mini Cup qualifiers, regardless of the number of events entered and will be used to calculate the final finishing order for the Mission Mini Cup National Final, to be held at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex on August 7-9.
Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha again are providing manufacturer contingency to support the Stock 50 and Stock 110 classes, further enhancing the offering for riders throughout the 2026 season.
For more details on the Rocky Mountain Mini Moto-hosted Mission Mini Cup qualifiers, visit CLICK HERE
For more details on all available Mission Mini Cup qualifiers visit CLICK HERE
To watch all the Mission Mini Cup National Final action this August CLICK HERE
Craig Hirko (641) leads Holly Varey (50H) in action at Inde Motorsports Ranch. Photo by Skywest Media.
2026 AHRMA Vintage Cup Race Recap – Willow Springs Raceway & Inde Motorsports Ranch
The AHRMA Vintage Cup series returned to the historical Willow Springs Raceway April 18-19, continuing with a back-to-back weekend in the Western Region at Inde Motorsports Ranch, April 25-26 as part of the 2026 AHRMA National Roadracing Series presented by VIB-ISO, delivering a double dose of classic motorcycle racing.
Sponsored by Roadracingworld.com, and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), this year AHRMA’s 2026 Vintage Cup features the 250 Grand Prix class, which includes any fully GP-kitted 250cc OHV/OHC four-stroke; 250cc air-cooled single cylinder two stroke; 175cc liquid cooled single cylinder two-stroke; or 175cc air-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke built before December 31, 1968. It’s a showdown of classic small displacement racing that relies heavily on corner-speed, momentum, and precise engineering, and certain to leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Typical AHRMA 250GP grids include a wide variety of motorcycles such as Aermacchi, Brisgestone, Bultaco, Greeves, Montesa, Ducati, NSU, Ossa, Yamaha and more.
In Saturday’s race at Willow, Dustin Johnson took the holeshot on his 1968 Yamaha YCS1/YamaHonda (with a Honda CB160 sloper frame modified to a full cradle frame to hold the Yamaha YCS1 motor, and pipes built by Highwayman Bikes) with Paul Germain hot on his tail riding a 1967 Yamaha DTI RR. Germain overtook Johnson through turn two, developing and keeping the lead to the checkered flag, with Johson taking second. Jason Lindquist, riding his 1968 Yamaha DT-1, rounded out the podium, with Paul Piskor, racing a 1965 Bridgestone SR175, taking fourth.
In Sunday’s race Germain took the lead at the green flag and held it through the checkered flag, with Johnson taking second and Lindquist finishing third.
The following weekend at Inde Motorsports Ranch brought together a strong field, including four returnees from Big Willow — Germain, Johnson, Lindquist, and Piskor — plus Rounds 3 and 4 Carolina Motorsports Park winners: Holly Varey on her 1968 VanTech CS3 and Craig Hirko riding his 1967 Bridgestone TA 1.
On Saturday, Varey got a great start and cleared Turn 1 in the lead with Germain, Hirko, and the rest of the grid in hot pursuit. Germain was forced to retire with a mechanical early in the race. Hirko closed the gap on Varey, catching her through the tighter sections of the track. However, Varey’s superior power allowed her to pull away on the front straight each time. Hirko finally made a decisive pass just before the final lap and held on to take the victory at the checkered flag, with Varey finishing second, Lindquist third, Johnson fourth, Piskor fifth, and Germain sixth.
On Sunday, the race start mirrored Saturday’s, with Varey once again leading through Turn 1, followed by Johnson, Hirko, and the rest of the field. Hirko overtook Johnson after the first lap, during which time Varey had built a solid gap. Hirko eventually closed the distance, passed Varey for the lead, and held it to the checkered flag. Varey finished second, followed by Johnson in third, Germain in fourth, Lindquist in fifth, and Piskor in sixth.
“We raced in sunshine once again for our west coast rounds. Folks traveled from all over the country for all the AHRMA classes of racing during these back to back events. But I was particularly pleased the 250GP Vintage Cup class was truly an international event, having a couple of Canadians come down to show us some style,” said series sponsor Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton.
“Paul Germain got it done both days at the fastest track in the west, and Holly Varey put her head down both days at Inde (although fellow New Yorker Craig Hirko put his head down further getting those wins!). Was great to see west coast brothers Lindquist and Piskor in the mix, and Dustin Johnson is the guy to keep your eye on. Congratulations to all the racers and a shout out to the folks from all over the rest of the country making the trek and keeping our Vintage Racing dreams alive!”
AHRMA first launched the Vintage Cup series during 2019 by spotlighting the 350 GP class. The series resumed in 2021 and highlighted the 500 Premier class. It was followed by Vintage Superbike Heavyweight in 2022, and Formula 750 in 2023. In 2024, the second rotation of featured classes was initiated with 350GP, followed by 500 Premier in 2025. 250GP was added to the series in 2026 – the first year it has been featured.
“As AHRMA shifted to the West Coast series, I knew the 250GP Vintage Cup was going to get exciting,” said Leasha Overturf, AHRMA’s Road Race Director. “The usual front‑runners from the first two rounds weren’t on the grid at Willow Springs, but Canadian racer Paul Germain was—and knowing how fast and consistent he is, I expected a great battle. As predicted, Germain delivered and took both wins for the weekend.
“The following weekend at Inde Motorsports Ranch in Willcox, Arizona, some of the familiar contenders were back. My first thought was how the showdown between Holly Varey and Craig Hirko would unfold with Germain also in the mix. The opening laps were pure excitement as the three of them charged around the circuit. Then, suddenly, Germain was out with a mechanical issue. Varey kept her head down and pushed hard, holding the lead while Hirko steadily closed the gap. I found myself holding my breath as they swapped positions again and again, until Hirko finally managed to secure the win. This year’s Vintage Cup is shaping up to keep us on the edge of our seats all season long.”
“Rounds at Willow Springs and INDE felt like asking the same orchestra to play two completely different symphonies back-to-back. At Willow, it’s all about bravery and revs—nine corners, wide open, where the 250 Grand Prix machines are pushed to their absolute edge. Then you arrive at INDE, and suddenly it’s a chess match—20-plus turns, precision over power, where corner speed writes the story. That contrast is exactly why our Vintage Cup, featuring the 250 GP class, stands as the centerpiece of AHRMA’s 2026 season. It rewards not just speed, but adaptability, preparation, and a rider’s feel for the machine beneath them.
“Congratulations to the entire 250 GP field for putting on a spectacular show, and especially to Paul Germain and Craig Hirko on their impressive wins. If these rounds proved anything, it’s that the plot is only getting richer as we head to Nebraska”, said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, AHRMA Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Rounds nine and 10 of the AHRMA National Road Race Series Presented by VIB-ISO will be held May 15-17 at Motorsport Park Hastings, Hastings, Nebraska.
From Bob Robbins, co-Chairman of the AHRMA Safety Committee “AHRMA’s RWAF (Roadracing World Action Fund) fundraising continues to improve our racers’ safety with the use of Airfence soft barrier at both Willow Springs and Inde Motorsports Ranch. The Roadracing World Action Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit was founded in 2000 by John Ulrich and continues to protect racers & track day riders when things go wrong. To donate go to roadracingworld.com/actionfund.”
The annual Vintage Cup spotlights one of AHRMA’s road racing classes with extra attention on competitors in the selected class during each race event. Enhanced awards for the Vintage Cup competitors are presented separately from other class trophies during the Saturday awards ceremony at each AHRMA National Road Race event. Highlights from each Vintage Cup race are reported on RoadracingWorld.com and in the print version of Roadracing World magazine. At the conclusion of each season, the perpetual Vintage Cup trophy is engraved with the national championship winner’s name and presented to the winner at the National Awards Banquet to keep for one year.
2026 AHRMA Roadracing Series Presented by VIB-ISO, 250GP – Vintage Cup Results
Big Willow/Willow Springs Raceway – Saturday, April 17, 2026
1. 61 Paul Germain, 1967 Yamaha DTIRR, Winnipeg, MB
2. 760 Dustin Johnson, 1968 Yamaha YCS1, San Francisco, CA
3. 13 Jason Lindquist, 1968 Yamaha DT-1, Chula Vista, CA
4. 58 Paul Piskor, 1965 Bridgestone SR175, San Diego, CA
Big Willow/Willow Springs Raceway – Sunday, April 18, 2026
1. 61 Paul Germain, 1967 Yamaha DTIRR, Winnipeg, MB
2. 760 Dustin Johnson, 1968 Yamaha YCS1, San Francisco, CA
3. 13 Jason Lindquist, 1968 Yamaha DT-1, Chula Vista, CA
Inde Motorsports Ranch – Saturday, April 25, 2026
1. 641 Craig Hirko, 1967 Bridgestone TA 1, Newark Valley, NY
2. 50H Holly Varey, 1968 VanTech CS3, Brantford, ON
3. 760 Dustin Johnson, 1968 Yamaha YCS1, San Francisco, CA
4. 61 Paul Germain, 1967 Yamaha DTIRR, Winnipeg, MB
5. 13 Jason Lindquist, 1968 Yamaha DT-1, Chula Vista, CA
6. 58 Paul Piskor, 1965 Bridgestone SR175, San Diego, CA
Inde Motorsports Ranch – Sunday, April 26, 2026
1. 641 Craig Hirko, 1967 Bridgestone TA 1, Newark Valley, NY
2. 50H Holly Varey, 1968 VanTech CS3, Brantford, ON
3. 13 Jason Lindquist, 1968 Yamaha DT-1, Chula Vista, CA
4. 760 Dustin Johnson, 1968 Yamaha YCS1, San Francisco, CA
5. 58 Paul Piskor, 1965 Bridgestone SR175, San Diego, CA
6. 61 Paul Germain, 1967 Yamaha DTIRR, Winnipeg, MB
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
Craig Hirko (641) and Holly Varey (50H) in action at Inde Motorsports Ranch. Photo by Skywest Media.
Jojoe Dabalos (619), Nathan Gravelle (210), Chris Binker (73), Quin Swift (20) at the start of the Ultra-Lightweight Shoootout. Photo by Caliphotography
The final round of the CVMA 2025/2026 Winter Series kicked off on Friday, 4/24/2026, with racer practice and the New Racer School. Four enthusiastic riders completed the program and are now set to compete in the amateur ranks with CVMA. Perfect weather greeted the weekend, with sunshine and surprisingly cool temperatures adding to the thrill. On track, racers pushed their limits in fierce battles for the double championship points on offer in the series finale.
Saturday night featured a spirited club event, complete with a delicious dinner, thrilling raffles, and generous giveaways from our vendors and sponsors supporting the club. The weekend of racing action was awesome, and it was a fitting finale for the CVMA 2025/2026 Winter Series.
Saturday Qualifying
The fastest of all in Saturday morning qualifying was Brenden Ketelesen, turning a 1:44.829 lap time on his middleweight bike.
Michael Gilbert was fastest on an open-class bike, turning a 1:46.008 lap time.
Gio Alvarez was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:49.748 lap time.
Nathan Gravelle was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:57.833 lap time.
Joel Ohman was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:50.708 lap time.
Saturday Races
Standout racers on Saturday included:
● Mark Degross won two open-class races.
● Eugene McMahel won two amateur open-class races.
● Joel Ohman won both CVMA Hooligans races.
● Gio Alvarez won two lightweight races.
● Ryan Champ won two amateur middleweight races.
Michael Gilbert winning The Shootout. Photo by Caliphotography
Sunday Shootouts
In the premier race of the day, The Shootout, Michael Gilbert got the holeshot on his BPR Yamaha YZF-R1. At the completion of the first lap, Gilbert led, followed by Nicholas Ciling and Aldo Rovirosa in second and third, respectively, all riders on Yamaha YZF-R1s. Rovirosa carried tremendous speed around turn thirteen (the bowl) and set up an inside pass for second in turn fourteen, demoting Ciling to third on the second lap. Things spread out after that, with all the racers maintaining positions until the eighth lap. On lap eight, Mark DeGross (Yamaha YZFR1) made a pass on Ciling to take third. Unfortunately, DeGross crashed out in turn seven on the last lap, handing third back to Ciling. In the end, it was Gilbert for the win, Rovirosa second, and Ciling third. The race win secured the Shootout class championship for Gilbert, earning him his fourth CVMA #1 plate!
Brenden Ketelesen leading the Middleweight Shootout. Photo by Caliphotography
At the start of the Middleweight Shootout, Brenden Ketelesen (Yamaha YZF-R9) was first off the line and into turn one, followed by Alexander Enriquez (Yamaha YZF-R9) and Jack Roach (Kawasaki ZX-6R). Ketelesen and Enriquez ran nose to tail until the fourth lap when Enriquez crashed out, handing second to Roach and Third to Alberto Rovirosa (Yamaha YZF-R6). The order was unchanged for the remainder of the race, with Ketelesen taking the win, Roach second, Rovirosa third.
Gio Alvarez leading the Lightweight Shootout. Photo by Caliphotography
The Formula Lightweight Twins Shootout started with Gio Alvarez (Aprilia RS 660) getting the hole shot with Matt Cavarlez (Kramer HKR EVO2-690) second and Andrew Krall (Yamaha YZF-R7) third. Krall was able to take second on the third lap from Cavarlez. On the Final lap Harry Brehm (Aprilia RS 660) made a charge from fourth to second, passing Cavarlez for third into turn four and then going around Krall in turn 11. At the stripe, it was Alvarez with a runaway win, followed by Brehm in second and Krall third.
At the start of the Formula Ultra Lightweight Shootout, Nathan Gravelle (Kawasaki Ninja 500) was first, followed by Jojo Dabalos (Kawasaki Ninja 400) and Anthony Estrada (Kawasaki Ninja 400). At the halfway point, Estrada passed Dabalos for second. Gravelle made a big mistake and ran off the track while leading on lap six. This handed the lead to Estrada, second to Dabalos, and third to Chris Binker. At the finish, it was Estrada for the win, Dabalos second, and Binker third.
CVMA looks forward to following our racers as they compete with other organizations around the world during our summer break. The CVMA 2026/2027 Winter Series is scheduled to kick off with round one on October 23-25, 2026, and we look forward to seeing everyone back at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in the fall for another great season of the best club racing anywhere!
CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.
CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting in racing on the Friday before each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.
CVMA. For racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!
CVMA would also like to thank the 2024/2025 Winter Series Sponsors: Support Moto Racing, Apex Assassins, Ryder Gear, CaliPhotography, Racers Edge/Dunlop, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, 2 Fast Track Days, LapSnap
NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop
Nicolo Bulega (11), Iker Lecuona (7) and Sam Lowes (14) at Assen. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Nine from nine: Bulega targets record run at Balaton Park.
Recent Form and Momentum
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) continues to lead the Championship standings after another dominant performance in Assen, where he secured three further victories. Having won all nine races of the 2026 season so far, the Italian has amassed 186 points and holds a 69-point advantage over teammate Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati).
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati duo has dominated recent rounds, locking out the top two positions in the last six races, with Lecuona finishing runner-up in each of those outings.
Thanks to three third-place finishes at Assen, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) has climbed to third in the standings with 82 points, moving ahead of Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), who drops to fourth after a more challenging Dutch Round.
Oliveira, the leading non-Ducati rider, is level on 69 points with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team).
Iker Lecuona (7) at Assen. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Team & Rider News
Honda HRC has confirmed that, although Jake Dixon continues to make good progress in his recovery, he will not be fit to race at the Motul Hungarian Round. The British rider will be replaced by Japan’s Yuki Kunii.
Historical Performance
The 2025 season marked the first visit to Balaton Park in WorldSBK history. Toprak Razgatlioglu completed a clean sweep across the three races that weekend.
Nicolo Bulega finished second in both Race 1 and Race 2, while Sam Lowes and Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) also featured on the podium.
Nicolo Bulega (11) at Assen. Photo courtesy WSBK.
At Stakes This Weekend
On a winning streak since the 2025 Spanish Round, Nicolo Bulega has claimed victory in the last 13 races, equalling the all-time WorldSBK record for consecutive wins set by three-time Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu. A win in Race 1 at the Motul Hungarian Round would see the Italian become the outright record holder for most consecutive victories in WorldSBK history.
With a perfect tally of nine wins from the first nine races of 2026, Bulegaheads to Balaton Park with a chance to extend his winning streak to 12. Doing so would surpass the all-time record of 11 consecutive victories, set by Neil Hodgson in 2003 and matched by Alvaro Bautista in 2019.
All to play for: one point splits Masia and Arenas at Balaton Park
WSSP Race start at Assen. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Recent Form and Momentum
Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) continues to lead the Championship standings ahead of the Hungarian Round, but his advantage has been reduced to just one point over Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team). The two Spaniards are locked together on 106 and 105 points respectively after Arenas secured two second-place finishes at Assen.
Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) sits third in the standings with 79 points, the German rider arriving in Hungary on a high after claiming his maiden WorldSSP victory in Race 2 at Assen.
Valentin Debise (ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) holds fourth place with 72 points, followed by fellow Frenchman Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) on 54 points.
After securing his first podium of the season, Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) has moved up to sixth in the standings.
Valentin Debise (53) at Assen. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Historical Performance
The 2025 season marked the first WorldSSP visit to Balaton Park, where 2025 Champion Stefano Manzi completed a dominant double victory.
Can Oncu featured on the podium in both races, finishing second and third, while Simon Jespersen (EAB Racing Team) secured second place in Race 2.
Bryanna Everitt (93), Emily Dickson (99) and Brianna Cutler (35) at Road Atlanta. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield.
The Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. (BTR) Road Race program embarked on its sixth year at the opening round of the 2026 MotoAmerica season, as the opening two races were held at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta last weekend.
The 2026 Build.Train.Race. Road Race program, whereby 10 female competitors each build their own race-spec Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 models, sees six new riders enter the series for 2026, alongside four returning competitors from 2025. Of the 10-rider lineup, four of these are international racers from Brazil, including returning racers Tati Paze and Karina Simoes, plus new to the program Sany Max Falci and Juliana Bernardes.
The first of this year’s four-round, eight-race Championship, saw the all-female road racing series Class of ‘26 take on the undulating Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta circuit. A combination of both new and returning riders on identical Royal Enfield machinery took to the grid for the first time this year, following on from their Build.Train.Race. Flat Track counterparts season start at Daytona in March.
Brianna Cutler after winning race 1 and 2 at Road Atlanta. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield.
Race One saw a four-way battle for the podium across a five-lap dash, as Brianna Cutler took victory for the first time this season. Jasmine Noelle and Bryanna Everitt completed the podium, as all three riders finished within a second of each other. Emily Dickson was unfortunate to crash at the final corner, while fighting for a podium position in her debut BTR event.
Brianna Cutler completed a double victory, following a commanding Race Two win, as the podium was once again completed with a second-place finish for Jasmine Noelle, and third-place for Bryanna Everitt.
Adrian Sellers, Head – Custom & Motorsport at Royal Enfield said:“It’s always a pleasure to welcome the new riders to the Build.Train.Race. program, and see who will lay down an early marker for the season at the opening round. It’s also exciting to witness the progress of these new riders, and track their development from this first round throughout the season. Brianna Cutler’s off-season dedication and practice paid off, and she couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year. I’m looking forward to seeing who will challenge her at Round Two in a month’s time.”
Next up for the Build.Train.Race. Road Racing program is Road America, Wisconsin, 29-31 May, which will host the third and fourth races of this season’s Championship.
The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created beautifully crafted motorcycles since 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. A leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market, Royal Enfields are engaging, uncomplicated, accessible and fun to ride; a vehicle for exploration and self-expression. It’s an approach the brand calls ‘Pure Motorcycling’.
Royal Enfield’s premium middleweight line-up includes a range of twin-cylinder 650cc models including the Bear 650, INT 650, Continental GT 650, Shotgun 650 and Super Meteor 650. In addition, the new liquid-cooled Sherpa 450 engine has garnered great interest with the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450. The even more affordable 350cc models consist of the Hunter 350, Meteor 350, Bullet 350, Classic 350 and Goan Classic 350. Riders and a passionate community are fostered with a rich profusion of events at a local, regional and international level. Royal Enfield operates through nearly 4,000 stores in 80+ countries around the globe, including approximately 150 dealers in North America.
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to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
