WERA Motorcycle Roadracing Kicks Off 2026 Northeast Season at Grattan Raceway While Bidding Farewell to a Long-Running Engagement
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is proud to announce the opening of the 2026 Northeast region season with an exciting event at Grattan Raceway in Michigan on May 16–17. Pre-registration is currently open and will remain available through midnight on May 9th. Those who miss the deadline can still register at the track.
As the season gets underway, WERA also marks the end of a significant chapter in its history. Since 2009, WERA has been contracted by the American Motorcyclist Association to manage and operate the roadracing portion of Vintage Motorcycle Days, one of the most celebrated events in the vintage motorcycle community. Over the course of that 15-year engagement, WERA’s oversight of the roadracing program transformed the competition into something the grassroots road racing community could be proud of, growing participation dramatically, and in recent years achieving record numbers with over 200 riders competing in the roadrace portion alone.
That growth didn’t happen by accident. It was the product of years of operational expertise, dedication to the competitor experience, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the “vintage” in Vintage Motorcycle Days, ensuring that the roadracing program remained true to its roots and accessible to the riders and machines that define the vintage racing community.
The AMA has announced that moving forward, Vintage Motorcycle Days will bring the roadracing operation in-house, with MotoAmerica assisting in timing and scoring, a direction that reflects a different vision for what the event will be. WERA wishes the AMA well and is proud of what was built over the last 15 years.
For WERA moving forward, the mission remains the same: providing roadracers with the most competitive, well-organized, and accessible racing program in the country. That mission continues this season in the Northeast at Grattan Raceway on May 16–17.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the premier organization for developing talent in the sport of motorcycle roadracing. Our legacy of producing professional riders at the national and world level is second to none. All events are organized and operated by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and are co-sanctioned by the AMA. Competition is available for riders of all skill levels in the WERA Sportsman Series, as well as the Pro-Am Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series. WERA also proudly hosts a dedicated Vintage Racing program. For those seeking maximum seat time and real-world experience, the National Endurance Series offers both Ultralightweight and Big Bike Endurance events. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted AMA Track Organizer of the Year in both 2017 and 2024. There is something for everyone with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing!
For further information contact WERA Motorcycle Roadracing or check the web site at www.wera.com.
Round three of the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK) will be held at The Bend from May 1-3, in what is shaping as a tantalising ‘make or break’ round for riders as the calendar hits the halfway mark.
In a break from recent tradition, The Bend takes its place in the ASBK Championship during the ‘meaty’ part of the season rather than the hosting the grand finale. However, the stakes will be just as high across the five championship classes – SW-Motech Superbike, Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen, Race and Road Supersport 300 and the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup – with the balance of power capable of changing in the blink of an eye.
In the premier Superbike class, Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati) has the target on his back after winning three of the opening five races, but there’s a pack of hard-chargers desperate to reign him in as the championship reaches a critical juncture.
The Bend’s on-track schedule will also feature the 2026 Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship – featuring 10 Australian riders – sports car action thanks to the season-opening round of the Radical Cup Australia Series, pillion rides behind former Australian Superbike champion and ASBK TV commentator Steve Martin, and stunt shows courtesy of the fearless Tjay Stuntz.
There will be plenty of off-track entertainment as well, including a bike display in the circuit’s welcome centre – which will also host ASBK media conferences across the weekend – the ASBK Trade Alley, and a free pitlane walk on Sunday.
One rider who will return to The Bend with fond memories is Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati), who wrapped up a fifth Australian Superbike title at the Tailem Bend venue in November 2025.
Waters returns to The Bend second in the 2026 championship behind his teammate Voight, with the pair having won four of the five races so far.
Voight leads Waters by 14pts (110 to 96), with Jacob Roulstone (Motocity Honda, 95pts) next in line after a promising start to his local Superbike career.
Waters has a huge body of work at The Bend to call upon – 15 races for two victories and six podiums – while Voight and Roulstone will be making their premier class debuts around the world-class 4.95km layout – but as the duo’s already proven this season they aren’t averse to challenges.
Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati, 73pts) is in fourth spot after making huge gains at Sydney Motorsport Park’s round two with a pair of podium finishes, with the next six riders then separated by 12pts: Anthony West (DesmoSport Ducati, 72pts), Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools East Racing Yamaha, 71pts), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati, 71pts), Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team, 67pts), Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team, 65pts) and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 60pts).
Jones is the only other Superbike rider who has winning form at The Bend and, after a subdued start to 2026 with just a best finish of fifth, the reigning No. 2 is looking to begin his resurgence in Sunday’s two 11-lap races. His record at The Bend is outstanding, with three pole positions and eight podiums (for three wins) in 11 races.
Meanwhile, crashes for Dunker and Nahlous in Sydney brought them back to the field after multiple podium finishes, but look out for the young hard-chargers to rebound strongly in South Australia.
John Lytras (Yamaha), Marcus Hamod (Motocity Honda) and Josh Newman (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati) will also push for top-10 finishes, while local star Ty Lynch (AMR Motorsports Yamaha) has performed a miracle mission to be on the grid on a new YZF-R1 after his previous machine exploded in flames during pre-event testing a few weeks ago.
ASBK Paddock at The Bend. Photo courtesy ASBK.
Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen
Two separate championships but with similar performance characteristics makes for cut-throat racing, which is what we’ve seen at the opening two rounds of the Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen Championships.
With three victories on the trot and pole position at the last round in Sydney, Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) has surged into the Supersport lead on 96pts ahead of Valentino Knezovic (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 94pts) and Josh Soderland (Yamaha, 74pts).
At The Bend, the contenders will also include local lads Ghage Plowman (Yamaha), Sam Pezzetta (Yamaha) and Jordy Simpson (Yamaha) who will be digging deep in front of friends and family to give the interstate riders some curry.
In the Next Gen class, Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati, 108pts) leads the way from BCperformance Kawasaki teammates Tom Edwards (104pts) and Hayden Nelson (101pts) and Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati), who will be out to make amends after a mechanical issue saw him retire from race two in Sydney.
Edwards recently made his FIM Endurance World Championship debut in France, finishing eighth in the Le Mans 24-hour.
Farnsworth (#49) and Olly Simpson (#45) lead the way in round two Supersport/Supersport Next Gen action. Photo courtesy ASBK
Race and Road Supersport 300
Two rounds with five races and four different winners – sounds about normal for the perennially unpredictable intermediate class!
New Zealander Tyler King (Kawasaki, 95pts), who finished third in the title last year, leads the way after a win and three second-place finishes. He’s in front of boom class rookie, Orlando Peovitis (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki, 85pts), with the Sandgroper trouncing the field in Sydney with a combined winning margin of over 11 seconds across the two races.
Third overall is Jordy Simpson (Yamaha, 82pts), and then only 22pts back to 10th place is Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki). In between sit Blue Marlin Pools East Racing Yamaha pair Phoenix O’Brien (79pts) and Jake Senior (75pts), Lincoln Knight (Yamaha, 69pts), Rossi McAdam (Yamaha, 68pts), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki, 67pts) and Seth Dellow (Yamaha, 66pts).
Tyler King (128). Photo courtesy ASBK.
BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup
The BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup kicked off in Sydney, with the academy riders producing a belter.
Tom Cameron may have won all three races, but his largest winning margin was just 0.039secs when he edged out Callum Campbell in the opening bout.
The final race under lights was the highlight, with six riders covered by 0.21secs – Cameron pipping Patrick Lucchitti, Austin Attard, Lucas Hyslop, Charlie Nichols and Campbell.
The Bend is the next challenge, on a circuit where the fleet of diminutive Yamaha YZF-R15s are pushed to the limit.
Cameron takes a 22pt (75 to 53) lead over Attard and Lucchitti into The Bend, with Nichols (51pts) and Campbell (50pts) also well placed.
Thomas Cameron (#23) leads during a thrillng six-way fight at the front in Sydney’s race three. Photo courtesy ASBK
For more information on the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli:
Albert Arenas was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Superpole qualifying Friday afternoonn at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his AS BLU CRU Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R9 on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:42.050, topping the field of 33 riders.
Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:42.255 on his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9.
Matteo Ferrari was third with a lap time of 1:42.354 on his WRP Racing Ducati Panigale V2.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 6th with a 1:42.568 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.
Superpole stunner: Arenas profits from Masia’s crash to take pole in front of several riders earning personal bests. Arenas will start from pole for the first time this season, while his title rival languishes back in P25.
The FIM Supersport World Championship tore onto the tarmac at Balaton Park Circuit for their Motul Hungarian Round. Friday afternoon saw fireworks at the lakeside venue as the paddock returned for the second time to the circuit. Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) took P1, ahead of Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) in second and third. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) crashed off the track on the fast Turn 8. While he walked away unharmed, the mechanics were unable to repair the bike in time to set an improved time, meaning the Championship leader will start from P25.
SIEZING THE INITIATIVE: Arenas takes pole while his title rival tumbles to P25
Albert Arenas strived to take full advantage of the Riders’ Championship leader’s crash; he hung around the top positions the entire session and hit his mark late in the event as a 1’42.050s time sent him to pole position for the first time this season. Can Oncu looked stronger than the start of his season so far as he led the session early, breaking the standing lap record of 1’42.799 set last season by his rival Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team). While he improved his time to 1’42.255s, he will start from P2 for his second front row of the season. The former MotoE rider was taking no prisoners in the session as Matteo Ferrari tussled with Oncu for pole position early on. He will enjoy the first front-row start of his WorldSSP career in Race 1, finishing a tenth behind Oncu. While Masia’s lowside crash left his bike worse for wear, he has a history of strong recovery rides. Here at Balaton Park last year, he made lemonade out of lemons as he started P31 and finished P7 in Race 1.
Can Oncu (61) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WSBK.
JESPERSEN JUMPS FORWARD AGAIN: The Balaton Park specialist takes his season’s best Superpole placement
Simon Jespersen (EAB Racing Team) enjoyed another breakout day at Balaton as he improved his previous best Superpole result of the season, from P10 to P4. He hopes to capitalize to take his second-ever WorldSSP podium on Saturday afternoon. Two tenths behind the Dane, Filippo Farioli (VFT Racing) was fast at Balaton again as his 1’42.557s time took him to P5 to follow up on his fourth place qualification here last year. Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) snagged the final spot of the second row, a mere nine thousandths behind Farioli. He hopes to get his ZXMOTO SRK820RR back on the podium this weekend.
Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) has set a strong base of results in the top ten so far in 2026, but at Balaton Park, he’s aiming higher as he will start from P9.
GARCIA P7: His teammate Mahias slips to P15
Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) carried the GMT94 Yamaha flag on the day as he took a team-high P7 with a lap time of 1’42.601s ahead of teammate Lucas Mahias, who slipped to P15. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) continues to pick up his pace in 2026 after setting a season-high Superpole session placement of P8 on the back of his 1’42.623s time. Federico Caricasulo (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) was similarly showing signs of improvement, as for the second time on ZXMOTO machinery, he earned a top ten spot. The Italian took P9 with a time of 1’42.713s. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) rounded out the top ten with a time four hundredths slower than the Italian. He hopes to emulate his Assen successes in the races to come.
Albert Arenas on pole position at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Iker Lecuona was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 2 (FP2) Friday afternoon at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:38.860 to lead the field of 22 riders.
His teammate, Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:38.963. Sam Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:39.001 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 14th with a 1:39.991 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Danilo Petrucci was 15th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a time of 1:40.164.
A tenth in it: Lecuona completes Friday clean sweep ahead of Bulega at Balaton Park. The #7 topped both Free Practice sessions in Hungary as he laid down a gauntlet on the opening day of action at Balaton Park.
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) made it two from two on Friday in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as he topped both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 at the Balaton Park Circuit. There was just a tenth between Lecuona and teammate Nicolo Bulega at the Motul Hungarian Round, while Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) claimed third place.
LECUONA ON TOP: Little to separate the top three, Surra impresses with P5
After topping Free Practice 1 this morning, Lecuona backed that up with top spot in Free Practice 2 with his last flying lap. The #7 set a 1’38.860s to demote teammate Bulega into second place after the Championship leader set a 1’38.963s. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) just missed out on a time in the 1’38s as he posted a 1’39.001s to secure P3, with the #14 also putting in some impressively consistent laps across a 17-lap run. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) was fourth as he worked on some ergonomics on his Panigale V4R, just four tenths off top spot, while rookie Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) was a surprise name as he claimed fifth. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and teammate Alvaro Bautista rounded out the top seven, with just 0.044s separating the two Barni Ducati riders on the timesheets. Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) and Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) were 11th and 12th.
Nicolo Bulega (11) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
IN THE TOP TEN: Both Bimotas in the mix for a strong result?
Both Bimota riders were in the top ten on Friday, with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) ahead of teammate Axel Bassani. The #22 finished in eight place with a 1’38.584s, losing a lot of ground in the second half of the lap, while Bassani was two places back, with two tenths between the two Bimota competitors.
NEW FAIRING AT BMW: Oliveira in the top ten, Petrucci crashes
BMW introduced a slightly revised fairing for this weekend, featuring fins on the lower part of the fairing, while they also worked on the electronic settings. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claimed ninth place as he ran the new item, setting a 1’39.684s to claim a spot in the top ten. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was 15thafter he had a strange crash at Turn 3 in the final third of FP2. He also lost around 10 minutes of running in FP1 due to an airbox issue.
LOCATELLI ON TOP IN BLUE: The #55 finishes as the highest-placed Yamaha rider
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was the fastest Yamaha rider on Day 1 at Balaton Park, although he was in 13th place after posting a 1’39.974s. Teammate Xavi Vierge was 16th, around three tenths behind his teammate, although he was a tenth clear of rookie Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in 17th. The #62 headed teammate Remy Gardner by one tenth, with no one between them. Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 19th and Mattia Rato (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 21st.
GERLOFF IN 14TH: Aiming for more on Saturday
American star Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) was sixth in FP1 after bolting on some fresh tyres at the end of the 45-minute session, but the #31 finished in 14th overall as everyone – including the Texan – found time in FP2. He set a 1’39.991s to finish 1.131s off the pace.
TRICKY START TO HONDA: Chantra returns, Kunii gets first taste of WorldSBK
Somkiat Chantra (Honda HRC) led Honda’s charge on Friday at Balaton Park ahead of teammate Yuki Kunii. The #35 set a 1’40.914s on his way to 20th as he made his return to action after being forced to miss the races at Assen after his heavy FP3 crash. Kunii is making his WorldSBK debut in Hungary, a track he knows from Moto2 last year, as he brought up the WorldSBK field. He posted a 1’42.121s as he finished in 22nd place.
The top six from Friday’s WorldSBK running, full results here:
1. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’38.860s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.103s
3. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.141s
4. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.437s
5. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) +0.522s
6. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.621s
Maria Herrera topped FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Superpole qualifying Friday afternoon at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera lapped the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) course in 1:52.264 to top the field of 24 riders and earn pole position.
Paola Ramos was the best of the rest with a 1:52.826 on her Klint Racing Yamaha YZF-R7, and her teammate, Paola Ramos, earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:53.587.
American Mallory Dobbs got 17th on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 with a time of 1:56.963.
Herrera stays perfect in 2026 WorldWCR Superpole sessions while Ramos crashes out late to sit P2. The #6 takes her first pole at the Hungarian Circuit while both of her title rivals struggled to keep up.
The FIM Women’s World Championship rolled out onto the scenic lakeside Balaton Park Circuit for the opening Tissot Superpole session of the Motul Hungarian Round to set their grid for another heart-pounding round of racing. Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) took pole position for her third pole of the season. Behind her Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) and Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) will form the front row for Saturday’s Race 1.
Paola Ramos (58) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
HERRERA SAILS FREE: Outpaces the pack by more than half a second to sit pole
Just after the session started, Emily Bondi (FT Racing Academy) came to grief with a highside crash on Turn 15-16, bringing out the red flag with 22 minutes to go as she was taken to the medical centre for further examination where later she was deemed fit. Maria Herrera held off Paola Ramos for pole position on account of her 1’52.264s lap, breaking Chloe Jones’s (Monster Energy Crescent Yamaha) standing track record of 1’53.089s by nearly eight tenths of a second. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) was trading hot laps for her first pole of the season when, from P2 with two minutes left, she was unable to improve on her 1’52.826s time as she came into Turn 1 out of shape, lost the front, and saw gravel. Roberta Ponziani took a pair of P4s here last season and was sitting in P3 when she unfortunately crashed out of the session on Turn 12-13. Her 1.53.587s held on however, to land the Italian P3 on Saturday.
SARAPUECH SOARS: Improves her personal best Superpole result of P12 to P4
Muklada Sarapuech (EEST NJT Racing Team) continues to shine in her third wildcard appearance of the season, clinching fourth place in what was her best Superpole performance as of yet by far with a 1’53.923s time landing her 1.7s out from P1. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) took a race win and a podium here last season, but her 1’53.969s pace was unable to fight with the riders at the front as she fell to P5. Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) crashed out of a WorldWCR race for her first time ever last round, despite having competed in all three seasons so far of the Championship. Undeterred, she rode as high as P4 on the session and finished in P6 with a 1.54.098s time. Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) took her best Superpole result last time out, and while a Race 1 injury ruled her out for the rest of the round, she is back in business in P7 after a 1’54.167s time.
SPEED DEMON: Despite setting the fastest max speed of the session of 197.1km/h, the Brit falls to P7
Astrid Madrigal (Pons Italika Racing FIMLA) didn’t crash in the session but ran only seven laps compared to most of the pack’s 11 or 12. She opted for quality over quantity, however, and took eighth place with a time of 1’54.457s. Behind her, with her first top ten Superpole result of 2026, Chloe Jones landed P9, just under two tenths behind Madrigal. Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) keeps her top ten Superpole session streak alive in 2026 as she snags the last spot of the top 10.
Jaume Masia was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2 on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:42.965, topping the field of 33 riders.
Matteo Ferrari was the best of the rest with a 1:43.021 on his WRP Racing Ducati Panigale V2.
Can Oncu was third with a lap time of 1:43.173 on his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 11th with a 1:43.760 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.
Iker Lecuona was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:39.454 to lead the field of 22 riders.
His teammate, Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:39.697. Sam Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:39.922 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 6th with a 1:40.576 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Danilo Petrucci was 15th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a time of 1:41.296.
Lecuona beats Bulega at Balaton Park in FP1 by 0.243s, Sam Lowes in P3. The #7 was quick throughout the session and left it until his last flying lap to claim P1 from his factory Ducati teammate.
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) set the pace in Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship ahead of teammate Nicolo Bulega by almost a quarter of a second at the Balaton Park Circuit. The two factory Ducati riders, combined with Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in third, were the only riders in the 1’39s bracket during the opening 45-minute session for the Motul Hungarian Round.
Lecuona put Bulega’s time under pressure in the latter stages of FP1 but was often losing out in Sector 4, which features having braking for Turn 15 heading into a technical sector. Having posted a 1’39.887s, the #7 briefly went into P1 and was often gaining time until the final section, before Bulega set a 1’39.697s to re-claim P1 – a position he held for most of the session before his teammate demoted him. On his last flying lap, Lecuona improved his time to a 1’39.454s to snatch P1 from his teammate by almost a quarter of a second to secure P1 in FP1. Bulega was forced to settle for second while Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) secured third place with a 1’39.922s, with the three Ducati riders the only riders in the 1’39s bracket.
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) finished fourth in FP1 as he tried a new seat on his Panigale V4R machine which Team Manager Denis Sacchetti said in pitlane was in order to move his weight on the back of the bike and make ‘Balda’ more comfortable. He set a 1’40.242s. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was fifth with Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) in sixth after the #31 slowly built his times as the session progressed.
Gerloff’s late improvement demoted Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) after the Portuguese rider set a 1’40.593s. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was eighth with Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) in ninth – it was this venue last year that he first jumped on his team’s Panigale V4R and impressed. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) rounded out the top ten.
Maria Herrera was fastest during FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Free Practice Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:54.179, topping the field of 24 riders.
Roberta Ponziani was the runner-up on her Klint Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R7 with a time of 1:54.366, and Beatriz Neila got third on her Ampito Crescent Yamaha YZF-R7 with a lap time of 1:54.416.
American Mallory Dobbs got 16th on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 with a lap time of 1:58.342.
On the Front Cover: Josh Herrin (2) leads Darryn Binder (53) on his way to a fifth (and fourth in a row) Daytona 200 win, earning $50,000. No matter what happens—
including hitting a careless camera man on pit lane during a pit stop—
Herrin always finds his way back to the front. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
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MAY 2026 ISSUE
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Inside Info: Bimota’s 4-cylinder KB399 sportbike has wings and
advanced electronics; Triumph’s 3-cylinder Daytona 660 has an
upgraded chassis; Loudon Classic offers $250,000 Purse and more…
MotoAmerica Daytona 200: Herrin Makes History
MotoAmerica Inside Info: Behind The Scenes
MotoAmerica: Robertino Pietri Returns
MotoAmerica: Seen At Daytona
MotoGP: Aprilia Wins And Takes Four Top-Five Places
MotoGP Notes: Aprilia’s Thai Ascendance
World Superbike: Bulega Sweeps In Australia
Superbike Notes: Gerloff’s Best Finish
COLUMNS
Letters To The Editor: Gina Bovaird Recognized
10 Years Ago: Andrea Dovizioso is on the cover of the May 2016
issue and his Ducati’s wings are drawing turbulence complaints
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The Crash Page: Di Mario, Grigg, and Webb At Daytona
2026 Racing, School & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride
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High Performance Parts & Services Directory
Chris Ulrich’s Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: More Daytona Podiums
MV Agusta introduces the Brutale 800 with a new Nero Carbonio livery, a refined expression of the brand’s iconic naked DNA, where performance, design, and advanced technology converge in a striking black and red interpretation.
The Brutale has always represented the purest embodiment of MV Agusta’s design philosophy, and the 800 Nero Carbonio further enhances this legacy with a bold, sophisticated aesthetic. The exclusive Nero Carbonio metallic finish adds a further premium touch thanks to an additional clear coat layer, while the livery is complemented by contrasting accents in MV Agusta’s most iconic colour, Rosso Ago, marking the painted frame and rims to create a dynamic and unmistakable visual identity.
Signature elements of the Brutale design remain at the core of the model: the distinctive LED drop-shaped headlight, the single-sided swingarm, and the iconic triple-exit exhaust system. The steel trellis frame ensures the perfect balance between rigidity and agility, while the look-through underseat design reinforces the bike’s lightweight and aggressive character.
MV Agusta Brutale 800 in Nero Carbonio, its black finish contrasted by a vivid red frame and wheels. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
The chassis delivers a dynamic setup worthy of the Brutale name, with a fully adjustable 43 mm Marzocchi USD fork, complemented by a progressive linkage-actuated Sachs monoshock. The braking system features new Brembo radial-mount M4.32 four-piston calipers with twin 320 mm floating discs up front. The setup rolls on Bridgestone S22 tyres and MV Agusta’s signature single-sided swingarm.
At its heart lies the renowned 800cc three-cylinder engine, delivering 113 horsepower and 85 Nm of torque. Engineered for both performance and riding pleasure, it features a counter-rotating shaft enhancing handling and stability.
The Brutale 800 in Nero Carbonio is equipped with a comprehensive and advanced electronic package as standard, ensuring riders have full control and adaptability across different riding conditions.
Built with passion and precision at MV Agusta’s historic factory in Varese, Italy, the Brutale 800 is manufactured under the highest quality standards and comes with a 5-year factory warranty — a testament to MV Agusta’s commitment to excellence, reliability, and customer trust.
The Brutale 800 with a new Nero Carbonio livery is available at an MSRP of €13,100 (Italy).
An aerial view of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during a past AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. Photo courtesy AMA.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing Kicks Off 2026 Northeast Season at Grattan Raceway While Bidding Farewell to a Long-Running Engagement
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is proud to announce the opening of the 2026 Northeast region season with an exciting event at Grattan Raceway in Michigan on May 16–17. Pre-registration is currently open and will remain available through midnight on May 9th. Those who miss the deadline can still register at the track.
As the season gets underway, WERA also marks the end of a significant chapter in its history. Since 2009, WERA has been contracted by the American Motorcyclist Association to manage and operate the roadracing portion of Vintage Motorcycle Days, one of the most celebrated events in the vintage motorcycle community. Over the course of that 15-year engagement, WERA’s oversight of the roadracing program transformed the competition into something the grassroots road racing community could be proud of, growing participation dramatically, and in recent years achieving record numbers with over 200 riders competing in the roadrace portion alone.
That growth didn’t happen by accident. It was the product of years of operational expertise, dedication to the competitor experience, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the “vintage” in Vintage Motorcycle Days, ensuring that the roadracing program remained true to its roots and accessible to the riders and machines that define the vintage racing community.
The AMA has announced that moving forward, Vintage Motorcycle Days will bring the roadracing operation in-house, with MotoAmerica assisting in timing and scoring, a direction that reflects a different vision for what the event will be. WERA wishes the AMA well and is proud of what was built over the last 15 years.
For WERA moving forward, the mission remains the same: providing roadracers with the most competitive, well-organized, and accessible racing program in the country. That mission continues this season in the Northeast at Grattan Raceway on May 16–17.
WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was founded in 1973 and remains the premier organization for developing talent in the sport of motorcycle roadracing. Our legacy of producing professional riders at the national and world level is second to none. All events are organized and operated by WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and are co-sanctioned by the AMA. Competition is available for riders of all skill levels in the WERA Sportsman Series, as well as the Pro-Am Pirelli/WERA National Challenge Series. WERA also proudly hosts a dedicated Vintage Racing program. For those seeking maximum seat time and real-world experience, the National Endurance Series offers both Ultralightweight and Big Bike Endurance events. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was voted AMA Track Organizer of the Year in both 2017 and 2024. There is something for everyone with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing!
For further information contact WERA Motorcycle Roadracing or check the web site at www.wera.com.
Voight (#29) leads the huge field of Superbikes in Sydney. Photo courtesy ASBK
Round three of the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK) will be held at The Bend from May 1-3, in what is shaping as a tantalising ‘make or break’ round for riders as the calendar hits the halfway mark.
In a break from recent tradition, The Bend takes its place in the ASBK Championship during the ‘meaty’ part of the season rather than the hosting the grand finale. However, the stakes will be just as high across the five championship classes – SW-Motech Superbike, Kawasaki Supersport/Supersport Next Gen, Race and Road Supersport 300 and the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup – with the balance of power capable of changing in the blink of an eye.
In the premier Superbike class, Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati) has the target on his back after winning three of the opening five races, but there’s a pack of hard-chargers desperate to reign him in as the championship reaches a critical juncture.
The Bend’s on-track schedule will also feature the 2026 Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship – featuring 10 Australian riders – sports car action thanks to the season-opening round of the Radical Cup Australia Series, pillion rides behind former Australian Superbike champion and ASBK TV commentator Steve Martin, and stunt shows courtesy of the fearless Tjay Stuntz.
There will be plenty of off-track entertainment as well, including a bike display in the circuit’s welcome centre – which will also host ASBK media conferences across the weekend – the ASBK Trade Alley, and a free pitlane walk on Sunday.
One rider who will return to The Bend with fond memories is Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati), who wrapped up a fifth Australian Superbike title at the Tailem Bend venue in November 2025.
Waters returns to The Bend second in the 2026 championship behind his teammate Voight, with the pair having won four of the five races so far.
Voight leads Waters by 14pts (110 to 96), with Jacob Roulstone (Motocity Honda, 95pts) next in line after a promising start to his local Superbike career.
Waters has a huge body of work at The Bend to call upon – 15 races for two victories and six podiums – while Voight and Roulstone will be making their premier class debuts around the world-class 4.95km layout – but as the duo’s already proven this season they aren’t averse to challenges.
Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati, 73pts) is in fourth spot after making huge gains at Sydney Motorsport Park’s round two with a pair of podium finishes, with the next six riders then separated by 12pts: Anthony West (DesmoSport Ducati, 72pts), Cameron Dunker (Blue Marlin Pools East Racing Yamaha, 71pts), Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati, 71pts), Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team, 67pts), Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha Racing Team, 65pts) and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 60pts).
Jones is the only other Superbike rider who has winning form at The Bend and, after a subdued start to 2026 with just a best finish of fifth, the reigning No. 2 is looking to begin his resurgence in Sunday’s two 11-lap races. His record at The Bend is outstanding, with three pole positions and eight podiums (for three wins) in 11 races.
Meanwhile, crashes for Dunker and Nahlous in Sydney brought them back to the field after multiple podium finishes, but look out for the young hard-chargers to rebound strongly in South Australia.
John Lytras (Yamaha), Marcus Hamod (Motocity Honda) and Josh Newman (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati) will also push for top-10 finishes, while local star Ty Lynch (AMR Motorsports Yamaha) has performed a miracle mission to be on the grid on a new YZF-R1 after his previous machine exploded in flames during pre-event testing a few weeks ago.
ASBK Paddock at The Bend. Photo courtesy ASBK.
Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen
Two separate championships but with similar performance characteristics makes for cut-throat racing, which is what we’ve seen at the opening two rounds of the Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen Championships.
With three victories on the trot and pole position at the last round in Sydney, Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) has surged into the Supersport lead on 96pts ahead of Valentino Knezovic (Addicted to Track Yamaha, 94pts) and Josh Soderland (Yamaha, 74pts).
At The Bend, the contenders will also include local lads Ghage Plowman (Yamaha), Sam Pezzetta (Yamaha) and Jordy Simpson (Yamaha) who will be digging deep in front of friends and family to give the interstate riders some curry.
In the Next Gen class, Olly Simpson (DesmoSport Ducati, 108pts) leads the way from BCperformance Kawasaki teammates Tom Edwards (104pts) and Hayden Nelson (101pts) and Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati), who will be out to make amends after a mechanical issue saw him retire from race two in Sydney.
Edwards recently made his FIM Endurance World Championship debut in France, finishing eighth in the Le Mans 24-hour.
Farnsworth (#49) and Olly Simpson (#45) lead the way in round two Supersport/Supersport Next Gen action. Photo courtesy ASBK
Race and Road Supersport 300
Two rounds with five races and four different winners – sounds about normal for the perennially unpredictable intermediate class!
New Zealander Tyler King (Kawasaki, 95pts), who finished third in the title last year, leads the way after a win and three second-place finishes. He’s in front of boom class rookie, Orlando Peovitis (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki, 85pts), with the Sandgroper trouncing the field in Sydney with a combined winning margin of over 11 seconds across the two races.
Third overall is Jordy Simpson (Yamaha, 82pts), and then only 22pts back to 10th place is Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki). In between sit Blue Marlin Pools East Racing Yamaha pair Phoenix O’Brien (79pts) and Jake Senior (75pts), Lincoln Knight (Yamaha, 69pts), Rossi McAdam (Yamaha, 68pts), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki, 67pts) and Seth Dellow (Yamaha, 66pts).
Tyler King (128). Photo courtesy ASBK.
BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup
The BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup kicked off in Sydney, with the academy riders producing a belter.
Tom Cameron may have won all three races, but his largest winning margin was just 0.039secs when he edged out Callum Campbell in the opening bout.
The final race under lights was the highlight, with six riders covered by 0.21secs – Cameron pipping Patrick Lucchitti, Austin Attard, Lucas Hyslop, Charlie Nichols and Campbell.
The Bend is the next challenge, on a circuit where the fleet of diminutive Yamaha YZF-R15s are pushed to the limit.
Cameron takes a 22pt (75 to 53) lead over Attard and Lucchitti into The Bend, with Nichols (51pts) and Campbell (50pts) also well placed.
Thomas Cameron (#23) leads during a thrillng six-way fight at the front in Sydney’s race three. Photo courtesy ASBK
For more information on the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli:
Albert Arenas (75) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Albert Arenas was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Superpole qualifying Friday afternoonn at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his AS BLU CRU Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R9 on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:42.050, topping the field of 33 riders.
Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:42.255 on his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9.
Matteo Ferrari was third with a lap time of 1:42.354 on his WRP Racing Ducati Panigale V2.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 6th with a 1:42.568 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.
Superpole stunner: Arenas profits from Masia’s crash to take pole in front of several riders earning personal bests. Arenas will start from pole for the first time this season, while his title rival languishes back in P25.
The FIM Supersport World Championship tore onto the tarmac at Balaton Park Circuit for their Motul Hungarian Round. Friday afternoon saw fireworks at the lakeside venue as the paddock returned for the second time to the circuit. Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) took P1, ahead of Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) in second and third. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) crashed off the track on the fast Turn 8. While he walked away unharmed, the mechanics were unable to repair the bike in time to set an improved time, meaning the Championship leader will start from P25.
SIEZING THE INITIATIVE: Arenas takes pole while his title rival tumbles to P25
Albert Arenas strived to take full advantage of the Riders’ Championship leader’s crash; he hung around the top positions the entire session and hit his mark late in the event as a 1’42.050s time sent him to pole position for the first time this season. Can Oncu looked stronger than the start of his season so far as he led the session early, breaking the standing lap record of 1’42.799 set last season by his rival Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team). While he improved his time to 1’42.255s, he will start from P2 for his second front row of the season. The former MotoE rider was taking no prisoners in the session as Matteo Ferrari tussled with Oncu for pole position early on. He will enjoy the first front-row start of his WorldSSP career in Race 1, finishing a tenth behind Oncu. While Masia’s lowside crash left his bike worse for wear, he has a history of strong recovery rides. Here at Balaton Park last year, he made lemonade out of lemons as he started P31 and finished P7 in Race 1.
Can Oncu (61) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WSBK.
JESPERSEN JUMPS FORWARD AGAIN: The Balaton Park specialist takes his season’s best Superpole placement
Simon Jespersen (EAB Racing Team) enjoyed another breakout day at Balaton as he improved his previous best Superpole result of the season, from P10 to P4. He hopes to capitalize to take his second-ever WorldSSP podium on Saturday afternoon. Two tenths behind the Dane, Filippo Farioli (VFT Racing) was fast at Balaton again as his 1’42.557s time took him to P5 to follow up on his fourth place qualification here last year. Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) snagged the final spot of the second row, a mere nine thousandths behind Farioli. He hopes to get his ZXMOTO SRK820RR back on the podium this weekend.
Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) has set a strong base of results in the top ten so far in 2026, but at Balaton Park, he’s aiming higher as he will start from P9.
GARCIA P7: His teammate Mahias slips to P15
Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) carried the GMT94 Yamaha flag on the day as he took a team-high P7 with a lap time of 1’42.601s ahead of teammate Lucas Mahias, who slipped to P15. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) continues to pick up his pace in 2026 after setting a season-high Superpole session placement of P8 on the back of his 1’42.623s time. Federico Caricasulo (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) was similarly showing signs of improvement, as for the second time on ZXMOTO machinery, he earned a top ten spot. The Italian took P9 with a time of 1’42.713s. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) rounded out the top ten with a time four hundredths slower than the Italian. He hopes to emulate his Assen successes in the races to come.
Albert Arenas on pole position at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WSBK.
Iker Lecuona (7) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Iker Lecuona was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 2 (FP2) Friday afternoon at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:38.860 to lead the field of 22 riders.
His teammate, Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:38.963. Sam Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:39.001 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 14th with a 1:39.991 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Danilo Petrucci was 15th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a time of 1:40.164.
A tenth in it: Lecuona completes Friday clean sweep ahead of Bulega at Balaton Park. The #7 topped both Free Practice sessions in Hungary as he laid down a gauntlet on the opening day of action at Balaton Park.
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) made it two from two on Friday in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as he topped both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 at the Balaton Park Circuit. There was just a tenth between Lecuona and teammate Nicolo Bulega at the Motul Hungarian Round, while Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) claimed third place.
LECUONA ON TOP: Little to separate the top three, Surra impresses with P5
After topping Free Practice 1 this morning, Lecuona backed that up with top spot in Free Practice 2 with his last flying lap. The #7 set a 1’38.860s to demote teammate Bulega into second place after the Championship leader set a 1’38.963s. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) just missed out on a time in the 1’38s as he posted a 1’39.001s to secure P3, with the #14 also putting in some impressively consistent laps across a 17-lap run. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) was fourth as he worked on some ergonomics on his Panigale V4R, just four tenths off top spot, while rookie Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) was a surprise name as he claimed fifth. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and teammate Alvaro Bautista rounded out the top seven, with just 0.044s separating the two Barni Ducati riders on the timesheets. Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) and Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) were 11th and 12th.
Nicolo Bulega (11) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
IN THE TOP TEN: Both Bimotas in the mix for a strong result?
Both Bimota riders were in the top ten on Friday, with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) ahead of teammate Axel Bassani. The #22 finished in eight place with a 1’38.584s, losing a lot of ground in the second half of the lap, while Bassani was two places back, with two tenths between the two Bimota competitors.
NEW FAIRING AT BMW: Oliveira in the top ten, Petrucci crashes
BMW introduced a slightly revised fairing for this weekend, featuring fins on the lower part of the fairing, while they also worked on the electronic settings. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claimed ninth place as he ran the new item, setting a 1’39.684s to claim a spot in the top ten. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was 15thafter he had a strange crash at Turn 3 in the final third of FP2. He also lost around 10 minutes of running in FP1 due to an airbox issue.
LOCATELLI ON TOP IN BLUE: The #55 finishes as the highest-placed Yamaha rider
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was the fastest Yamaha rider on Day 1 at Balaton Park, although he was in 13th place after posting a 1’39.974s. Teammate Xavi Vierge was 16th, around three tenths behind his teammate, although he was a tenth clear of rookie Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in 17th. The #62 headed teammate Remy Gardner by one tenth, with no one between them. Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 19th and Mattia Rato (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 21st.
GERLOFF IN 14TH: Aiming for more on Saturday
American star Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) was sixth in FP1 after bolting on some fresh tyres at the end of the 45-minute session, but the #31 finished in 14th overall as everyone – including the Texan – found time in FP2. He set a 1’39.991s to finish 1.131s off the pace.
TRICKY START TO HONDA: Chantra returns, Kunii gets first taste of WorldSBK
Somkiat Chantra (Honda HRC) led Honda’s charge on Friday at Balaton Park ahead of teammate Yuki Kunii. The #35 set a 1’40.914s on his way to 20th as he made his return to action after being forced to miss the races at Assen after his heavy FP3 crash. Kunii is making his WorldSBK debut in Hungary, a track he knows from Moto2 last year, as he brought up the WorldSBK field. He posted a 1’42.121s as he finished in 22nd place.
The top six from Friday’s WorldSBK running, full results here:
1. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’38.860s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.103s
3. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.141s
4. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.437s
5. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) +0.522s
6. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.621s
Maria Herrera (6) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Maria Herrera topped FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Superpole qualifying Friday afternoon at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera lapped the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) course in 1:52.264 to top the field of 24 riders and earn pole position.
Paola Ramos was the best of the rest with a 1:52.826 on her Klint Racing Yamaha YZF-R7, and her teammate, Paola Ramos, earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:53.587.
American Mallory Dobbs got 17th on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 with a time of 1:56.963.
Herrera stays perfect in 2026 WorldWCR Superpole sessions while Ramos crashes out late to sit P2. The #6 takes her first pole at the Hungarian Circuit while both of her title rivals struggled to keep up.
The FIM Women’s World Championship rolled out onto the scenic lakeside Balaton Park Circuit for the opening Tissot Superpole session of the Motul Hungarian Round to set their grid for another heart-pounding round of racing. Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) took pole position for her third pole of the season. Behind her Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) and Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) will form the front row for Saturday’s Race 1.
Paola Ramos (58) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
HERRERA SAILS FREE: Outpaces the pack by more than half a second to sit pole
Just after the session started, Emily Bondi (FT Racing Academy) came to grief with a highside crash on Turn 15-16, bringing out the red flag with 22 minutes to go as she was taken to the medical centre for further examination where later she was deemed fit. Maria Herrera held off Paola Ramos for pole position on account of her 1’52.264s lap, breaking Chloe Jones’s (Monster Energy Crescent Yamaha) standing track record of 1’53.089s by nearly eight tenths of a second. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) was trading hot laps for her first pole of the season when, from P2 with two minutes left, she was unable to improve on her 1’52.826s time as she came into Turn 1 out of shape, lost the front, and saw gravel. Roberta Ponziani took a pair of P4s here last season and was sitting in P3 when she unfortunately crashed out of the session on Turn 12-13. Her 1.53.587s held on however, to land the Italian P3 on Saturday.
SARAPUECH SOARS: Improves her personal best Superpole result of P12 to P4
Muklada Sarapuech (EEST NJT Racing Team) continues to shine in her third wildcard appearance of the season, clinching fourth place in what was her best Superpole performance as of yet by far with a 1’53.923s time landing her 1.7s out from P1. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) took a race win and a podium here last season, but her 1’53.969s pace was unable to fight with the riders at the front as she fell to P5. Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) crashed out of a WorldWCR race for her first time ever last round, despite having competed in all three seasons so far of the Championship. Undeterred, she rode as high as P4 on the session and finished in P6 with a 1.54.098s time. Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) took her best Superpole result last time out, and while a Race 1 injury ruled her out for the rest of the round, she is back in business in P7 after a 1’54.167s time.
SPEED DEMON: Despite setting the fastest max speed of the session of 197.1km/h, the Brit falls to P7
Astrid Madrigal (Pons Italika Racing FIMLA) didn’t crash in the session but ran only seven laps compared to most of the pack’s 11 or 12. She opted for quality over quantity, however, and took eighth place with a time of 1’54.457s. Behind her, with her first top ten Superpole result of 2026, Chloe Jones landed P9, just under two tenths behind Madrigal. Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) keeps her top ten Superpole session streak alive in 2026 as she snags the last spot of the top 10.
Jaume Masia (5) at Assen. Photo courtesy Orelac Racing Team.
Jaume Masia was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2 on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:42.965, topping the field of 33 riders.
Matteo Ferrari was the best of the rest with a 1:43.021 on his WRP Racing Ducati Panigale V2.
Can Oncu was third with a lap time of 1:43.173 on his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 11th with a 1:43.760 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.
Iker Lecuona (7) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Iker Lecuona was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:39.454 to lead the field of 22 riders.
His teammate, Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:39.697. Sam Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:39.922 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 6th with a 1:40.576 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Danilo Petrucci was 15th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a time of 1:41.296.
Lecuona beats Bulega at Balaton Park in FP1 by 0.243s, Sam Lowes in P3. The #7 was quick throughout the session and left it until his last flying lap to claim P1 from his factory Ducati teammate.
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) set the pace in Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship ahead of teammate Nicolo Bulega by almost a quarter of a second at the Balaton Park Circuit. The two factory Ducati riders, combined with Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in third, were the only riders in the 1’39s bracket during the opening 45-minute session for the Motul Hungarian Round.
Lecuona put Bulega’s time under pressure in the latter stages of FP1 but was often losing out in Sector 4, which features having braking for Turn 15 heading into a technical sector. Having posted a 1’39.887s, the #7 briefly went into P1 and was often gaining time until the final section, before Bulega set a 1’39.697s to re-claim P1 – a position he held for most of the session before his teammate demoted him. On his last flying lap, Lecuona improved his time to a 1’39.454s to snatch P1 from his teammate by almost a quarter of a second to secure P1 in FP1. Bulega was forced to settle for second while Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) secured third place with a 1’39.922s, with the three Ducati riders the only riders in the 1’39s bracket.
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) finished fourth in FP1 as he tried a new seat on his Panigale V4R machine which Team Manager Denis Sacchetti said in pitlane was in order to move his weight on the back of the bike and make ‘Balda’ more comfortable. He set a 1’40.242s. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was fifth with Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) in sixth after the #31 slowly built his times as the session progressed.
Gerloff’s late improvement demoted Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) after the Portuguese rider set a 1’40.593s. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was eighth with Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) in ninth – it was this venue last year that he first jumped on his team’s Panigale V4R and impressed. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) rounded out the top ten.
Maria Herrera (6) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy WorldWCR.
Maria Herrera was fastest during FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Free Practice Friday morning at Balaton Park Circuit, in Hungary. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera covered the 2.53-mile (4.08 km) road course in 1:54.179, topping the field of 24 riders.
Roberta Ponziani was the runner-up on her Klint Racing Team Yamaha YZF-R7 with a time of 1:54.366, and Beatriz Neila got third on her Ampito Crescent Yamaha YZF-R7 with a lap time of 1:54.416.
American Mallory Dobbs got 16th on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 with a lap time of 1:58.342.
On the Front Cover: Josh Herrin (2) leads Darryn Binder (53) on his way to a fifth (and fourth in a row) Daytona 200 win, earning $50,000. No matter what happens—
including hitting a careless camera man on pit lane during a pit stop—
Herrin always finds his way back to the front. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
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advanced electronics; Triumph’s 3-cylinder Daytona 660 has an
upgraded chassis; Loudon Classic offers $250,000 Purse and more…
MotoAmerica Daytona 200: Herrin Makes History
MotoAmerica Inside Info: Behind The Scenes
MotoAmerica: Robertino Pietri Returns
MotoAmerica: Seen At Daytona
MotoGP: Aprilia Wins And Takes Four Top-Five Places
MotoGP Notes: Aprilia’s Thai Ascendance
World Superbike: Bulega Sweeps In Australia
Superbike Notes: Gerloff’s Best Finish
COLUMNS
Letters To The Editor: Gina Bovaird Recognized
10 Years Ago: Andrea Dovizioso is on the cover of the May 2016
issue and his Ducati’s wings are drawing turbulence complaints
from MotoGP riders on other brands. Michael Barnes won the
Daytona 200 and $40,000 at age 47, breaking Dick Mann’s
record of winning at age 36.
The Crash Page: Di Mario, Grigg, and Webb At Daytona
2026 Racing, School & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride
Classified Ads/Advertiser Index
High Performance Parts & Services Directory
Chris Ulrich’s Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: More Daytona Podiums
MV Agusta Refines Brutale 800 with New Nero Carbonio Livery. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
MV Agusta introduces the Brutale 800 with a new Nero Carbonio livery, a refined expression of the brand’s iconic naked DNA, where performance, design, and advanced technology converge in a striking black and red interpretation.
The Brutale has always represented the purest embodiment of MV Agusta’s design philosophy, and the 800 Nero Carbonio further enhances this legacy with a bold, sophisticated aesthetic. The exclusive Nero Carbonio metallic finish adds a further premium touch thanks to an additional clear coat layer, while the livery is complemented by contrasting accents in MV Agusta’s most iconic colour, Rosso Ago, marking the painted frame and rims to create a dynamic and unmistakable visual identity.
Signature elements of the Brutale design remain at the core of the model: the distinctive LED drop-shaped headlight, the single-sided swingarm, and the iconic triple-exit exhaust system. The steel trellis frame ensures the perfect balance between rigidity and agility, while the look-through underseat design reinforces the bike’s lightweight and aggressive character.
MV Agusta Brutale 800 in Nero Carbonio, its black finish contrasted by a vivid red frame and wheels. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
The chassis delivers a dynamic setup worthy of the Brutale name, with a fully adjustable 43 mm Marzocchi USD fork, complemented by a progressive linkage-actuated Sachs monoshock. The braking system features new Brembo radial-mount M4.32 four-piston calipers with twin 320 mm floating discs up front. The setup rolls on Bridgestone S22 tyres and MV Agusta’s signature single-sided swingarm.
At its heart lies the renowned 800cc three-cylinder engine, delivering 113 horsepower and 85 Nm of torque. Engineered for both performance and riding pleasure, it features a counter-rotating shaft enhancing handling and stability.
The Brutale 800 in Nero Carbonio is equipped with a comprehensive and advanced electronic package as standard, ensuring riders have full control and adaptability across different riding conditions.
Built with passion and precision at MV Agusta’s historic factory in Varese, Italy, the Brutale 800 is manufactured under the highest quality standards and comes with a 5-year factory warranty — a testament to MV Agusta’s commitment to excellence, reliability, and customer trust.
The Brutale 800 with a new Nero Carbonio livery is available at an MSRP of €13,100 (Italy).
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Accessibility
Accessibility modes
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Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode 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.
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Improves website's visuals
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Online Dictionary
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Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
June 3, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
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To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
