Here at Oxley Bom, everyone knows that the thing we’re most famous for are our ‘charming’ personalities. Like, we can promise we don’t physically bite – but that’s about the limit of what we can guarentee. So you’ll understand when I say it is a great honor to have an actual returning guest to our show! Who is this dauntless fellow? Why, it’s the awesome Livio Suppo!
For those not in the know (or those who haven’t listened to our interview two years ago) we should probably tell you that Livio is an actual real-life legend in the pit, leading teams for Ducati, Honda and Suzuki. Oh, and he worked with some small riders like Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez. I don’t know, you might have heard of them…
So get ready to hear some insights from our man on the inside – but be warned, because this week we’re taking no prisoners!
Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
SEATTLE – Just a week removed from a Super Bowl victory for the hometown Seattle Seahawks, the energy inside Lumen Field for a Valentine’s Day visit to the Emerald City featured a heightened sense of energy and excitement for Round 6 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship. The incredible atmosphere encapsulated the most action-packed night yet in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, where the always challenging Seattle track conditions became a central player in the battle for victory. After a grueling 20 Minutes + 1 Lap Main Event, it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac who prevailed with his third victory of the season, wrestling the lead away from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb before soldiering home to a bounce-back win following an adversity plagued outing last weekend.
Eli Tomac Prevails for Third Monster Energy Supercross Victory of the Season Following Grueling Battle in Seattle
The 450SMX Class Main Event got underway with Webb leading the way for the holeshot as Tomac and his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Aaron Plessinger gave chase ahead of season race winners Chase Sexton (fifth) and Ken Roczen (sixth), as well as championship leader Hunter Lawrence (seventh). Webb was able to assert his hold of the lead while Tomac eventually settled into second and Roczen into third aboard his Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki. It wasn’t long before the lead trio settled in on the soft, rutted, technical conditions and established a significant lead over the rest of the field. Tomac chipped away at the deficit and applied pressure for the lead as the race passed halfway. He made a quick and decisive move around Webb to seize control of the race and opened a multi-second lead. Lapped riders allowed Webb to close back within a second, but Tomac extended the lead once again to effectively end the threat. Behind them, Roczen’s hold of third came under fire from Lawrence, who overcame an early miscue to climb from seventh to fourth aboard his Honda HRC Progressive machine. Lawrence was the faster rider and was in position to take third until he went too aggressive in the track’s sand section, collided with last week’s winner, and took both riders to the ground. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper rode by to assume third as Lawrence remounted in fourth and Roczen continued well back in ninth.
Tomac navigated the deteriorating conditions to perfection and took his 56th career win by 9.2 seconds over Webb, who grabbed a third straight podium in second. Cooper landed on the podium for the first time this season in third. Lawrence recovered to finish fourth, while Sexton rounded out the top five aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki. Roczen got the worst of the exchange with Lawrence and finished a season-low 10th, a net-loss of seven positions.
Lawrence’s finish proved significant in the championship standings as he maintained control of the lead by a single point over Tomac. Roczen and Webb now sit tied for third, 11 points behind Lawrence.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac battled through the most demanding track conditions of the season to capture his third win of the championship campaign. Photo courtesy SMX
Eli Tomac – 1st Place – 450SMX Class:
“Seattle was the usual. It’s a tough track to really get a hold of and get comfortable on. I saved the best for last of course. I had my best start and my best ride there [in the Main Event]. I cleaned up some lines, did some different jump combinations. Just typical Seattle. One of the toughest we have all year. Glad to conquer it.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb (1) led half of the Main Event and ultimately settled for a third straight podium finish. Photo courtesy SMX
Cooper Webb – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class:
“Overall, it was fun, with a side of sketch. The track was really gnarly. It’s always gnarly here, but this [track] with still having to hit the rhythms [sections], they’re pretty big. It was brutal. Obviously, Eli [Tomac] picked up on a good line and kept doing it and got past me. I tightened up for sure with a little arm pump, but it is what it is. At the end of the day, I can’t be hitting whoops like that and expect to win. We’ll get back to work.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper kept digging and was rewarded with his first podium result of the season. Photo courtesy SMX
Justin Cooper – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class:
“It’s just Seattle. This track was absolutely gnarly. With 20 [minutes] plus 1 [lap] out there with these 450s, it gets really demanding. I just put together solid laps and got a little gift from [Lawrence and Roczen]. Sometimes you’ve got to stay in it and that’s what we did tonight. Really pumped to get back on the box.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right): Cooper Webb, Eli Tomac, and Justin Cooper. Photo courtesy SMX
Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence bounced back from a crash during a battle for third to finish fourth and keep hold of the red plate. Photo courtesy SMX
Hunter Lawrence – 4th Place – 450SMX Class:
“[My race] started with wheel spin off the start. I just didn’t get myself good track position. I was coming through and had good pace. I feel like an idiot. I jumped on the inside [and] was already going down and got Kenny involved. That just sucked, honestly. Not how I would have wanted the night to go, but we’re fourth and still have the red plate. We’ll head on to Dallas.”
Haiden Deegan Outduels Levi Kitchen for Captivating 250SMX Class Win
The sixth race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class also served as the midseason send off before the Eastern Divisional Championship begins next weekend. That presented an opportunity to enter the break with momentum, and the added motivation produced an instant classic between Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, the dominant championship leader, and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen, the hometown favorite. Off the start it was another Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider out front, with Max Anstie securing the holeshot, but it didn’t take long for Deegan to storm into the lead just a few minutes into the 15 Minute + 1 Lap race. Kitchen, meanwhile, was on a torrid charge to the front as he clawed his way from fifth to second prior to the halfway point. The tense rivalry between Deegan and Kitchen entered its next chapter during an incredible head-to-head showdown that produced four exchanges for the lead. As he navigated lapped riders Deegan appeared to let Kitchen assume the lead with a little more than seven minutes to go. Kitchen then established a multi-second advantage for several laps, but the degrading track and increased lapped traffic forced both riders to take alternate lines and caused minor miscues. Deegan showed patience and closed back in, then made multiple inside pass attempts before he took advantage of a missed rhythm by Kitchen to reclaim the position with a little more than two minutes to go. With the support of the crowd, Kitchen fought back and retook the lead, but Deegan made one final pass back with about a minute remaining.
Deegan stormed to his fifth consecutive win by 1.5 seconds over Kitchen, who became the first fellow competitor to give Deegan a significant challenge during his run of dominance. The near-miss in front of the hometown crowd continued a recent surge for Kitchen, who now has three straight runner-up finishes. Anstie rode to a quiet and comfortable third-place finish, his first podium since winning the opening race of the season.
Deegan now owns a dozen career victories and has moved out to a healthy 35-point lead over Anstie heading into the break. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman, who finished sixth, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco, who finished fourth, are tied for third, 36 points behind Deegan. After a slow start to the season, Kitchen has fought his way up to fifth, 42 points behind Deegan and just seven points behind Anstie for second.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan (1) came out on top of a thrilling head-to-head battle with Levi Kitchen for his fifth straight victory. Photo courtesy SMX
Haiden Deegan – 1st Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“That was gnarly. I went through after [the finish] and told [Kitchen] that was the gnarliest battle I have ever had racing. We were going back and forth. I don’t know what to say, that was the best I’ve had. I know it’s in his hometown so the [fans] may not like it, but I hope they enjoyed that one.”
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen (47) battled it out with Deegan and finished a close second in from of the hometown crowd. Photo courtesy SMX
Levi Kitchen – 2nd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I think that’s the race everyone has been waiting for. I’m bummed I couldn’t get it done for the hometown, but I rode my heart out and [Deegan] did too. That had to be the coolest race of my life. We were going at it the whole time. Thanks to everyone here in Seattle, they were amazing. That was fun.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie made his return to the podium for the first time since he won the season opening race. Photo courtesy SMX
Max Anstie – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“That was really tough. That was a tough track, and those boys [Deegan and Kitchen] were obviously riding awesome. It was amazing to hear the fans cheering for Levi. I’ve been struggling since Anaheim 1. I don’t know what it is, but my throat and my chest have been burning. Last week was bad too. I need to get it checked out because I don’t feel sick, but I can’t breathe right. My chest just burns.”
The battle for victory between Deegan and Kitchen became an instant classic as they traded for the lead on four separate occasions. Photo courtesy SMX
Western Divisional 250SMX Class Podium (left to right): Levi Kitchen, Haiden Deegan, and Max Anstie. Photo courtesy SMX
The annual visit to Seattle was highlighted by the inclusion of bowhunting icon and ultramarathon runner Cameron Hanes, who served as Grand Marshal. The hugely popular outdoorsman has become captivated by the sport of SMX and its athletes. Photo courtesy SMX
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday, February 21, for the seventh race of the season from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The race will open the Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class Championship. Live broadcast coverage on Peacock will begin at 1 p.m. ET with Race Day Live, while a special pre-race show will air at 6:30 p.m. ET followed by the Gate Drop at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Pea cock while international viewers can choose from dedicated English, French, and Spanish broadcasts via SMX Video Pass (www.SMXVideoPass.com).
All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final are now on sale at Supermotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.
For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
Continuing the theme we started last month, award banquets are great fun. Here are photos taken by Louis Stevenson during the 2025 WMRRA award banquet.
Getting championship trophies (or watching your friends get championship trophies) is one of the best things about award banquets. These WMRRA trophies and plaques are ready and waiting to be handed out. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
WMRRA President Kumpy Kump (left) and announcer Mark DeGross get the award banquet going. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
The racing Pinkstaff brothers, Kevin on the left and Brian on the right. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
Zlock Racing, from left, Brent Prindle, Dale Zlock, Kevin Pinkstaff, Brian Pinkstaff, and Dan Zlock. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
WMRRA #117 Chance Terrell is at far right, Glenda Hudson is middle left, and we don’t have names for their tablemates. If you do, send the intel to [email protected]. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
More WMRRA championship trophies ready to be awarded. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
The buffet at the 2025 WMRRA award banquet. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
Injured while training ahead of Round 6 of AMA Supercross Championship in Seattle.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider RJ Hampshire has been sidelined with a foot injury sustained while training ahead of Round 6 of the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship in Seattle this weekend.
Hampshire – who sat out Glendale due to illness – fractured his foot in a training crash this week at Baker’s Factory in Florida, unfortunately ruling him out of upcoming rounds in the SMX World Championship.
“It’s never good to get a mid-morning phone call from Baker’s Factory on a ride day,” said Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager.“Unfortunately, RJ had a crash and the handlebars caught his foot in just the wrong way, resulting in a fracture. Our focus now is on the best path forward to get RJ healthy and back racing as soon as possible.”
In his first full season of 450SX competition onboard the Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition, Hampshire’s best result to date is ninth place at Anaheim 2. Further updates on his recovery timeline will be announced once available.
Lily Coyner, wife of TrackDaz owner Dustin Coyner, tragically died suddenly on the morning of January 10, 2026. This tragedy has not only rocked the entire world of Dustin, but also the motorbike community. Lily has been a fixture in the paddock for over 25 years. She’s the one who greeted TrackDaz riders in the morning at registration. She listened to whatever complaints or comments riders had, sold merch, rented Yamaha generators. She also was the one calling loved ones using the emergency contact info when something happened. She loved all TrackDaz riders, and wanted to help keep us all safe.
Since TrackDaz already had an event scheduled that weekend, we’re working with Buttonwillow Raceway Park (BRP) and the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF) to raise money in her honor for more Airfence at the track. BRP will be donating all gate fees and likely offer other things for raffles. We’ll do raffles and other things as well.
We ask for the community to come together and show strong support for this lovely woman who cared so much in spite of not riding herself.
New York, NY (February 13, 2026) – Following North America’s only MotoGP Round at Circuit of the Americas, Aprilia returns to Austin to host Aprilia Racers Days at COTA, taking place Monday, March 30th, and Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 – delivering an unmatched post-race riding experience at one of the most iconic circuits in the world.
Watch your heroes race on Sunday, then join them on track Monday!
Monday, March 30th will be an exclusive VIP experience, featuring invited guests, special access, and the presence of Aprilia MotoGP riders and members of Aprilia Racing and Trackhouse MotoGP Team. This intimate day is designed to bring participants closer than ever to the passion, performance, and people behind Aprilia’s racing DNA.
Set within the MotoGP race garages, Aprilia Racers Days at COTA offers a truly unheard-of environment. Rider groups are limited to just 45 participants, maximizing track time, exclusivity, and the adrenaline that comes from riding the Circuit of the Americas immediately following MotoGP race weekend. As always, each ticket includes complimentary professional photography and lunch, along with the opportunity to ride select models from the 2026 Aprilia lineup on track. This is more than a track day – it’s a rare opportunity to ride, connect, and experience Aprilia in its element.
From left to right with Marco Bezzecchi, Lorenzo Savadori and Max Biaggi at COTA. Photo courtesy Aprilia
Event Details – VIP Experience (Monday, 3/30)
● Price: $1,500
● Aprilia Racing Team in Attendance
● VIP Guests
● On-Site Coaching
● Communal Garages (first come, first served)
● 1 Demo Ride Per Guest
● Complimentary Lunch
● Complimentary Photography
● Aprilia Gift Bag Including Commemorative T-Shirt
Event Details – Standard ARD Ticket (Tuesday, 3/31)
● Price: $850
● Communal Garages
● 1 Demo Ride Per Guest
● Complimentary Lunch
● Complimentary Photography
More Than Just a Ride – An Unmatched Experience
Aprilia Racers Days is about more than just riding – it’s about precision, passion, and performance. With expert coaching, professional photography, and direct support from Aprilia-trained technicians and brand representatives, every rider gets an immersive and tailored experience. Enthusiasts can ride the full Aprilia street lineup, including the RSV4, Tuono V4, RS 660, Tuono 660, and RS 457 or bring their own motorcycles for additional track time in skill-based riding groups.
Sign Up for the Aprilia Racers Days Experience.
Aprilia Racers Days at Circuit of the Americas 2026 is an unmissable event for riders looking to elevate their skills and experience the thrill of Aprilia’s high-performance motorcycles. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!
Seen at a 2025 Aprilia Racers Days event at COTA. Aprilia photo.
Aprilia Racers Days events will be supported directly by Aprilia trained technicians and product specialists, as well as partners Pirelli, Dainese and AGV to offer the best on track experience with expert advice, performance and protection. The cost of participation in the events will not only qualify for an incredible track day experience with your existing motorcycle, but also include a VIP Aprilia Racers Days package, with ability to demo a new Aprilia for one of the track day sessions, equipped with Pirelli performance tires. Additionally, activities will include coaching, event photography, and an included lunch.
Astro-JJR HIPPO Suzuki and MAR Performance Moto combine for the 2026 Daytona 200 with Carl Soltisz, of Super Carl Racing, piloting the team’s Suzuki GSXR-750.
“Continuing the relationship that took current British Supersport Champion Rhys Irwin and former Australian Supersport Champion Tom Toparis to Daytona in previous years, we are again joining forces to provide Carl a platform to showcase his talent and commitment to a wide audience,” said team owner Stuart Tromans. “We hope this will lead to further opportunities both in the USA and further afield here in the UK.
“The team has enjoyed considerable success with 2 x Daytona participant Harry Truelove and current British Champion Rhys Irwin as well as the much-missed former MotoAmerica rider Shane Richardson who we sadly lost in 2025. We hope Carl’s experience and meticulous working practices along with a first-class racing pedigree and attitude will bring a valuable contribution to this HIPPO supported venture.”
Rider Carl Soltisz added “I am super excited to team up with the Astro MAR Performance HIPPO Suzuki team for the 84th running of the iconic Daytona 200. Malcom Ashley and I talked during the off-season and developed a great working relationship after discovering that we shared similar racing ambitions and goals.
“Having raced every Daytona 200 since 2015, and recently notching a personal best 11th-place finish in 2025 while riding with a broken arm, I feel I bring crucial Daytona experience, knowledge, and strategy to the party. Combined with the team’s own Daytona experience and their tremendous achievements in the British Championship over the years, I think we have a great opportunity to score our best Daytona 200 finish yet. Now that we have teamed up I am looking forward to taking on this challenge.”
Super Carl Soltisz.
MAR is owned and run by Malcom Ashley, a former BSB Superbike rider who now owns and operates MAR Performance MOTO specializing in GSX-R preparation.
ASTRO-JJR HIPPO Suzuki is a front-running British Supersport team that has since 2022 been instrumental in the development of the Supersport Next Gen category in the UK and abroad with development taking place in the USA and Australia alongside the UK team.
Super Carl Racing is the race team owned and operated by rider/engineer “Super” Carl Soltisz. It is a top-10 MotoAmerica Supersport team that has been competing in the series since its start in 2015. For more information, visit www.carlsoltisz.com.
After multiple championship-winning seasons in MotoAmerica’s Supersport class, Strack Racing Yamaha is taking a big step forward by entering the Superbike Championship in 2026 alongside their continuation in Supersport. The move marks the next phase in the team’s long-term growth at the national level.
Two-time, back-to-back Supersport Champion Mathew Scholtz will set aside his #1 Strack Racing Yamaha YZF-R9 and swing his leg over the brand-new #11 Strack Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike. For Scholtz, he returns to MotoAmerica’s premier class where he previously notched five Superbike wins prior to joining Strack Racing in 2024. The South African brings championship momentum and continuity as the team expands into MotoAmerica’s premier race class.
Mathew Scholtz was en fuego in Texas. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Also continuing with Strack Racing Yamaha is Scholtz’s Supersport teammate from the past year, Blake Davis. The 19-year-old from Virginia finished third in the 2025 Supersport standings and, with both season champion Scholtz and runner-up PJ Jacobsen moving up to Superbike, Davis is the odds-on favorite to make it three years in a row for Strack Racing Yamaha to win the Supersport crown.
Davis will be back aboard the #22 Strack Racing Yamaha YZF-R9 as he and the team continue to develop the Supersport Next Generation machine.
Blake Davis (22). Photo by Michael Gougis.
With Scholtz in Superbike and Davis continuing in Supersport, Strack Racing Yamaha will work in close technical alignment with Attack Performance, strengthening the Superbike program while maintaining championship-level performance across both race classes.
Commenting on his team’s 2026 racing plans, Strack Racing Yamaha’s team owner Peter Strack said, “Supersport enabled us to build a championship foundation, and that didn’t happen easily—it was deliberate and strategic. With Yamaha and Attack Performance aligned with us technically, we’re confident about stepping into Superbike while continuing to compete at the front of a stacked Supersport field.”
About continuing with Strack Racing Yamaha and moving back up to Superbike, Scholtz said,“Coming back to Superbike with Strack Racing Yamaha feels like the right move at the right time for me. What we’ve built together in Supersport gives us a strong foundation, and I’m excited to take that momentum back into the premier class with a team I trust.”
Mathew Scholtz and the entire Strack Racing crew celebrate in style after clinching the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corporation.
Davis had this to say about his second year with Strack Racing Yamaha and his plans to keep the Supersport title in the team: “I’m excited to continue with Strack Racing Yamaha and build on what we started last season. The Supersport class is stacked, and my goal is to be fighting for wins every race while continuing to develop the R9 with the team.”
Commenting on the continued partnership, Yamaha Racing’s Assistant Department Manager for YMUS Jeff Sidlovsky said, “Yamaha Racing is proud to support Strack Racing stepping up to the Superbike class with Mathew Scholtz, and continuing to build on their championship foundation in the Supersport class with Blake Davis. The team’s commitment to excellence is evident, and Mathew, Blake, and the team continue to grow. We value the collaboration between Strack Racing and Attack Performance as this strengthens the bonds between our racing partners, elevates the Yamaha brand, and promotes the strength of the YZF-R1 and YZF-R9.”
A delve into a few notable topics ahead of MotoGP landing in Thailand for Round 1 of what’s set to be another compelling campaign.
Here we go then. The Sepang Shakedown and Official Test kicked off proceedings as another MotoGP season bursts into life, with 2026 the last of its kind before a new era begins in 2027.
With the opening Grand Prix of the year in Thailand now rapidly approaching, what’s to know ahead of another stint of enjoying the most exciting sport on earth? If you’re a familiar face around here, then you’ll have a very good idea already. But, if you’re a new fan (welcome, first and foremost), then this should give you a good leg up as we strap in for MotoGP to go racing in 2026.
Marc Marquez (93) quickest on day 1 at Sepang. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Chasing the eighth
Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), having completed the greatest sporting comeback in 2025, now sets out to clinch an eighth MotoGP World Championship title in 2026.
And despite undergoing another winter of rehabilitation following the shoulder injury sustained in October’s Indonesian Grand Prix, the #93 will land at the Thai Grand Prix as the rider to beat. After all, Marc Marquez lines up on the grid at Round 1 as the reigning World Champion for the first time since 2020. The target will be on his back, with the numerous chasers setting out to try and beat one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time. A tough ask.
Two-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia testing at Circuito de Valencia, November 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.
A quintet of MotoGP World Champions
It’s not just the 73-time MotoGP winner who knows how to climb to MotoGP’s summit and conquer the world. Marc Marquez is joined on the 2026 grid, as he was last season, by four other MotoGP Champions. 2024 king Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), 2023 and 2022 number one Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), 2021 ruler Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), and 2020 master Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) have all tasted title-winning success between Marquez’s last two championship wins in 2019 and 2025.
Will a new name be added to that illustrious list in 2026?
Toprak Razgatlioglu (7) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Diogo Moreira (11) during the first test day at Sepang. Photo courtesy Dorna
Bem-vindo de volta, Brasil!
While we welcome our first-ever Turkish MotoGP rider to the grid, we also get ready to witness Brazil’s Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) enter the fray. The 2025 Moto2 World Champion became the first from his country to win a Grand Prix title last season, as Moreira picks up the baton left by our last Brazilian rider Alex Barros, who last raced in MotoGP back in 2007.
Oh, and what about that for timing? Because Round 2 takes us back to Brazil for the first time since 1992, and back to Goiânia for the first time since 1989.
Raul Fernandez (25) and Ai Ogura (79) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Trackhouse Team
Hunting a debut victory
Five riders on the 2026 grid are all dreaming of clinching their first MotoGP win this season. There’s of course our two rookies, Razgatlioglu and Moreira. Then there’s 2024 Moto2 World Champion Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), Honda HRC Castrol’s Luca Marini, and the one most will be talking about… Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Is 2026 the year Acosta finally clinches his maiden MotoGP win? The Spaniard is a 10-time podium finisher in the class and finished P4 in the Championship in 2025, and having risen through the ranks as a leading star, Acosta will want nothing more than to collect a Sunday 25-point haul.
Some MotoGP riders during the Sepang test. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Awakening sleeping giants
Honda HRC Castrol are hunting their first victory in five long years. And after Mir was able to climb onto the podium twice in the last six races, coupled with a positive pre-season, HRC are becoming a force once again.
Then there’s Yamaha. There may have been a hiccup or two in pre-season, but the Iwata marque are now armed with a bold new V4 engine. A mammoth task still lies ahead in what is a huge change in philosophy for the Japanese manufacturer, but the foundations for success are being laid.
The last dance of MotoGP’s 1000cc era
Contracts expiring, new regulations looming. There’s an almighty shake up coming for 2027 and already, things are getting very, very interesting. Big name moves. Shocks on the cards. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on what’s about to unfold both on and off track in MotoGP.
Subscribe to the951 Live YouTube Channelto get notified as soon as we go live. And please encourage your friends, family, and motorcycle racing fans to subscribe and tune in for most races.
Here at Oxley Bom, everyone knows that the thing we’re most famous for are our ‘charming’ personalities. Like, we can promise we don’t physically bite – but that’s about the limit of what we can guarentee. So you’ll understand when I say it is a great honor to have an actual returning guest to our show! Who is this dauntless fellow? Why, it’s the awesome Livio Suppo!
For those not in the know (or those who haven’t listened to our interview two years ago) we should probably tell you that Livio is an actual real-life legend in the pit, leading teams for Ducati, Honda and Suzuki. Oh, and he worked with some small riders like Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez. I don’t know, you might have heard of them…
So get ready to hear some insights from our man on the inside – but be warned, because this week we’re taking no prisoners!
Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
A memorable week at Lumen Field was capped off by a Valentine's Day visit from Monster Energy Supercross for Round 6 of the 2026 season. Photo courtesy SMX
SEATTLE – Just a week removed from a Super Bowl victory for the hometown Seattle Seahawks, the energy inside Lumen Field for a Valentine’s Day visit to the Emerald City featured a heightened sense of energy and excitement for Round 6 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship. The incredible atmosphere encapsulated the most action-packed night yet in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, where the always challenging Seattle track conditions became a central player in the battle for victory. After a grueling 20 Minutes + 1 Lap Main Event, it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac who prevailed with his third victory of the season, wrestling the lead away from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb before soldiering home to a bounce-back win following an adversity plagued outing last weekend.
Eli Tomac Prevails for Third Monster Energy Supercross Victory of the Season Following Grueling Battle in Seattle
The 450SMX Class Main Event got underway with Webb leading the way for the holeshot as Tomac and his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Aaron Plessinger gave chase ahead of season race winners Chase Sexton (fifth) and Ken Roczen (sixth), as well as championship leader Hunter Lawrence (seventh). Webb was able to assert his hold of the lead while Tomac eventually settled into second and Roczen into third aboard his Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki. It wasn’t long before the lead trio settled in on the soft, rutted, technical conditions and established a significant lead over the rest of the field. Tomac chipped away at the deficit and applied pressure for the lead as the race passed halfway. He made a quick and decisive move around Webb to seize control of the race and opened a multi-second lead. Lapped riders allowed Webb to close back within a second, but Tomac extended the lead once again to effectively end the threat. Behind them, Roczen’s hold of third came under fire from Lawrence, who overcame an early miscue to climb from seventh to fourth aboard his Honda HRC Progressive machine. Lawrence was the faster rider and was in position to take third until he went too aggressive in the track’s sand section, collided with last week’s winner, and took both riders to the ground. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper rode by to assume third as Lawrence remounted in fourth and Roczen continued well back in ninth.
Tomac navigated the deteriorating conditions to perfection and took his 56th career win by 9.2 seconds over Webb, who grabbed a third straight podium in second. Cooper landed on the podium for the first time this season in third. Lawrence recovered to finish fourth, while Sexton rounded out the top five aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki. Roczen got the worst of the exchange with Lawrence and finished a season-low 10th, a net-loss of seven positions.
Lawrence’s finish proved significant in the championship standings as he maintained control of the lead by a single point over Tomac. Roczen and Webb now sit tied for third, 11 points behind Lawrence.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac battled through the most demanding track conditions of the season to capture his third win of the championship campaign. Photo courtesy SMX
Eli Tomac – 1st Place – 450SMX Class:
“Seattle was the usual. It’s a tough track to really get a hold of and get comfortable on. I saved the best for last of course. I had my best start and my best ride there [in the Main Event]. I cleaned up some lines, did some different jump combinations. Just typical Seattle. One of the toughest we have all year. Glad to conquer it.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb (1) led half of the Main Event and ultimately settled for a third straight podium finish. Photo courtesy SMX
Cooper Webb – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class:
“Overall, it was fun, with a side of sketch. The track was really gnarly. It’s always gnarly here, but this [track] with still having to hit the rhythms [sections], they’re pretty big. It was brutal. Obviously, Eli [Tomac] picked up on a good line and kept doing it and got past me. I tightened up for sure with a little arm pump, but it is what it is. At the end of the day, I can’t be hitting whoops like that and expect to win. We’ll get back to work.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper kept digging and was rewarded with his first podium result of the season. Photo courtesy SMX
Justin Cooper – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class:
“It’s just Seattle. This track was absolutely gnarly. With 20 [minutes] plus 1 [lap] out there with these 450s, it gets really demanding. I just put together solid laps and got a little gift from [Lawrence and Roczen]. Sometimes you’ve got to stay in it and that’s what we did tonight. Really pumped to get back on the box.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right): Cooper Webb, Eli Tomac, and Justin Cooper. Photo courtesy SMX
Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence bounced back from a crash during a battle for third to finish fourth and keep hold of the red plate. Photo courtesy SMX
Hunter Lawrence – 4th Place – 450SMX Class:
“[My race] started with wheel spin off the start. I just didn’t get myself good track position. I was coming through and had good pace. I feel like an idiot. I jumped on the inside [and] was already going down and got Kenny involved. That just sucked, honestly. Not how I would have wanted the night to go, but we’re fourth and still have the red plate. We’ll head on to Dallas.”
Haiden Deegan Outduels Levi Kitchen for Captivating 250SMX Class Win
The sixth race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class also served as the midseason send off before the Eastern Divisional Championship begins next weekend. That presented an opportunity to enter the break with momentum, and the added motivation produced an instant classic between Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, the dominant championship leader, and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen, the hometown favorite. Off the start it was another Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider out front, with Max Anstie securing the holeshot, but it didn’t take long for Deegan to storm into the lead just a few minutes into the 15 Minute + 1 Lap race. Kitchen, meanwhile, was on a torrid charge to the front as he clawed his way from fifth to second prior to the halfway point. The tense rivalry between Deegan and Kitchen entered its next chapter during an incredible head-to-head showdown that produced four exchanges for the lead. As he navigated lapped riders Deegan appeared to let Kitchen assume the lead with a little more than seven minutes to go. Kitchen then established a multi-second advantage for several laps, but the degrading track and increased lapped traffic forced both riders to take alternate lines and caused minor miscues. Deegan showed patience and closed back in, then made multiple inside pass attempts before he took advantage of a missed rhythm by Kitchen to reclaim the position with a little more than two minutes to go. With the support of the crowd, Kitchen fought back and retook the lead, but Deegan made one final pass back with about a minute remaining.
Deegan stormed to his fifth consecutive win by 1.5 seconds over Kitchen, who became the first fellow competitor to give Deegan a significant challenge during his run of dominance. The near-miss in front of the hometown crowd continued a recent surge for Kitchen, who now has three straight runner-up finishes. Anstie rode to a quiet and comfortable third-place finish, his first podium since winning the opening race of the season.
Deegan now owns a dozen career victories and has moved out to a healthy 35-point lead over Anstie heading into the break. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman, who finished sixth, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco, who finished fourth, are tied for third, 36 points behind Deegan. After a slow start to the season, Kitchen has fought his way up to fifth, 42 points behind Deegan and just seven points behind Anstie for second.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan (1) came out on top of a thrilling head-to-head battle with Levi Kitchen for his fifth straight victory. Photo courtesy SMX
Haiden Deegan – 1st Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“That was gnarly. I went through after [the finish] and told [Kitchen] that was the gnarliest battle I have ever had racing. We were going back and forth. I don’t know what to say, that was the best I’ve had. I know it’s in his hometown so the [fans] may not like it, but I hope they enjoyed that one.”
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen (47) battled it out with Deegan and finished a close second in from of the hometown crowd. Photo courtesy SMX
Levi Kitchen – 2nd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I think that’s the race everyone has been waiting for. I’m bummed I couldn’t get it done for the hometown, but I rode my heart out and [Deegan] did too. That had to be the coolest race of my life. We were going at it the whole time. Thanks to everyone here in Seattle, they were amazing. That was fun.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie made his return to the podium for the first time since he won the season opening race. Photo courtesy SMX
Max Anstie – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“That was really tough. That was a tough track, and those boys [Deegan and Kitchen] were obviously riding awesome. It was amazing to hear the fans cheering for Levi. I’ve been struggling since Anaheim 1. I don’t know what it is, but my throat and my chest have been burning. Last week was bad too. I need to get it checked out because I don’t feel sick, but I can’t breathe right. My chest just burns.”
The battle for victory between Deegan and Kitchen became an instant classic as they traded for the lead on four separate occasions. Photo courtesy SMX
Western Divisional 250SMX Class Podium (left to right): Levi Kitchen, Haiden Deegan, and Max Anstie. Photo courtesy SMX
The annual visit to Seattle was highlighted by the inclusion of bowhunting icon and ultramarathon runner Cameron Hanes, who served as Grand Marshal. The hugely popular outdoorsman has become captivated by the sport of SMX and its athletes. Photo courtesy SMX
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday, February 21, for the seventh race of the season from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The race will open the Eastern Divisional 250SMX Class Championship. Live broadcast coverage on Peacock will begin at 1 p.m. ET with Race Day Live, while a special pre-race show will air at 6:30 p.m. ET followed by the Gate Drop at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Pea cock while international viewers can choose from dedicated English, French, and Spanish broadcasts via SMX Video Pass (www.SMXVideoPass.com).
All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final are now on sale at Supermotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.
For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
WMRRA Open Supersport Champion Brian Pinkstaff (121) in action at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington in August 2025. Photo by StevensonFoto.
First Person/Opinion:
By John Ulrich
Continuing the theme we started last month, award banquets are great fun. Here are photos taken by Louis Stevenson during the 2025 WMRRA award banquet.
Getting championship trophies (or watching your friends get championship trophies) is one of the best things about award banquets. These WMRRA trophies and plaques are ready and waiting to be handed out. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
WMRRA President Kumpy Kump (left) and announcer Mark DeGross get the award banquet going. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
The racing Pinkstaff brothers, Kevin on the left and Brian on the right. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
Zlock Racing, from left, Brent Prindle, Dale Zlock, Kevin Pinkstaff, Brian Pinkstaff, and Dan Zlock. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
WMRRA #117 Chance Terrell is at far right, Glenda Hudson is middle left, and we don’t have names for their tablemates. If you do, send the intel to [email protected]. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
More WMRRA championship trophies ready to be awarded. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
The buffet at the 2025 WMRRA award banquet. Photo by Louis Stevenson.
RJ Hampshire at Houston Supercross. Photo courtesy Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Injured while training ahead of Round 6 of AMA Supercross Championship in Seattle.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider RJ Hampshire has been sidelined with a foot injury sustained while training ahead of Round 6 of the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship in Seattle this weekend.
Hampshire – who sat out Glendale due to illness – fractured his foot in a training crash this week at Baker’s Factory in Florida, unfortunately ruling him out of upcoming rounds in the SMX World Championship.
“It’s never good to get a mid-morning phone call from Baker’s Factory on a ride day,” said Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager.“Unfortunately, RJ had a crash and the handlebars caught his foot in just the wrong way, resulting in a fracture. Our focus now is on the best path forward to get RJ healthy and back racing as soon as possible.”
In his first full season of 450SX competition onboard the Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition, Hampshire’s best result to date is ninth place at Anaheim 2. Further updates on his recovery timeline will be announced once available.
TrackDaz owners Dustin and Lily Coyner at the track. TrackDaz photo.
Lily Coyner, wife of TrackDaz owner Dustin Coyner, tragically died suddenly on the morning of January 10, 2026. This tragedy has not only rocked the entire world of Dustin, but also the motorbike community. Lily has been a fixture in the paddock for over 25 years. She’s the one who greeted TrackDaz riders in the morning at registration. She listened to whatever complaints or comments riders had, sold merch, rented Yamaha generators. She also was the one calling loved ones using the emergency contact info when something happened. She loved all TrackDaz riders, and wanted to help keep us all safe.
Since TrackDaz already had an event scheduled that weekend, we’re working with Buttonwillow Raceway Park (BRP) and the Roadracing World Action Fund (RWAF) to raise money in her honor for more Airfence at the track. BRP will be donating all gate fees and likely offer other things for raffles. We’ll do raffles and other things as well.
We ask for the community to come together and show strong support for this lovely woman who cared so much in spite of not riding herself.
Marco Bezzecchi and others riders at a previous Aprilia Racers Days track event. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
New York, NY (February 13, 2026) – Following North America’s only MotoGP Round at Circuit of the Americas, Aprilia returns to Austin to host Aprilia Racers Days at COTA, taking place Monday, March 30th, and Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 – delivering an unmatched post-race riding experience at one of the most iconic circuits in the world.
Watch your heroes race on Sunday, then join them on track Monday!
Monday, March 30th will be an exclusive VIP experience, featuring invited guests, special access, and the presence of Aprilia MotoGP riders and members of Aprilia Racing and Trackhouse MotoGP Team. This intimate day is designed to bring participants closer than ever to the passion, performance, and people behind Aprilia’s racing DNA.
Set within the MotoGP race garages, Aprilia Racers Days at COTA offers a truly unheard-of environment. Rider groups are limited to just 45 participants, maximizing track time, exclusivity, and the adrenaline that comes from riding the Circuit of the Americas immediately following MotoGP race weekend. As always, each ticket includes complimentary professional photography and lunch, along with the opportunity to ride select models from the 2026 Aprilia lineup on track. This is more than a track day – it’s a rare opportunity to ride, connect, and experience Aprilia in its element.
From left to right with Marco Bezzecchi, Lorenzo Savadori and Max Biaggi at COTA. Photo courtesy Aprilia
Event Details – VIP Experience (Monday, 3/30)
● Price: $1,500
● Aprilia Racing Team in Attendance
● VIP Guests
● On-Site Coaching
● Communal Garages (first come, first served)
● 1 Demo Ride Per Guest
● Complimentary Lunch
● Complimentary Photography
● Aprilia Gift Bag Including Commemorative T-Shirt
Event Details – Standard ARD Ticket (Tuesday, 3/31)
● Price: $850
● Communal Garages
● 1 Demo Ride Per Guest
● Complimentary Lunch
● Complimentary Photography
More Than Just a Ride – An Unmatched Experience
Aprilia Racers Days is about more than just riding – it’s about precision, passion, and performance. With expert coaching, professional photography, and direct support from Aprilia-trained technicians and brand representatives, every rider gets an immersive and tailored experience. Enthusiasts can ride the full Aprilia street lineup, including the RSV4, Tuono V4, RS 660, Tuono 660, and RS 457 or bring their own motorcycles for additional track time in skill-based riding groups.
Sign Up for the Aprilia Racers Days Experience.
Aprilia Racers Days at Circuit of the Americas 2026 is an unmissable event for riders looking to elevate their skills and experience the thrill of Aprilia’s high-performance motorcycles. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!
Seen at a 2025 Aprilia Racers Days event at COTA. Aprilia photo.
Aprilia Racers Days events will be supported directly by Aprilia trained technicians and product specialists, as well as partners Pirelli, Dainese and AGV to offer the best on track experience with expert advice, performance and protection. The cost of participation in the events will not only qualify for an incredible track day experience with your existing motorcycle, but also include a VIP Aprilia Racers Days package, with ability to demo a new Aprilia for one of the track day sessions, equipped with Pirelli performance tires. Additionally, activities will include coaching, event photography, and an included lunch.
Super Carl Soltisz (60) in action at Daytona in 2025. Brian J. Nelson photo.
Astro-JJR HIPPO Suzuki and MAR Performance Moto combine for the 2026 Daytona 200 with Carl Soltisz, of Super Carl Racing, piloting the team’s Suzuki GSXR-750.
“Continuing the relationship that took current British Supersport Champion Rhys Irwin and former Australian Supersport Champion Tom Toparis to Daytona in previous years, we are again joining forces to provide Carl a platform to showcase his talent and commitment to a wide audience,” said team owner Stuart Tromans. “We hope this will lead to further opportunities both in the USA and further afield here in the UK.
“The team has enjoyed considerable success with 2 x Daytona participant Harry Truelove and current British Champion Rhys Irwin as well as the much-missed former MotoAmerica rider Shane Richardson who we sadly lost in 2025. We hope Carl’s experience and meticulous working practices along with a first-class racing pedigree and attitude will bring a valuable contribution to this HIPPO supported venture.”
Rider Carl Soltisz added “I am super excited to team up with the Astro MAR Performance HIPPO Suzuki team for the 84th running of the iconic Daytona 200. Malcom Ashley and I talked during the off-season and developed a great working relationship after discovering that we shared similar racing ambitions and goals.
“Having raced every Daytona 200 since 2015, and recently notching a personal best 11th-place finish in 2025 while riding with a broken arm, I feel I bring crucial Daytona experience, knowledge, and strategy to the party. Combined with the team’s own Daytona experience and their tremendous achievements in the British Championship over the years, I think we have a great opportunity to score our best Daytona 200 finish yet. Now that we have teamed up I am looking forward to taking on this challenge.”
Super Carl Soltisz.
MAR is owned and run by Malcom Ashley, a former BSB Superbike rider who now owns and operates MAR Performance MOTO specializing in GSX-R preparation.
ASTRO-JJR HIPPO Suzuki is a front-running British Supersport team that has since 2022 been instrumental in the development of the Supersport Next Gen category in the UK and abroad with development taking place in the USA and Australia alongside the UK team.
Super Carl Racing is the race team owned and operated by rider/engineer “Super” Carl Soltisz. It is a top-10 MotoAmerica Supersport team that has been competing in the series since its start in 2015. For more information, visit www.carlsoltisz.com.
Mathew Scholtz at NJMP. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corporation.
After multiple championship-winning seasons in MotoAmerica’s Supersport class, Strack Racing Yamaha is taking a big step forward by entering the Superbike Championship in 2026 alongside their continuation in Supersport. The move marks the next phase in the team’s long-term growth at the national level.
Two-time, back-to-back Supersport Champion Mathew Scholtz will set aside his #1 Strack Racing Yamaha YZF-R9 and swing his leg over the brand-new #11 Strack Racing Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike. For Scholtz, he returns to MotoAmerica’s premier class where he previously notched five Superbike wins prior to joining Strack Racing in 2024. The South African brings championship momentum and continuity as the team expands into MotoAmerica’s premier race class.
Mathew Scholtz was en fuego in Texas. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Also continuing with Strack Racing Yamaha is Scholtz’s Supersport teammate from the past year, Blake Davis. The 19-year-old from Virginia finished third in the 2025 Supersport standings and, with both season champion Scholtz and runner-up PJ Jacobsen moving up to Superbike, Davis is the odds-on favorite to make it three years in a row for Strack Racing Yamaha to win the Supersport crown.
Davis will be back aboard the #22 Strack Racing Yamaha YZF-R9 as he and the team continue to develop the Supersport Next Generation machine.
Blake Davis (22). Photo by Michael Gougis.
With Scholtz in Superbike and Davis continuing in Supersport, Strack Racing Yamaha will work in close technical alignment with Attack Performance, strengthening the Superbike program while maintaining championship-level performance across both race classes.
Commenting on his team’s 2026 racing plans, Strack Racing Yamaha’s team owner Peter Strack said, “Supersport enabled us to build a championship foundation, and that didn’t happen easily—it was deliberate and strategic. With Yamaha and Attack Performance aligned with us technically, we’re confident about stepping into Superbike while continuing to compete at the front of a stacked Supersport field.”
About continuing with Strack Racing Yamaha and moving back up to Superbike, Scholtz said,“Coming back to Superbike with Strack Racing Yamaha feels like the right move at the right time for me. What we’ve built together in Supersport gives us a strong foundation, and I’m excited to take that momentum back into the premier class with a team I trust.”
Mathew Scholtz and the entire Strack Racing crew celebrate in style after clinching the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship. Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Corporation.
Davis had this to say about his second year with Strack Racing Yamaha and his plans to keep the Supersport title in the team: “I’m excited to continue with Strack Racing Yamaha and build on what we started last season. The Supersport class is stacked, and my goal is to be fighting for wins every race while continuing to develop the R9 with the team.”
Commenting on the continued partnership, Yamaha Racing’s Assistant Department Manager for YMUS Jeff Sidlovsky said, “Yamaha Racing is proud to support Strack Racing stepping up to the Superbike class with Mathew Scholtz, and continuing to build on their championship foundation in the Supersport class with Blake Davis. The team’s commitment to excellence is evident, and Mathew, Blake, and the team continue to grow. We value the collaboration between Strack Racing and Attack Performance as this strengthens the bonds between our racing partners, elevates the Yamaha brand, and promotes the strength of the YZF-R1 and YZF-R9.”
Alex Marquez (73), Joan Mir (36), Raul Fernandez (25), Francesco Bagnaia (63), Johann Zarco (5), Pedro Acosta (37) during the Sepang test. Photo courtesy Dorna
A delve into a few notable topics ahead of MotoGP landing in Thailand for Round 1 of what’s set to be another compelling campaign.
Here we go then. The Sepang Shakedown and Official Test kicked off proceedings as another MotoGP season bursts into life, with 2026 the last of its kind before a new era begins in 2027.
With the opening Grand Prix of the year in Thailand now rapidly approaching, what’s to know ahead of another stint of enjoying the most exciting sport on earth? If you’re a familiar face around here, then you’ll have a very good idea already. But, if you’re a new fan (welcome, first and foremost), then this should give you a good leg up as we strap in for MotoGP to go racing in 2026.
Marc Marquez (93) quickest on day 1 at Sepang. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Chasing the eighth
Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), having completed the greatest sporting comeback in 2025, now sets out to clinch an eighth MotoGP World Championship title in 2026.
And despite undergoing another winter of rehabilitation following the shoulder injury sustained in October’s Indonesian Grand Prix, the #93 will land at the Thai Grand Prix as the rider to beat. After all, Marc Marquez lines up on the grid at Round 1 as the reigning World Champion for the first time since 2020. The target will be on his back, with the numerous chasers setting out to try and beat one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time. A tough ask.
Two-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia testing at Circuito de Valencia, November 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.
A quintet of MotoGP World Champions
It’s not just the 73-time MotoGP winner who knows how to climb to MotoGP’s summit and conquer the world. Marc Marquez is joined on the 2026 grid, as he was last season, by four other MotoGP Champions. 2024 king Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), 2023 and 2022 number one Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), 2021 ruler Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), and 2020 master Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) have all tasted title-winning success between Marquez’s last two championship wins in 2019 and 2025.
Will a new name be added to that illustrious list in 2026?
Toprak Razgatlioglu (7) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Diogo Moreira (11) during the first test day at Sepang. Photo courtesy Dorna
Bem-vindo de volta, Brasil!
While we welcome our first-ever Turkish MotoGP rider to the grid, we also get ready to witness Brazil’s Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) enter the fray. The 2025 Moto2 World Champion became the first from his country to win a Grand Prix title last season, as Moreira picks up the baton left by our last Brazilian rider Alex Barros, who last raced in MotoGP back in 2007.
Oh, and what about that for timing? Because Round 2 takes us back to Brazil for the first time since 1992, and back to Goiânia for the first time since 1989.
Raul Fernandez (25) and Ai Ogura (79) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Trackhouse Team
Hunting a debut victory
Five riders on the 2026 grid are all dreaming of clinching their first MotoGP win this season. There’s of course our two rookies, Razgatlioglu and Moreira. Then there’s 2024 Moto2 World Champion Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), Honda HRC Castrol’s Luca Marini, and the one most will be talking about… Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Is 2026 the year Acosta finally clinches his maiden MotoGP win? The Spaniard is a 10-time podium finisher in the class and finished P4 in the Championship in 2025, and having risen through the ranks as a leading star, Acosta will want nothing more than to collect a Sunday 25-point haul.
Some MotoGP riders during the Sepang test. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Awakening sleeping giants
Honda HRC Castrol are hunting their first victory in five long years. And after Mir was able to climb onto the podium twice in the last six races, coupled with a positive pre-season, HRC are becoming a force once again.
Then there’s Yamaha. There may have been a hiccup or two in pre-season, but the Iwata marque are now armed with a bold new V4 engine. A mammoth task still lies ahead in what is a huge change in philosophy for the Japanese manufacturer, but the foundations for success are being laid.
The last dance of MotoGP’s 1000cc era
Contracts expiring, new regulations looming. There’s an almighty shake up coming for 2027 and already, things are getting very, very interesting. Big name moves. Shocks on the cards. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on what’s about to unfold both on and off track in MotoGP.
Subscribe to the951 Live YouTube Channelto get notified as soon as we go live. And please encourage your friends, family, and motorcycle racing fans to subscribe and tune in for most races.
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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
