WSBK: Preview Of The EICMA Italian Round

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 23, 2026

WSBK: Preview Of The EICMA Italian Round

Bulega eyes WorldSBK title on home soil.

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads to Cremona next weekend, 25-27 September, for the EICMA Italian Round. With Nicolo Bulega holding a commanding lead in the standings, his home round could prove a defining weekend in the 2026 season.

Recent Form and Momentum

Following his wins at Magny-Cours, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) stretched his advantage at the top of the standings to 146 points over teammate Iker Lecuona, who remains the only rider still mathematically able to challenge for the title.
Further back, the fight for the final podium spot in the championship is far tighter. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing – Ducati) holds third on 247 points, but Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) has closed to within 46 points, with his brother Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) only three points further back in fifth.

Nicolo Bulega (11) and Iker Lecuona (7). Photo courtesy Ducati.

At Stake This Weekend

Nicolo Bulega could secure the 2026 WorldSBK Riders’ Championship as early as Race 1 at Cremona. He will be crowned if he extends his 146-point advantage over Iker Lecuona by a further 15 points:
- Bulega finishes 1st: Lecuona must finish 6th or lower
- Bulega finishes 2nd: Lecuona must finish 11th or lower
- Bulega finishes 3rd: Lecuona must finish 15th or lower
If the title remains undecided after Race 1, Bulega will have another opportunity in the Tissot Superpole Race. He would secure the championship if he gains three points on Lecuona across Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race.

In addition to securing the 2026 WorldSBK Riders’ Championship, Bulega could also break the record for most wins in a single WorldSBK season. With 26 victories already to his name, he needs one more to equal Alvaro Bautista’s record of 27, set in 2023, and two more to surpass it.

Capture d’écran 2026 05 03 à 19.12.46 — Axel Bassani (47) and Danilo Petrucci (9) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy bimota by Kawasaki.

Historical Performance

As WorldSBK visits the Cremona Circuit for the third time, only two riders have previously claimed victories at the Italian venue. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Nicolo Bulega have dominated the previous two editions, with Petrucci winning in 2024 and Bulega in 2025. Alvaro Bautista also enjoyed a strong 2025 weekend, scoring three podium finishes at the circuit.

Yari Montella (5) at Misano. Photo courtesy WSBK.

Local Colours

The EICMA Italian Round will see a strong Italian presence across the WorldSBK grid, with nine home riders set to compete at Cremona.
Nicolo Bulega and Danilo Petrucci return to the circuit as its two previous WorldSBK winners, while Yari Montella, Lorenzo Baldassarri (team Goeleven), Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team), Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha), Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), Mattia Rato (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) complete the Italian contingent.

Andrea Locatelli (55) at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy Pata Maxus Yamaha.

Private Test

Several WorldSBK teams took part in a two-day private test at Cremona ahead of the race weekend, although the programme was disrupted by weather conditions. Factory teams from bimota, BMW, Ducati, Honda and Yamaha were in attendance.

ChampionshipStandings

2026_WorldSBK_ITA_Event_Schedule_27Aug2026

Cremona Next: Arenas Closes in on WorldSSP Title

The FIM Supersport World Championship heads to the Cremona Circuit for the EICMA Italian Round from 25-27 September, with the 2026 title fight entering its decisive phase. Albert Arenas arrives in Italy with a confortable advantage over Valentin Debise as the championship heads into its final three rounds.

WSSP Race at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy WSBK.

Recent Form and Momentum

Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) leads the WorldSSP standings on 311 points after the French Round, holding a 70-point advantage over Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Evan Bros Factory) in second.
Behind Debise, the standings are much tighter in the battle for the remaining podium place. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) sits third, 25 points behind Debise, while Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) is fourth on 210 points, just six points further back. With only 31 points separating second to fourth, Cremona could see the order behind Arenas reshuffled.
Further down the standings, Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) and Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) are locked in one of the closest battles in the championship, separated by just one point in fifth and sixth respectively, on 165 and 164 points.

Valentin Debise (53) and Albert Arenas (75) on the finish line of the WSSP Race 1 at Misano. Photo courtesy WSBK.

At Stake This Weekend

Albert Arenas could secure the 2026 WorldSSP Riders’ Championship in Race 2 at Cremona. To do so, he must:
- Outscore Valentin Debise by 31 points across Race 1 and Race 2;
- Outscore Can Oncu by six points across the two races;
- Avoid losing points to Jaume Masia across the two races.

Historical Performance

WorldSSP has visited Cremona twice so far, with Stefano Manzi claiming three of the four victories at the circuit. The Italian won Race 2 at his home round in 2024 before doubling up in 2025. With Manzi now competing in WorldSBK, this year’s round will produce a different WorldSSP winner for the first time since Race 1 in 2024.
Several riders from the current field already have podium experience at Cremona. Valentin Debise, Jaume Masia and Tom Booth-Amos all stood on the rostrum there in 2025.

WSSPChampionshipStandings

Salvador on the Brink as WorldSPB Heads to Cremona

The WorldSPB championship heads to the Cremona Circuit for the EICMA Italian Round from 25-27 September, with David Salvador holding a 30-point advantage over Xavi Artigas. With only two rounds remaining, the penultimate weekend of the season could prove pivotal in the fight for the 2026 title.

WSPB race start at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy WSBK.

Recent Form and Momentum

David Salvador (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) leads the WorldSPB standings on 197 points after the French Round, with Xavi Artigas (MTM Kawasaki) 30 points behind in second. With only Cremona and Jerez remaining on the WorldSPB calendar, the Italian Round is the first weekend at which Salvador could mathematically secure the title.
Antonio Torres (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) sits third on 146 points, 21 behind Artigas, but the fight from fourth to seventh is even closer. Carter Thompson (Team BrCorse), Matteo Vannucci (Revo-M2), Jeffrey Buis(Track & Trades Wixx Racing) and Fenton Seabright (PHR Performance Triumph) are covered by just 17 points.

At Stake This Weekend

David Salvador could secure the 2026 WorldSPB Riders’ Championship in Race 2 at Cremona. To do so, he must:
- Outscore Xavi Artigas by 20 or 21 points across Race 1 and Race 2, depending on the results;
- Avoid losing points to Antonio Torres across the two races;
- Lose no more than 24 points to Carter Thompson across the two races.

Historical Performance

The Cremona Circuit will host a WorldSBK lightweight class race for the first time since the class was introduced to the championship calendar.

MotoGP: Pirelli Advances 2027 Tire Development

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 22, 2026

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MotoGP: Pirelli Advances 2027 Tire Development

18 racing and test riders, including several rookies, took part in the test, evaluating soft, medium and hard compound slick tires. Testing was carried out using both prototype 850cc machines and suitably adapted current-generation 1000cc bikes.

Today, at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, Pirelli successfully completed another stage in its development program for the tires that will be supplied to the 2027 FIM Grand Prix World Championship, when the company becomes the championship’s exclusive tire supplier.

A total of 18 racing and test riders, including several rookies, took part in the session. They were Johann Zarco, Diogo Moreira and Takaaki Nakagami for Honda; Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, Jack Miller, Izan Guevara and Augusto Fernández for Yamaha; Marc Márquez, Franco Morbidelli and Fermín Aldeguer for Ducati; Marco Bezzecchi, Raúl Fernández and Lorenzo Savadori for Aprilia; and Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Pol Espargaró, Maverick Viñales and Senna Agius for KTM.

Commenting on the test, Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said: “Today’s session at the Red Bull Ring represents another step forward in the development of the Pirelli range for the 2027 FIM Grand Prix World Championship, when we will extend to the premier class the exclusive-supplier role we already successfully fulfill in Moto2™ and Moto3™. Our development program is wide-ranging and includes both collective tests, such as today’s session, and private development work carried out in close collaboration with the Manufacturers. It will culminate in the first official tests of 2027, scheduled to take place in Valencia in early December with all of next season’s race riders participating.
We are pleased with the outcome of the test in Austria. The riders, including several rookies who made a valuable contribution by bringing different riding approaches and perspectives, were able to evaluate soft, medium and hard compound slick solutions at both the front and rear, using prototype future 850cc machines in some cases and suitably adapted current-generation bikes in others. The feedback collected was positive overall and confirms the strong performance level of the solutions tested, particularly in terms of grip and stability. It has also provided us with valuable information to further refine the development program and define the characteristics of the range we will make available next season with increasing precision. As always, I would like to thank the Manufacturers, Teams and riders for their constructive cooperation”.

The test was held in stable, sunny weather conditions, with track temperatures ranging from 19 °C to 38 °C. Pirelli supplied soft, medium and hard compound slick tires for both the front and rear, with teams free to define their individual testing programs. Pirelli recommended a progressive approach, beginning with the soft solutions before moving onto the other compounds.

The session featured both prototype 850cc machines and a number of current-generation 1000cc bikes adapted to simulate the 2027 technical configuration. Pirelli engineers worked closely with the Manufacturers, Teams and riders throughout the test, gathering data and technical feedback that will contribute to the continued development and refinement of the tire range for the 2027 FIM Grand Prix World Championship.

ASBK: Yamaha Australia Continues BLU CRU R3 Cup Sponsorship

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 22, 2026

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ASBK: Yamaha Australia Continues BLU CRU R3 Cup Sponsorship

Yamaha Motor Australia has announced its continued commitment to the development of Australian motorcycle racing talent, confirming the BLU CRU R3 Cup will feature prominently in the inaugural 2027 ASBK Summer Championship.

The BLU CRU R3 Cup, a cornerstone of Yamaha Australia’s circuit racing development pathway, will run across four rounds of the newly formatted ASBK Championship, which represents a major shift in the domestic racing calendar as ASBK transitions to a summer-based calendar.

The BLU CRU R3 Cup features riders on Yamaha YZF-R3s, complete with aspirations to follow in the footsteps of predecessors who have progressed to international competition.

BLU CRU R3 Cup calendar – 2027 ASBK Summer Championship

Round 1: One Raceway – December 4-6, 2026
Round 2: Queensland Raceway – January 15-17, 2027
Round 3: Phillip Island WorldSBK – February 19-21, 2027 (R3 Cup riders will compete in the ASBK Supersport 300 category, racing in the same race as SS300 competitors while scoring points for the R3 Cup.)
Round 4: Sydney Motorsport Park – March 19-20, 2027

The announcement comes as ASBK prepares for a transformative summer calendar, designed to align the championship with major international series and bring more fans to the trackside during favourable weather conditions.

“Yamaha Australia continues to invest in rider development and the BLU CRU R3 Cup provides the next vital step in a rider’s career after learning the ropes in the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup,” said Yamaha Motor Australia’s Motorsport Manager, Scott Bishop. “The BLU CRU R3 Cup is now a global Yamaha initiative that is run and contested in many countries as well as major racing championships in Europe and Asia.

“We look forward to seeing riders continue their passion of racing in the BLU CRU R3 Cup and hope to unearth some racing stars of the future.”

Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle welcomed the confirmation of the BLU CRU R3 Cup’s inclusion in the inaugural summer championship.

“The BLU CRU R3 Cup has been a vital part of the ASBK landscape for nearly a decade, providing a genuine pathway for young riders to develop their skills on a national stage,” he said. “This is a tremendously exciting time for the ASBK Championship as it continues to evolve and push new boundaries, and we are thrilled to have Yamaha’s continued support as we embark on this new summer era.”

About Yamaha Motor Australia:

Yamaha Motor Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., and is responsible for the distribution of Yamaha motorcycles, marine products, power products, and related accessories throughout Australia.

About Motorcycling Australia:

Motorcycling Australia is the National Sporting Organisation and governing body for motorcycle sport as recognised by the Australian Sports Commission, responsible for the administration and promotion of motorcycle racing across the country.

About ASBK:

The Australian Superbike Championship is Australia’s premier national circuit racing series, featuring the nation’s best riders competing across multiple classes.

MotoGP Confirms Valencia GP as 2027 Season Finale

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 22, 2026

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MotoGP Confirms Valencia GP as 2027 Season Finale

Circuit Ricardo Tormo to host the final round of the 2027 MotoGP World Championship on 26-28 November.

Ahead of the release of the full 2027 MotoGP calendar on Friday 25 September, MotoGP can confirm that the Valencia Grand Prix at Circuit Ricardo Tormo will be the season-ending round of the championship.

The announcement means the 2027 campaign will once again begin and end at two of the Championship’s most celebrated venues, with Thailand’s Buriram International Circuit already confirmed as the season opener (5-7 March) and Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo set to provide the stage for the season finale.Few venues are as synonymous with MotoGP season finales as Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Since first hosting the Championship, the venue has provided the backdrop for countless title deciders, unforgettable victories and defining moments in Grand Prix racing. Its unique stadium-style layout creates one of the sport’s most distinctive atmospheres, allowing fans to follow almost every corner of the action from their seats.

The confirmation comes as Valencia prepares to host the 2026 season finale later this year, with MotoGP set to take over the city through an expanded programme of fan activities and entertainment. From the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias to Marina Sur, fans will be able to experience MotoGP beyond the circuit, with the MotoGP Fan Fest bringing riders, entertainment and live music into the heart of the city. International DJ HUGEL will headline a special “HUGEL & Friends” event at Marina Sur as part of the weekend celebrations.

Carlos Ezpeleta, Deputy CEO of MotoGP, said: “There are few places that capture the spirit of a MotoGP season finale quite like Circuit Ricardo Tormo. The circuit, the city and the fans create a truly special atmosphere every year, making it the perfect venue to bring another season of world-class competition to a close. We’re delighted to confirm Valencia as the host of the 2027 finale.”

The President of the Valencia Government, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, has emphasised that this is “excellent news for Circuit Ricardo Tormo and for the whole of the Valencian Community. Hosting the final round of the MotoGP World Championship is a tribute to the event organisers and to our fans, who ensure that this Grand Prix continues to grow year on year.”

With the opening and closing venues now confirmed, anticipation continues to build ahead of the unveiling of the complete 2027 MotoGP World Championship calendar.

The full 2027 MotoGP World Championship calendar will be released on Friday 25 September at 12:00 (midday) CET.

CVMA Adds New Streetfighters Class

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 22, 2026

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Last year, CVMA ran four CVMA Hooligans races per weekend. With participation continuing to grow, we’re adding a second class for the 2026–27 season: CVMA Streetfighters!

Both classes will follow the same rules, but racers will now have two separate championships to compete for. Each class will run one race per day.

Friday Practice Timing

To improve safety and better balance our Friday Practice groups, transponders will now be required for all Friday Practice participants.

Rental transponders will be available Friday mornings.

CVMA 2026-27 Schedule:

Round 1 Oct 23-25, 2026 [CCW] – Double Points
Round 2 Nov 13-15, 2026 [CW]
Round 3 Dec 11-13, 2026 [CCW]
Round 4 Jan 8-10, 2027 [CW]
Round 5 Feb 19-21, 2027 [CCW]
Round 6 Mar 19-21, 2027 [CW]
Round 7 Apr 9-11, 2027 [CCW] – Double Points

CVMA 2027-28 Schedule

Round 1 Oct 22-24, 2027 [CCW] – Double Points
Round 2 Nov 12-14, 2027 [CW]
Round 3 Dec 10-12, 2027 [CCW]
Round 4 Jan TBD, 2028 [CW]
Round 5 Feb TBD, 2028 [CCW]
Round 6 Mar TBD, 2028 [CW]
Round 7 Apr TBD, 2028 [CCW] – Double Points

EWC: BMW Motorrad Wins Bol d’Or & 2026 World Championship

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 21, 2026

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EWC: BMW Motorrad Wins Bol d’Or & 2026 World Championship

Le Castellet — The 89th Bol d’Or has concluded at Circuit Paul Ricard, and with it the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship season. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team won the 24-hour race and claimed the world title by four points, the first FIM EWC crown for the German manufacturer and the first won aboard a European bike.

The #37 BMW M 1000 RR of Markus Reiterberger, Steven Odendaal and Michael van der Mark covered 742 laps (a new record at the Bol d’Or), finishing one lap clear of the #12 Suzuki of Yoshimura SERT Motul and two ahead of the #1 Yamaha of the YART Yamaha Official EWC Team.

The outcome carried particular weight for the Belgian-based squad. Twelve months earlier, at the same circuit, the same machine had been half an hour from the title when a mechanical failure ended its race. This time the M 1000 RR ran the full distance without a setback.

Starting from pole position, the #37 was briefly headed at the Le Mans-style start by Gregg Black on the Yoshimura SERT Motul Suzuki, then regained the lead on the opening lap. The early hours produced a sustained fight with the #5 Honda of F.C.C. TSR Honda France, settled by fuel range and pit-stop efficiency: BMW ran longer stints and completed the 24 hours with 36 minutes 26 seconds of cumulative pit-lane time across 26 stops, the lowest figure among the leading entries. It led both intermediate classifications, taking the maximum 10 points at eight hours and again at 16 hours.

Yoshimura SERT Motul, three-time consecutive winner of the event, moved from fifth in the opening hour to second overnight, passing the YART Yamaha and then the F.C.C. TSR Honda. Gregg Black, Etienne Masson and Dan Linfoot finished second, one lap down, and took third in the final standings.

Karel Hanika, Marvin Fritz and Leandro Mercado recovered from a difficult opening lap that dropped the reigning Champions outside the top 15. The #1 Yamaha ran fourth for much of the race before inheriting third place in the closing hours when the #5 Honda was delayed by a crash at Turn 1 and an eight-minute repair. The podium was not enough to retain the title, which YART lost by four points after winning it by one in 2025.

F.C.C. TSR Honda France finished fourth, six laps down, with Corentin Perolari setting the fastest lap of the race at 1’52.320 (181.8 km/h). Kawasaki Webike Trickstar completed the EWC top five.

Among the retirements were ERC Endurance #6, out after 629 laps, and the AutoRace Ube Racing Team, whose BMW was withdrawn following a fire in the sixth hour. 36 of the 56 starters were classified.

Wójcik Racing Team #77 SST won the Superstock class and the FIM Endurance World Cup. Photo courtesy EWC.

FIM Endurance World Cup: Wójcik Racing Team #77 SST takes the title

Wójcik Racing Team #77 SST won the Superstock class and the FIM Endurance World Cup by four points. Jordi Torres Fernandez, Milan Pawelec, Mateusz Molik and Hector Garzo Vicent brought the #77 Honda home sixth overall on 717 laps, ahead of the #36 Yamaha of 3ART Best Of Bike Hamaguchi and the #44 Honda of Honda No Limits.

Champion-Hert Powered by MRP, which led the class and the standings for most of the weekend, lost more than two hours in the garage overnight and finished eleventh in class. The Belgian team ends the season second, four points behind. Honda takes the Superstock manufacturers’ classification.

FIM Endurance World Trophy: Legacy Competition confirms

Audemar Motoclub Gemenos won the Production class in front of its home crowd, with Bastien Vigne, Arnaud Dejean, Quentin Benslimane and Tony Guerrero completing 666 laps. Legacy Competition finished second, two laps behind, which was enough to secure the FIM Endurance World Trophy with 134 points to 115 for ARTEC #199, third on the road and second in the standings. Yamaha wins the Production manufacturers’ classification.

Team Metiss took the Experimental class honours.

Manufacturers’ classification

Yamaha wins the 2026 FIM EWC manufacturers’ classification with 179 points, ahead of BMW on 167 and Honda on 141.

FULL RESULTS: https://fimewc.frclassification.fr/events/bol-dor-2026

The 2027 FIM Endurance World Championship season opens with the 24 Heures Motos at the Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans, from 8 to 11 April.

What they said…

EWC – Winner: BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team

Michael van der Makr: “This year, Werner, the team and BMW took another step forward. They were already really good before, but now they have reached the next level. We riders, Markus, Steven and I, always helped and pushed each other. We were unlucky at Le Mans, but after that the victory at Spa and the podium at Suzuka were something special. Here, we had to take pole position and win – and that’s exactly what we did. Of course, sometimes you also need a bit of luck, but BMW, Werner and the team had that on their side this year. I’m really happy!”

Steven Odendaal: “I couldn’t be happier. We have been trying to win this World Championship for a very long time. To lose it the way we did last year was simply heartbreaking. That makes winning it this year all the more special. We are three very strong riders in a fantastic team. Werner, his team and the guys at BMW have done an incredible job. The bike is truly amazing. Thank you very much to everyone who made this possible.”

Markus Reiterberger: “Finally, we have done it. Last year we had a bit of bad luck, so I was a little nervous during the final stint, but in the end, it worked out. I’m so happy for my team-mates: they were incredibly strong, just like the whole team. I don’t know how long I’ve been racing in this series with BMW, and I can hardly put into words how we feel now. I’m so grateful to everyone – and now let’s celebrate.”

Warner Daemen (Team Manager): “It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts. We started this project together with BMW seven or eight years ago, and we knew it would be difficult to compete against the Japanese manufacturers because they have much more experience. They started back in the 1970s. As a young brand in this racing scene, which came here in 2019, we naturally had a lot of smaller problems. We built something up – and that is a very important point: we didn’t just build the best motorcycle, we also built the best team. And together with BMW, with the hard work and the good equipment they provide us with, we were truly at the top this year. I am very proud to have won the title for BMW.”

Highlights…

AHRMA Announces Featured Class For 2027 Vintage Cup

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 21, 2026

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AHRMA Announces Featured Class For 2027 Vintage Cup

AHRMA Vintage Cup Returns: Formula 750 named featured class for the 2027 season.

(September 21, 2026, Knoxville, TN) The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is proud to announce Formula 750 as the featured class for the 2027 Vintage Cup. The big four-strokes that remade American road racing — Honda Fours, BSA and Triumph Triples, Norton twins, Harley-Davidson XR750s, Ducati V-twins and their period works replicas — will take center stage at every AHRMA National road race next season.

Sponsored by Roadracingworld.com and NYC Norton (nycnorton.com), AHRMA’s 2027 Vintage Cup features Formula 750: fully GP-kitted four-stroke machines of up to four cylinders, manufactured as 600–750 cc and built prior to December 31, 1972, and like design. It is a second Vintage Cup turn for a class first featured in 2023.

“Formula 750 is the sound and silhouette of road racing’s big-bike revolution,” says Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton, Vintage Cup sponsor. “These are the bikes that came out of showrooms and factory race shops and changed everything from Daytona to the Isle of Man. Whether you’ve got a BSA/Triumph Triple or Twin, a CR750-based racer, a well-tuned Norton, BMW, an XR750, or Ducati V-twin, 2027 is the year to get it out of the shop and onto the grid. Formula 750 already proved it can fill a Vintage Cup paddock as we saw in 2023. Let’s do it again — louder.”

Typical AHRMA Formula 750 grids include BSA Rocket 3 and Triumph Trident works racers and replicas, Honda CR/RC750 kit machines, Harley-Davidson XR750s (iron and alloy), Norton John Player and FIM production racers, Ducati works V-twins, Laverda SFCs, BMW works bikes, MV 750 fours, Rickman and Seeley specials, Yamaha XS650s, and more.

“Formula 750 captures the moment American road racing became a worldwide prize,” said Leasha Overturf, AHRMA’s Road Race Director. “These machines were the proving ground for factories, tuners and riders who rewrote what a production-based racer could do. Showcasing them in the Vintage Cup honors that legacy and gives today’s racers and fans the chance to see — and hear — the 750s that defined an era.”

“AHRMA continues to do the sport a great service by running a series for people to ride historic race bikes on the track, where they can be seen and heard in action. Roadracing World is happy to be involved with the Vintage Cup program again in 2027. Now go out and have fun on old bikes!” said John Ulrich, Founder & Editor of Roadracing World.

The Vintage Cup will be highlighted during and after each of the 2027 AHRMA National road races. Added enhancements for the 2027 season include:

Enhanced trophies throughout the season.
Special awards for series champion.
Articles and photos on Roadracingworld.com to spotlight the class.
Roadracing World print magazine enhanced exposure for AHRMA and Formula 750.
Discounted race entry fees.
Racer spotlight features in AHRMA MAG.
Class champion on the cover of the AHRMA MAG.

Motorcycles eligible for AHRMA’s Formula 750 class include fully GP-kitted four-stroke machines of up to four cylinders, manufactured as 600–750 cc and built prior to December 31, 1972, and like design. A complete list and technical requirements appear in the AHRMA Handbook, Section regarding Formula 750 (www.ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook).

Technical journalist Kevin Cameron, whose full history of the class appeared in a recent issue of AHRMA MAG, traces Formula 750 to Dick Mann’s 1970 Daytona 200 win on a race-prepared Honda CB750 — the moment a new kind of big-bike racing arrived in America.

Honda’s 1969 CB750 Four, Britain’s 750 twins and triples, and Harley-Davidson’s coming XR750 collided with a booming U.S. market. Sales doubled from 1965 to 1970 and doubled again by 1974. At the AMA’s December 1968 Competition Congress, Triumph and Harley pushed the top class to a straight 750 cc for 1970. Daytona became the most important motorcycle race in the world. Europe followed with the Imola 200 and Paul Ricard 200.

The four-strokes that started it — Mann’s Honda, the BSA Triple that gave him a last British win in 1971, the iron XR750 that overheated at Daytona then became a dirt-track legend in alloy form, plus Norton, Ducati, Laverda and the works replicas — are the machines AHRMA Formula 750 still races. Vintage Cup 2027 is for the Fours, Triples, twins and V-twins built before the end of 1972.

Whether you have a Triple or a Four, a Norton twin or an XR750, a works replica or a production racer — bring it out for the 2027 Vintage Cup.

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With almost 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

AFM Round 5 Set for September 26-27 at Thunderhill

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 21, 2026

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AFM Round 5 Set for September 26-27 at Thunderhill

The 400-ish GP is back for Round 5 at Thunderhill — and it might be the most fun race in America.

When we debuted it, the 400-ish GP brought out the largest grid with 62 riders, and we’re trying to make it even bigger this time.

Thunderhill Raceway Park
September 26-27
AFM Round 5
400-ISH GP

400-ish GP Race Rules

Race:

Race will be 6 lap sprint at end of day Saturday if time allows.
There will be one wave.
Experts and novices will race together in the same race.
Grid spots will be given at tech.
Race will have no trophies and no points.

Requirements of Rider:

Must currently have or have had an AFM race license. If rider does not have a current license, they may purchase a single race license for $5. This license is only good for the 400-ish GP. All race practice and other races will still require a standard AFM license.

Requirements of Motorcycle:

Motorcycle must be 457cc or less. Bring your supermotos!
Motorcycle must have water or non-glycol coolant.
Motorcycle must have oil drain bolt safety wired or RTV’d.
All mirrors, lights, and turn signals must be removed or taped over.
Motorcycle must have numbers.
No other safety wire will be required.
All other modifications and body work will be allowed for the race only.
The bike must meet full tech requirements for any other races and practice.

JP43 Training Announces October Track Days at Chuckwalla

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 21, 2026

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JP43 Training Announces October Track Days at Chuckwalla

By Jason Pridmore:

The new season has arrived. Can hardly wait to get back out to @chuckwallavalleyraceway with everyone again this fall/winter. We will be riding once again with our friends from @socaltrackdays (Race Pace) & @racersedgeperformance. Whether you are a track-day rider or you want to tune yourself up for @cvmaracing, we are here to help. We offer military and cvma racer discounts. Look forward to seeing you all soon.

Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: Red Bull Ring 2026

Mathilde Gasnier

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September 21, 2026

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Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast: Red Bull Ring 2026

By Mat Oxley:

When most people picture the landlocked mountains of Austria, the last thing they think of is shark attacks. So imagine our surprise when we saw the Shark gobble up the competition this week at Red Bull Ring, even devouring Jorge Martin whole.

The Shark in question is, of course, Pedro Acosta driving that giant hammerhead of a KTM. He dominated the training on Friday, screwed it up dramatically on Saturday during the sprint and then came back swinging today, earning KTM its first victory on a dry track in half a decade. But how did he do it?

Enter Mat and Peter, who’ve got some theories. See, one thing that makes sharks so special is that evolution doesn’t seem to have changed them much this aeon. They found something that worked a long time ago, and it works still. Only in this case we’re not talking about a Great White’s scary sense of smell or rotating revolver teeth; we’re looking at an oldschool racing bike which still allows you to go completely apeshit on the front when entering corners. Combine that fact with the nature of this track, and it might be accurate to state that this is the first time we’ve seen Acosta on equal machinery.

God knows we’d like to see it more often!

Meanwhile Jorge Martin seems to have taken over from Marquez in the tournament standing, bringing some seriously competitive heat to the next few races. Exciting times, no doubt.

Just watch out for blood in the water, or we might end up needing a bigger boat bike!

*If there was ever a time to quote from Spielberg, wouldn’t it be when racing here?

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WSBK: Preview Of The EICMA Italian Round

September 23, 2026

WorldSBK Race 2 start at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy WSBK.

Bulega eyes WorldSBK title on home soil.

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads to Cremona next weekend, 25-27 September, for the EICMA Italian Round. With Nicolo Bulega holding a commanding lead in the standings, his home round could prove a defining weekend in the 2026 season.

Recent Form and Momentum

Following his wins at Magny-Cours, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) stretched his advantage at the top of the standings to 146 points over teammate Iker Lecuona, who remains the only rider still mathematically able to challenge for the title.
Further back, the fight for the final podium spot in the championship is far tighter. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing – Ducati) holds third on 247 points, but Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) has closed to within 46 points, with his brother Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) only three points further back in fifth.

At Stake This Weekend

Nicolo Bulega could secure the 2026 WorldSBK Riders’ Championship as early as Race 1 at Cremona. He will be crowned if he extends his 146-point advantage over Iker Lecuona by a further 15 points:
- Bulega finishes 1st: Lecuona must finish 6th or lower
- Bulega finishes 2nd: Lecuona must finish 11th or lower
- Bulega finishes 3rd: Lecuona must finish 15th or lower
If the title remains undecided after Race 1, Bulega will have another opportunity in the Tissot Superpole Race. He would secure the championship if he gains three points on Lecuona across Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race.

In addition to securing the 2026 WorldSBK Riders’ Championship, Bulega could also break the record for most wins in a single WorldSBK season. With 26 victories already to his name, he needs one more to equal Alvaro Bautista’s record of 27, set in 2023, and two more to surpass it.

Historical Performance

As WorldSBK visits the Cremona Circuit for the third time, only two riders have previously claimed victories at the Italian venue. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Nicolo Bulega have dominated the previous two editions, with Petrucci winning in 2024 and Bulega in 2025. Alvaro Bautista also enjoyed a strong 2025 weekend, scoring three podium finishes at the circuit.

Local Colours

The EICMA Italian Round will see a strong Italian presence across the WorldSBK grid, with nine home riders set to compete at Cremona.
Nicolo Bulega and Danilo Petrucci return to the circuit as its two previous WorldSBK winners, while Yari Montella, Lorenzo Baldassarri (team Goeleven), Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team), Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha), Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), Mattia Rato (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) complete the Italian contingent.

Private Test

Several WorldSBK teams took part in a two-day private test at Cremona ahead of the race weekend, although the programme was disrupted by weather conditions. Factory teams from bimota, BMW, Ducati, Honda and Yamaha were in attendance.

ChampionshipStandings

2026_WorldSBK_ITA_Event_Schedule_27Aug2026

Cremona Next: Arenas Closes in on WorldSSP Title

The FIM Supersport World Championship heads to the Cremona Circuit for the EICMA Italian Round from 25-27 September, with the 2026 title fight entering its decisive phase. Albert Arenas arrives in Italy with a confortable advantage over Valentin Debise as the championship heads into its final three rounds.

Recent Form and Momentum

Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) leads the WorldSSP standings on 311 points after the French Round, holding a 70-point advantage over Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Evan Bros Factory) in second.
Behind Debise, the standings are much tighter in the battle for the remaining podium place. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) sits third, 25 points behind Debise, while Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) is fourth on 210 points, just six points further back. With only 31 points separating second to fourth, Cremona could see the order behind Arenas reshuffled.
Further down the standings, Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) and Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) are locked in one of the closest battles in the championship, separated by just one point in fifth and sixth respectively, on 165 and 164 points.

At Stake This Weekend

Albert Arenas could secure the 2026 WorldSSP Riders’ Championship in Race 2 at Cremona. To do so, he must:
- Outscore Valentin Debise by 31 points across Race 1 and Race 2;
- Outscore Can Oncu by six points across the two races;
- Avoid losing points to Jaume Masia across the two races.

Historical Performance

WorldSSP has visited Cremona twice so far, with Stefano Manzi claiming three of the four victories at the circuit. The Italian won Race 2 at his home round in 2024 before doubling up in 2025. With Manzi now competing in WorldSBK, this year’s round will produce a different WorldSSP winner for the first time since Race 1 in 2024.
Several riders from the current field already have podium experience at Cremona. Valentin Debise, Jaume Masia and Tom Booth-Amos all stood on the rostrum there in 2025.

WSSPChampionshipStandings

Salvador on the Brink as WorldSPB Heads to Cremona

The WorldSPB championship heads to the Cremona Circuit for the EICMA Italian Round from 25-27 September, with David Salvador holding a 30-point advantage over Xavi Artigas. With only two rounds remaining, the penultimate weekend of the season could prove pivotal in the fight for the 2026 title.

Recent Form and Momentum

David Salvador (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) leads the WorldSPB standings on 197 points after the French Round, with Xavi Artigas (MTM Kawasaki) 30 points behind in second. With only Cremona and Jerez remaining on the WorldSPB calendar, the Italian Round is the first weekend at which Salvador could mathematically secure the title.
Antonio Torres (Team ProDina Kawasaki XCI) sits third on 146 points, 21 behind Artigas, but the fight from fourth to seventh is even closer. Carter Thompson (Team BrCorse), Matteo Vannucci (Revo-M2), Jeffrey Buis(Track & Trades Wixx Racing) and Fenton Seabright (PHR Performance Triumph) are covered by just 17 points.

At Stake This Weekend

David Salvador could secure the 2026 WorldSPB Riders’ Championship in Race 2 at Cremona. To do so, he must:
- Outscore Xavi Artigas by 20 or 21 points across Race 1 and Race 2, depending on the results;
- Avoid losing points to Antonio Torres across the two races;
- Lose no more than 24 points to Carter Thompson across the two races.

Historical Performance

The Cremona Circuit will host a WorldSBK lightweight class race for the first time since the class was introduced to the championship calendar.

MotoGP: Pirelli Advances 2027 Tire Development

September 22, 2026

18 racing and test riders, including several rookies, took part in the test, evaluating soft, medium and hard compound slick tires. Testing was carried out using both prototype 850cc machines and suitably adapted current-generation 1000cc bikes.

Today, at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, Pirelli successfully completed another stage in its development program for the tires that will be supplied to the 2027 FIM Grand Prix World Championship, when the company becomes the championship’s exclusive tire supplier.

A total of 18 racing and test riders, including several rookies, took part in the session. They were Johann Zarco, Diogo Moreira and Takaaki Nakagami for Honda; Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, Jack Miller, Izan Guevara and Augusto Fernández for Yamaha; Marc Márquez, Franco Morbidelli and Fermín Aldeguer for Ducati; Marco Bezzecchi, Raúl Fernández and Lorenzo Savadori for Aprilia; and Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Pol Espargaró, Maverick Viñales and Senna Agius for KTM.

Commenting on the test, Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said: “Today’s session at the Red Bull Ring represents another step forward in the development of the Pirelli range for the 2027 FIM Grand Prix World Championship, when we will extend to the premier class the exclusive-supplier role we already successfully fulfill in Moto2™ and Moto3™. Our development program is wide-ranging and includes both collective tests, such as today’s session, and private development work carried out in close collaboration with the Manufacturers. It will culminate in the first official tests of 2027, scheduled to take place in Valencia in early December with all of next season’s race riders participating.
We are pleased with the outcome of the test in Austria. The riders, including several rookies who made a valuable contribution by bringing different riding approaches and perspectives, were able to evaluate soft, medium and hard compound slick solutions at both the front and rear, using prototype future 850cc machines in some cases and suitably adapted current-generation bikes in others. The feedback collected was positive overall and confirms the strong performance level of the solutions tested, particularly in terms of grip and stability. It has also provided us with valuable information to further refine the development program and define the characteristics of the range we will make available next season with increasing precision. As always, I would like to thank the Manufacturers, Teams and riders for their constructive cooperation”.

The test was held in stable, sunny weather conditions, with track temperatures ranging from 19 °C to 38 °C. Pirelli supplied soft, medium and hard compound slick tires for both the front and rear, with teams free to define their individual testing programs. Pirelli recommended a progressive approach, beginning with the soft solutions before moving onto the other compounds.

The session featured both prototype 850cc machines and a number of current-generation 1000cc bikes adapted to simulate the 2027 technical configuration. Pirelli engineers worked closely with the Manufacturers, Teams and riders throughout the test, gathering data and technical feedback that will contribute to the continued development and refinement of the tire range for the 2027 FIM Grand Prix World Championship.

ASBK: Yamaha Australia Continues BLU CRU R3 Cup Sponsorship

September 22, 2026

BLU CRU R3 Cup Race Start in 2026. Photo bu ASBK.

Yamaha Motor Australia has announced its continued commitment to the development of Australian motorcycle racing talent, confirming the BLU CRU R3 Cup will feature prominently in the inaugural 2027 ASBK Summer Championship.

The BLU CRU R3 Cup, a cornerstone of Yamaha Australia’s circuit racing development pathway, will run across four rounds of the newly formatted ASBK Championship, which represents a major shift in the domestic racing calendar as ASBK transitions to a summer-based calendar.

The BLU CRU R3 Cup features riders on Yamaha YZF-R3s, complete with aspirations to follow in the footsteps of predecessors who have progressed to international competition.

BLU CRU R3 Cup calendar – 2027 ASBK Summer Championship

Round 1: One Raceway – December 4-6, 2026
Round 2: Queensland Raceway – January 15-17, 2027
Round 3: Phillip Island WorldSBK – February 19-21, 2027 (R3 Cup riders will compete in the ASBK Supersport 300 category, racing in the same race as SS300 competitors while scoring points for the R3 Cup.)
Round 4: Sydney Motorsport Park – March 19-20, 2027

The announcement comes as ASBK prepares for a transformative summer calendar, designed to align the championship with major international series and bring more fans to the trackside during favourable weather conditions.

“Yamaha Australia continues to invest in rider development and the BLU CRU R3 Cup provides the next vital step in a rider’s career after learning the ropes in the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup,” said Yamaha Motor Australia’s Motorsport Manager, Scott Bishop. “The BLU CRU R3 Cup is now a global Yamaha initiative that is run and contested in many countries as well as major racing championships in Europe and Asia.

“We look forward to seeing riders continue their passion of racing in the BLU CRU R3 Cup and hope to unearth some racing stars of the future.”

Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle welcomed the confirmation of the BLU CRU R3 Cup’s inclusion in the inaugural summer championship.

“The BLU CRU R3 Cup has been a vital part of the ASBK landscape for nearly a decade, providing a genuine pathway for young riders to develop their skills on a national stage,” he said. “This is a tremendously exciting time for the ASBK Championship as it continues to evolve and push new boundaries, and we are thrilled to have Yamaha’s continued support as we embark on this new summer era.”

About Yamaha Motor Australia:

Yamaha Motor Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., and is responsible for the distribution of Yamaha motorcycles, marine products, power products, and related accessories throughout Australia.

About Motorcycling Australia:

Motorcycling Australia is the National Sporting Organisation and governing body for motorcycle sport as recognised by the Australian Sports Commission, responsible for the administration and promotion of motorcycle racing across the country.

About ASBK:

The Australian Superbike Championship is Australia’s premier national circuit racing series, featuring the nation’s best riders competing across multiple classes.

MotoGP Confirms Valencia GP as 2027 Season Finale

September 22, 2026