Racers Elisa Gendron-Belen and Levi Badie exchanged wedding vows in Upstate New York on Saturday, January 17, 2026 after a short engagement.
The couple are both MotoAmerica licensed racers who competed as teammates in the SC Project Twins Cups class for Karns Performance during the 2025 season.
Elisa and Levi met in parc fermé at Barber Motorsports Park after their Junior Cup race in 2023.
Congratulations to the happy couple.
The FBI has officially apprehended Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder and Canadian national, who was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in March 2025. Wedding is the sixth Ten Most Wanted Fugitive to be captured within the last year, and the 500th capture of an FBI Most Wanted Fugitive since the inception of the list 75 years ago.
“This is a huge day for a safer North America, and the world, and a message that those who break our laws and harm our citizens will be brought to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel in a post on social media.
Wedding was charged for allegedly running and participating in a transnational drug-trafficking operation that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California to the U.S. and Canada. Wedding was also wanted for allegedly orchestrating multiple murders of rivals and innocent victims, including a government witness.
Read the rest of the news release here:
In the wake of kicking off its year-long 125th anniversary celebration, Indian Motorcycle today unveiled the 2026 Indian Chief Vintage – honoring its heritage by reimagining a timeless classic into a new icon for today’s riders. Inspired by the 1940s Chief, its flowing valanced fenders and unmistakable silhouette pay tribute to Indian Motorcycle’s roots, while the Thunderstroke motor delivers the power and presence that set today’s standard. Built with thoughtful, American craftsmanship and obsessive attention to detail, Chief Vintage reflects Indian Motorcycle’s Never Finished spirit, defined by fearlessness, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to provide riders the choice they’ve always deserved in American motorcycling.
A striking tribute to an American classic from the heart of the golden age of motorcycling, the new Chief Vintage fuses classic design with power, precision, and innovation that has defined the brand for 125 years. More than a motorcycle, the 2026 Chief Vintage is a legend reborn for the road ahead.
“Indian Chiefs from the 1940s remain one of the most recognizable and celebrated motorcycles in American history,” said Ola Stenegärd, Design Director for Indian Motorcycle. “With its iconic V-Twin engine, valanced fenders, and unparalleled reliability, the Chief set a standard for performance and design that resonates today. It represents the spirit of Indian Motorcycle – bold, timeless, and always pushing forward.”
Honoring its iconic lineage, the Chief Vintage seamlessly blends a timeless design with modern performance and technology. Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Chief Vintage stands as a statement: The legacy of Indian Motorcycle isn’t a finish line, it’s a launchpad.
Timeless Design
With sculpted lines that pay homage to post-war classics, Chief Vintage looks as though it rolled straight off the original Springfield, Mass., production line in the 1940s. Its unmistakable Indian Motorcycle valanced front fender is complemented by the iconic lit headdress ornament, while a narrow rear subframe and Vintage Handlebars reference the era’s timeless designs. The bike’s Vintage Solo Seat is reimagined for superior comfort and ergonomic support, while wire-spoke wheels complete the timeless American design.
Featuring heritage in every detail, the finish on the Chief Vintage’s Thunderstroke engine captures the spirit of 1940s craftsmanship with non-machined black cylinders and silver-painted cylinder heads and pushrod tubes. These painted components and non-machined fins pay tribute to the raw aluminum finishes found on the original Chief models.
Collectively, the valanced fenders, Vintage Solo Seat, Vintage Handlebars, engine details and wire wheels are not just retro touches: they’re the design cues that defined an era.
Modern Performance & Technology
Chief Vintage delivers modern performance and technology wrapped in heritage. Powering the Chief Vintage is Indian Motorcycle’s air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine, delivering 120 ft-lbs of torque for effortless passing power in every gear. Three selectable ride modes (Tour, Standard, and Sport) allow riders to tailor throttle response to their preference for a personalized experience.
Delivering industry-leading technology, Chief Vintage is equipped with Indian Motorcycle’s 4-inch Round Touchscreen Display powered by RIDE COMMAND. The 2026 system features an all-new software, improving startup time and loading times by approximately 25 percent. The new software, now available for all Scout and Chief models with the 4-inch Round Touchscreen Display powered by RIDE COMMAND, introduces Indian Motorcycle’s App Enhanced Navigation, delivering seamless integration between a rider’s mobile phone and their on-bike display. With App Enhanced Navigation, riders can intuitively search for destinations on their phone via platforms like Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps and send them directly via Bluetooth® LE to their bike’s display.
Riders can operate Indian Motorcycle’s 4-inch Round Touchscreen Display powered by RIDE COMMAND via hand controls or the full-color IPS touchscreen. The display offers multiple interface options, including two gauge configurations, detailed bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation with connected services, such as live weather and traffic overlays. If using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can control their music within the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth® or USB. Riders can also access phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history. When connected, incoming calls will appear and can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.
Authentic Accessories
Comfort & Style
Launching with Chief Vintage is a curated selection of premium accessories designed to elevate every ride. Riders can equip front Highway Bars for low-speed tip-over protection and add Highway Bar Lower Closeouts to reduce wind buffeting and shield against road debris. The 17.8-inch Quick Release Low Windshield delivers added wind protection while maintaining a sleek, low-profile aesthetic. Prioritizing practicality and comfort, Indian Motorcycle’s durable, weather-resistant Vinyl Saddlebags provide more than five gallons of storage per bag. Complementing the collection, select Premium Handle Grips elevate both style and tactile feel, while available rider floorboards offer a wider, more stable platform for increased comfort and control.
For two-up riding and all-day comfort, riders can pair the Classic Solo Seat with a matching Passenger Pillion. A Passenger Touring Backrest Pad can also be added, enhancing comfort and making two-up riding more accessible—all without compromising the bike’s classic styling.
Performance & Technology
Chief Vintage includes a range of premium accessories designed to elevate both performance and rider safety. The Pathfinder 5¾-inch Adaptive LED headlight delivers exceptional illumination, automatically adjusting for turns and providing an added layer of safety during night riding. The precision-engineered Chief Stage 1 Slip-On Exhaust produces a deep, powerful tone while improving acceleration and throttle response. Complementing the exhaust, the slash cut tips add bold visual flair and enhance the exhaust growl, with the Thunderstroke Stage 1 High-Flow Air Intake improving engine breathing for smoother, more responsive power delivery.
Starting at $19,999, the 2026 Indian Chief Vintage is available in Black Metallic and Indian Motorcycle Red and will be arriving at dealerships in March.
Kawasaki looks to be building momentum in the right direction as the Jerez test gave their rider a chance to get a feeling with his new bike
With the two days of testing at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Andalucia, all wrapped up, American rider Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) has wind in his sails as the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season approaches with a new bike and new crew chief in his garage. The #31 took to the track on both days of testing, and while poor weather prevented a more comprehensive shakedown, early indications sing the praises of his new bike.
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: “I got to feel a bit of a difference on the aero package from last year to this year”
After taking time to disconnect and recharge his batteries, the Texan had been chomping at the bit to get rolling in 2026 and at last get his first feelings with the 2026 ZX-10RR Ninja. Jerez presented itself as that opportunity, but rainy conditions on Day 1 severely limited riders. While Day 2 provided a slight window around midday where the track had dried off slightly, Gerloff was still held to a cumulative 49 laps, his fastest a 1’40.445s time to place him 11th on the timesheets
On the limited running at Jerez, the Texan said: “It’s a bummer, man! I’ve been waiting two months to get out here and ride this new bike. I’ve been really looking forward to it, but the weather’s been horrible the whole time. Frustrating for myself and the whole team. In the end, we got 20 laps in the dry-ish; it was like half-wet, half-dry, it was sketchy, and a lot of guys crashed in the water at Turn 5. Luckily, we stayed up on two wheels. I felt a bit of a difference in the aero package from last year to this year. That was positive. In the end, it wasn’t enough laps to get a full feeling for everything. We still need more time.”
FRONT END FEELING: “I had the front a bit more planted on the ground, and that’s what we were all hoping for”
The new Kawasaki bike’s most distinctive upgrade is the addition of canards on either side of the fairing to provide additional downforce, aiding grip at the front. A lack of feeling with his front tyre was something that Gerloff has mentioned bothering him throughout the 2025 season, and now with his new bike delivered and making its debut on track, the American has an ace up his sleeve; he just needs to hope for better weather to be able to test its full potential
Despite limited running, Gerloff was able to give some initial thoughts on the new-for-2025 aero package on the ZX-10RR machine: “I felt like I was able to turn better in the faster corners. I had the front a bit more planted on the ground, and that’s what we were all hoping for. That’s something that’s good, but we need to know what it’s like when it’s hotter, and the track has less grip, because if the track’s got more grip than it did last year, because of a lower temperature, I’m going to have better turning anyway. It’s like trying to cancel out the variables and make sure we’re making progress forward. So far, I think that’s the case. That was the biggest place. I only got 20 laps, and let’s call six of those in and out laps, so they don’t really count! I didn’t get a whole lot of time at all to do back-to-backs. We only used the new aero package on Thursday; we didn’t get to compare the old to the new. Really still in the dark about a lot of things.”
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) is pleased to announce that JD Beach will join Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing to campaign for top honors alongside Bobby Fong in the 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. Heading into its seventh season as YMUS’ official Superbike team, the championship-winning program is eager to get the season underway and looks to add a fifth title and more wins to its already impressive tally.
“We welcome JD Beach back to the Yamaha family and look forward to working with him,” said Richard Stanboli, Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Team Principal. “He is one of the hardest training riders in the paddock, and we are confident that with a comprehensive testing schedule, he will be a regular on the Superbike podium. We’re also happy to have Bobby Fong return this season to build on the success we had last year.”
For Beach, it’s also a welcome return to the Yamaha brand and the Attack Performance Superbike program, where he has enjoyed a lot of success. In addition to two MotoAmerica Supersport titles with Yamaha in 2015 and 2018, Beach has two career Superbike wins, both of which were aboard an Attack Performance Yamaha R1. The versatile rider who lives and breathes two-wheel racing also has 12 premier class victories in American Flat Track aboard Estenson Racing’s Yamaha MT-07s. With his racing efforts mostly focused on dirt track from 2020 to 2023, Beach returned to racing the MotoAmerica series full-time in 2024, earning three Superbike podiums and finishing second overall in the 2025 Stock 1000 Championship. With his dream ride coming to fruition this year, he has his sights on returning to the top step of the podium with the Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing squad in 2026.
“Going all the way back to 2014 – when I signed my first contract with the Factory Yamaha team to race in Supersport – my goal and dream was to be on the Yamaha Superbike,” Beach said. “The road to finally getting on the factory Superbike has had more twists and turns than most race tracks, but I feel extremely blessed to have finally made my way to a full-time ride with Yamaha and Attack Performance on the R1. The MotoAmerica Superbike field will be stacked with some amazing talent this year, but I can’t wait to see what I can do. I know I’ve got some big shoes to fill after (Jake) Gagne has stepped away, but I’ll try my hardest to put the R1 at the front.”
Returning for his second year with the team, Fong looks to build on his standout 2025 season with Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing. In addition to the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, the talented rider from Stockton, California, has multiple victories across the support class categories and 11 in Superbike. Last year, it was a hard-fought title campaign that saw Fong lead the team’s efforts, earning six wins, 14 podium finishes, and ultimately finishing third in the championship.
“I am happy to return with Richard and the whole Attack Yamaha team,” said Fong. “It’s been a long off-season, and I am ready to get back to work. I’m looking forward to seeing what Richard has up his sleeve for us to try this off-season, so that’s also exciting.”
Since the partnership began with YMUS in 2020, Attack Performance has carried on the Yamaha R1’s winning tradition, earning four titles and 70 victories in the premier class. Coming on board in 2022 to support the championship-winning program, Progressive returns this season. The team would like to thank all of its partners for their continued support: Progressive, Yamaha Financial Services (YMFC), Yamalube, Akrapovič, Braking, TrackDaz, Mikanik Moto, Podium Club at Atessa, Suter, OZ, DID, NGK-NTK, Full Spectrum, and Zero Gravity.
“Yamaha Racing is excited to continue our partnership with Attack Performance Racing to fight for the 2026 Superbike Championship,” said Jeff Sidlovsky, the Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS.” We are happy to welcome Bobby Fong back after a successful 2025 season, and we are pleased to welcome JD Beach, who has a history of success with us.
“The 2026 Superbike field is deep. Richard and the Attack Performance team have been working hard on the technical side this off-season, and Bobby and JD have been training hard on the physical and mental side. We are grateful for the support of Progressive, Yamaha Financial Services, Yamalube, and our supporting partners who help make this possible. We have great riders and a great team, and we look forward to showcasing the strength of the YZF-R1 in this year’s campaign.”
New Hartford, NY — Elisa Gendron Belén is set to return to the national stage for the 2026 MotoAmerica season, competing in the highly competitive SC-Project Twins Cup aboard her 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R, fielded by BGB Racing.
The 2026 season marks Elisa’s second year in the Twins Cup class and her fourth consecutive season as a full-time professional road racer, continuing a steady progression through the MotoAmerica paddock. Her GSX-8R will once again be expertly prepared by Karns Performance, providing a strong technical foundation as she builds on the experience gained during her rookie Twins Cup campaign.
“Elisa has shown consistent growth as a racer, both on and off the track,” said the BGB Racing team. “With a full season of Twins Cup experience behind her, 2026 is about taking the next step forward and competing deeper into the field.”
Elisa’s 2026 effort is supported by a dedicated group of partners, including:
• Bison Leathers
• Charlie’s Chop Shop
• Certified Knee Draggers
• EvolveGT Track Days
• N2 Track Days
• Ruts to Racelines
• New York Safety Track
• Belén Dental
• NG Brakes
• Meck’s Autobody
• Woodcraft
Off the track, Elisa continues to distinguish herself academically. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management and has recently completed her MBA, both earned from St. John Fisher University—a rare combination of elite-level racing and advanced business education that positions her well for a long-term career in motorsports.
With proven determination, strong technical support, and a growing base of partners, Elisa Gendron Belén enters the 2026 MotoAmerica season focused on performance, consistency, and continued development in one of the championship’s most competitive classes.
For updates throughout the season, follow Elisa Gendron Belén and BGB Racing on social media and at MotoAmerica events nationwide.
The second day of the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championshipprivate test at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto saw improving conditions, giving teams and riders a better opportunity to evaluate machinery and gather data ahead of a second private test at Portimao on January 28-29. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) made his first appearance of the season count, topping the timesheets with a 1’39.331.
Key points from Day 2
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati):
Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup confirms more teams, reveals weekend format, and opens ticket sales.
Niti Racing join the ranks, the majority of rounds are confirmed to race on Saturday and Sunday, and sales open for exclusive fan ticket packages.
The inaugural Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is coming in 2026. As the countdown continues, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP™ can announce some exciting new milestones for the inaugural season of the competition: a new team, the weekend format, and exclusive ticket packages for all six rounds of the 2026 championship.
PROVISIONAL GRID CONTINUES TO GROW: new team added
Harley-Davidson has confirmed an agreement with Niti Racing (Indonesia), who join previously announced teams Saddlemen Race Development (USA), Cecchini Racing Garage (Italy), and Joe Rascal Racing (Australia) on the provisional entry list.
Niti Racing enters the Bagger World Cup as Indonesia’s first team on the MotoGP™ stage, introducing a bold new identity to global motorsport. Built on a strong foundation of national racing development and professional team operations, Niti Racing represents Indonesia’s ambition to compete, grow, and lead on the international stage. Blending Indonesian/national heritage with modern racing excellence, Niti Racing brings fresh energy, global vision, and long-term commitment to the future of world motorcycle racing.
In a further boost for the inaugural season, Joe Rascal Racing has received approval to expand its entry from two to three riders, further strengthening the overall grid for the debut season.
“With the addition of Niti Racing, and the approval of a third rider for Joe Rascal Racing, the provisional entry list now stands at four teams and nine riders,” said Jeffrey Schuessler, Global Director of Racing Programs at Harley-Davidson. “This gives us a strong and competitive foundation for year one, and with ongoing discussions involving additional teams, we’re encouraged by the level of global interest as we continue to build the series in a structured and sustainable way.”
A provisional rider line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.
PROVISIONAL WEEKEND FORMAT: Saturday-Sunday schedule revealed for most rounds
The next exciting reveal is the schedule, with the majority of the season set to follow a Saturday-Sunday race format. The Italian Grand Prix at Mugello is the exception.
At the United States, Netherlands, Great Britain, Aragón, and Austria Grand Prix, the weekend will follow a three-day format:
At the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, a modified format will apply:
EXCLUSIVE TICKET PACKAGES: sales now open
For fans counting down the days, dedicated Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup ticket packages are now available for all six events on the inaugural calendar, offering fans exclusive access and premium experiences throughout.
Each ticket package includes:
Pricing and availability can be found on each respective Grand Prix page:
Ticket packages are limited, and fans are encouraged to secure their place early!
The team’s 2026 presentation reveals an updated Trackhouse livery and the return of the iconic Gulf colours this season.
American MotoGP team Trackhouse has revealed two new liveries for 2026! One is its own livery design, updated for the season ahead, and the other the iconic livery for its partner Gulf – the colours that will run on both Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26 bikes at the season opener in Thailand, raced by MotoGP race winner Raul Fernandez and sophomore contender Ai Ogura.
The updated Trackhouse livery retains its house colors, inspired by the Trackhouse Racing organisation’s blue, black and dayglo yellow base palette, with some little updates for 2026 – and with some variations during the season.
The Gulf colours, meanwhile, will be on track in Thailand and then again at the second round in Brazil. Then they break cover again at the Italian GP at Mugello, in Lombok as the team return to the scene of their first Sprint podium, and finally at Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix – five rounds in total.
Trackhouse take on their third MotoGP season in 2026. Now Grand Prix winners after Raul Fernandez took that stunning win in Australia last year, there’s plenty to get excited about looking ahead – hear from the riders, Team Principal Davide Brivio and Team Owner and Founder Justin Marks as they gear up for another campaign in the most exciting sport on Earth!
Raul Fernandez: “Our great results at the end of year were the consequence of the work we did during the season. Having an incredible team, Davide and Justin behind us is the key to having a family on track. My training this winter was pretty much the same as last year, but the thing I would like to change is the result of the test as I crashed during the test in Malaysia last year and was injured. But now, I feel fully fit and ready to start the season. I like the new liveries a lot, especially, the Trackhouse one as with more carbon parts it looks a little bit more aggressive and I just love the Gulf colors which I cannot wait to start the season with, in Thailand. We are going to look great on track. Anyway, the important thing is that the bike can be fast on track and for this year, I think we have to be really focused on ourselves and not think too much about the results. The results are the consequences of the work we are doing. We have to be focused on what we can control and need to improve each day to be competitive. I want to enjoy racing like I did in the last rounds of 2025 and I’m sure then the results will come.”
Ai Ogura: “I think our GULF livery is really cool. It matches well with my personal color because my favorite color is blue. I actually like both our designs and can’t wait to go out on track with them both! For 2026, I think I can be a bit more confident on the bike. After I experienced my rookie season in MotoGP everything is hopefully a bit more under control this year. We’ll see how it goes but the first test is going to be very important as, for sure, one of the big targets this season will be the grid positions. Last season we could be competitive during the race but the grid position has usually not been the best and we really need to work on that, especially during the test days. I’m sure we can improve our starting positions a bit and hopefully we can be better at most races. I don’t have a specific target for 2026, but I want to do my best in all the races – that is the target.”
Davide Brivio, Team Principal of Trackhouse MotoGP Team: “Our bikes are beautiful. First of all, GULF is the iconic color that all motorsport fans love. We are very excited to be able, again, to use these iconic colors for five races this season. Then the new Trackhouse livery – our corporate Trackhouse colors – are a bit blacker, more aggressive. Overall, we’re excited about both liveries.
“Speaking about the riders, all the paddock has been talking for many years about how talented Raul is and what a strong rider he can be and I think last year, he was able to show it, to translate his talent into results. Last year, we had a difficult start but once he started to be in the top 10 he just kept going, arriving to the win towards the end of the season. It tells me that Raul gets confidence when the results come and I hope, with the end of season we had last year, there is going to be another big step in his confidence in ‘26. The talent is there, the potential is there and if he’s confident and convinced of his potential, we can be there.
“We have been very happy with Ai’s season last year. It was supposed to be a year where he had to learn and understand MotoGP and I think this is what he has done. Of course, he has also been able to show great performance, especially in the first race but, honestly, through the season we have always seen him very competitive in the races, analyzing lap times and most of the time, very fast at the end of the race. We definitely have to improve Qualifying, as it’s becoming more and more important in MotoGP. When you start on the first rows, the weekend goes completely different. For sure, this is one area to work on this year – if we can start nearer the front, with our competitiveness, I’m sure we can do something good.
“The goal is to improve what we have done last year. Raul finished inside the top 10 but just in 10th place so, first of all, we should get both riders in the top 10 and be able to hopefully score some podiums. We have to be ready, we have to be there and when the opportunity comes, just take it. We know it’s very difficult but, I’m sure that we can have some good weekends through the season.”
Justin Marks, Founder & Owner, Trackhouse Entertainment Group: “This is the start of year three for the USA’s only premier class team in the modern era and one that has seen us grow in stature, experience and recognition for our performance on track and our global fanbase which grows daily across North America and all points of the world. Last season the Trackhouse Team found speed and success. Raul scored his first MotoGP podium with our beautiful Gulf colors in the Indonesia Sprint race. Next time out, he podiumed again on Sprint Saturday on Phillip Island and went even better on Sunday, taking his first premier class victory to lift the Australian winner’s trophy and give Trackhouse its first MotoGP win in only our second season in the championship.
“Trackhouse is an organization that believes in young talent and that meant we were very happy to capture the 2024 Moto2 World Champion, Ai Ogura. This measured deep thinking kid from Japan has raw speed and all the makings of a future premier class winner. He was not far off at his very first MotoGP race with a fourth place finish and despite some heavy crashes through his rookie campaign he showed that he’s a fast learner and has the pace and ability to be a front runner soon.
“Now with the taste of victory in MotoGP we are so hungry for more and I cannot be more excited with our season to come in MotoGP with Raul and Ai and the NASCAR with Ross, Shane and our leader’s rookie, Connor Zilisch. As an elite level motorsport organization we are racing with world class partners. In NASCAR and MotoGP Trackhouse is carving new stories with every one of our partners and today you have seen the incredible 2026 color scheme of our Gulf bike.
“As a kid I grew up loving these colors on the Ford GT40s and the Porsche 917s at the Le Mans 24 hour race. Even more when Steve McQueen – the coolest of them all – immortalized Gulf in the movie theaters. Now to have five races in the coming MotoGP season with both our bikes running Gulf colors it’s a dream come true and we are honored, grateful and excited to be racing with them through 2026.
“I truly believe our teams are capable of great success in the coming eleven months, both on four wheels and two wheels. I cannot wait for us to get underway in Thailand for round one of the MotoGP World Championship. Thank you for all your great support. We are hungry for more success and taking you with us when Raul and Ai get on track with these awesome Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26’s.”
Trackhouse Entertainment Group is a front-running force in America’s premier stockcar series, the NASCAR CUP. Having started with a single car entry in 2021, Trackhouse Racing now fields three cars in the series and has, to date, visited Victory Lane fourteen times. In 2026, they prepare for their third season in MotoGP – aiming even higher after taking their first MotoGP Grand Prix win last season.
Come back for more from testing as we head out on track at Sepang and then join us for the season opener from the 27th of February to the 1st of March in Buriram!
First Person/Opinion:
by Michael Gougis
Comedian Doug Stanhope (one of my all-time favorites) did one of the best sendups I’ve ever heard of something that seemingly every law enforcement agency does, or at least did on a regular basis when I was a daily newspaper and Associated Press reporter. In his “True Stories of The Highway Patrol” routine, Stanhope talks about a hypothetical traffic stop where officers seize two marijuana seeds, calculate the number of plants that could be grown from those seeds, and estimate the value of the seizure in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Point is, in my experience, law enforcement agencies routinely overestimate the value of items they seize. And I’ve been ruminating on that ever since the operation that unearthed a trove of motorcycles in Mexico connected to fugitive Ryan Wedding. An FBI statement said that 62 machines were recovered with an estimated value of $40 million.
OK, time for some math. That means each motorcycle in that collection has to be worth a little more than $645,000. And a quick review of some motorcycle auction sites and a bit of internet research quickly brings the estimated value of the collection into question.
Let’s start with what we can actually put a price tag on. About two-thirds of the way into the grid of motorcycles in the main photo released by the FBI appear to be a couple of Kawasaki ZX-7 racebikes. If the competition numbers on the fairings of the machines are correct, at least one of them appears to be the machine Scott Russell rode to the WorldSBK title and/or one that Doug Chandler rode to the AMA Superbike Championship. We know exactly what those are worth: $70,000 each, because they sold at auction in 2022 for that amount. Not exactly cheap, but nowhere near $645,000.
There’s a Ducati Supermono singles racebike in the photo. Assuming it’s genuine, it’s a sweet machine and definitely collectible. There were only 67 of them made. Still, in 2022, one sold at auction for $165,760. Again, nowhere near $645,000.
Those machines are the ones with provenance that can be traced and verified. When it gets to many of the other machines in the collection, things get a lot less certain.
Former Grand Prix and British Superbike racer Taylor Mackenzie (son of famous racer Niall Mackenzie) did an analysis of one of the bikes seized, a 125cc Grand Prix bike with the number of nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi on it. In a video on his YouTube channel, Mackenzie points out that the colors on the seized bike are different that the colors of the bikes Rossi actually raced. So is it a Rossi racebike? Maybe, maybe not. There are a lot of replicas, rebuilds, and bitsa bikes for sale on the auction circuit. A tribute to MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden Ducati recently sold for $288,000 at auction. The bike, a Desmosedici GP8, was dismantled when purchased from Ducati in 2010 and was re-assembled with a chassis from the middle of the 2008 season, unused engine crankcases, a “race-used” Hayden fuel tank and “other Hayden and original Ducati MotoGP parts, all being acquired at the same time in 2010,” the auction site states.
In this collection, there are a number of machines that appear to be 500cc two-stroke V-Four racebikes from the 1980s. Again, depending on the provenance, a quick Google search says that such machines would sell for between $85,000 and $250,000. The highest priced two-stroke Grand Prix machine sold at auction in recent years was a 1997 Honda NSR500V, the twin-cylinder Honda produced to prop up the grids with a racebike that privateers could afford. It was never started, still had the original plastic shipping plastic covers on the carburetors, and had a ton of documentation. It sold at auction last year for $267,000. It was billed as the highest price ever paid for a Japanese motorcycle sold at auction.
It is possible, of course, that individual machines could have changed hands between private parties for more money. But when it comes to public sales, thevintagent.com tracks public auction sales of motorcycles, and on its list of most expensive motorcycles sold at auctions, the highest-priced modern road racing machine is a 2010 Ducati GP10 CS1 ridden by two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner to victory at Philip Island and to multiple podium finishes. It came with a certificate of authenticity from Ducati Corse and documented history. It sold for about $320,000 in Monaco in 2012. Just beneath that on the list is a 2011 Ducati Desmosedici GP11 VR2, ridden by Rossi to a third-place finish at Le Mans, again with a certificate of authenticity from Ducati Corse. It sold for $312,500 in the same auction as the Stoner bike. It appears very similar to one of the seized machines, although it is impossible to say with 100 percent certainty that it is the same bike. The point is that MotoGP machines of this vintage sold for far less than that $645,000 that each machine would have to sell for to get to that $40 million mark.
There are more modern MotoGP machines in the collection, with the liveries of Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Iannone. These are harder to get a handle on in terms of value, but it is noteworthy that one of Dovizioso’s machines recently went up for auction. It was one of his Desmosedici GP19 racebikes, the one he rode to wins in Qatar and Austria, and it was authenticated by Ducati Corse. Unusually, it was offered in full running order, with a starter and original factory electronics. In many cases, when a MotoGP bike is sold, the factory removes the ECU. It was expected to get at least $671,000 at auction, but the auction site where it was listed says the bike failed to sell. Aleix Espargaro is selling his 2020 Aprilia RS-GP, complete with electronics but requiring some factory assistance to get it running. It comes straight from Espargaro, who got it from the factory, and it comes with leathers, boots, helmet and gloves used by Espargaro in races in 2020. Due up for auction in February, the sale price estimate is $404,000 to $540,000.
Is there the possibility that there are one or two extremely rare, valuable machines among the seized bikes that are worth several million on their own? Nothing’s impossible, but we can perhaps get some perspective from over in the car world. Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s F1W04-04 2013 Mercedes AMG-Petronas F1 W04 sold at auction in 2023. It is a race-winning car in Hamilton’s hands, the third-most expensive Grand Prix car ever sold behind two vintage Mercedes racers from the 1950s, and – here’s the real kicker – the only Mercedes F1 car ever “to be sold outside of the Mercedes organization,” the auction website states. Hamilton was 22nd on the list of highest-paid athletes in 2025, with an estimated income of $80 million, and was named the world’s most marketable athlete in 2025 in SportsPro’s marketability rankings – and not for the first time.
And that car sold for $18.8 million.
Again, not cheap, but think of the level of fame of its racer and the scarcity of the vehicle. To even think of getting into the multi-million dollar level for a bike, it seems, it would take something like owning the only Honda or Yamaha factory MotoGP or 500cc Grand Prix racebike in private hands, one that Marquez or Rossi rode to at least one race win, one with an indisputable pedigree, if Marquez or Rossi also were anywhere near as popular as Hamilton, and motorcycle road racing was as popular as Formula One.
Maybe, somewhere, there’s someone who would spend that kind of money on a single collectible racebike, but there’s no evidence of that happening in the world of publicly traded motorcycles. Again, according to thevintagent.com, the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction traded hands for $1.32 million.
Valuing a historic racing machine always comes down to one thing in the end – how much will someone actually pay for it? And if the bike isn’t for sale, then its value is an educated guess at best. But based on historic data for actual sales on similar machines (or, in some cases, maybe the actual racebikes seized), it’s really, really hard to see how the motorcycles in the photo released by law enforcement are worth anywhere near $40 million.
Racers Elisa Gendron-Belen and Levi Badie exchanged wedding vows in Upstate New York on Saturday, January 17, 2026 after a short engagement.
The couple are both MotoAmerica licensed racers who competed as teammates in the SC Project Twins Cups class for Karns Performance during the 2025 season.
Elisa and Levi met in parc fermé at Barber Motorsports Park after their Junior Cup race in 2023.
Congratulations to the happy couple.
The FBI has officially apprehended Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder and Canadian national, who was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in March 2025. Wedding is the sixth Ten Most Wanted Fugitive to be captured within the last year, and the 500th capture of an FBI Most Wanted Fugitive since the inception of the list 75 years ago.
“This is a huge day for a safer North America, and the world, and a message that those who break our laws and harm our citizens will be brought to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel in a post on social media.
Wedding was charged for allegedly running and participating in a transnational drug-trafficking operation that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California to the U.S. and Canada. Wedding was also wanted for allegedly orchestrating multiple murders of rivals and innocent victims, including a government witness.
Read the rest of the news release here:
In the wake of kicking off its year-long 125th anniversary celebration, Indian Motorcycle today unveiled the 2026 Indian Chief Vintage – honoring its heritage by reimagining a timeless classic into a new icon for today’s riders. Inspired by the 1940s Chief, its flowing valanced fenders and unmistakable silhouette pay tribute to Indian Motorcycle’s roots, while the Thunderstroke motor delivers the power and presence that set today’s standard. Built with thoughtful, American craftsmanship and obsessive attention to detail, Chief Vintage reflects Indian Motorcycle’s Never Finished spirit, defined by fearlessness, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to provide riders the choice they’ve always deserved in American motorcycling.
A striking tribute to an American classic from the heart of the golden age of motorcycling, the new Chief Vintage fuses classic design with power, precision, and innovation that has defined the brand for 125 years. More than a motorcycle, the 2026 Chief Vintage is a legend reborn for the road ahead.
“Indian Chiefs from the 1940s remain one of the most recognizable and celebrated motorcycles in American history,” said Ola Stenegärd, Design Director for Indian Motorcycle. “With its iconic V-Twin engine, valanced fenders, and unparalleled reliability, the Chief set a standard for performance and design that resonates today. It represents the spirit of Indian Motorcycle – bold, timeless, and always pushing forward.”
Honoring its iconic lineage, the Chief Vintage seamlessly blends a timeless design with modern performance and technology. Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Chief Vintage stands as a statement: The legacy of Indian Motorcycle isn’t a finish line, it’s a launchpad.
Timeless Design
With sculpted lines that pay homage to post-war classics, Chief Vintage looks as though it rolled straight off the original Springfield, Mass., production line in the 1940s. Its unmistakable Indian Motorcycle valanced front fender is complemented by the iconic lit headdress ornament, while a narrow rear subframe and Vintage Handlebars reference the era’s timeless designs. The bike’s Vintage Solo Seat is reimagined for superior comfort and ergonomic support, while wire-spoke wheels complete the timeless American design.
Featuring heritage in every detail, the finish on the Chief Vintage’s Thunderstroke engine captures the spirit of 1940s craftsmanship with non-machined black cylinders and silver-painted cylinder heads and pushrod tubes. These painted components and non-machined fins pay tribute to the raw aluminum finishes found on the original Chief models.
Collectively, the valanced fenders, Vintage Solo Seat, Vintage Handlebars, engine details and wire wheels are not just retro touches: they’re the design cues that defined an era.
Modern Performance & Technology
Chief Vintage delivers modern performance and technology wrapped in heritage. Powering the Chief Vintage is Indian Motorcycle’s air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin engine, delivering 120 ft-lbs of torque for effortless passing power in every gear. Three selectable ride modes (Tour, Standard, and Sport) allow riders to tailor throttle response to their preference for a personalized experience.
Delivering industry-leading technology, Chief Vintage is equipped with Indian Motorcycle’s 4-inch Round Touchscreen Display powered by RIDE COMMAND. The 2026 system features an all-new software, improving startup time and loading times by approximately 25 percent. The new software, now available for all Scout and Chief models with the 4-inch Round Touchscreen Display powered by RIDE COMMAND, introduces Indian Motorcycle’s App Enhanced Navigation, delivering seamless integration between a rider’s mobile phone and their on-bike display. With App Enhanced Navigation, riders can intuitively search for destinations on their phone via platforms like Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps and send them directly via Bluetooth® LE to their bike’s display.
Riders can operate Indian Motorcycle’s 4-inch Round Touchscreen Display powered by RIDE COMMAND via hand controls or the full-color IPS touchscreen. The display offers multiple interface options, including two gauge configurations, detailed bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation with connected services, such as live weather and traffic overlays. If using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can control their music within the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth® or USB. Riders can also access phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history. When connected, incoming calls will appear and can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.
Authentic Accessories
Comfort & Style
Launching with Chief Vintage is a curated selection of premium accessories designed to elevate every ride. Riders can equip front Highway Bars for low-speed tip-over protection and add Highway Bar Lower Closeouts to reduce wind buffeting and shield against road debris. The 17.8-inch Quick Release Low Windshield delivers added wind protection while maintaining a sleek, low-profile aesthetic. Prioritizing practicality and comfort, Indian Motorcycle’s durable, weather-resistant Vinyl Saddlebags provide more than five gallons of storage per bag. Complementing the collection, select Premium Handle Grips elevate both style and tactile feel, while available rider floorboards offer a wider, more stable platform for increased comfort and control.
For two-up riding and all-day comfort, riders can pair the Classic Solo Seat with a matching Passenger Pillion. A Passenger Touring Backrest Pad can also be added, enhancing comfort and making two-up riding more accessible—all without compromising the bike’s classic styling.
Performance & Technology
Chief Vintage includes a range of premium accessories designed to elevate both performance and rider safety. The Pathfinder 5¾-inch Adaptive LED headlight delivers exceptional illumination, automatically adjusting for turns and providing an added layer of safety during night riding. The precision-engineered Chief Stage 1 Slip-On Exhaust produces a deep, powerful tone while improving acceleration and throttle response. Complementing the exhaust, the slash cut tips add bold visual flair and enhance the exhaust growl, with the Thunderstroke Stage 1 High-Flow Air Intake improving engine breathing for smoother, more responsive power delivery.
Starting at $19,999, the 2026 Indian Chief Vintage is available in Black Metallic and Indian Motorcycle Red and will be arriving at dealerships in March.
Kawasaki looks to be building momentum in the right direction as the Jerez test gave their rider a chance to get a feeling with his new bike
With the two days of testing at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Andalucia, all wrapped up, American rider Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) has wind in his sails as the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season approaches with a new bike and new crew chief in his garage. The #31 took to the track on both days of testing, and while poor weather prevented a more comprehensive shakedown, early indications sing the praises of his new bike.
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: “I got to feel a bit of a difference on the aero package from last year to this year”
After taking time to disconnect and recharge his batteries, the Texan had been chomping at the bit to get rolling in 2026 and at last get his first feelings with the 2026 ZX-10RR Ninja. Jerez presented itself as that opportunity, but rainy conditions on Day 1 severely limited riders. While Day 2 provided a slight window around midday where the track had dried off slightly, Gerloff was still held to a cumulative 49 laps, his fastest a 1’40.445s time to place him 11th on the timesheets
On the limited running at Jerez, the Texan said: “It’s a bummer, man! I’ve been waiting two months to get out here and ride this new bike. I’ve been really looking forward to it, but the weather’s been horrible the whole time. Frustrating for myself and the whole team. In the end, we got 20 laps in the dry-ish; it was like half-wet, half-dry, it was sketchy, and a lot of guys crashed in the water at Turn 5. Luckily, we stayed up on two wheels. I felt a bit of a difference in the aero package from last year to this year. That was positive. In the end, it wasn’t enough laps to get a full feeling for everything. We still need more time.”
FRONT END FEELING: “I had the front a bit more planted on the ground, and that’s what we were all hoping for”
The new Kawasaki bike’s most distinctive upgrade is the addition of canards on either side of the fairing to provide additional downforce, aiding grip at the front. A lack of feeling with his front tyre was something that Gerloff has mentioned bothering him throughout the 2025 season, and now with his new bike delivered and making its debut on track, the American has an ace up his sleeve; he just needs to hope for better weather to be able to test its full potential
Despite limited running, Gerloff was able to give some initial thoughts on the new-for-2025 aero package on the ZX-10RR machine: “I felt like I was able to turn better in the faster corners. I had the front a bit more planted on the ground, and that’s what we were all hoping for. That’s something that’s good, but we need to know what it’s like when it’s hotter, and the track has less grip, because if the track’s got more grip than it did last year, because of a lower temperature, I’m going to have better turning anyway. It’s like trying to cancel out the variables and make sure we’re making progress forward. So far, I think that’s the case. That was the biggest place. I only got 20 laps, and let’s call six of those in and out laps, so they don’t really count! I didn’t get a whole lot of time at all to do back-to-backs. We only used the new aero package on Thursday; we didn’t get to compare the old to the new. Really still in the dark about a lot of things.”
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) is pleased to announce that JD Beach will join Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing to campaign for top honors alongside Bobby Fong in the 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. Heading into its seventh season as YMUS’ official Superbike team, the championship-winning program is eager to get the season underway and looks to add a fifth title and more wins to its already impressive tally.
“We welcome JD Beach back to the Yamaha family and look forward to working with him,” said Richard Stanboli, Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Team Principal. “He is one of the hardest training riders in the paddock, and we are confident that with a comprehensive testing schedule, he will be a regular on the Superbike podium. We’re also happy to have Bobby Fong return this season to build on the success we had last year.”
For Beach, it’s also a welcome return to the Yamaha brand and the Attack Performance Superbike program, where he has enjoyed a lot of success. In addition to two MotoAmerica Supersport titles with Yamaha in 2015 and 2018, Beach has two career Superbike wins, both of which were aboard an Attack Performance Yamaha R1. The versatile rider who lives and breathes two-wheel racing also has 12 premier class victories in American Flat Track aboard Estenson Racing’s Yamaha MT-07s. With his racing efforts mostly focused on dirt track from 2020 to 2023, Beach returned to racing the MotoAmerica series full-time in 2024, earning three Superbike podiums and finishing second overall in the 2025 Stock 1000 Championship. With his dream ride coming to fruition this year, he has his sights on returning to the top step of the podium with the Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing squad in 2026.
“Going all the way back to 2014 – when I signed my first contract with the Factory Yamaha team to race in Supersport – my goal and dream was to be on the Yamaha Superbike,” Beach said. “The road to finally getting on the factory Superbike has had more twists and turns than most race tracks, but I feel extremely blessed to have finally made my way to a full-time ride with Yamaha and Attack Performance on the R1. The MotoAmerica Superbike field will be stacked with some amazing talent this year, but I can’t wait to see what I can do. I know I’ve got some big shoes to fill after (Jake) Gagne has stepped away, but I’ll try my hardest to put the R1 at the front.”
Returning for his second year with the team, Fong looks to build on his standout 2025 season with Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing. In addition to the 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, the talented rider from Stockton, California, has multiple victories across the support class categories and 11 in Superbike. Last year, it was a hard-fought title campaign that saw Fong lead the team’s efforts, earning six wins, 14 podium finishes, and ultimately finishing third in the championship.
“I am happy to return with Richard and the whole Attack Yamaha team,” said Fong. “It’s been a long off-season, and I am ready to get back to work. I’m looking forward to seeing what Richard has up his sleeve for us to try this off-season, so that’s also exciting.”
Since the partnership began with YMUS in 2020, Attack Performance has carried on the Yamaha R1’s winning tradition, earning four titles and 70 victories in the premier class. Coming on board in 2022 to support the championship-winning program, Progressive returns this season. The team would like to thank all of its partners for their continued support: Progressive, Yamaha Financial Services (YMFC), Yamalube, Akrapovič, Braking, TrackDaz, Mikanik Moto, Podium Club at Atessa, Suter, OZ, DID, NGK-NTK, Full Spectrum, and Zero Gravity.
“Yamaha Racing is excited to continue our partnership with Attack Performance Racing to fight for the 2026 Superbike Championship,” said Jeff Sidlovsky, the Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS.” We are happy to welcome Bobby Fong back after a successful 2025 season, and we are pleased to welcome JD Beach, who has a history of success with us.
“The 2026 Superbike field is deep. Richard and the Attack Performance team have been working hard on the technical side this off-season, and Bobby and JD have been training hard on the physical and mental side. We are grateful for the support of Progressive, Yamaha Financial Services, Yamalube, and our supporting partners who help make this possible. We have great riders and a great team, and we look forward to showcasing the strength of the YZF-R1 in this year’s campaign.”
New Hartford, NY — Elisa Gendron Belén is set to return to the national stage for the 2026 MotoAmerica season, competing in the highly competitive SC-Project Twins Cup aboard her 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R, fielded by BGB Racing.
The 2026 season marks Elisa’s second year in the Twins Cup class and her fourth consecutive season as a full-time professional road racer, continuing a steady progression through the MotoAmerica paddock. Her GSX-8R will once again be expertly prepared by Karns Performance, providing a strong technical foundation as she builds on the experience gained during her rookie Twins Cup campaign.
“Elisa has shown consistent growth as a racer, both on and off the track,” said the BGB Racing team. “With a full season of Twins Cup experience behind her, 2026 is about taking the next step forward and competing deeper into the field.”
Elisa’s 2026 effort is supported by a dedicated group of partners, including:
• Bison Leathers
• Charlie’s Chop Shop
• Certified Knee Draggers
• EvolveGT Track Days
• N2 Track Days
• Ruts to Racelines
• New York Safety Track
• Belén Dental
• NG Brakes
• Meck’s Autobody
• Woodcraft
Off the track, Elisa continues to distinguish herself academically. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management and has recently completed her MBA, both earned from St. John Fisher University—a rare combination of elite-level racing and advanced business education that positions her well for a long-term career in motorsports.
With proven determination, strong technical support, and a growing base of partners, Elisa Gendron Belén enters the 2026 MotoAmerica season focused on performance, consistency, and continued development in one of the championship’s most competitive classes.
For updates throughout the season, follow Elisa Gendron Belén and BGB Racing on social media and at MotoAmerica events nationwide.
The second day of the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championshipprivate test at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto saw improving conditions, giving teams and riders a better opportunity to evaluate machinery and gather data ahead of a second private test at Portimao on January 28-29. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) made his first appearance of the season count, topping the timesheets with a 1’39.331.
Key points from Day 2
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati):
Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup confirms more teams, reveals weekend format, and opens ticket sales.
Niti Racing join the ranks, the majority of rounds are confirmed to race on Saturday and Sunday, and sales open for exclusive fan ticket packages.
The inaugural Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is coming in 2026. As the countdown continues, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP™ can announce some exciting new milestones for the inaugural season of the competition: a new team, the weekend format, and exclusive ticket packages for all six rounds of the 2026 championship.
PROVISIONAL GRID CONTINUES TO GROW: new team added
Harley-Davidson has confirmed an agreement with Niti Racing (Indonesia), who join previously announced teams Saddlemen Race Development (USA), Cecchini Racing Garage (Italy), and Joe Rascal Racing (Australia) on the provisional entry list.
Niti Racing enters the Bagger World Cup as Indonesia’s first team on the MotoGP™ stage, introducing a bold new identity to global motorsport. Built on a strong foundation of national racing development and professional team operations, Niti Racing represents Indonesia’s ambition to compete, grow, and lead on the international stage. Blending Indonesian/national heritage with modern racing excellence, Niti Racing brings fresh energy, global vision, and long-term commitment to the future of world motorcycle racing.
In a further boost for the inaugural season, Joe Rascal Racing has received approval to expand its entry from two to three riders, further strengthening the overall grid for the debut season.
“With the addition of Niti Racing, and the approval of a third rider for Joe Rascal Racing, the provisional entry list now stands at four teams and nine riders,” said Jeffrey Schuessler, Global Director of Racing Programs at Harley-Davidson. “This gives us a strong and competitive foundation for year one, and with ongoing discussions involving additional teams, we’re encouraged by the level of global interest as we continue to build the series in a structured and sustainable way.”
A provisional rider line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.
PROVISIONAL WEEKEND FORMAT: Saturday-Sunday schedule revealed for most rounds
The next exciting reveal is the schedule, with the majority of the season set to follow a Saturday-Sunday race format. The Italian Grand Prix at Mugello is the exception.
At the United States, Netherlands, Great Britain, Aragón, and Austria Grand Prix, the weekend will follow a three-day format:
At the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, a modified format will apply:
EXCLUSIVE TICKET PACKAGES: sales now open
For fans counting down the days, dedicated Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup ticket packages are now available for all six events on the inaugural calendar, offering fans exclusive access and premium experiences throughout.
Each ticket package includes:
Pricing and availability can be found on each respective Grand Prix page:
Ticket packages are limited, and fans are encouraged to secure their place early!
The team’s 2026 presentation reveals an updated Trackhouse livery and the return of the iconic Gulf colours this season.
American MotoGP team Trackhouse has revealed two new liveries for 2026! One is its own livery design, updated for the season ahead, and the other the iconic livery for its partner Gulf – the colours that will run on both Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26 bikes at the season opener in Thailand, raced by MotoGP race winner Raul Fernandez and sophomore contender Ai Ogura.
The updated Trackhouse livery retains its house colors, inspired by the Trackhouse Racing organisation’s blue, black and dayglo yellow base palette, with some little updates for 2026 – and with some variations during the season.
The Gulf colours, meanwhile, will be on track in Thailand and then again at the second round in Brazil. Then they break cover again at the Italian GP at Mugello, in Lombok as the team return to the scene of their first Sprint podium, and finally at Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix – five rounds in total.
Trackhouse take on their third MotoGP season in 2026. Now Grand Prix winners after Raul Fernandez took that stunning win in Australia last year, there’s plenty to get excited about looking ahead – hear from the riders, Team Principal Davide Brivio and Team Owner and Founder Justin Marks as they gear up for another campaign in the most exciting sport on Earth!
Raul Fernandez: “Our great results at the end of year were the consequence of the work we did during the season. Having an incredible team, Davide and Justin behind us is the key to having a family on track. My training this winter was pretty much the same as last year, but the thing I would like to change is the result of the test as I crashed during the test in Malaysia last year and was injured. But now, I feel fully fit and ready to start the season. I like the new liveries a lot, especially, the Trackhouse one as with more carbon parts it looks a little bit more aggressive and I just love the Gulf colors which I cannot wait to start the season with, in Thailand. We are going to look great on track. Anyway, the important thing is that the bike can be fast on track and for this year, I think we have to be really focused on ourselves and not think too much about the results. The results are the consequences of the work we are doing. We have to be focused on what we can control and need to improve each day to be competitive. I want to enjoy racing like I did in the last rounds of 2025 and I’m sure then the results will come.”
Ai Ogura: “I think our GULF livery is really cool. It matches well with my personal color because my favorite color is blue. I actually like both our designs and can’t wait to go out on track with them both! For 2026, I think I can be a bit more confident on the bike. After I experienced my rookie season in MotoGP everything is hopefully a bit more under control this year. We’ll see how it goes but the first test is going to be very important as, for sure, one of the big targets this season will be the grid positions. Last season we could be competitive during the race but the grid position has usually not been the best and we really need to work on that, especially during the test days. I’m sure we can improve our starting positions a bit and hopefully we can be better at most races. I don’t have a specific target for 2026, but I want to do my best in all the races – that is the target.”
Davide Brivio, Team Principal of Trackhouse MotoGP Team: “Our bikes are beautiful. First of all, GULF is the iconic color that all motorsport fans love. We are very excited to be able, again, to use these iconic colors for five races this season. Then the new Trackhouse livery – our corporate Trackhouse colors – are a bit blacker, more aggressive. Overall, we’re excited about both liveries.
“Speaking about the riders, all the paddock has been talking for many years about how talented Raul is and what a strong rider he can be and I think last year, he was able to show it, to translate his talent into results. Last year, we had a difficult start but once he started to be in the top 10 he just kept going, arriving to the win towards the end of the season. It tells me that Raul gets confidence when the results come and I hope, with the end of season we had last year, there is going to be another big step in his confidence in ‘26. The talent is there, the potential is there and if he’s confident and convinced of his potential, we can be there.
“We have been very happy with Ai’s season last year. It was supposed to be a year where he had to learn and understand MotoGP and I think this is what he has done. Of course, he has also been able to show great performance, especially in the first race but, honestly, through the season we have always seen him very competitive in the races, analyzing lap times and most of the time, very fast at the end of the race. We definitely have to improve Qualifying, as it’s becoming more and more important in MotoGP. When you start on the first rows, the weekend goes completely different. For sure, this is one area to work on this year – if we can start nearer the front, with our competitiveness, I’m sure we can do something good.
“The goal is to improve what we have done last year. Raul finished inside the top 10 but just in 10th place so, first of all, we should get both riders in the top 10 and be able to hopefully score some podiums. We have to be ready, we have to be there and when the opportunity comes, just take it. We know it’s very difficult but, I’m sure that we can have some good weekends through the season.”
Justin Marks, Founder & Owner, Trackhouse Entertainment Group: “This is the start of year three for the USA’s only premier class team in the modern era and one that has seen us grow in stature, experience and recognition for our performance on track and our global fanbase which grows daily across North America and all points of the world. Last season the Trackhouse Team found speed and success. Raul scored his first MotoGP podium with our beautiful Gulf colors in the Indonesia Sprint race. Next time out, he podiumed again on Sprint Saturday on Phillip Island and went even better on Sunday, taking his first premier class victory to lift the Australian winner’s trophy and give Trackhouse its first MotoGP win in only our second season in the championship.
“Trackhouse is an organization that believes in young talent and that meant we were very happy to capture the 2024 Moto2 World Champion, Ai Ogura. This measured deep thinking kid from Japan has raw speed and all the makings of a future premier class winner. He was not far off at his very first MotoGP race with a fourth place finish and despite some heavy crashes through his rookie campaign he showed that he’s a fast learner and has the pace and ability to be a front runner soon.
“Now with the taste of victory in MotoGP we are so hungry for more and I cannot be more excited with our season to come in MotoGP with Raul and Ai and the NASCAR with Ross, Shane and our leader’s rookie, Connor Zilisch. As an elite level motorsport organization we are racing with world class partners. In NASCAR and MotoGP Trackhouse is carving new stories with every one of our partners and today you have seen the incredible 2026 color scheme of our Gulf bike.
“As a kid I grew up loving these colors on the Ford GT40s and the Porsche 917s at the Le Mans 24 hour race. Even more when Steve McQueen – the coolest of them all – immortalized Gulf in the movie theaters. Now to have five races in the coming MotoGP season with both our bikes running Gulf colors it’s a dream come true and we are honored, grateful and excited to be racing with them through 2026.
“I truly believe our teams are capable of great success in the coming eleven months, both on four wheels and two wheels. I cannot wait for us to get underway in Thailand for round one of the MotoGP World Championship. Thank you for all your great support. We are hungry for more success and taking you with us when Raul and Ai get on track with these awesome Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26’s.”
Trackhouse Entertainment Group is a front-running force in America’s premier stockcar series, the NASCAR CUP. Having started with a single car entry in 2021, Trackhouse Racing now fields three cars in the series and has, to date, visited Victory Lane fourteen times. In 2026, they prepare for their third season in MotoGP – aiming even higher after taking their first MotoGP Grand Prix win last season.
Come back for more from testing as we head out on track at Sepang and then join us for the season opener from the 27th of February to the 1st of March in Buriram!
First Person/Opinion:
by Michael Gougis
Comedian Doug Stanhope (one of my all-time favorites) did one of the best sendups I’ve ever heard of something that seemingly every law enforcement agency does, or at least did on a regular basis when I was a daily newspaper and Associated Press reporter. In his “True Stories of The Highway Patrol” routine, Stanhope talks about a hypothetical traffic stop where officers seize two marijuana seeds, calculate the number of plants that could be grown from those seeds, and estimate the value of the seizure in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Point is, in my experience, law enforcement agencies routinely overestimate the value of items they seize. And I’ve been ruminating on that ever since the operation that unearthed a trove of motorcycles in Mexico connected to fugitive Ryan Wedding. An FBI statement said that 62 machines were recovered with an estimated value of $40 million.
OK, time for some math. That means each motorcycle in that collection has to be worth a little more than $645,000. And a quick review of some motorcycle auction sites and a bit of internet research quickly brings the estimated value of the collection into question.
Let’s start with what we can actually put a price tag on. About two-thirds of the way into the grid of motorcycles in the main photo released by the FBI appear to be a couple of Kawasaki ZX-7 racebikes. If the competition numbers on the fairings of the machines are correct, at least one of them appears to be the machine Scott Russell rode to the WorldSBK title and/or one that Doug Chandler rode to the AMA Superbike Championship. We know exactly what those are worth: $70,000 each, because they sold at auction in 2022 for that amount. Not exactly cheap, but nowhere near $645,000.
There’s a Ducati Supermono singles racebike in the photo. Assuming it’s genuine, it’s a sweet machine and definitely collectible. There were only 67 of them made. Still, in 2022, one sold at auction for $165,760. Again, nowhere near $645,000.
Those machines are the ones with provenance that can be traced and verified. When it gets to many of the other machines in the collection, things get a lot less certain.
Former Grand Prix and British Superbike racer Taylor Mackenzie (son of famous racer Niall Mackenzie) did an analysis of one of the bikes seized, a 125cc Grand Prix bike with the number of nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi on it. In a video on his YouTube channel, Mackenzie points out that the colors on the seized bike are different that the colors of the bikes Rossi actually raced. So is it a Rossi racebike? Maybe, maybe not. There are a lot of replicas, rebuilds, and bitsa bikes for sale on the auction circuit. A tribute to MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden Ducati recently sold for $288,000 at auction. The bike, a Desmosedici GP8, was dismantled when purchased from Ducati in 2010 and was re-assembled with a chassis from the middle of the 2008 season, unused engine crankcases, a “race-used” Hayden fuel tank and “other Hayden and original Ducati MotoGP parts, all being acquired at the same time in 2010,” the auction site states.
In this collection, there are a number of machines that appear to be 500cc two-stroke V-Four racebikes from the 1980s. Again, depending on the provenance, a quick Google search says that such machines would sell for between $85,000 and $250,000. The highest priced two-stroke Grand Prix machine sold at auction in recent years was a 1997 Honda NSR500V, the twin-cylinder Honda produced to prop up the grids with a racebike that privateers could afford. It was never started, still had the original plastic shipping plastic covers on the carburetors, and had a ton of documentation. It sold at auction last year for $267,000. It was billed as the highest price ever paid for a Japanese motorcycle sold at auction.
It is possible, of course, that individual machines could have changed hands between private parties for more money. But when it comes to public sales, thevintagent.com tracks public auction sales of motorcycles, and on its list of most expensive motorcycles sold at auctions, the highest-priced modern road racing machine is a 2010 Ducati GP10 CS1 ridden by two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner to victory at Philip Island and to multiple podium finishes. It came with a certificate of authenticity from Ducati Corse and documented history. It sold for about $320,000 in Monaco in 2012. Just beneath that on the list is a 2011 Ducati Desmosedici GP11 VR2, ridden by Rossi to a third-place finish at Le Mans, again with a certificate of authenticity from Ducati Corse. It sold for $312,500 in the same auction as the Stoner bike. It appears very similar to one of the seized machines, although it is impossible to say with 100 percent certainty that it is the same bike. The point is that MotoGP machines of this vintage sold for far less than that $645,000 that each machine would have to sell for to get to that $40 million mark.
There are more modern MotoGP machines in the collection, with the liveries of Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Iannone. These are harder to get a handle on in terms of value, but it is noteworthy that one of Dovizioso’s machines recently went up for auction. It was one of his Desmosedici GP19 racebikes, the one he rode to wins in Qatar and Austria, and it was authenticated by Ducati Corse. Unusually, it was offered in full running order, with a starter and original factory electronics. In many cases, when a MotoGP bike is sold, the factory removes the ECU. It was expected to get at least $671,000 at auction, but the auction site where it was listed says the bike failed to sell. Aleix Espargaro is selling his 2020 Aprilia RS-GP, complete with electronics but requiring some factory assistance to get it running. It comes straight from Espargaro, who got it from the factory, and it comes with leathers, boots, helmet and gloves used by Espargaro in races in 2020. Due up for auction in February, the sale price estimate is $404,000 to $540,000.
Is there the possibility that there are one or two extremely rare, valuable machines among the seized bikes that are worth several million on their own? Nothing’s impossible, but we can perhaps get some perspective from over in the car world. Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s F1W04-04 2013 Mercedes AMG-Petronas F1 W04 sold at auction in 2023. It is a race-winning car in Hamilton’s hands, the third-most expensive Grand Prix car ever sold behind two vintage Mercedes racers from the 1950s, and – here’s the real kicker – the only Mercedes F1 car ever “to be sold outside of the Mercedes organization,” the auction website states. Hamilton was 22nd on the list of highest-paid athletes in 2025, with an estimated income of $80 million, and was named the world’s most marketable athlete in 2025 in SportsPro’s marketability rankings – and not for the first time.
And that car sold for $18.8 million.
Again, not cheap, but think of the level of fame of its racer and the scarcity of the vehicle. To even think of getting into the multi-million dollar level for a bike, it seems, it would take something like owning the only Honda or Yamaha factory MotoGP or 500cc Grand Prix racebike in private hands, one that Marquez or Rossi rode to at least one race win, one with an indisputable pedigree, if Marquez or Rossi also were anywhere near as popular as Hamilton, and motorcycle road racing was as popular as Formula One.
Maybe, somewhere, there’s someone who would spend that kind of money on a single collectible racebike, but there’s no evidence of that happening in the world of publicly traded motorcycles. Again, according to thevintagent.com, the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction traded hands for $1.32 million.
Valuing a historic racing machine always comes down to one thing in the end – how much will someone actually pay for it? And if the bike isn’t for sale, then its value is an educated guess at best. But based on historic data for actual sales on similar machines (or, in some cases, maybe the actual racebikes seized), it’s really, really hard to see how the motorcycles in the photo released by law enforcement are worth anywhere near $40 million.
