HOT HEADLINES: match point for Marc Marquez as MotoGP arrives at Lusail.
The classic night GP could well culminate in a coronation as Round 20 gets into gear.
By the time we go green on Sunday, we could be looking at one of the greatest turnarounds in a single season MotoGP has ever seen. 161 days will have passed between Marc Marquez(Ducati Lenovo Team) being 102 points behind the Championship lead to the #93 facing a coronation under the lights of Lusail in Qatar to retain his title and make it a historic eighth in MotoGP. A remarkable season has just three GPs left to go but if results go his way on Saturday, the reigning World Champion will be exactly that again going into 2027.
PERMUTATIONS: Marc Marquez’s maths for title #8
The permutations are simple: across the course of the weekend, outscore chief title rival Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) by 30 points and the #89’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi by 8. It would mean that results do indeed have to go Marquez’s way; if he doesn’t take at least P5 on Saturday for his end of the bargain, then Sunday’s out of the question. With Martin’s participation subject to a Thursday medical check after he sat out the points scoring ops at the Malaysian GP, it may well be Bezzecchi who attempts to delay the #93’s title celebrations. Marquez is a double winner at Lusail in 2014 and 2025 and in terms of match points, five of his seven title have been clinched at the first possible opportunity – will it be six from eight when the curtain comes down on Sunday?
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
NOT OVER YET: the Aprilia dynamic
As for Bezzecchi and Martin, both need to be on their A-game to halt the #93. 30 points may sound a lot to outscore by but with the 2024 World Champion’s injury struggles and Bezzecchi needing a top five in the Sprint to guarantee himself remaining in contention going to Saturday, it’s an uphill task. Perhaps their fellow Aprilias can have a say? Ai Ogura(SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was fast for fourth last time out, and after racing Bezzecchi at full pelt, whilst teammate Raul Fernandez is subject to a medical check for his broken fingers.
Alex Marquez (73) and Pedro Acosta (37) at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
CHASING PACK: Acosta and a host of Lusail winners
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is fourth overall and whilst being in mathematical contention, needs to outscore Marquez himself by 31 points. From P4 to P6, 30 points cover Acosta, Ogura and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), winner of the 2023 Grand Prix of Qatar. 2024 winner Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) hopes to repeat his podium success of 2025.
Maverick Viñales (12) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Tech3.
SURPRISES: Viñales and Binder aim high
KTM’s charge on the road was good at Lusail in 2025 with Maverick Viñales taking P2 until a tyre pressure penalty. An encouraging weekend nonetheless, something that he and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be keen to replicate in 2026, the latter a double podium finisher in Qatar. Luca Marini’s (Honda HRC Castrol) P7 was his best finish since Hungary and is seeking more of the same this weekend whereas teammate Joan Mir has been a QatarGP podium contender in previous years, but he continues to face some fitness struggles so remains a question mark. Fellow Honda rider Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) can secure Rookie of the Year honours if he scores 15 points; teammate Johann Zarco(Castrol Honda LCR) was a mega P4 at Lusail in 2025 – can he repeat it in 2026? A double podium finisher and long-time GP leader last year, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) shouldn’t be ruled out of a strong final Qatar GP.
Last but not least, although Aldeguer is back, Iker Lecuona continues on super-sub duty, this time for Alex Marquez who underwent shoulder surgery after Sepang and aims to be back for Portimao with BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP. Yamaha have withdrawn from the Qatar GP, meaning Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP will not be present.
Match point one, Round 20: the Grand Prix of Qatar could bring the biggest moment of the season so far – tune in to see if Marquez makes more history or Aprilia – or Acosta – can put pause on the celebrations.
Yamaha Champions Riding School announces its preliminary 2027 nationwide training schedule, with additional events and locations to be announced soon. From first-time students to returning graduates, the upcoming 2027 season offers motorcyclists opportunities to invest in skills that improve every ride, for the rest of your life.
Early Registration Savings and Financing
Early registration discounts offer savings of up to $350, with zero-percent financing options available at checkout. With a 2026 fill rate of more than 96% and most events selling out months in advance, riders are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred dates and take advantage of available savings and financing options.
Every in-person class includes the Champ U: Core Curriculum online course for free to help students prepare before they arrive. The online curriculum introduces key concepts so riders can make the most of their time with the coaches.
The best way to make safer riders is to make better riders.
ChampSchool is for every rider: new street riders building their foundation, returning riders rebuilding confidence, experienced motorcyclists refining their skills, track day riders, and racers working to improve lap times with greater control.
Students do not have to race, attend track days, own a sportbike, or own leathers to benefit from training. 90% of our students are street riders, and more than 60% have never been on a race track before.
They simply want to get better at riding motorcycles. Better on a favorite back road. Better on the daily commute. Better on the next motorcycle trip. Better on the next lap.
Better on the motorcycle they own today and every motorcycle they will own in the future.
Kevin Olmedo (front) and Yamaha Champ School Lead Instructor Chris Perris. Photo courtesy Yamaha Champion School.
Champions Habits
At the center of every program are Champions Habits: the data-proven best practices used by the world’s best riders. These techniques work because they are based on how motorcycles are engineered to be ridden and respond to rider inputs, with principles that apply across motorcycle types, riding environments, and experience levels.
Students learn how vision, braking, throttle application, body position, and steering work together to manage speed, direction, and grip. Students build confidence by understanding what to do, how to do it, and why it works, and then developing the habits to apply those skills consistently across any riding environment at whatever pace the rider chooses.
Those skills matter when a corner tightens unexpectedly, traffic stops suddenly, the pace increases, or grip decreases. Under pressure, or when things go wrong, practiced habits can make the difference between knowing what to do and being able to do it.
ChampSchool’s approach emphasizes operational excellence: the ability to operate a motorcycle with precision, awareness, and adaptability. Most riders already understand that they should respect traffic laws, wear proper gear, and ride responsibly. Training must also teach them how to use the motorcycle’s controls effectively when things go wrong.
World Class Coaches
ChampSchool’s coaching team brings together world champions, national champions, career police motor officers, industry experts, factory test riders, and motorcycle journalists. Their collective experience spans decades of professional racing, street riding, motorcycle development, testing, and the daily demands of riding a motorcycle for a living.
That depth of experience supports a shared curriculum and a practical teaching approach. Coaches help students connect Champions Habits to their individual riding goals, identify habits that limit control, and develop techniques they can continue practicing long after school.
Whether a student wants more confidence on a touring motorcycle, greater control in traffic, or improved performance on a racetrack, the objective remains the same: better riding through better understanding.
Yamaha Champion Riding School instructor Robertino Pietri. Photo courtesy ChampSchool
A Programs for Every Rider and Every Budget
2-Day ChampSchool — The premium flagship program provides two days of focused instruction and coaching at racetracks nationwide. A controlled, repeatable environment allows students to practice at real-world riding speeds while developing skills they can apply on the street or track. Optional Yamaha motorcycle, Dainese riding gear, and Arai helmet rentals provide a complete arrive-and-ride experience.
1-Day ChampStreet — An economical, scaled-down version of ChampSchool that brings the same core riding principles to a one-day format. Held in a facility’s paddock or kart track area, ChampStreet focuses on the needs of everyday motorcyclists using their own street bikes and street gear. No leathers required.
1-Day ChampPrecision — ChampSchool principles applied at low speeds, drawing on the techniques used by career police motor officers. Students develop balance, coordination, and precise clutch, throttle, and brake control to make tight turns, parking lots, and other low-speed situations easier to manage.
ChampGrad — Continuing education customized for ChampSchool graduates who want to deepen their understanding and refine their technique. Private, semi-private, and 4:1 group programs provide options for different goals and coaching needs, allowing graduates to build on their previous training.
Private Lessons — Customizable experiences for ChampSchool graduates seeking dedicated coaching. Instruction can focus on specific challenges, individual riding goals, or a broader plan for continued development, with arrangements tailored to the rider.
Champ U — Affordable online courses that bring Champions Habits and the core principles taught at ChampSchool to riders wherever they live. In-person training requires a significant investment of time, travel, and money; Champ U makes that knowledge accessible on your schedule and at your own pace. Whether riders are preparing for school, exploring what they could learn, or continuing their education from home, Champ U offers a practical way to invest in better riding. Every in-person class includes a complimentary Champ U: Core Curriculum course to help students prepare and make the most of their time with the coaches.
Invest in the Rider
Motorcyclists invest in exhaust systems, tires, suspension, and electronics to improve their bikes. An investment in the rider improves the skills they bring to every motorcycle they own. Better vision, better braking, and better control stay with the rider long after the bike has been sold.
Two days of training: A lifetime of better riding.
2027 Schedule:
January 28–29 — Homestead-Miami Speedway — Homestead, FL
February 1–2 — Homestead-Miami Speedway — Homestead, FL
February 9–10 — Chuckwalla Valley Raceway — Desert Center, CA
February 23–24 — Inde Motorsports Ranch — Willcox, AZ
March 9–10 — Buttonwillow Raceway Park — Buttonwillow, CA
March 23–24 — Eagles Canyon Raceway — Decatur, TX
March 26–28 — Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Las Vegas, NV
April 12–13 — Thunderhill Raceway Park — Willows, CA
April 22–23 — NCBIKE — Garysburg, NC
April 26–27 — NCBIKE (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Garysburg, NC
May 4–5 — Inde Motorsports Ranch (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Willcox, AZ
May 11–12 — New Jersey Motorsports Park — Millville, NJ
May 26–27 — Road Atlanta — Braselton, GA
May 29–30 — High Plains Raceway — Deer Trail, CO
May 31 — CODE 303 Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (ChampStreet) — Douglas County, CO
June 15–16 — New Jersey Motorsports Park — Millville, NJ
June 30–July 1 — The Ridge Motorsports Park — Shelton, WA
September 16–17 — Ozarks International Raceway — Gravois Mills, MO
September 30–October 1 — NCM Motorsports Park — Bowling Green, KY
October 5–6 — Buttonwillow Raceway Park — Buttonwillow, CA
October 12–13 — Inde Motorsports Ranch — Willcox, AZ
October 21–22 — NCBIKE — Garysburg, NC
October 25–26 — NCBIKE (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Garysburg, NC
November 9–10 — Inde Motorsports Ranch (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Willcox, AZ
December 11–12 — Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Las Vegas, NV
Additional 2027 events and locations will be announced soon. Program availability varies by location. For the latest schedule, program availability, pricing, and registration, visit www.champschool.com.
Yamaha Champions Riding School is proudly sponsored by: Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tires, Dainese, Arai Helmets, GoPro, Yamalube, GYTR, Chatterbox, GB Racing, Stompgrip, and N2 Track Days.
About Yamaha Champions Riding School: Yamaha Champions Riding School is the evolution of the Freddie Spencer High-Performance Riding School. Led by racer, author, and curriculum architect Nick Ienatsch, ChampSchool teaches Champions Habits, the data-proven best practices used by the world’s best riders to help motorcyclists develop better control, stronger skills, and greater confidence at any pace or environment they choose. Its programs serve new and experienced street riders, returning riders, track day enthusiasts, and racers.
Prospective competitors can now apply for 2027 entries for the FIM MotoJunior World Championship in the following categories: FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship, Moto2 European Championship, Stock European Championship, and Momoven Moto4 European Cup.
Key dates:
• Applications open: 4 November 2026
• Applications close: 15 January 2027
• Confirmation of selected riders: no later than 2 February 2027 (via email)
• Selected riders must register online: no later than 2 March 2027
The Organization reserves the right not to admit or reject any application, at any time.
Applications/Registrations are accepted by the Organization on the basis of the double criteria of Team/Rider. The right to register is limited to the accepted rider within the selected category and the accepted Team’s structure during a given season. Whether the accepted rider wishes to move to a different team, or change the previously selected category, or the accepted team wishes to substitute the rider, changes are only permitted if previously approved by the Organization. In any of these cases, additional Entry Fees may apply.
The Organization reserves the right not to organize a category. In such a case, the applications of that category that eventually is cancelled by the Organization will be fully reimbursed using the same payment method used to pay the application fee.
The Organization reserves the right to split one of the categories into two groups.
Participants applying for the FIM Moto3 Jr WCh, the Moto2 ECh and Stock ECh categories are required to make an advance payment of the registration fee of €1,500.
Momoven Moto4 EC applicants are not required make any advance payment, and the application form is sufficient for their application to be considered.
Please also note that, for the FIM Moto3 Jr WC and the Moto4 EC, a 30% discount will be applied to the Season and One Event entry fee for each rider whose nationality makes up less than 10% of the MotoGP grid across the three classes in 2026*.
Applications/registrations of accepted riders shall correspond to registrant to whom the relevant invoice has been issued, in accordance with the information provided in the application form (the “Owner”). Accordingly, the Owner shall be the only party entitled to request any modification to the application/registration and shall be obliged to inform DWW of any change relating thereto.
In case of vacancies, the Organization will contact those candidates that have not been included on the first list of selected riders.
For further information about application conditions for the 2027 season, click here.
*The two nationalities that would not qualify for this discount in 2027 are Spanish and Italian
Fermin Aldeguer is set to return to the grid this weekend, while Iker Lecuona continues his stint with BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP.
BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP has confirmed on social media that Fermin Aldeguer will return to MotoGP action this weekend, whilst Iker Lecuona will replace Alex Marquezfollowing the #73’s recent surgery.
Aldeguer crashed on Lap 2 of the Indonesian GP, sustaining a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal bone in his right hand. Following successful surgery and a recovery period, the #54 is ready to return to the grid this weekend.
Meanwhile, Alex Marquez underwent surgery after the Malaysian GP, with hopes of returning in Portugal. Stepping in for the #73 is Lecuona, who will take part in his fifth MotoGP weekend of the season, having already substituted for Gresini on multiple occasions this year.
Destination Qatar: The Ducati Lenovo Team launches the challenge
MotoGP World Championship
Ready, set, and stop in Lusail for the 20th round of the 2026 season. The appointment is set in Qatar, a track where the Desmosedici GP boasts a fantastic tradition with as many as 9 overall victories: From the historic three wins in a row by Casey Stoner (2007, 2008, and 2009), to the successes of Andrea Dovizioso and the Gresini Team with Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio. In 2024, the factory team returned to the highest step of the podium with Pecco Bagnaia, repeating the feat in 2025 with Marc Márquez. The red bike from Borgo Panigale arrives on track leading the constructors’ standings with three races to go in the Championship.
Control and strategy paid off with P2 in Saturday’s Sprint in Malaysia, then pure instinct and talent allowed Marc to dominate the GP in Sepang. Bolstered by his 80th victory in the premier class, Marc is ready to play his first match point for the Riders’ Championship right in Doha, a track where he proved to be competitive already last year.
Always very fast on this track, Pecco Bagnaia is putting a bittersweet weekend in Malaysia behind him. After a solid P6 in the Sprint, Sunday brought a more uphill battle. He is constantly working to close the gap and get back to fighting with the strongest.
Marc Márquez (#93, Ducati Lenovo Team) “Qatar is a great track, but not one of my favorites, and in the past, in some years, I’ve really struggled a lot here. Last year, on the other hand, we were really fast and competitive. In Malaysia, we managed the weekend in the best way possible; especially on Saturday, it was easy to make mistakes. The strategy won’t change here: we work day by day and aim to give our absolute best in Sunday’s race”.
Francesco Bagnaia (#63, Ducati Lenovo Team) “Qatar is another really nice track, but very tough in this final stretch of the season. A circuit that has always brought out the best in the Desmosedici GP and where I have always been very competitive. We continue to work hard to get closer to the front group”.
Circuit Information
Country: Qatar
Name: Lusail International Circuit
Circuit record: M. Màrquez (Ducati), 01:50.499 – 2025
Maximum speed: Zarco (Ducati) 362.4 km/h – 2021
Track length: 5,38 km
Sprint race distance: 11 laps
Race distance: 22 laps
Turns: 16 (10 right, 6 left)
2025 Results
GP Podium: 1° M. Màrquez (Ducati), 2° Bagnaia (Ducati), 3° Morbidelli (Ducati)
Sprint winner: M. Màrquez (Ducati)
Pole Position: M. Màrquez (Ducati) – 01.50.499
GP Fastest Lap: M. Márquez (Ducati) – 01:52.561
Racing Statistics
Marc Márquez
GPs Starts: 302 (224 x MotoGP, 32 x Moto2, 46 x 125cc)
MotoAmerica Expands Mission King Of The Baggers For 2027 As Indian Motorcycle Increases Presence
Bagger Class Now Open To Non-US Manufacturers In 2027 Along With New Rules Package.
Irvine, CA (Nov. 4, 2026) — MotoAmerica is happy to announce changes for the Mission King Of The Baggers class for 2027, with Indian Motorcycle committing to an increased paddock presence, new technical regulations, and the class opening to additional manufacturers.
“We are excited about where Mission King Of The Baggers is headed for 2027,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey, three-time MotoGP World Champion. “We created this class for the American V-Twin Bagger. Our fans were surprised that Harley-Davidson had decided to run in a spec exhibition series abroad and not compete against the other manufacturers in America for a national championship. Their departure has opened the door for other manufacturers. Indian Motorcycle has stepped up in a big way that puts more bikes on the grid, and now new manufacturers are interested in competing in King Of The Baggers for 2027 as well. MotoAmerica racing is always about competition, the more, the better.”
The revised technical rules target longer engine life and fewer rebuilds while preserving the close racing seen in previous seasons. MotoAmerica is also working with multiple engine suppliers to improve access to competitive equipment.
Rev limits will be set at 7000 rpm for Harley-Davidson and 7500 rpm for Indian. The existing balancing framework remains in place to maintain competitive parity between manufacturers.
Full-season competitors will be required to use the MotoAmerica Maxx ECU Race unit with controlled firmware. The standardized engine-control system prohibits traction control and lift control while supporting consistent data collection. Exceptions are in place for single-event entries and teams competing in three rounds or fewer.
The Indian Motorcycle Racing team pictured here swapping out one of their PowerPlus 112 engines at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“Our approach is to make targeted changes that address the demands teams face over a full season,” said MotoAmerica Technical Director Tige Daane. “Reducing the frequency of major engine work should help teams better manage their budgets and spend more time on track.”
Additional manufacturers may request approval to enter production-based touring and bagger motorcycles, subject to technical and competitive evaluation.
The final rules package and any supporting technical bulletins will be published prior to the start of the 2027 season.
It’s been said that to a rider, Sepang is ‘the worst 45 minutes of your year’, both physically and mentally. The first goes without saying: you’re manhandling what is essentially a giant combustion engine on wheels through a track in the tropics, clad in leather. And that’s before the debris and rocks start flying!
But then there is the psychological side of it all: this is where you win or lose it, where you discover if your remaining races will be an upward line or a steep fall from the top. Just ask Bezzecchi, coming in after a rather unnecessary collision with Ogura. The Bez wasn’t fast enough to grab those precious points, and his Aprilia compatriot Ogura came in rough and hard. Carbon and aero fly all over the place, and now Mat and Peter have to lay down the law to keep the kids from fighting…
And speaking of flying aero: did anyone notice how the lack of it didn’t seem to slow Ai down a bit? That’s odd enough by itself, but then you see Marc absolutely dominating this race without using a ride height device. A race where significant moves were made without aero, no RHD? Surely it can’t be! I assume the world must be ending?
Well, that depends on who you ask – but if it does end, it might start next week during the race in Qatar!
Okay, I kid, but let’s not beat around the bush here: next week’s race is vastly more important than Sepang – or any other race, for that matter. Shortly put, against all sane advice and reason, MotoGP is going to an area that could turn into a potential conflict zone at any second.
Fun fact: did you know there’s a giant American air force base, just a stone’s throw away from the track?
Well, the riders and even some manufacturers aren’t taking the risk. According to Jack Miller, there’s currently about 19 riders who are going to decline the invitation and everyone’s favourite Aussie is amongst them. And they’re not alone: Yamaha, too, has decided not to go, spurting Liberty Media to lay down the law in truly draconian fashion.
So here we are, at what might be the eve of an escalating conflict, with the first rider strike in almost thirty years against the corporate power of a media giant. And don’t think for a second that this is ‘just politics’, because the outcome of this conflict might have massive effects on MotoGP, Liberty Media, Formula 1 and even a slight bit of global politics.
Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
Oh, and a quick word in regards to sponsors:
If you’re interested in connecting with a really unique MotoGP audience — we’re working with Smash Brand Group out of Sydney to manage partnerships. Curious? Just head to smashbrandgroup.com.au and get in touch!
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Nov. 3, 2026) — The 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival honoring the life and legacy of founder and visionary George Barber drew thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts and hundreds of AHRMA racers from 48 states and 14 countries to Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
The three-day weekend kicked off early, Wednesday, Oct. 7, with a private event for museum members and invited guests showcasing two new exhibitions, “DUCATI 100” and “GSX-R FORTY YEARS.” Both exhibitions were curated by board member Ultan Guilfoyle and designed by Pierre Terblanche, resident mentor of the Barber Advanced Design Center.
Ultan Guilfoyle, curator of “Ducati 100” and “GSX-R: Forty Years.” Photo courtesy Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
Guilfoyle co-curated the 1998 “Art of the Motorcycle” exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. “George Barber is the reason we’re here,” he told attendees, “and I’m proud to be asked to curate these two exhibitions in his honor.” Housed on the fifth and third floors of the museum, the exhibitions will run through this spring.
With Hurricane Isaias expected to reach central Alabama, Saturday’s AHRMA “Legacy Laps” were moved to Friday. Executive Director Brian Case led the way in John Surtees ’ Ferrari 158, followed by Lee Clark at the wheel of Barber’s Brabham BT8, Stephen Mathews on a Matchless G50, and Chuck Huneycutt riding the Ducati 750 Sport that Mathews raced.
AHRMA Legacy Laps Kevin Schwantz. Photo courtesy Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
MotoGP Legends Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr., and Kevin Schwantz—with a combined five 500cc world titles among them—also took part in the event, hustling around the 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course with Roberts on an ex-Surtees MV Agusta 500 Four, Roberts Jr. aboard a Team Roberts KR211V, and Schwantz piloting a 40th anniversary Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
Friday night’s “Motorcycles by Moonlight” gala is a festival tradition. Nearly 400 guests attended this year’s dinner and silent auction supporting the “Discovery and Innovation Motorsports Fund.” George Barber believed motorsports is a powerful platform for student engagement, and this fund perpetuates the museum’s leadership role in innovative STEM education.
In his post-dinner speech, Case lauded the efforts of Education Programs Manager Liz Johnson, Ph.D. “Each year, thousands of students come through this museum,” he said. “Many of them don’t arrive here because they love motorcycles—at least not yet. They come here to discover engineering and design; they discover science and technology.”
Board Chair Charles Miller was among the colleagues and friends interviewed for a short documentary film on George Barber’s many contributions. “George left a blueprint for us,” he noted. “And the blueprint is, ‘No job is too small. Nothing is beneath you. Always be curious. And put other people first.’” View the film on the museum’s YouTube channel.
Isaias swept through the area overnight, bringing with it high winds and heavy rain. On Saturday morning, hundreds of visitors were lined up to enter the museum, their dampened spirits lifted by the promise of two new exhibitions, seminars with high-profile guests, twice-daily engine startups, book signings, and access to the basement conservation area.
Around the 880-acre park, AHRMA monitored the weather conditions and adjusted its programs to suit. Road racing featured throughout the weekend, with cross-country, motocross, and trials competitions at discipline-specific locations. Flat track was held off-site at the nearby Talladega Short Track. By Sunday, the rain was gone, and the sun was shining.
BMW Motorrad Days Americas, Isle of Triumph, demo rides, stunt shows, live music, and the American Motor Drome “Wall of Death” filled the park with countless activities. The vintage swap meet is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. “The weather wasn’t ideal,” admitted Guest Services Manager Sunny Crew, “but the vendors and attendees enjoyed great deals.”
The 22nd annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW Motorrad is scheduled for Oct. 8-10, 2027. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum thanks Ducati North America, Suzuki Motor USA, and the Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham, Alabama, for their support of the “DUCATI 100” and “GSX-R FORTY YEARS” exhibitions.
About the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum:
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt, private operating foundation dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, exhibition, and history of motorcycles, vintage vehicles, and motorsports located at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. For more than 30 years, the museum has focused on various aspects of motorsports, from displaying motorcycles and cars spanning more than 120 years of production to the Barber Advanced Design Center, a high-tech workspace for design exploration. The museum embraces the culture of motorsports enthusiasts by hosting programs, such as the Barber Design Camp, and events, including the annual Barber Vintage Festival. With five floors housing 1,800 motorcycles, 150-plus automobiles, 60 of which are Lotus race cars, and numerous vintage and iconic vehicles, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is the ultimate family-friendly environment for education, exploration, and inspiration. Additional information is available at www.barbermuseum.org.
Aprilia Racing in Qatar for last GP of flyaway tour:
JORGE MARTÍN BACK ON TRACK IN QATAR, MARCO BEZZECCHI READY FOR TWENTIETH ROUND OF SEASON
The MotoGP flyaway tour concludes at the Lusail International Circuit, ahead of the return to Europe for the final two races of the 2026 season. Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín will both be in Qatar, with the Spanish rider ready to get back on the track after his injury at Phillip Island.
Jorge Martín, who had decided to withdraw before qualifying in Sepang on Saturday to focus on his recovery from the non-displaced distal radius fracture sustained in the sprint at Phillip Island, will travel to Qatar to take part in the Grand Prix weekend.
Bezzecchi arrives in Qatar following his seventh sprint podium of the season at Sepang. In the long race, however, the Italian couldn’t make his potential count and finished sixth. He now aims to round off the flyaway tour with a result to show for it.
The Lusail International Circuit, near Qatar’s capital, Doha, is 5.38 km long, with a main straight of over a kilometre. The circuit has 10 right-handers and six left-handers. Qatar staged the first night Grand Prix in history in 2008. The move to night racing proved successful and has made this one of the most spectacular rounds on the MotoGP calendar.
Jorge Martin.
Jorge Martin: “It was a shame not to be able to carry on with the weekend at Sepang, but just having the chance to try was an achievement in itself. I went back to Spain to continue the treatment I need to recover from the injury and to get to Qatar in the best shape possible. Now we’ll see how the body responds and start working with Aprilia from this Thursday to see how far we can go.”
Marco Bezzecchi
Marco Bezzecchi: “Sunday’s long race in Malaysia wasn’t easy, so I’m keen to put that right. I’m happy to be heading to Qatar. It’s a track I really like. We’ll aim to get it right from the start, put together a good weekend and finish as well as we can before we head back to Europe.”
MotoGP Race start at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
HOT HEADLINES: match point for Marc Marquez as MotoGP arrives at Lusail.
The classic night GP could well culminate in a coronation as Round 20 gets into gear.
By the time we go green on Sunday, we could be looking at one of the greatest turnarounds in a single season MotoGP has ever seen. 161 days will have passed between Marc Marquez(Ducati Lenovo Team) being 102 points behind the Championship lead to the #93 facing a coronation under the lights of Lusail in Qatar to retain his title and make it a historic eighth in MotoGP. A remarkable season has just three GPs left to go but if results go his way on Saturday, the reigning World Champion will be exactly that again going into 2027.
PERMUTATIONS: Marc Marquez’s maths for title #8
The permutations are simple: across the course of the weekend, outscore chief title rival Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) by 30 points and the #89’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi by 8. It would mean that results do indeed have to go Marquez’s way; if he doesn’t take at least P5 on Saturday for his end of the bargain, then Sunday’s out of the question. With Martin’s participation subject to a Thursday medical check after he sat out the points scoring ops at the Malaysian GP, it may well be Bezzecchi who attempts to delay the #93’s title celebrations. Marquez is a double winner at Lusail in 2014 and 2025 and in terms of match points, five of his seven title have been clinched at the first possible opportunity – will it be six from eight when the curtain comes down on Sunday?
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
NOT OVER YET: the Aprilia dynamic
As for Bezzecchi and Martin, both need to be on their A-game to halt the #93. 30 points may sound a lot to outscore by but with the 2024 World Champion’s injury struggles and Bezzecchi needing a top five in the Sprint to guarantee himself remaining in contention going to Saturday, it’s an uphill task. Perhaps their fellow Aprilias can have a say? Ai Ogura(SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was fast for fourth last time out, and after racing Bezzecchi at full pelt, whilst teammate Raul Fernandez is subject to a medical check for his broken fingers.
Alex Marquez (73) and Pedro Acosta (37) at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
CHASING PACK: Acosta and a host of Lusail winners
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is fourth overall and whilst being in mathematical contention, needs to outscore Marquez himself by 31 points. From P4 to P6, 30 points cover Acosta, Ogura and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), winner of the 2023 Grand Prix of Qatar. 2024 winner Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) hopes to repeat his podium success of 2025.
Maverick Viñales (12) at Sepang. Photo courtesy Tech3.
SURPRISES: Viñales and Binder aim high
KTM’s charge on the road was good at Lusail in 2025 with Maverick Viñales taking P2 until a tyre pressure penalty. An encouraging weekend nonetheless, something that he and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) will be keen to replicate in 2026, the latter a double podium finisher in Qatar. Luca Marini’s (Honda HRC Castrol) P7 was his best finish since Hungary and is seeking more of the same this weekend whereas teammate Joan Mir has been a QatarGP podium contender in previous years, but he continues to face some fitness struggles so remains a question mark. Fellow Honda rider Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) can secure Rookie of the Year honours if he scores 15 points; teammate Johann Zarco(Castrol Honda LCR) was a mega P4 at Lusail in 2025 – can he repeat it in 2026? A double podium finisher and long-time GP leader last year, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) shouldn’t be ruled out of a strong final Qatar GP.
Last but not least, although Aldeguer is back, Iker Lecuona continues on super-sub duty, this time for Alex Marquez who underwent shoulder surgery after Sepang and aims to be back for Portimao with BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP. Yamaha have withdrawn from the Qatar GP, meaning Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP and Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP will not be present.
Match point one, Round 20: the Grand Prix of Qatar could bring the biggest moment of the season so far – tune in to see if Marquez makes more history or Aprilia – or Acosta – can put pause on the celebrations.
ChampSchool instructor Ryan Burke (on the left) with a student during a track day. Photo courtesy Yamaha ChampSchool
Yamaha Champions Riding School announces its preliminary 2027 nationwide training schedule, with additional events and locations to be announced soon. From first-time students to returning graduates, the upcoming 2027 season offers motorcyclists opportunities to invest in skills that improve every ride, for the rest of your life.
Early Registration Savings and Financing
Early registration discounts offer savings of up to $350, with zero-percent financing options available at checkout. With a 2026 fill rate of more than 96% and most events selling out months in advance, riders are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred dates and take advantage of available savings and financing options.
Every in-person class includes the Champ U: Core Curriculum online course for free to help students prepare before they arrive. The online curriculum introduces key concepts so riders can make the most of their time with the coaches.
The best way to make safer riders is to make better riders.
ChampSchool is for every rider: new street riders building their foundation, returning riders rebuilding confidence, experienced motorcyclists refining their skills, track day riders, and racers working to improve lap times with greater control.
Students do not have to race, attend track days, own a sportbike, or own leathers to benefit from training. 90% of our students are street riders, and more than 60% have never been on a race track before.
They simply want to get better at riding motorcycles. Better on a favorite back road. Better on the daily commute. Better on the next motorcycle trip. Better on the next lap.
Better on the motorcycle they own today and every motorcycle they will own in the future.
Kevin Olmedo (front) and Yamaha Champ School Lead Instructor Chris Perris. Photo courtesy Yamaha Champion School.
Champions Habits
At the center of every program are Champions Habits: the data-proven best practices used by the world’s best riders. These techniques work because they are based on how motorcycles are engineered to be ridden and respond to rider inputs, with principles that apply across motorcycle types, riding environments, and experience levels.
Students learn how vision, braking, throttle application, body position, and steering work together to manage speed, direction, and grip. Students build confidence by understanding what to do, how to do it, and why it works, and then developing the habits to apply those skills consistently across any riding environment at whatever pace the rider chooses.
Those skills matter when a corner tightens unexpectedly, traffic stops suddenly, the pace increases, or grip decreases. Under pressure, or when things go wrong, practiced habits can make the difference between knowing what to do and being able to do it.
ChampSchool’s approach emphasizes operational excellence: the ability to operate a motorcycle with precision, awareness, and adaptability. Most riders already understand that they should respect traffic laws, wear proper gear, and ride responsibly. Training must also teach them how to use the motorcycle’s controls effectively when things go wrong.
World Class Coaches
ChampSchool’s coaching team brings together world champions, national champions, career police motor officers, industry experts, factory test riders, and motorcycle journalists. Their collective experience spans decades of professional racing, street riding, motorcycle development, testing, and the daily demands of riding a motorcycle for a living.
That depth of experience supports a shared curriculum and a practical teaching approach. Coaches help students connect Champions Habits to their individual riding goals, identify habits that limit control, and develop techniques they can continue practicing long after school.
Whether a student wants more confidence on a touring motorcycle, greater control in traffic, or improved performance on a racetrack, the objective remains the same: better riding through better understanding.
Yamaha Champion Riding School instructor Robertino Pietri. Photo courtesy ChampSchool
A Programs for Every Rider and Every Budget
2-Day ChampSchool — The premium flagship program provides two days of focused instruction and coaching at racetracks nationwide. A controlled, repeatable environment allows students to practice at real-world riding speeds while developing skills they can apply on the street or track. Optional Yamaha motorcycle, Dainese riding gear, and Arai helmet rentals provide a complete arrive-and-ride experience.
1-Day ChampStreet — An economical, scaled-down version of ChampSchool that brings the same core riding principles to a one-day format. Held in a facility’s paddock or kart track area, ChampStreet focuses on the needs of everyday motorcyclists using their own street bikes and street gear. No leathers required.
1-Day ChampPrecision — ChampSchool principles applied at low speeds, drawing on the techniques used by career police motor officers. Students develop balance, coordination, and precise clutch, throttle, and brake control to make tight turns, parking lots, and other low-speed situations easier to manage.
ChampGrad — Continuing education customized for ChampSchool graduates who want to deepen their understanding and refine their technique. Private, semi-private, and 4:1 group programs provide options for different goals and coaching needs, allowing graduates to build on their previous training.
Private Lessons — Customizable experiences for ChampSchool graduates seeking dedicated coaching. Instruction can focus on specific challenges, individual riding goals, or a broader plan for continued development, with arrangements tailored to the rider.
Champ U — Affordable online courses that bring Champions Habits and the core principles taught at ChampSchool to riders wherever they live. In-person training requires a significant investment of time, travel, and money; Champ U makes that knowledge accessible on your schedule and at your own pace. Whether riders are preparing for school, exploring what they could learn, or continuing their education from home, Champ U offers a practical way to invest in better riding. Every in-person class includes a complimentary Champ U: Core Curriculum course to help students prepare and make the most of their time with the coaches.
Invest in the Rider
Motorcyclists invest in exhaust systems, tires, suspension, and electronics to improve their bikes. An investment in the rider improves the skills they bring to every motorcycle they own. Better vision, better braking, and better control stay with the rider long after the bike has been sold.
Two days of training: A lifetime of better riding.
2027 Schedule:
January 28–29 — Homestead-Miami Speedway — Homestead, FL
February 1–2 — Homestead-Miami Speedway — Homestead, FL
February 9–10 — Chuckwalla Valley Raceway — Desert Center, CA
February 23–24 — Inde Motorsports Ranch — Willcox, AZ
March 9–10 — Buttonwillow Raceway Park — Buttonwillow, CA
March 23–24 — Eagles Canyon Raceway — Decatur, TX
March 26–28 — Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Las Vegas, NV
April 12–13 — Thunderhill Raceway Park — Willows, CA
April 22–23 — NCBIKE — Garysburg, NC
April 26–27 — NCBIKE (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Garysburg, NC
May 4–5 — Inde Motorsports Ranch (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Willcox, AZ
May 11–12 — New Jersey Motorsports Park — Millville, NJ
May 26–27 — Road Atlanta — Braselton, GA
May 29–30 — High Plains Raceway — Deer Trail, CO
May 31 — CODE 303 Emergency Vehicle Operations Center (ChampStreet) — Douglas County, CO
June 15–16 — New Jersey Motorsports Park — Millville, NJ
June 30–July 1 — The Ridge Motorsports Park — Shelton, WA
September 16–17 — Ozarks International Raceway — Gravois Mills, MO
September 30–October 1 — NCM Motorsports Park — Bowling Green, KY
October 5–6 — Buttonwillow Raceway Park — Buttonwillow, CA
October 12–13 — Inde Motorsports Ranch — Willcox, AZ
October 21–22 — NCBIKE — Garysburg, NC
October 25–26 — NCBIKE (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Garysburg, NC
November 9–10 — Inde Motorsports Ranch (ChampGrad Semi-Private) — Willcox, AZ
December 11–12 — Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Las Vegas, NV
Additional 2027 events and locations will be announced soon. Program availability varies by location. For the latest schedule, program availability, pricing, and registration, visit www.champschool.com.
Yamaha Champions Riding School is proudly sponsored by: Yamaha Motor Corporation USA, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tires, Dainese, Arai Helmets, GoPro, Yamalube, GYTR, Chatterbox, GB Racing, Stompgrip, and N2 Track Days.
About Yamaha Champions Riding School: Yamaha Champions Riding School is the evolution of the Freddie Spencer High-Performance Riding School. Led by racer, author, and curriculum architect Nick Ienatsch, ChampSchool teaches Champions Habits, the data-proven best practices used by the world’s best riders to help motorcyclists develop better control, stronger skills, and greater confidence at any pace or environment they choose. Its programs serve new and experienced street riders, returning riders, track day enthusiasts, and racers.
American Rossi Moor (92) in Moto2 action at Catalunya. Photo courtesy RM Racing Team.
Prospective competitors can now apply for 2027 entries for the FIM MotoJunior World Championship in the following categories: FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship, Moto2 European Championship, Stock European Championship, and Momoven Moto4 European Cup.
Key dates:
• Applications open: 4 November 2026
• Applications close: 15 January 2027
• Confirmation of selected riders: no later than 2 February 2027 (via email)
• Selected riders must register online: no later than 2 March 2027
The Organization reserves the right not to admit or reject any application, at any time.
Applications/Registrations are accepted by the Organization on the basis of the double criteria of Team/Rider. The right to register is limited to the accepted rider within the selected category and the accepted Team’s structure during a given season. Whether the accepted rider wishes to move to a different team, or change the previously selected category, or the accepted team wishes to substitute the rider, changes are only permitted if previously approved by the Organization. In any of these cases, additional Entry Fees may apply.
The Organization reserves the right not to organize a category. In such a case, the applications of that category that eventually is cancelled by the Organization will be fully reimbursed using the same payment method used to pay the application fee.
The Organization reserves the right to split one of the categories into two groups.
Participants applying for the FIM Moto3 Jr WCh, the Moto2 ECh and Stock ECh categories are required to make an advance payment of the registration fee of €1,500.
Momoven Moto4 EC applicants are not required make any advance payment, and the application form is sufficient for their application to be considered.
Please also note that, for the FIM Moto3 Jr WC and the Moto4 EC, a 30% discount will be applied to the Season and One Event entry fee for each rider whose nationality makes up less than 10% of the MotoGP grid across the three classes in 2026*.
Applications/registrations of accepted riders shall correspond to registrant to whom the relevant invoice has been issued, in accordance with the information provided in the application form (the “Owner”). Accordingly, the Owner shall be the only party entitled to request any modification to the application/registration and shall be obliged to inform DWW of any change relating thereto.
In case of vacancies, the Organization will contact those candidates that have not been included on the first list of selected riders.
For further information about application conditions for the 2027 season, click here.
*The two nationalities that would not qualify for this discount in 2027 are Spanish and Italian
Fermin Aldeguer (54) at Aragon. Photo courtesy Gresini Team.
Fermin Aldeguer is set to return to the grid this weekend, while Iker Lecuona continues his stint with BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP.
BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP has confirmed on social media that Fermin Aldeguer will return to MotoGP action this weekend, whilst Iker Lecuona will replace Alex Marquezfollowing the #73’s recent surgery.
Aldeguer crashed on Lap 2 of the Indonesian GP, sustaining a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal bone in his right hand. Following successful surgery and a recovery period, the #54 is ready to return to the grid this weekend.
Meanwhile, Alex Marquez underwent surgery after the Malaysian GP, with hopes of returning in Portugal. Stepping in for the #73 is Lecuona, who will take part in his fifth MotoGP weekend of the season, having already substituted for Gresini on multiple occasions this year.
Marc Marquez (93) at Sepang. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Destination Qatar: The Ducati Lenovo Team launches the challenge
MotoGP World Championship
Ready, set, and stop in Lusail for the 20th round of the 2026 season. The appointment is set in Qatar, a track where the Desmosedici GP boasts a fantastic tradition with as many as 9 overall victories: From the historic three wins in a row by Casey Stoner (2007, 2008, and 2009), to the successes of Andrea Dovizioso and the Gresini Team with Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio. In 2024, the factory team returned to the highest step of the podium with Pecco Bagnaia, repeating the feat in 2025 with Marc Márquez. The red bike from Borgo Panigale arrives on track leading the constructors’ standings with three races to go in the Championship.
Control and strategy paid off with P2 in Saturday’s Sprint in Malaysia, then pure instinct and talent allowed Marc to dominate the GP in Sepang. Bolstered by his 80th victory in the premier class, Marc is ready to play his first match point for the Riders’ Championship right in Doha, a track where he proved to be competitive already last year.
Always very fast on this track, Pecco Bagnaia is putting a bittersweet weekend in Malaysia behind him. After a solid P6 in the Sprint, Sunday brought a more uphill battle. He is constantly working to close the gap and get back to fighting with the strongest.
Marc Márquez (#93, Ducati Lenovo Team) “Qatar is a great track, but not one of my favorites, and in the past, in some years, I’ve really struggled a lot here. Last year, on the other hand, we were really fast and competitive. In Malaysia, we managed the weekend in the best way possible; especially on Saturday, it was easy to make mistakes. The strategy won’t change here: we work day by day and aim to give our absolute best in Sunday’s race”.
Francesco Bagnaia (#63, Ducati Lenovo Team) “Qatar is another really nice track, but very tough in this final stretch of the season. A circuit that has always brought out the best in the Desmosedici GP and where I have always been very competitive. We continue to work hard to get closer to the front group”.
Circuit Information
Country: Qatar
Name: Lusail International Circuit
Circuit record: M. Màrquez (Ducati), 01:50.499 – 2025
Maximum speed: Zarco (Ducati) 362.4 km/h – 2021
Track length: 5,38 km
Sprint race distance: 11 laps
Race distance: 22 laps
Turns: 16 (10 right, 6 left)
2025 Results
GP Podium: 1° M. Màrquez (Ducati), 2° Bagnaia (Ducati), 3° Morbidelli (Ducati)
Sprint winner: M. Màrquez (Ducati)
Pole Position: M. Màrquez (Ducati) – 01.50.499
GP Fastest Lap: M. Márquez (Ducati) – 01:52.561
Racing Statistics
Marc Márquez
GPs Starts: 302 (224 x MotoGP, 32 x Moto2, 46 x 125cc)
Indian Motorcycle Racing’s Troy Herfoss (#17) leading the Bagger field
around Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 2026. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
MotoAmerica Expands Mission King Of The Baggers For 2027 As Indian Motorcycle Increases Presence
Bagger Class Now Open To Non-US Manufacturers In 2027 Along With New Rules Package.
Irvine, CA (Nov. 4, 2026) — MotoAmerica is happy to announce changes for the Mission King Of The Baggers class for 2027, with Indian Motorcycle committing to an increased paddock presence, new technical regulations, and the class opening to additional manufacturers.
“We are excited about where Mission King Of The Baggers is headed for 2027,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey, three-time MotoGP World Champion. “We created this class for the American V-Twin Bagger. Our fans were surprised that Harley-Davidson had decided to run in a spec exhibition series abroad and not compete against the other manufacturers in America for a national championship. Their departure has opened the door for other manufacturers. Indian Motorcycle has stepped up in a big way that puts more bikes on the grid, and now new manufacturers are interested in competing in King Of The Baggers for 2027 as well. MotoAmerica racing is always about competition, the more, the better.”
The revised technical rules target longer engine life and fewer rebuilds while preserving the close racing seen in previous seasons. MotoAmerica is also working with multiple engine suppliers to improve access to competitive equipment.
Rev limits will be set at 7000 rpm for Harley-Davidson and 7500 rpm for Indian. The existing balancing framework remains in place to maintain competitive parity between manufacturers.
Full-season competitors will be required to use the MotoAmerica Maxx ECU Race unit with controlled firmware. The standardized engine-control system prohibits traction control and lift control while supporting consistent data collection. Exceptions are in place for single-event entries and teams competing in three rounds or fewer.
The Indian Motorcycle Racing team pictured here swapping out one of their PowerPlus 112 engines at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“Our approach is to make targeted changes that address the demands teams face over a full season,” said MotoAmerica Technical Director Tige Daane. “Reducing the frequency of major engine work should help teams better manage their budgets and spend more time on track.”
Additional manufacturers may request approval to enter production-based touring and bagger motorcycles, subject to technical and competitive evaluation.
The final rules package and any supporting technical bulletins will be published prior to the start of the 2027 season.
It’s been said that to a rider, Sepang is ‘the worst 45 minutes of your year’, both physically and mentally. The first goes without saying: you’re manhandling what is essentially a giant combustion engine on wheels through a track in the tropics, clad in leather. And that’s before the debris and rocks start flying!
But then there is the psychological side of it all: this is where you win or lose it, where you discover if your remaining races will be an upward line or a steep fall from the top. Just ask Bezzecchi, coming in after a rather unnecessary collision with Ogura. The Bez wasn’t fast enough to grab those precious points, and his Aprilia compatriot Ogura came in rough and hard. Carbon and aero fly all over the place, and now Mat and Peter have to lay down the law to keep the kids from fighting…
And speaking of flying aero: did anyone notice how the lack of it didn’t seem to slow Ai down a bit? That’s odd enough by itself, but then you see Marc absolutely dominating this race without using a ride height device. A race where significant moves were made without aero, no RHD? Surely it can’t be! I assume the world must be ending?
Well, that depends on who you ask – but if it does end, it might start next week during the race in Qatar!
Okay, I kid, but let’s not beat around the bush here: next week’s race is vastly more important than Sepang – or any other race, for that matter. Shortly put, against all sane advice and reason, MotoGP is going to an area that could turn into a potential conflict zone at any second.
Fun fact: did you know there’s a giant American air force base, just a stone’s throw away from the track?
Well, the riders and even some manufacturers aren’t taking the risk. According to Jack Miller, there’s currently about 19 riders who are going to decline the invitation and everyone’s favourite Aussie is amongst them. And they’re not alone: Yamaha, too, has decided not to go, spurting Liberty Media to lay down the law in truly draconian fashion.
So here we are, at what might be the eve of an escalating conflict, with the first rider strike in almost thirty years against the corporate power of a media giant. And don’t think for a second that this is ‘just politics’, because the outcome of this conflict might have massive effects on MotoGP, Liberty Media, Formula 1 and even a slight bit of global politics.
Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman’s Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
Oh, and a quick word in regards to sponsors:
If you’re interested in connecting with a really unique MotoGP audience — we’re working with Smash Brand Group out of Sydney to manage partnerships. Curious? Just head to smashbrandgroup.com.au and get in touch!
George W. Barber Jr. Photo courtesy Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Nov. 3, 2026) — The 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival honoring the life and legacy of founder and visionary George Barber drew thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts and hundreds of AHRMA racers from 48 states and 14 countries to Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
The three-day weekend kicked off early, Wednesday, Oct. 7, with a private event for museum members and invited guests showcasing two new exhibitions, “DUCATI 100” and “GSX-R FORTY YEARS.” Both exhibitions were curated by board member Ultan Guilfoyle and designed by Pierre Terblanche, resident mentor of the Barber Advanced Design Center.
Ultan Guilfoyle, curator of “Ducati 100” and “GSX-R: Forty Years.” Photo courtesy Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
Guilfoyle co-curated the 1998 “Art of the Motorcycle” exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. “George Barber is the reason we’re here,” he told attendees, “and I’m proud to be asked to curate these two exhibitions in his honor.” Housed on the fifth and third floors of the museum, the exhibitions will run through this spring.
With Hurricane Isaias expected to reach central Alabama, Saturday’s AHRMA “Legacy Laps” were moved to Friday. Executive Director Brian Case led the way in John Surtees ’ Ferrari 158, followed by Lee Clark at the wheel of Barber’s Brabham BT8, Stephen Mathews on a Matchless G50, and Chuck Huneycutt riding the Ducati 750 Sport that Mathews raced.
AHRMA Legacy Laps Kevin Schwantz. Photo courtesy Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
MotoGP Legends Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr., and Kevin Schwantz—with a combined five 500cc world titles among them—also took part in the event, hustling around the 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course with Roberts on an ex-Surtees MV Agusta 500 Four, Roberts Jr. aboard a Team Roberts KR211V, and Schwantz piloting a 40th anniversary Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
Friday night’s “Motorcycles by Moonlight” gala is a festival tradition. Nearly 400 guests attended this year’s dinner and silent auction supporting the “Discovery and Innovation Motorsports Fund.” George Barber believed motorsports is a powerful platform for student engagement, and this fund perpetuates the museum’s leadership role in innovative STEM education.
In his post-dinner speech, Case lauded the efforts of Education Programs Manager Liz Johnson, Ph.D. “Each year, thousands of students come through this museum,” he said. “Many of them don’t arrive here because they love motorcycles—at least not yet. They come here to discover engineering and design; they discover science and technology.”
Board Chair Charles Miller was among the colleagues and friends interviewed for a short documentary film on George Barber’s many contributions. “George left a blueprint for us,” he noted. “And the blueprint is, ‘No job is too small. Nothing is beneath you. Always be curious. And put other people first.’” View the film on the museum’s YouTube channel.
Isaias swept through the area overnight, bringing with it high winds and heavy rain. On Saturday morning, hundreds of visitors were lined up to enter the museum, their dampened spirits lifted by the promise of two new exhibitions, seminars with high-profile guests, twice-daily engine startups, book signings, and access to the basement conservation area.
Around the 880-acre park, AHRMA monitored the weather conditions and adjusted its programs to suit. Road racing featured throughout the weekend, with cross-country, motocross, and trials competitions at discipline-specific locations. Flat track was held off-site at the nearby Talladega Short Track. By Sunday, the rain was gone, and the sun was shining.
BMW Motorrad Days Americas, Isle of Triumph, demo rides, stunt shows, live music, and the American Motor Drome “Wall of Death” filled the park with countless activities. The vintage swap meet is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. “The weather wasn’t ideal,” admitted Guest Services Manager Sunny Crew, “but the vendors and attendees enjoyed great deals.”
The 22nd annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW Motorrad is scheduled for Oct. 8-10, 2027. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum thanks Ducati North America, Suzuki Motor USA, and the Italian American Heritage Society of Birmingham, Alabama, for their support of the “DUCATI 100” and “GSX-R FORTY YEARS” exhibitions.
About the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum:
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt, private operating foundation dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, exhibition, and history of motorcycles, vintage vehicles, and motorsports located at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. For more than 30 years, the museum has focused on various aspects of motorsports, from displaying motorcycles and cars spanning more than 120 years of production to the Barber Advanced Design Center, a high-tech workspace for design exploration. The museum embraces the culture of motorsports enthusiasts by hosting programs, such as the Barber Design Camp, and events, including the annual Barber Vintage Festival. With five floors housing 1,800 motorcycles, 150-plus automobiles, 60 of which are Lotus race cars, and numerous vintage and iconic vehicles, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is the ultimate family-friendly environment for education, exploration, and inspiration. Additional information is available at www.barbermuseum.org.
Aprilia Racing in Qatar for last GP of flyaway tour:
JORGE MARTÍN BACK ON TRACK IN QATAR, MARCO BEZZECCHI READY FOR TWENTIETH ROUND OF SEASON
The MotoGP flyaway tour concludes at the Lusail International Circuit, ahead of the return to Europe for the final two races of the 2026 season. Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín will both be in Qatar, with the Spanish rider ready to get back on the track after his injury at Phillip Island.
Jorge Martín, who had decided to withdraw before qualifying in Sepang on Saturday to focus on his recovery from the non-displaced distal radius fracture sustained in the sprint at Phillip Island, will travel to Qatar to take part in the Grand Prix weekend.
Bezzecchi arrives in Qatar following his seventh sprint podium of the season at Sepang. In the long race, however, the Italian couldn’t make his potential count and finished sixth. He now aims to round off the flyaway tour with a result to show for it.
The Lusail International Circuit, near Qatar’s capital, Doha, is 5.38 km long, with a main straight of over a kilometre. The circuit has 10 right-handers and six left-handers. Qatar staged the first night Grand Prix in history in 2008. The move to night racing proved successful and has made this one of the most spectacular rounds on the MotoGP calendar.
Jorge Martin.
Jorge Martin: “It was a shame not to be able to carry on with the weekend at Sepang, but just having the chance to try was an achievement in itself. I went back to Spain to continue the treatment I need to recover from the injury and to get to Qatar in the best shape possible. Now we’ll see how the body responds and start working with Aprilia from this Thursday to see how far we can go.”
Marco Bezzecchi
Marco Bezzecchi: “Sunday’s long race in Malaysia wasn’t easy, so I’m keen to put that right. I’m happy to be heading to Qatar. It’s a track I really like. We’ll aim to get it right from the start, put together a good weekend and finish as well as we can before we head back to Europe.”
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
November 10, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
