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SAN DIEGO (January 18, 2026) – For the second week in a row the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship welcomed a sold-out crowd to begin its season, this time inside the intimate setting of Snapdragon Stadium for the second round of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship. One week after he captured a memorable debut victory with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 450SMX Class points leader Eli Tomac went back-to-back following a hard-fought Main Event in which he outlasted Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen and Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence for the Colorado native’s 55th career win.
Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Eli Tomac Goes Back-to-Back to Open 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Season After Hard Fought Victory in San Diego.
The 450SMX Class Main Event began with Lawrence leading the way for the holeshot, followed closely by Roczen and Tomac. The trio quickly asserted themselves at the front of the field and soon pulled away to set the stage for a three-rider battle for the win. Lawrence was impressive early on and successfully fended off heavy pressure from Roczen, but as their battle continued Tomac joined the fight, which pushed Roczen to make a pass around Lawrence with 14 minutes and a lap to go. Tomac was able to move into second as another battle for the lead unfolded. Tomac briefly made the pass on Roczen, but the German battled back to reclaim the position and lead most of the Main Event.
With time running out, Tomac made the move on Roczen again and solidified his hold of the lead with six minutes remaining. Roczen’s pace slowed enough for Lawrence to make the pass for second and from there the Australian looked to track down Tomac. Tension was high in the closing laps, but Tomac kept Lawrence at bay on the final lap for his 87th career SMX win (Supercross + Pro Motocross) by a margin of 1.3 seconds. The victory moved him into a tie with Jeremy McGrath for second all-time. Lawrence’s runner-up finish equaled the best result of his career, while Roczen now has second and third place finishes to begin the season.
Just off the podium in fourth was Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Chase Sexton, who impressed in a come-from-behind effort after he hit the gate to begin the Main Event and started at the tail end of the field. Along the way, Sexton made contact with defending champion Cooper Webb, who went down in the incident and recovered for an eighth-place finish aboard his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine.
Tomac’s pair of wins through the first two races has extended his lead in the 450SMX Class standings to eight points over Roczen, while Lawrence moved from fourth to third and sits 10 points out of the lead.
It’s back-to-back wins for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac, who captured his 55th career Supercross victory and 87th career SMX win to move into a tie Jeremy McGrath for second all-time. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Eli Tomac – 1st Place – 450SMX Class:
“Me and Ken [Roczen] had an unbelievable battle there and once we got into the lead I felt like I was in a really good groove. Towards the end there I was not paying attention and just looking at my front fender, I didn’t know Hunter [Lawrence] was there [because] I was so focused on marking Kenny around the track. I [went] over the tunnel on the last lap and heard Hunter revving his bike and was shocked he was right there. I feel fortunate I held onto the lead there. I guess I need better self-awareness next time. That was close.”
Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence came close to capturing his first Supercross victory and impressed every step of the way in a runner-up effort. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Hunter Lawrence – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class:
“It’s bittersweet when you’re so close. I wanted to be there with those guys last week [up front] so we worked really hard this week and made some progress, which is always rewarding. I think I shot my shot too fast on the last lap and thought I’d dive bomb into the corner, but at the last minute I thought it was going to be a really dirty move if I followed through, so I backed out of it. It was cool. A really great race.”
Another podium performance by Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen has him in the thick of the early title fight in the 450SMX Class. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Ken Roczen – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class:
“Me and Eli [Tomac] went back and forth a couple times and then in the middle of the race I just had a couple laps where I was all over the place and fell off the back a bit and got passed. I tried to just settle back in and at least stay close to those guys. We have 17 rounds and it can swap around real quick, so being on the podium is really good. We want to win, but at the same time we can’t be mad at a podium. We’ll keep at it, see if I can snag a couple of wins, and see where it goes.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right) Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, and Hunter Lawrence. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Defending Western Divisional Champion Haiden Deegan Takes 250SMX Win
A captivating battle between teammates headlined the second race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class, as Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan came out on top for the first time this season. The eighth career victory for the defending Western Division Champion wasn’t without controversy, as he went bar-to-bar with fellow Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider Max Anstie, who entered as the points leader. After Anstie grabbed the holeshot, he and Deegan resumed their entertaining battle that began in the Heat Race with a multi-lap fight for the lead. Deegan appeared to be faster, but the Englishman’s veteran savvy kept his younger teammate at bay. With nine minutes and one lap to remaining Deegan made his move in a bowl turn and aggressively cut down under Anstie, who went high to concede the position. As he exited, Deegan’s rear wheel hit Anstie’s front wheel and took the red plate holder to the ground. Deegan sprinted away as Anstie eventually remounted in sixth place.
As Deegan established a lead of over five seconds, the attention shifted to an exciting battle for the podium between Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman. After McAdoo made the pass on Hymas for second, Mosiman followed through shortly after as Hymas nearly crashed defending the position.
Deegan went unchallenged and took his first win carrying the No. 1 plate by a margin of 7.6 seconds over McAdoo, who finished last (22nd place) at the Anaheim opener and is coming back from a torn ACL suffered last season. Mosiman recorded his 11th career podium finish in third. Anstie battled back to finish fifth.
With the win, combined with Anstie’s finish, Deegan moved from fourth to first in the Western Divisional 250SMX Class standings, a single point ahead of Anstie. Hymas, who finished sixth, sits third, five points out of the lead.
While it wasn’t without controversy, the first win of the season for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan moved him into control of the Western Divisional Championship. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Haiden Deegan – 1st Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“This one feels good. I wanted to show it at A1, but stuff happens. I came out swinging [tonight]. Sorry to Max [Anstie], I didn’t really want it to go that way. I tried to cut down [in the corner] so he wouldn’t cut down [to counterattack] and we came together.”
After a challenging opening round where he finished last, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo rebounded with an impressive second-place effort. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Cameron McAdoo – 2nd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I didn’t expect to get 22nd place last weekend and end up in B practice this morning, so I had something to prove. It has been a long time and as you all know this sport is about trying. I always pride myself on being able to come back after being off the bike for a long time. Tonight was pretty special. I’m just a kid from Iowa living my dream and I’m really grateful I keep getting to do this. I have a lot of belief in myself that I belong here.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman was consistent throughout the Main Event and recorded his 11th career podium result. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Michael Mosiman – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“It feels great. We’ve been putting in the work, and it’s been a long road. Just to be able to hang in there the whole moto, to be right there and end up on the podium. To be able to push the pace feels really great. We’re going to keep it rolling.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie entered as the points leader and was leading the Main Event until an incident with his teammate Deegan put him on the ground and resulted in a fifth-place finish. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Max Anstie – 5th Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“[Deegan’s move] was ‘impressive.’ I didn’t really want to play the game. I know who I’m racing against, but fair play. Straight up, I’ve got to take it on the chin. I’m a big boy, no problem. I didn’t expect that. I’ve got to go back and do some work.”
Western Divisional 250SMX Class Podium (left to right) Cameron McAdoo, Haiden Deegan, and Michael Mosiman. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday with the third race of the season and a return to Anaheim, California’s Angel Stadium on January 24. Live broadcast coverage on Peacock will begin at 1 p.m. ET with Race Day Live, followed by the Gate Drop at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Peacock while international viewers can choose from dedicated English, French, and Spanish broadcasts via SMX Video Pass (www.SMXVideoPass.com).
All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final will go on pre-sale Tuesday, Jan. 27, with general tickets on-sale to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Supermotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.
Ken Roczen (94) and Eli Tomac (3) in San Diego. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides has conquered the 2026 Dakar Rally in the most dramatic fashion imaginable, sealing overall victory by just two seconds after a never-give-up fight across Saudi Arabia. Refusing to surrender despite setbacks, pressure, and one of the closest battles in Dakar history, the Argentine delivered when it mattered most, attacking right to the final kilometer on his KTM 450 RALLY to claim his first Dakar Rally victory. Daniel Sanders and Edgar Canet both reached the finish of the world’s toughest rally-raid in fifth and 32nd positions respectively, completing an extraordinary Dakar campaign defined by resilience, belief, and relentless determination from the Red Bull KTM team.
Luciano Benavides (77). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Benavides delivered a standout performance throughout the event, combining outright speed, consistency, and intelligent race management to fight for the overall victory right to the very end of the rally. The Argentine claimed three stage wins, including a decisive victory during the event’s first marathon stage, and consistently ran at the front as the terrain became increasingly demanding. By refusing to give up and attacking until the last day, Luciano sealed an extraordinary Dakar Rally victory, the greatest achievement of his career to date, and underlined his status as one of the leading forces in rally-raid competition.
Benavides’ win – the closest in the history of the event – marks KTM’s 21st Dakar Rally title and continues a remarkable family legacy, following Dakar triumphs by his brother Kevin in 2021 and 2023.
Luciano Benavides (77). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Luciano Benavides: “I still can’t believe it. I never stopped dreaming. I woke up today full of energy and motivation, just thinking about what I could do and trusting in myself, and that was the key for this Dakar. I did this for myself, and this feeling is unreal. To win by just two seconds is unbelievable. I even missed the last two corners and nearly crashed, so it was right on the limit, but it paid off. I honestly can’t describe this moment. This is my ninth Dakar, and it shows that if you never stop dreaming, never stop believing, and keep fighting for your goals, anything is possible. I never gave up. Even today, when I was losing time and I saw Ricky pushing hard, I kept telling myself it wasn’t over until the last kilometer. In the end, he made a small mistake and I got it right. It’s just unreal. Vamos Argentina! Now it’s time to celebrate with my family, my friends, my sponsors, and everyone who has supported me through all these years to achieve this dream.”
Daniel Sanders’ Dakar was defined by determination and resilience. After showing front-running pace in the opening half of the rally and spending multiple days at the head of the overall standings, the Australian suffered injuries during the second week that significantly impacted his ability to push at full speed. Despite the pain, Sanders dug deep to complete the remaining stages and reach the finish in an incredible fifth place overall, demonstrating the grit and toughness that took him to the 2025 Dakar and World Rally-Raid Championship titles in dominant fashion.
Daniel Sanders (1). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Daniel Sanders: “I’m really happy for the team, and that’s just Dakar – it’s never over until it’s over. Every day is different and anything can happen. I only heard the news at the finish. I was in a lot of pain and honestly just ready to lie down, but that gave me the extra motivation to go and see Luciano and congratulate him. It’s so cool and really incredible for the whole team. Unfortunately, I was unlucky in my own race and out of the fight for the win, but the result is still in the team, and that’s something special. Huge congratulations to everyone who worked so hard again this year, consistency has really paid off.”
For Edgar Canet, the 2026 Dakar Rally represented a major milestone in his career. Competing in the RallyGP category for the first time, the Spaniard made an immediate impact by winning the prologue and stage one, becoming the youngest-ever stage winner in the bike category. An issue with his rear mousse while pushing hard on stage five halted his charge in the overall standings, but Canet continued to demonstrate impressive speed and strong navigation throughout the remainder of the rally. Gaining invaluable experience, Edgar completed his second Dakar and first at RallyGP level in emphatic fashion, finishing the event on a high with a commanding victory on the final stage.
Edgar Canet (73). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Edgar Canet:“It’s been a really crazy race for me. These two weeks were full of emotions, so many ups and downs, but the most important thing is that we made it to the end. I won three stages, and Luciano taking the overall win is huge. I’m super, super happy for him. It’s been a crazy Dakar, and I couldn’t be happier for the whole team and the entire KTM family. We showed throughout the race which bike is the fastest in the desert, and that was a big objective for us. Now the motivation is even higher to keep working, keep fighting, and keep improving. I know exactly what my main goal is for next year, so I’m really motivated to keep pushing and keep training.”
Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager:“We are incredibly proud of what Luciano, Edgar, Chucky, and the entire team have achieved – it’s honestly unbelievable. We fought right until the very last meter and never gave up, and that was the key. Dakar always writes its own stories, and this year was another perfect example of that. Luciano fought from day one until the finish; he’s a true fighter, and without doubt this has been the best race of his career. It’s an incredible achievement. Edgar once again showed just how strong he is in winning the final stage. I’m really happy we have him in the team, because I’m convinced he will win a Dakar one day. And Chucky, our real survivor, deserves massive respect. I’m extremely proud of these three riders and of the whole team.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing won the 2026 Dakar Rally. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
KTM’s success at the 2026 Dakar Rally extended well beyond the overall classification, with victories across multiple categories. In Rally2, Toni Mulec delivered a commanding performance to secure class victory and claim a second Dakar win for BAS World KTM, underlining the competitiveness of the KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA at the highest level of customer racing. The celebrations continued in the Malle Moto class, where Benjamin Melot claimed a long-awaited Dakar victory aboard his KTM, finally stepping onto the top of the podium after four previous top-three finishes.
With the 2026 Dakar Rally now complete, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing turn their attention to the next chapter of the rally-raid season, building on a campaign defined by podium finishes, stage victories, and the continued development of both riders and the dominant KTM 450 RALLY at the highest level of the sport.
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Honda HRC:
Monster Energy Honda HRC on Dakar podium after historic final stage.
The closest finish in Dakar Rally history saw Monster Energy Honda HRC’s Ricky Brabec lose victory by a heartbreaking two seconds.
Heading into the final stage of this year’s event, Brabec held a 3’20” advantage over his main rival, Luciano Benavides, after claiming the previous day’s stage win. With just 105 km of timed competition remaining, Brabec knew that opening the stage would leave him without tracks to follow, placing a premium on precise navigation as he chased a third Dakar title.
The final special stage featured two timed sections separated by a liaison, with riders first tackling technical mountain valley tracks before switching to a faster route along the Red Sea coastline en route to the finish line at the Yanbu bivouac. Brabec set a strong pace early, but a navigation issue just seven kilometres from the finish cost him valuable time, ultimately denying him the coveted Bedouin Trophy.
It was a dramatic conclusion to 49 hours and 41 seconds of racing across 4,737 km of Saudi Arabia. Despite claiming two stage victories in 2026 and bringing his Dakar stage win tally to 13, Brabec was left with a bittersweet runner-up finish.
Tosha Schareina claimed a stage podium on the final day, capping a rollercoaster two weeks. The 2025 runner-up entered the 48th edition as one of the favourites, but a ten-minute penalty for an incorrect starting procedure on the first marathon stage forced him to rethink his strategy. With three stage victories and a determined second-week comeback, Schareina ultimately joined teammate Brabec on the final podium in Yanbu.
Skyler Howes experienced the full spectrum of Dakar highs and lows. A tyre issue on the first marathon stage derailed his early ambitions, but he rebounded in the final week to claim his first-ever Dakar stage victory and finish fourth overall in the opening World Rally-Raid Championship round.
Adrien Van Beveren endured a challenging 11th Dakar Rally. His first week was compromised by a crash, metal wire becoming lodged in his wheel on stage five and difficulty finding rhythm. Determined to turn things around, the Frenchman delivered a strong second week. Once dialled in on his Honda CRF450 RALLY, he claimed victory on stage ten and consistently ran at the front, securing a positive sixth-place finish overall.
After a demanding Dakar, the Monster Energy Honda HRC riders will now enjoy a well-earned break before regrouping in two months’ time for Rally-Raid Portugal, taking place from 17-22 March.
Ruben Faria – General Manager:
“The last day of Dakar 2026 didn’t bring the result we were expecting, but this is Dakar — this is rally raid. Six kilometres from the end of the final stage, Ricky turned left slightly too early. He didn’t take the correct track, lost a significant amount of time, and crossed the finish line just two seconds behind Luciano.
Going into today, Ricky had a good margin thanks to the time bonuses — a gap of 4 minutes and 42 seconds over second place. With that small mistake, we lost the Dakar by just two seconds. Of course, we wanted more. We wanted to win, but we have to accept the result.
Overall, it was still a strong performance for the team: Ricky finished second, Tosha third, Skyler fourth, and Adrien sixth. Ricky delivered a very solid Dakar. Tosha made a mistake in the first week but still managed to finish with a strong overall result. Skyler struggled during the first week but recovered well in the second. Adrien lost almost an hour when a cable that was in the middle of nowhere got stuck in his wheel , yet he had an excellent second week.
Naturally, we expected more — the goal was to win, and we finished incredibly close. This has never happened before. We’ll keep pushing, aim to win the next races, and come back even stronger for the next Dakar. The team did a great job, and the Honda bikes performed extremely well throughout the rally.”
Ricky Brabec (9) – Stage 8th – Overall 2nd:
“This Dakar was a real fight from start to finish. On the final stage, a quite confusing note led me to choose a line that wasn’t the correct one. When I turned back, Luciano was coming behind me and, seeing the situation, he stayed on the right track, which made the difference in such a close battle.”
Skyler Howes (10) – Stage 5th – Overall 4th:
“A lot of crazy stuff out there. I’m super happy to make it to the finish line of this one, a lot of adversity, some things to overcome and some really good riding. I’m happy with how I rode, the team did a great job, they did awesome with the mechanics, the logistics and I’m super happy to be a part of Monster Energy Honda HRC and to make it to the finish line of this one. A lot of things to clean up on my end. As far as everything else that went for me this race, stage one I needed a little bit more patience. I got really lucky this time, my mom is looking over me and she made sure I got to the finish line of this one. So I’m super proud of that and this one is for her.”
MILLVILLE, N.J. — New Jersey Motorsports Park is proud to announce its “Riders Club Instructor Certification Program.” The course was created by Ken Hill, a former professional road racer widely acknowledged as one of the top riding coaches in the nation.
Over the past year, NJMP management recognized that club members were asking for access to professional-level instruction. Building on a well-established foundation, a highly structured, in-house certification program was a natural next step.
Curriculum follows Hill’s “Order of the Sport,” a comprehensive motorsports training guide designed to help riders achieve a high degree of safety, skill, and consistency by breaking down complex operations into digestible fundamental practices.
This methodical approach is based on proven habits and time-tested techniques. It goes beyond telling students what to do. Rather, it teaches them how to ride with awareness, intention, and precision, while mitigating risk as their pace improves and they circulate faster.
“Other sports have figured it out across the board,” says Hill. “Coaches teach fundamentals that scale; what works for beginners also translates to the elite, with just a different degree of precision. Track-day riders and racers deserve that same clarity and structure.”
The individually customizable system includes a detailed handbook, which will serve as the basis for Hill’s classroom instruction. Testing, also performed by Hill, includes both written and on-track evaluations.
“New Jersey Motorsports Park is committed to growing the sport,” said Brad Scott, president and COO. “We are thrilled to work with Ken and provide this certification to ensure our coaches meet the highest standards for instruction, professionalism, and safety. By enhancing rider education through one of the first track-sponsored certification programs, we are investing not only in the Riders Club and its hundreds of members but also in the continued development of our staff.”
The New Jersey Motorsports Park Riders Club is a private membership experience for road-racing enthusiasts. The program offers track days and other benefits in a safe and controlled environment run by experienced management and certified instructors.
In 2026, the Riders Club boasts a reduced registration rate, an improved cancellation policy, benefits with partner RevZilla, and reciprocal track resources. The club is expected to surpass its previous 440-member record by midseason.
To learn more about the New Jersey Motorsports Park Riders Club, including how to become a member and begin your on-track journey with an officially certified instructor, visit NJMP.com or call 856-327-7248.
“The Riders Club Instructor Certification Program will ensure members operate at the highest level of the training pyramid,” says Brad Scott, president and COO of New Jersey Motorsports Park.“Whether they are new to motorcycle road racing or looking to compete at the national level, they will have the coaching and resources needed to support their goals.”
Pegram Racing is proud to announce its return to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for the 2026 season, competing in the highly competitive TCR class.
For 2026, Pegram Racing has joined forces with Honda Racing Corporation US (HRC) and is supported by title sponsor Lindsay Honda Acura. This partnership marks a significant step forward for the team as it continues to grow its presence in professional sports car racing.
Following an unfortunate crash during the team’s December test at Daytona International Speedway, Larry Pegram will sit out the Rolex 24 weekend. Riley Pegram will still pilot the team’s new Honda Civic Type R TCR alongside experienced driver,Mario Farnbacher.
Larry explained, “With Pegram Racing, this truly feels like a homecoming. Twenty years ago, I signed with Honda on two wheels, and now to be back with the brand in IMSA is incredibly special.”
Riley also shared her excitement for the upcoming season:
“I am beyond excited to be back this year and to be supported by such an incredible manufacturer. I have big plans for 2026, and this partnership is going to be a huge part of my development, not only as a driver, but also as a team manager. We’re building something special, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
With strong a manufacturer, experienced driver pairing, and renewed momentum, Pegram Racing enters 2026 ready to embrace a new era in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has officially launched the first edition of its Concussion Assessment and Management Guidelines, developed specifically for motorcycle sport at all levels of competition.
Recognised as a significant traumatic brain injury, concussion requires timely identification and appropriate management to prevent potentially serious short- and long-term health consequences. While the FIM has referenced the International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport since 2011, it became increasingly evident that existing assessment tools were not fully adapted to the specific demands and risks of motorcycle sport.
As a result, concussion was selected as the central theme of the first FIM Medical Summit, held in 2024 in Lyon, France, bringing together leading international experts, representatives from within motorcycle sport, and contributors involved in the International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport. The outcome of this summit was a clear agreement to develop concussion guidelines tailored specifically to motorcycle racing.
The newly released FIM Concussion Guidelines provide clear, consistent and sport-specific procedures for the assessment, management and return-to-sport process following concussion. Applicable across all disciplines and levels of motorcycle sport, the guidelines emphasise early recognition, mandatory removal from riding when concussion is suspected, and a structured, medically supervised return-to-sport framework.
The guidelines were formally validated during the fourth meeting of the FIM Board of Directors of the year, held on 3 December 2025 at the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Headquarters.
Commenting on the importance of the initiative, FIM President Jorge Viegas said: “Placing safety first is essential to the sustainable development of motorcycle sport. With the introduction of these concussion guidelines, the FIM is taking a decisive step to ensure that rider health and well-being remain at the heart of everything we do. This initiative reflects our responsibility to evolve the sport in a safe, structured and scientifically grounded manner, protecting riders today while building a stronger and more sustainable future for motorcycle sport worldwide.”
A key feature of the guidelines is the adoption of the “9 R’s” of concussion management – Reduce, Recognise, Remove, Refer, Rest, Recover, Rehabilitation, Return-to-sport and Review – ensuring a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to rider safety. The document also outlines mandatory minimum exclusion periods, differentiated for adults and children, and introduces a motorcycling-specific graduated return-to-riding programme.
“These guidelines represent an important step forward in protecting the health, well-being and safety of our riders,” added Dr David McManus, FIM Medical Director and Director of the FIM International Medical Commission. “They are the result of extensive research, expert consultation and collaboration with national federations and other sports. Education and awareness are essential, and these guidelines will be supported by dedicated educational programmes for riders, teams, officials and federations.”
Developed following an extensive review of current scientific research and best clinical practice, the FIM Concussion Guidelines will be regularly reviewed and updated in line with emerging evidence to ensure the highest standard of care across motorcycle sport.
The FIM would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of the FIM International Medical Commission, national federations, international experts and partner organisations involved in the development of these guidelines.
RPM Ventures Announces 50th Anniversary Celebration at Daytona International Speedway: A Return to the “World Center of Racing”
RPM Ventures, in partnership with MotoAmerica and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (MOA), is proud to announce a historic 50th Anniversary Celebration at Daytona International Speedway on March 6-7, 2026. The event honors the golden anniversary of the inaugural AMA Superbike race in 1976—a race that transformed the landscape of American motorcycling and re-established BMW as a premier maker of high-performance sporting machines and ignited a passion for the brand among a whole new generation of riders.
Honoring the Legacy of 1976
In March 1976, the “Bavarian Murder Weapons” (as dubbed by renowned race tuner Todd Schuster) fired a shot heard ’round the world. The Butler & Smith BMW R90S team secured a stunning 1-2 finish at the first-ever AMA Superbike race at Daytona, with Steve McLaughlin nipping teammate Reg Pridmore by a mere three inches in a legendary photo finish.
The victory proved that BMW was more than a manufacturer of long-distance touring machines; it proved they could build “canyon carvers” capable of defeating the world’s fastest superbikes. BMW went on to sweep the top three spots in the 1976 season standings, with Pridmore capturing the first-ever AMA Superbike Championship.
The Legend Returns
For the first time in decades, the three original Butler & Smith BMW R90S Superbikes will be reunited at Daytona. These machines, prepared by legendary tuner Udo Gietl, featured then-revolutionary tech including Michelin slicks, Koni monoshock suspension and many more innovations.
The celebration bridges 50 years of racing excellence by also featuring the Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR, the defending MotoAmerica Superbike championship machine ridden by Cameron Beaubier in 2025. This display highlights BMW’s journey from the 92-horsepower R90S to the modern carbon-fiber-clad 200+ horsepower M 1000 RR, which also carried Toprak Razgatlıoğlu to consecutive Superbike World Championships.
Weekend Highlights & Fan Experiences
Fans and enthusiasts are invited to participate in a series of exclusive events:
• The Original Prototypes: Udo and Eric Gietl will showcase the original R90S racing prototype, joined by a second rare prototype from a private collector.
• Parade Laps: Registrants will have the rare opportunity to ride a parade lap around the high banks of the fabled 3.56-mile Daytona road course.
• Commemorative Gear: Todd Trumbore has produced limited-edition 50th Anniversary pins, designed to the exact dimensions of the iconic R90S seat cowl emblems.
• Celebrity Dinner: On Saturday, March 7 at 6:00 PM, the Daytona 500 Club will host an evening with the legends. Guests include Reg Pridmore, Steve McLaughlin, John Long, Harry Klinzmann, Ron Pierce, Tom Cutter, Udo Gietl, and Heidi Fisher (representing the late Gary Fisher).
Reg Pridmore and Udo Gietl on pit lane at Daytona in 1976. They will return to Daytona this coming March with the monoshock BMW R90S for a 50th anniversary celebration of BMW taking first and second in the Superbike race, with Steve McLaughlin winning and his teammate Pridmore finishing a mere three inches behind. Photo by John Ulrich.
Registration and Accommodations
Registration for this landmark event is now open through the BMW MOA at:
On-site camping and hotel blocks are available. A special rate of $279/night has been secured at the Marriott Courtyard adjacent to the Speedway. For booking details, please contact Rob McIsaac at [email protected].
Join us in Daytona to celebrate 50 years of speed, innovation, and the spirit of the Boxer.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Latus Motors Racing is pleased to announce that Kody Kopp will return to competition for the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, making his debut in the Mission AFT SuperTwins class aboard the Harley-Davidson XG750R.
A former three-time AFT Singles champion and the winningest rider in AFT Singles history, Kopp returns to the Progressive AFT paddock following a year away from the series spent competing in professional road racing.
The Mica, Washington, native will step into the sport’s premier class for the first time in his career, marking a new chapter for both Kopp and Latus Motors as the team takes on Mission AFT SuperTwins competition.
Kopp and the Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R are scheduled to make their Mission AFT SuperTwins debut at the Royal Enfield Short Track at Daytona, March 5–6, opening the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season.
Kody Kopp – Latus Motors Racing:
“I am extremely excited for 2026 and grateful for this opportunity to compete in the premier class of American Flat Track. I felt very comfortable from my first few laps aboard the XG750R, and that feeling has only progressed since. I am confident that as a team, we will be prepared to kick off the 2026 season in strong fashion at Daytona!”
Team Owner George Latus:
“The team is super excited to have Kody as our rider for the season. I’ve had the privilege of working with the Kopp family for over two decades, both when Joe was actively campaigning and now as Kody continues his career on the Harley-Davidson XG750R. I’m personally honored to have Dave Zanotti and Michelle DiSalvo continuing with us, along with Chris Carr, Joe Kopp, and a very supportive group of sponsors. As Kody’s sister, Karly, once said about why she liked our team: ‘They just want to go fast and have a blast.’ We’ll do exactly that in 2026.”
Partnership delivers high-quality, real-time race coverage throughout the Winter Series.
Desert Center, CA — January 16, 2026 — The Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) continues its live race broadcast partnership with 951 Live for Round 4 of the 2025–26 Winter Series, bringing fans comprehensive, real-time coverage from Chuckwalla Raceway.
Building on the successful launch earlier this season, the Round 4 broadcasts feature multiple camera angles, live commentary, leaderboard integration, track mapping, and slow-motion replay — delivering an immersive viewing experience for race fans following the Winter Series from anywhere.
Companies interested in advertising during the live broadcasts can contact Justin Murphy by texting him at 951.333.8244.
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About CVMA:
The Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) hosts the premier winter motorcycle road racing series in North America. With a racer-first focus and a mission of constant improvement, CVMA provides safe, competitive, and fun racing for riders of all levels.
About 951 Live:
951 Live is a motorsports media company dedicated to delivering live, high-quality coverage of racing events across Southern California and beyond.
Ricky Brabec delivered a decisive performance on the penultimate day of the Dakar Rally, claiming stage victory and regaining the overall lead with just one day of racing remaining.
With only 23 seconds separating the top two riders at the start of Stage 12, the day was always going to be pivotal.Brabec’s calculated move on Stage 11 – easing off to secure a later start position behind rival Luciano Benavides – was put to the test as he chases a third Dakar title.
The 311 km timed stage from Al Henakiyah to Yanbu demanded precision across technical navigation, rocky terrain and small dunes and starting six minutes behind Benavides, Brabec needed a near-perfect ride.Benavides struck first, leading at the 45 km mark, but once Brabec settled into his rhythm, the momentum began to shift.Gradually closing the gap, Brabec took control of the stage and as he caught riders ahead, including teammate Tosha Schareina, the time advantage grew.At the refuelling point, Brabec was able to assess the standings, knowing the second half of the stage would be about damage limitation.Benavides mounted a charge of his own, catching and passing Skyler Howes and Adrien Van Beveren to collect bonus time, but it wasn’t enough.
At the finish, Brabec secured his second stage win of the 2026 Dakar Rally and the 13th of his Dakar career, beating Benavides by 3’43”.The victory also marked Honda’s 120th Dakar stage win.Brabec now carries a 3’20” advantage into the final stage.
Tosha Schareina continued his quiet resurgence.After earlier setbacks in the rally, including a ten-minute penalty, the Spaniard delivered a strong stage podium result today on the very rocky terrain to further cement third overall.With two stage wins already this year, Schareina will be targeting a third on the final day.
Adrien Van Beveren has rediscovered his form after early struggles in the rally.Starting second on the road, the Frenchman quickly caught Skyler Howes but found navigation particularly challenging, a small error in a riverbed cost him time and he finished fourth on the stage.With an eight-minute deficit to Daniel Sanders overall, Van Beveren will push hard on the final day to secure a top-five result.
Skyler Howes endured a difficult day opening the stage and just 100 kilometres in, an oil leak spread over his boots and rear brake, forcing him to nurse his Honda CRF450 RALLY to the finish.He ended the day 10th, 24 minutes down, but moved up to fourth overall – just 10 seconds ahead of Sanders.
Everything now hinges on the final stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally. Back in Yanbu, last seen on Stage 2, just 105 km of racing remain as the world’s toughest rally is set for a dramatic conclusion.
Ruben Faria – General Manager:
“It was a tough day for the riders and the team. We were all a bit nervous because it was a crucial day for the final stage results. Ricky did an amazing job, he really pushed hard. Yesterday, his plan was to finish behind Luciano, which he did and today he rode brilliantly to win the stage. He now holds a 3 minutes 20 seconds overall advantage. Tomorrow, he will start three minutes ahead of Luciano and if everything goes well and he avoids mistakes, he has a strong chance to win the Dakar for the third time. But there’s still another day of racing, and he’s fully focused on taking that top step. Tosha started ahead of Ricky today, but we instructed him to keep an eye on him, as we didn’t want Ricky in his dust. He rode well to reach Yanbu and has built enough of a gap to stay on the provisional podium. Adrien quickly found his rhythm on the stage, opening the way with Skyler, though he ran into some tricky navigation and finished fourth. Still, it was a strong performance. Skyler led the stage from the start, a tough task, but finished seventh. The result moves him up to fourth overall, and if he holds that position tomorrow, it will be an excellent result for him. The team is motivated, focused and we are prepared for stage 12 + 1, as I don’t like to say 13!”
Ricky Brabec (9) – Stage 1st – Oversall: 1st :
“I tried to ride carefully but took many risks today to make a good push. With one day to go we’re looking really good, so I’m really happy about this. I think last night was probably the best night’s sleep I’ve had since the rally started. We have a late start tomorrow so I might be able to stay awake until 8.30pm tonight, so we’ll see. We’ve still got one day to go, Luciano has been riding really well through the whole rally, so I got to give it up to him, we’ve been fighting every single day. It’s truly cool to see and I think people that are watching at home are really enjoying the results everyday because it’s so back and forth. It makes for good racing and it makes for good television.”
Maverick Viñales(12) crashed his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16 during the MotoGP in Mugello.
New Oxley Bom MotoGP podcast! Talking about… riders who’ve had out-of-body experiences while racing, why Phillip Island may lose its Grand Prix (guess!), MotoGP team crash-damage budgets, are these the last days of World Superbike and much more
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!
Another sold out crowd was on hand inside Snapdragon Stadium as the
2026 Monster Energy Supercross season traveled to San Diego. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
SAN DIEGO (January 18, 2026) – For the second week in a row the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship welcomed a sold-out crowd to begin its season, this time inside the intimate setting of Snapdragon Stadium for the second round of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship. One week after he captured a memorable debut victory with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 450SMX Class points leader Eli Tomac went back-to-back following a hard-fought Main Event in which he outlasted Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen and Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence for the Colorado native’s 55th career win.
Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Eli Tomac Goes Back-to-Back to Open 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Season After Hard Fought Victory in San Diego.
The 450SMX Class Main Event began with Lawrence leading the way for the holeshot, followed closely by Roczen and Tomac. The trio quickly asserted themselves at the front of the field and soon pulled away to set the stage for a three-rider battle for the win. Lawrence was impressive early on and successfully fended off heavy pressure from Roczen, but as their battle continued Tomac joined the fight, which pushed Roczen to make a pass around Lawrence with 14 minutes and a lap to go. Tomac was able to move into second as another battle for the lead unfolded. Tomac briefly made the pass on Roczen, but the German battled back to reclaim the position and lead most of the Main Event.
With time running out, Tomac made the move on Roczen again and solidified his hold of the lead with six minutes remaining. Roczen’s pace slowed enough for Lawrence to make the pass for second and from there the Australian looked to track down Tomac. Tension was high in the closing laps, but Tomac kept Lawrence at bay on the final lap for his 87th career SMX win (Supercross + Pro Motocross) by a margin of 1.3 seconds. The victory moved him into a tie with Jeremy McGrath for second all-time. Lawrence’s runner-up finish equaled the best result of his career, while Roczen now has second and third place finishes to begin the season.
Just off the podium in fourth was Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Chase Sexton, who impressed in a come-from-behind effort after he hit the gate to begin the Main Event and started at the tail end of the field. Along the way, Sexton made contact with defending champion Cooper Webb, who went down in the incident and recovered for an eighth-place finish aboard his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine.
Tomac’s pair of wins through the first two races has extended his lead in the 450SMX Class standings to eight points over Roczen, while Lawrence moved from fourth to third and sits 10 points out of the lead.
It’s back-to-back wins for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac, who captured his 55th career Supercross victory and 87th career SMX win to move into a tie Jeremy McGrath for second all-time. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Eli Tomac – 1st Place – 450SMX Class:
“Me and Ken [Roczen] had an unbelievable battle there and once we got into the lead I felt like I was in a really good groove. Towards the end there I was not paying attention and just looking at my front fender, I didn’t know Hunter [Lawrence] was there [because] I was so focused on marking Kenny around the track. I [went] over the tunnel on the last lap and heard Hunter revving his bike and was shocked he was right there. I feel fortunate I held onto the lead there. I guess I need better self-awareness next time. That was close.”
Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence came close to capturing his first Supercross victory and impressed every step of the way in a runner-up effort. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Hunter Lawrence – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class:
“It’s bittersweet when you’re so close. I wanted to be there with those guys last week [up front] so we worked really hard this week and made some progress, which is always rewarding. I think I shot my shot too fast on the last lap and thought I’d dive bomb into the corner, but at the last minute I thought it was going to be a really dirty move if I followed through, so I backed out of it. It was cool. A really great race.”
Another podium performance by Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen has him in the thick of the early title fight in the 450SMX Class. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Ken Roczen – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class:
“Me and Eli [Tomac] went back and forth a couple times and then in the middle of the race I just had a couple laps where I was all over the place and fell off the back a bit and got passed. I tried to just settle back in and at least stay close to those guys. We have 17 rounds and it can swap around real quick, so being on the podium is really good. We want to win, but at the same time we can’t be mad at a podium. We’ll keep at it, see if I can snag a couple of wins, and see where it goes.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right) Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, and Hunter Lawrence. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Defending Western Divisional Champion Haiden Deegan Takes 250SMX Win
A captivating battle between teammates headlined the second race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class, as Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan came out on top for the first time this season. The eighth career victory for the defending Western Division Champion wasn’t without controversy, as he went bar-to-bar with fellow Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider Max Anstie, who entered as the points leader. After Anstie grabbed the holeshot, he and Deegan resumed their entertaining battle that began in the Heat Race with a multi-lap fight for the lead. Deegan appeared to be faster, but the Englishman’s veteran savvy kept his younger teammate at bay. With nine minutes and one lap to remaining Deegan made his move in a bowl turn and aggressively cut down under Anstie, who went high to concede the position. As he exited, Deegan’s rear wheel hit Anstie’s front wheel and took the red plate holder to the ground. Deegan sprinted away as Anstie eventually remounted in sixth place.
As Deegan established a lead of over five seconds, the attention shifted to an exciting battle for the podium between Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman. After McAdoo made the pass on Hymas for second, Mosiman followed through shortly after as Hymas nearly crashed defending the position.
Deegan went unchallenged and took his first win carrying the No. 1 plate by a margin of 7.6 seconds over McAdoo, who finished last (22nd place) at the Anaheim opener and is coming back from a torn ACL suffered last season. Mosiman recorded his 11th career podium finish in third. Anstie battled back to finish fifth.
With the win, combined with Anstie’s finish, Deegan moved from fourth to first in the Western Divisional 250SMX Class standings, a single point ahead of Anstie. Hymas, who finished sixth, sits third, five points out of the lead.
While it wasn’t without controversy, the first win of the season for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan moved him into control of the Western Divisional Championship. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Haiden Deegan – 1st Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“This one feels good. I wanted to show it at A1, but stuff happens. I came out swinging [tonight]. Sorry to Max [Anstie], I didn’t really want it to go that way. I tried to cut down [in the corner] so he wouldn’t cut down [to counterattack] and we came together.”
After a challenging opening round where he finished last, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo rebounded with an impressive second-place effort. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Cameron McAdoo – 2nd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I didn’t expect to get 22nd place last weekend and end up in B practice this morning, so I had something to prove. It has been a long time and as you all know this sport is about trying. I always pride myself on being able to come back after being off the bike for a long time. Tonight was pretty special. I’m just a kid from Iowa living my dream and I’m really grateful I keep getting to do this. I have a lot of belief in myself that I belong here.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman was consistent throughout the Main Event and recorded his 11th career podium result. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Michael Mosiman – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“It feels great. We’ve been putting in the work, and it’s been a long road. Just to be able to hang in there the whole moto, to be right there and end up on the podium. To be able to push the pace feels really great. We’re going to keep it rolling.”
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie entered as the points leader and was leading the Main Event until an incident with his teammate Deegan put him on the ground and resulted in a fifth-place finish. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Max Anstie – 5th Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“[Deegan’s move] was ‘impressive.’ I didn’t really want to play the game. I know who I’m racing against, but fair play. Straight up, I’ve got to take it on the chin. I’m a big boy, no problem. I didn’t expect that. I’ve got to go back and do some work.”
Western Divisional 250SMX Class Podium (left to right) Cameron McAdoo, Haiden Deegan, and Michael Mosiman. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday with the third race of the season and a return to Anaheim, California’s Angel Stadium on January 24. Live broadcast coverage on Peacock will begin at 1 p.m. ET with Race Day Live, followed by the Gate Drop at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, a domestic Spanish language broadcast is available on Peacock while international viewers can choose from dedicated English, French, and Spanish broadcasts via SMX Video Pass (www.SMXVideoPass.com).
All 17 rounds of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and 11 rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship are on sale. Tickets for the SMX World Championship Playoff Rounds and Final will go on pre-sale Tuesday, Jan. 27, with general tickets on-sale to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Supermotocross.com. Saturday FanFest will take place at all postseason races, Friday FanFest and camping will be available in Columbus and Ridgedale, additional details to follow.
Ken Roczen (94) and Eli Tomac (3) in San Diego. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
For information about the Monster Energy SMX World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing won the 2026 Dakar Rally. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides has conquered the 2026 Dakar Rally in the most dramatic fashion imaginable, sealing overall victory by just two seconds after a never-give-up fight across Saudi Arabia. Refusing to surrender despite setbacks, pressure, and one of the closest battles in Dakar history, the Argentine delivered when it mattered most, attacking right to the final kilometer on his KTM 450 RALLY to claim his first Dakar Rally victory. Daniel Sanders and Edgar Canet both reached the finish of the world’s toughest rally-raid in fifth and 32nd positions respectively, completing an extraordinary Dakar campaign defined by resilience, belief, and relentless determination from the Red Bull KTM team.
Luciano Benavides (77). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Benavides delivered a standout performance throughout the event, combining outright speed, consistency, and intelligent race management to fight for the overall victory right to the very end of the rally. The Argentine claimed three stage wins, including a decisive victory during the event’s first marathon stage, and consistently ran at the front as the terrain became increasingly demanding. By refusing to give up and attacking until the last day, Luciano sealed an extraordinary Dakar Rally victory, the greatest achievement of his career to date, and underlined his status as one of the leading forces in rally-raid competition.
Benavides’ win – the closest in the history of the event – marks KTM’s 21st Dakar Rally title and continues a remarkable family legacy, following Dakar triumphs by his brother Kevin in 2021 and 2023.
Luciano Benavides (77). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Luciano Benavides: “I still can’t believe it. I never stopped dreaming. I woke up today full of energy and motivation, just thinking about what I could do and trusting in myself, and that was the key for this Dakar. I did this for myself, and this feeling is unreal. To win by just two seconds is unbelievable. I even missed the last two corners and nearly crashed, so it was right on the limit, but it paid off. I honestly can’t describe this moment. This is my ninth Dakar, and it shows that if you never stop dreaming, never stop believing, and keep fighting for your goals, anything is possible. I never gave up. Even today, when I was losing time and I saw Ricky pushing hard, I kept telling myself it wasn’t over until the last kilometer. In the end, he made a small mistake and I got it right. It’s just unreal. Vamos Argentina! Now it’s time to celebrate with my family, my friends, my sponsors, and everyone who has supported me through all these years to achieve this dream.”
Daniel Sanders’ Dakar was defined by determination and resilience. After showing front-running pace in the opening half of the rally and spending multiple days at the head of the overall standings, the Australian suffered injuries during the second week that significantly impacted his ability to push at full speed. Despite the pain, Sanders dug deep to complete the remaining stages and reach the finish in an incredible fifth place overall, demonstrating the grit and toughness that took him to the 2025 Dakar and World Rally-Raid Championship titles in dominant fashion.
Daniel Sanders (1). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Daniel Sanders: “I’m really happy for the team, and that’s just Dakar – it’s never over until it’s over. Every day is different and anything can happen. I only heard the news at the finish. I was in a lot of pain and honestly just ready to lie down, but that gave me the extra motivation to go and see Luciano and congratulate him. It’s so cool and really incredible for the whole team. Unfortunately, I was unlucky in my own race and out of the fight for the win, but the result is still in the team, and that’s something special. Huge congratulations to everyone who worked so hard again this year, consistency has really paid off.”
For Edgar Canet, the 2026 Dakar Rally represented a major milestone in his career. Competing in the RallyGP category for the first time, the Spaniard made an immediate impact by winning the prologue and stage one, becoming the youngest-ever stage winner in the bike category. An issue with his rear mousse while pushing hard on stage five halted his charge in the overall standings, but Canet continued to demonstrate impressive speed and strong navigation throughout the remainder of the rally. Gaining invaluable experience, Edgar completed his second Dakar and first at RallyGP level in emphatic fashion, finishing the event on a high with a commanding victory on the final stage.
Edgar Canet (73). Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Edgar Canet:“It’s been a really crazy race for me. These two weeks were full of emotions, so many ups and downs, but the most important thing is that we made it to the end. I won three stages, and Luciano taking the overall win is huge. I’m super, super happy for him. It’s been a crazy Dakar, and I couldn’t be happier for the whole team and the entire KTM family. We showed throughout the race which bike is the fastest in the desert, and that was a big objective for us. Now the motivation is even higher to keep working, keep fighting, and keep improving. I know exactly what my main goal is for next year, so I’m really motivated to keep pushing and keep training.”
Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager:“We are incredibly proud of what Luciano, Edgar, Chucky, and the entire team have achieved – it’s honestly unbelievable. We fought right until the very last meter and never gave up, and that was the key. Dakar always writes its own stories, and this year was another perfect example of that. Luciano fought from day one until the finish; he’s a true fighter, and without doubt this has been the best race of his career. It’s an incredible achievement. Edgar once again showed just how strong he is in winning the final stage. I’m really happy we have him in the team, because I’m convinced he will win a Dakar one day. And Chucky, our real survivor, deserves massive respect. I’m extremely proud of these three riders and of the whole team.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing won the 2026 Dakar Rally. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
KTM’s success at the 2026 Dakar Rally extended well beyond the overall classification, with victories across multiple categories. In Rally2, Toni Mulec delivered a commanding performance to secure class victory and claim a second Dakar win for BAS World KTM, underlining the competitiveness of the KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA at the highest level of customer racing. The celebrations continued in the Malle Moto class, where Benjamin Melot claimed a long-awaited Dakar victory aboard his KTM, finally stepping onto the top of the podium after four previous top-three finishes.
With the 2026 Dakar Rally now complete, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing turn their attention to the next chapter of the rally-raid season, building on a campaign defined by podium finishes, stage victories, and the continued development of both riders and the dominant KTM 450 RALLY at the highest level of the sport.
More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Honda HRC:
Monster Energy Honda HRC on Dakar podium after historic final stage.
The closest finish in Dakar Rally history saw Monster Energy Honda HRC’s Ricky Brabec lose victory by a heartbreaking two seconds.
Heading into the final stage of this year’s event, Brabec held a 3’20” advantage over his main rival, Luciano Benavides, after claiming the previous day’s stage win. With just 105 km of timed competition remaining, Brabec knew that opening the stage would leave him without tracks to follow, placing a premium on precise navigation as he chased a third Dakar title.
The final special stage featured two timed sections separated by a liaison, with riders first tackling technical mountain valley tracks before switching to a faster route along the Red Sea coastline en route to the finish line at the Yanbu bivouac. Brabec set a strong pace early, but a navigation issue just seven kilometres from the finish cost him valuable time, ultimately denying him the coveted Bedouin Trophy.
It was a dramatic conclusion to 49 hours and 41 seconds of racing across 4,737 km of Saudi Arabia. Despite claiming two stage victories in 2026 and bringing his Dakar stage win tally to 13, Brabec was left with a bittersweet runner-up finish.
Tosha Schareina claimed a stage podium on the final day, capping a rollercoaster two weeks. The 2025 runner-up entered the 48th edition as one of the favourites, but a ten-minute penalty for an incorrect starting procedure on the first marathon stage forced him to rethink his strategy. With three stage victories and a determined second-week comeback, Schareina ultimately joined teammate Brabec on the final podium in Yanbu.
Skyler Howes experienced the full spectrum of Dakar highs and lows. A tyre issue on the first marathon stage derailed his early ambitions, but he rebounded in the final week to claim his first-ever Dakar stage victory and finish fourth overall in the opening World Rally-Raid Championship round.
Adrien Van Beveren endured a challenging 11th Dakar Rally. His first week was compromised by a crash, metal wire becoming lodged in his wheel on stage five and difficulty finding rhythm. Determined to turn things around, the Frenchman delivered a strong second week. Once dialled in on his Honda CRF450 RALLY, he claimed victory on stage ten and consistently ran at the front, securing a positive sixth-place finish overall.
After a demanding Dakar, the Monster Energy Honda HRC riders will now enjoy a well-earned break before regrouping in two months’ time for Rally-Raid Portugal, taking place from 17-22 March.
Ruben Faria – General Manager:
“The last day of Dakar 2026 didn’t bring the result we were expecting, but this is Dakar — this is rally raid. Six kilometres from the end of the final stage, Ricky turned left slightly too early. He didn’t take the correct track, lost a significant amount of time, and crossed the finish line just two seconds behind Luciano.
Going into today, Ricky had a good margin thanks to the time bonuses — a gap of 4 minutes and 42 seconds over second place. With that small mistake, we lost the Dakar by just two seconds. Of course, we wanted more. We wanted to win, but we have to accept the result.
Overall, it was still a strong performance for the team: Ricky finished second, Tosha third, Skyler fourth, and Adrien sixth. Ricky delivered a very solid Dakar. Tosha made a mistake in the first week but still managed to finish with a strong overall result. Skyler struggled during the first week but recovered well in the second. Adrien lost almost an hour when a cable that was in the middle of nowhere got stuck in his wheel , yet he had an excellent second week.
Naturally, we expected more — the goal was to win, and we finished incredibly close. This has never happened before. We’ll keep pushing, aim to win the next races, and come back even stronger for the next Dakar. The team did a great job, and the Honda bikes performed extremely well throughout the rally.”
Ricky Brabec (9) – Stage 8th – Overall 2nd:
“This Dakar was a real fight from start to finish. On the final stage, a quite confusing note led me to choose a line that wasn’t the correct one. When I turned back, Luciano was coming behind me and, seeing the situation, he stayed on the right track, which made the difference in such a close battle.”
Skyler Howes (10) – Stage 5th – Overall 4th:
“A lot of crazy stuff out there. I’m super happy to make it to the finish line of this one, a lot of adversity, some things to overcome and some really good riding. I’m happy with how I rode, the team did a great job, they did awesome with the mechanics, the logistics and I’m super happy to be a part of Monster Energy Honda HRC and to make it to the finish line of this one. A lot of things to clean up on my end. As far as everything else that went for me this race, stage one I needed a little bit more patience. I got really lucky this time, my mom is looking over me and she made sure I got to the finish line of this one. So I’m super proud of that and this one is for her.”
MILLVILLE, N.J. — New Jersey Motorsports Park is proud to announce its “Riders Club Instructor Certification Program.” The course was created by Ken Hill, a former professional road racer widely acknowledged as one of the top riding coaches in the nation.
Over the past year, NJMP management recognized that club members were asking for access to professional-level instruction. Building on a well-established foundation, a highly structured, in-house certification program was a natural next step.
Curriculum follows Hill’s “Order of the Sport,” a comprehensive motorsports training guide designed to help riders achieve a high degree of safety, skill, and consistency by breaking down complex operations into digestible fundamental practices.
This methodical approach is based on proven habits and time-tested techniques. It goes beyond telling students what to do. Rather, it teaches them how to ride with awareness, intention, and precision, while mitigating risk as their pace improves and they circulate faster.
“Other sports have figured it out across the board,” says Hill. “Coaches teach fundamentals that scale; what works for beginners also translates to the elite, with just a different degree of precision. Track-day riders and racers deserve that same clarity and structure.”
The individually customizable system includes a detailed handbook, which will serve as the basis for Hill’s classroom instruction. Testing, also performed by Hill, includes both written and on-track evaluations.
“New Jersey Motorsports Park is committed to growing the sport,” said Brad Scott, president and COO. “We are thrilled to work with Ken and provide this certification to ensure our coaches meet the highest standards for instruction, professionalism, and safety. By enhancing rider education through one of the first track-sponsored certification programs, we are investing not only in the Riders Club and its hundreds of members but also in the continued development of our staff.”
The New Jersey Motorsports Park Riders Club is a private membership experience for road-racing enthusiasts. The program offers track days and other benefits in a safe and controlled environment run by experienced management and certified instructors.
In 2026, the Riders Club boasts a reduced registration rate, an improved cancellation policy, benefits with partner RevZilla, and reciprocal track resources. The club is expected to surpass its previous 440-member record by midseason.
To learn more about the New Jersey Motorsports Park Riders Club, including how to become a member and begin your on-track journey with an officially certified instructor, visit NJMP.com or call 856-327-7248.
“The Riders Club Instructor Certification Program will ensure members operate at the highest level of the training pyramid,” says Brad Scott, president and COO of New Jersey Motorsports Park.“Whether they are new to motorcycle road racing or looking to compete at the national level, they will have the coaching and resources needed to support their goals.”
Pegram Racing will return to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for the 2026 season. Photo courtesy Pegram Racing
A New Era for Pegram Racing
Pegram Racing is proud to announce its return to the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for the 2026 season, competing in the highly competitive TCR class.
For 2026, Pegram Racing has joined forces with Honda Racing Corporation US (HRC) and is supported by title sponsor Lindsay Honda Acura. This partnership marks a significant step forward for the team as it continues to grow its presence in professional sports car racing.
Following an unfortunate crash during the team’s December test at Daytona International Speedway, Larry Pegram will sit out the Rolex 24 weekend. Riley Pegram will still pilot the team’s new Honda Civic Type R TCR alongside experienced driver,Mario Farnbacher.
Larry explained, “With Pegram Racing, this truly feels like a homecoming. Twenty years ago, I signed with Honda on two wheels, and now to be back with the brand in IMSA is incredibly special.”
Riley also shared her excitement for the upcoming season:
“I am beyond excited to be back this year and to be supported by such an incredible manufacturer. I have big plans for 2026, and this partnership is going to be a huge part of my development, not only as a driver, but also as a team manager. We’re building something special, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
With strong a manufacturer, experienced driver pairing, and renewed momentum, Pegram Racing enters 2026 ready to embrace a new era in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
Factory Ducati MotoGP rider Francesco Bagnaia (63) crashes in Turn Four at Circuito de Valencia in 2025. Bagnaia hit the ground 11 times during official Grand Prix sessions in 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has officially launched the first edition of its Concussion Assessment and Management Guidelines, developed specifically for motorcycle sport at all levels of competition.
Recognised as a significant traumatic brain injury, concussion requires timely identification and appropriate management to prevent potentially serious short- and long-term health consequences. While the FIM has referenced the International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport since 2011, it became increasingly evident that existing assessment tools were not fully adapted to the specific demands and risks of motorcycle sport.
As a result, concussion was selected as the central theme of the first FIM Medical Summit, held in 2024 in Lyon, France, bringing together leading international experts, representatives from within motorcycle sport, and contributors involved in the International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport. The outcome of this summit was a clear agreement to develop concussion guidelines tailored specifically to motorcycle racing.
The newly released FIM Concussion Guidelines provide clear, consistent and sport-specific procedures for the assessment, management and return-to-sport process following concussion. Applicable across all disciplines and levels of motorcycle sport, the guidelines emphasise early recognition, mandatory removal from riding when concussion is suspected, and a structured, medically supervised return-to-sport framework.
The guidelines were formally validated during the fourth meeting of the FIM Board of Directors of the year, held on 3 December 2025 at the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Headquarters.
Commenting on the importance of the initiative, FIM President Jorge Viegas said: “Placing safety first is essential to the sustainable development of motorcycle sport. With the introduction of these concussion guidelines, the FIM is taking a decisive step to ensure that rider health and well-being remain at the heart of everything we do. This initiative reflects our responsibility to evolve the sport in a safe, structured and scientifically grounded manner, protecting riders today while building a stronger and more sustainable future for motorcycle sport worldwide.”
A key feature of the guidelines is the adoption of the “9 R’s” of concussion management – Reduce, Recognise, Remove, Refer, Rest, Recover, Rehabilitation, Return-to-sport and Review – ensuring a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to rider safety. The document also outlines mandatory minimum exclusion periods, differentiated for adults and children, and introduces a motorcycling-specific graduated return-to-riding programme.
“These guidelines represent an important step forward in protecting the health, well-being and safety of our riders,” added Dr David McManus, FIM Medical Director and Director of the FIM International Medical Commission. “They are the result of extensive research, expert consultation and collaboration with national federations and other sports. Education and awareness are essential, and these guidelines will be supported by dedicated educational programmes for riders, teams, officials and federations.”
Developed following an extensive review of current scientific research and best clinical practice, the FIM Concussion Guidelines will be regularly reviewed and updated in line with emerging evidence to ensure the highest standard of care across motorcycle sport.
The FIM would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of the FIM International Medical Commission, national federations, international experts and partner organisations involved in the development of these guidelines.
The three Butler & Smith R90S BMW Superbikes lined up for tech at Daytona in 1976, including Gary Fisher's #24, Steve McLaughlin's #83, and Reg Pridmore's # 163. Photo courtesy BMA MOA.
RPM Ventures Announces 50th Anniversary Celebration at Daytona International Speedway: A Return to the “World Center of Racing”
RPM Ventures, in partnership with MotoAmerica and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (MOA), is proud to announce a historic 50th Anniversary Celebration at Daytona International Speedway on March 6-7, 2026. The event honors the golden anniversary of the inaugural AMA Superbike race in 1976—a race that transformed the landscape of American motorcycling and re-established BMW as a premier maker of high-performance sporting machines and ignited a passion for the brand among a whole new generation of riders.
Honoring the Legacy of 1976
In March 1976, the “Bavarian Murder Weapons” (as dubbed by renowned race tuner Todd Schuster) fired a shot heard ’round the world. The Butler & Smith BMW R90S team secured a stunning 1-2 finish at the first-ever AMA Superbike race at Daytona, with Steve McLaughlin nipping teammate Reg Pridmore by a mere three inches in a legendary photo finish.
The victory proved that BMW was more than a manufacturer of long-distance touring machines; it proved they could build “canyon carvers” capable of defeating the world’s fastest superbikes. BMW went on to sweep the top three spots in the 1976 season standings, with Pridmore capturing the first-ever AMA Superbike Championship.
The Legend Returns
For the first time in decades, the three original Butler & Smith BMW R90S Superbikes will be reunited at Daytona. These machines, prepared by legendary tuner Udo Gietl, featured then-revolutionary tech including Michelin slicks, Koni monoshock suspension and many more innovations.
The celebration bridges 50 years of racing excellence by also featuring the Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR, the defending MotoAmerica Superbike championship machine ridden by Cameron Beaubier in 2025. This display highlights BMW’s journey from the 92-horsepower R90S to the modern carbon-fiber-clad 200+ horsepower M 1000 RR, which also carried Toprak Razgatlıoğlu to consecutive Superbike World Championships.
Weekend Highlights & Fan Experiences
Fans and enthusiasts are invited to participate in a series of exclusive events:
• The Original Prototypes: Udo and Eric Gietl will showcase the original R90S racing prototype, joined by a second rare prototype from a private collector.
• Parade Laps: Registrants will have the rare opportunity to ride a parade lap around the high banks of the fabled 3.56-mile Daytona road course.
• Commemorative Gear: Todd Trumbore has produced limited-edition 50th Anniversary pins, designed to the exact dimensions of the iconic R90S seat cowl emblems.
• Celebrity Dinner: On Saturday, March 7 at 6:00 PM, the Daytona 500 Club will host an evening with the legends. Guests include Reg Pridmore, Steve McLaughlin, John Long, Harry Klinzmann, Ron Pierce, Tom Cutter, Udo Gietl, and Heidi Fisher (representing the late Gary Fisher).
Reg Pridmore and Udo Gietl on pit lane at Daytona in 1976. They will return to Daytona this coming March with the monoshock BMW R90S for a 50th anniversary celebration of BMW taking first and second in the Superbike race, with Steve McLaughlin winning and his teammate Pridmore finishing a mere three inches behind. Photo by John Ulrich.
Registration and Accommodations
Registration for this landmark event is now open through the BMW MOA at:
On-site camping and hotel blocks are available. A special rate of $279/night has been secured at the Marriott Courtyard adjacent to the Speedway. For booking details, please contact Rob McIsaac at [email protected].
Join us in Daytona to celebrate 50 years of speed, innovation, and the spirit of the Boxer.
Kody Kopp, three-time AFT Singles champion, will be atop a Harley-Davidson XG750R in the Mission AFT SuperTwins full-time in 2026. Photo courtesy Latus Motors Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Latus Motors Racing is pleased to announce that Kody Kopp will return to competition for the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, making his debut in the Mission AFT SuperTwins class aboard the Harley-Davidson XG750R.
A former three-time AFT Singles champion and the winningest rider in AFT Singles history, Kopp returns to the Progressive AFT paddock following a year away from the series spent competing in professional road racing.
The Mica, Washington, native will step into the sport’s premier class for the first time in his career, marking a new chapter for both Kopp and Latus Motors as the team takes on Mission AFT SuperTwins competition.
Kopp and the Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R are scheduled to make their Mission AFT SuperTwins debut at the Royal Enfield Short Track at Daytona, March 5–6, opening the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season.
Kody Kopp – Latus Motors Racing:
“I am extremely excited for 2026 and grateful for this opportunity to compete in the premier class of American Flat Track. I felt very comfortable from my first few laps aboard the XG750R, and that feeling has only progressed since. I am confident that as a team, we will be prepared to kick off the 2026 season in strong fashion at Daytona!”
Team Owner George Latus:
“The team is super excited to have Kody as our rider for the season. I’ve had the privilege of working with the Kopp family for over two decades, both when Joe was actively campaigning and now as Kody continues his career on the Harley-Davidson XG750R. I’m personally honored to have Dave Zanotti and Michelle DiSalvo continuing with us, along with Chris Carr, Joe Kopp, and a very supportive group of sponsors. As Kody’s sister, Karly, once said about why she liked our team: ‘They just want to go fast and have a blast.’ We’ll do exactly that in 2026.”
Start for the Shootout race on Sunday, with
David Anthony (25),
Bryce Kornbau (1),
Deion Campbell (194),
Micheal Gilbert (55), Mark DeGross (35),
Kreece Elliott (83),
Nicholas Ciling (50),
Sahar Zvik (161) and
Ryan Shu (143). Photo courtesy CVMA.
Partnership delivers high-quality, real-time race coverage throughout the Winter Series.
Desert Center, CA — January 16, 2026 — The Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) continues its live race broadcast partnership with 951 Live for Round 4 of the 2025–26 Winter Series, bringing fans comprehensive, real-time coverage from Chuckwalla Raceway.
Building on the successful launch earlier this season, the Round 4 broadcasts feature multiple camera angles, live commentary, leaderboard integration, track mapping, and slow-motion replay — delivering an immersive viewing experience for race fans following the Winter Series from anywhere.
Companies interested in advertising during the live broadcasts can contact Justin Murphy by texting him at 951.333.8244.
———————-
About CVMA:
The Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) hosts the premier winter motorcycle road racing series in North America. With a racer-first focus and a mission of constant improvement, CVMA provides safe, competitive, and fun racing for riders of all levels.
About 951 Live:
951 Live is a motorsports media company dedicated to delivering live, high-quality coverage of racing events across Southern California and beyond.
Ricky Brabec (9) won in Stage 12. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Ricky Brabec delivered a decisive performance on the penultimate day of the Dakar Rally, claiming stage victory and regaining the overall lead with just one day of racing remaining.
With only 23 seconds separating the top two riders at the start of Stage 12, the day was always going to be pivotal.Brabec’s calculated move on Stage 11 – easing off to secure a later start position behind rival Luciano Benavides – was put to the test as he chases a third Dakar title.
The 311 km timed stage from Al Henakiyah to Yanbu demanded precision across technical navigation, rocky terrain and small dunes and starting six minutes behind Benavides, Brabec needed a near-perfect ride.Benavides struck first, leading at the 45 km mark, but once Brabec settled into his rhythm, the momentum began to shift.Gradually closing the gap, Brabec took control of the stage and as he caught riders ahead, including teammate Tosha Schareina, the time advantage grew.At the refuelling point, Brabec was able to assess the standings, knowing the second half of the stage would be about damage limitation.Benavides mounted a charge of his own, catching and passing Skyler Howes and Adrien Van Beveren to collect bonus time, but it wasn’t enough.
At the finish, Brabec secured his second stage win of the 2026 Dakar Rally and the 13th of his Dakar career, beating Benavides by 3’43”.The victory also marked Honda’s 120th Dakar stage win.Brabec now carries a 3’20” advantage into the final stage.
Tosha Schareina continued his quiet resurgence.After earlier setbacks in the rally, including a ten-minute penalty, the Spaniard delivered a strong stage podium result today on the very rocky terrain to further cement third overall.With two stage wins already this year, Schareina will be targeting a third on the final day.
Adrien Van Beveren has rediscovered his form after early struggles in the rally.Starting second on the road, the Frenchman quickly caught Skyler Howes but found navigation particularly challenging, a small error in a riverbed cost him time and he finished fourth on the stage.With an eight-minute deficit to Daniel Sanders overall, Van Beveren will push hard on the final day to secure a top-five result.
Skyler Howes endured a difficult day opening the stage and just 100 kilometres in, an oil leak spread over his boots and rear brake, forcing him to nurse his Honda CRF450 RALLY to the finish.He ended the day 10th, 24 minutes down, but moved up to fourth overall – just 10 seconds ahead of Sanders.
Everything now hinges on the final stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally. Back in Yanbu, last seen on Stage 2, just 105 km of racing remain as the world’s toughest rally is set for a dramatic conclusion.
Ruben Faria – General Manager:
“It was a tough day for the riders and the team. We were all a bit nervous because it was a crucial day for the final stage results. Ricky did an amazing job, he really pushed hard. Yesterday, his plan was to finish behind Luciano, which he did and today he rode brilliantly to win the stage. He now holds a 3 minutes 20 seconds overall advantage. Tomorrow, he will start three minutes ahead of Luciano and if everything goes well and he avoids mistakes, he has a strong chance to win the Dakar for the third time. But there’s still another day of racing, and he’s fully focused on taking that top step. Tosha started ahead of Ricky today, but we instructed him to keep an eye on him, as we didn’t want Ricky in his dust. He rode well to reach Yanbu and has built enough of a gap to stay on the provisional podium. Adrien quickly found his rhythm on the stage, opening the way with Skyler, though he ran into some tricky navigation and finished fourth. Still, it was a strong performance. Skyler led the stage from the start, a tough task, but finished seventh. The result moves him up to fourth overall, and if he holds that position tomorrow, it will be an excellent result for him. The team is motivated, focused and we are prepared for stage 12 + 1, as I don’t like to say 13!”
Ricky Brabec (9) – Stage 1st – Oversall: 1st :
“I tried to ride carefully but took many risks today to make a good push. With one day to go we’re looking really good, so I’m really happy about this. I think last night was probably the best night’s sleep I’ve had since the rally started. We have a late start tomorrow so I might be able to stay awake until 8.30pm tonight, so we’ll see. We’ve still got one day to go, Luciano has been riding really well through the whole rally, so I got to give it up to him, we’ve been fighting every single day. It’s truly cool to see and I think people that are watching at home are really enjoying the results everyday because it’s so back and forth. It makes for good racing and it makes for good television.”
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Ruben Faria – General Manager:
Ricky Brabec (9) – Stage 8th – Overall 2nd: 
Skyler Howes (10) – Stage 5th – Overall 4th: 
Ruben Faria – General Manager: 
Ricky Brabec (9) – Stage 1st – Oversall: 1st : 
