Everybody has questions. Wait, let me rephrase that: everyone of you has questions for us. And you know? We were kind of asking for it – literally, since we asked our sweet Patrons to donate not just their money, but their MotoGP-inquiries as well.
And let me tell you, our Patrons can be very generous!
So here we are, four pages of questions ranging from the mundane to the bizarre and everything inbetween. Do we have enough time to get through all of them? Not this week, we don’t. But trust us when I say we’ve got some juicy bits here!
So maybe you’re curious about what parts of a MotoGP-bike will never make it onto the street. Perhaps your wondering how difficult it is to make the jump from Superbike to MotoGP. Or maybe you just want to know what the most debauched thing Mat and Peter ever saw was. In any case, we invite you to crack open your drink of choice and join us for the start of Wet January.
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!
The Central Roadracing Association (CRA) is proud to announce its 56th continuous season of motorcycle racing. CRA continues its legacy as a volunteer run 501(c)(7) non-profit organization committed to expanding affordable motorcycle roadracing in the upper-midwest.
After successfully adding a new track in 2025, Motorsport Park Hastings, CRA continues to further its mission by adding an additional round in 2026 at the freshly repaved Blackhawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit, IL. CRA is thrilled to bring its affordable and competitive racing to a new track and racing community. CRA is also excited to be partnering with MotoVid.com to offer a test & tune and new racer school at Blackhawk Farms Raceway on Friday preceding the races. The test & tune day is open to any licensed racer wishing to participate in the weekends’ racing as well as new racers looking to obtain a CRA race license.
On top of adding a sixth round at Blackhawk Farms, CRA will maintain rounds at Motorsport Park Hastings and Brainerd International Raceway, laying the groundwork for a Midwest focused club racing series. As part of a continued commitment to expanding roadracing in the upper-midwest, CRA will again be offering free reciprocal race licenses for up to three rounds this year.
CRA offers multiple sponsorship and marketing opportunities for you or your business. Please contact [email protected]for more information.
The start of a new week and the final one of the Dakar Rally, delivered a formidable challenge for the Monster Energy Honda HRC riders, with today featuring the longest special stage of the 2026 event.
After arriving in Wadi ad-Dawasir yesterday, competitors faced a demanding loop to and from the bivouac there.Fast tracks through mountainous valleys combined with a vast playground of dunes in the spectacular Dawasir Valley made up the bulk of the 483 km special stage, with a brief stretch of rockier terrain before a high-speed, sandy run to the finish.
Provisional overall runner-up Ricky Brabec approached the stage with a clear strategy for the opening days of the final week.Starting tenth, he benefited from having tracks to follow, a factor that paid dividends as he consistently topped the timing checkpoints.At one stage, he built a gap of more than two minutes over Daniel Sanders as strong winds added another layer of difficulty.However, eventual stage winner Luciano Benavides capitalised on the bonus time awarded for opening the stage, and Brabec ultimately finished third, five minutes adrift.The reshuffle in the standings drops the American to third overall, now 4’47” behind leader Benavides.
Tosha Schareina continues his push back toward the front after last week’s penalty. Finishing fourth, nearly ten minutes off the winning pace, he was visibly deflated at the end of the gruelling day.The gap to the overall lead now stands at fifteen minutes as he works to close in on the provisional podium.
Adrien Van Beveren’s recent bike setup changes on his Honda CRF450 RALLY continue to pay off.After finishing third yesterday, the Frenchman was only a couple of minutes behind Schareina today, despite a slight detour along the route.While he now sits over an hour down overall, Van Beveren was pleased to have regained confidence and a positive feeling on the bike, with a renewed focus on riding fast.
Skyler Howes maintained his steady progress despite being caught out by challenging sandstorm conditions.Unfazed, he delivered another consistent performance with a top-six finish, just behind Schareina and Van Beveren.Remaining fifth overall, Howes will be aiming for a stronger result tomorrow as the first part of the marathon stage begins, while hoping to avoid the tyre issues that troubled him during last week’s marathon.
Tomorrow marks the opening leg of the marathon stage.Having already endured one earlier in the rally, tyre management will once again be crucial, having proven to be the source of the biggest surprises.With a total of 541 km to cover, the distance may be shorter than recent stages, but reaching the marathon bivouac north of Bisha without issue is vital.Once there, riders will again be without assistance and face another night camping under the stars.
Ruben Faria – General Manager:
“It was another fast stage again. We thought it would have worked for us to start further back, in reality it was a really fast stage with not too much navigation and the riders that started at the front did a good job to stay out front. Skyler finished in sixth as he made a small navigation mistake, however, it was quite a good day for him. Adrien also rode a good stage and was amongst the frontrunners, but he made a mistake, more or less in the middle of the stage and he lost around four minutes to finish in fifth. Not up to his usual pace, Tosha didn’t feel comfortable with the bike and could only manage fourth. Third placed Ricky did a strong stage and he will start in a good position tomorrow for the first day of the second marathon stage. There’s still five days to go and of course we want more, we want to win. We have Ricky who is in a good group, he can win the Dakar and we will do the maximum to make this happen.”
Ricky Brabec (9) – Stage: 3rd and Overall: 3rd :
“Today’s stage I felt great, made no mistakes, rode as best and as fast as I could all day. It was another fast stage, near the halfway point there started to be a little bit of wind, actually a lot of wind. It was so windy, the top of the ground was covered in dirt, like one metre high, just blowing sand across, which made it a little bit difficult to see. Overall it was a fun stage as we had a mix of everything, a little bit of rocks, not as much as I would like, some fun sand dunes too, so it was a fun stage to ride. I rode by myself all day so maybe tomorrow I can catch up with the group in front of me and ride in a group.”
Pennsylvania, USA – Rising American road racing talent Joshua Raymond Jnr is proud to announce a change ahead of the 2026 racing season. Switching to the CIV racing series in Italy with champions Lucky Racing S.R.L, taking on the CIV Moto3 class in the next steps in his racing career. Joshua, one of the most promising young American riders on the international stage, has spent the past two seasons competing in the British Moto4 (formerly the British Talent Cup) with British-based FibreTec Honda/MLAV Racing on Honda NSF250 machinery. During his time in the highly competitive UK-based series in the British Superbike circuit, Raymond Jnr has gained valuable experience, speed, and confidence racing on some of the world’s most demanding circuits while developing his race craft against elite junior talent. The move marks an important step forward in Joshua’s career as he continues to build momentum and progress through the international motorcycle racing ladder. His new partnership with Lucky Racing S.R.L represents a fresh opportunity to further refine his skills, capitalise on the experience gained in British Moto4, and pursue stronger results in the seasons ahead.
Joshua Raymond Jnr: “I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve learned over the last two years in British Moto4,”said Raymond Jnr.“Racing in the UK and training in Spain with my coaches, has pushed me to grow as a person and as a competitor, and I’m excited about this next step and motivated to make the most of this new opportunity.”He continued, “After testing with the team in Rome, I knew that this team was a great fit. Most importantly, they clearly want to be successful. They won the championship in 2025, so just to be considered for the seat is an accomplishment.”
Joshua’s transition comes at a pivotal moment in his development, as the young rider increasingly seeks international exposure to prepare for future pathways into MotoGP championships. Known for his determination, adaptability, and mature approach to racing, Raymond Jnr remains focused on long-term progression and continued improvement.
Andrea Raymondi, team owner of Lucky Racing S.R.L, comments, “ I’m happy to have Joshua Raymond Jr. on my team, a young 16-year-old American driver from Pennsylvania, where he made a good impression on me in the two days of free practice on the Vallelunga circuit in October, despite never having raced on an Italian circuit before.”
Further announcements regarding Joshua Raymond Jnr’s upcoming race program for 2026 will be made in due course.
You can follow Joshua’s progress on his social media accounts:
KYT Americas is proud to officially announce the first-ever Josh Herrin Replica Helmet. It was created to celebrate the historic achievement of Josh Herrin winning the Legendary Daytona 200 three years in a row. Josh Herrin is the only racer in history to have accomplished this feat, cementing his as one of America’s most iconic and accomplished motorcycle racers.
This special-edition helmet showcases Josh Herrin’s unmistakable race-inspired design, applied to a full carbon shell, delivering elite-level performance, advanced safety, and premium craftsmanship. Designed for riders who demand the highest standards, the helmet represents the spirit of competition, dedication, and excellence that defines Josh Herrin’s racing career.
To commemorate this release, a limited amount of Josh Herrin Replica Helmet purchases will include an exclusive Josh Herrin trading card, personally signed by Josh Herrin, making each helmet a true collector’s item for fans, racers, and enthusiasts.
“The First Ever” Josh Herrin Replica Helmet is more than a product launch—it is a celebration of American racing heritage and KYT Americas’ continued commitment to delivering world-class helmets inspired by real racers and real performance.
The Josh Herrin Replica Helmet will be available for purchase in Fall of 2026. Additional details, specifications, and ordering information will be announced closer to launch.
About KYT Americas:
KYT Americas is dedicated to providing high-quality, race-proven motorcycle helmets to riders across the United States. Built by riders and driven by passion, KYT Americas supports racing, track day communities, and local dealers while delivering premium products and trusted customer service.
REV’IT! TailorTech and Sage Tailoring have agreed to join forces to provide best of class tailoring and race logistics support for the 2026 race season in the MotoAmerica paddock, and throughout the Nation for REV’IT! and REV’IT! TailorTech customers..
Having already worked together in the MotoAmerica paddock where REV’IT! entrusted Sage to make on-premises repairs and alternations for supported and customer racers, the two have decided to expand that partnership both in the paddock and around the Country. In the 2026 MotoAmerica paddock, Sage will continue to be the REV’IT! authorized repair solutions provider for our supported riders and customer teams.
In addition to race support, for 2026 Sage will become a REV’IT! TailorTech Authorized Dealer, giving Sage the ability to handle ordering and measurement opportunities for racers and track day participants, wherever Sage Tailoring operates throughout the year. Sage will also become a dealer for REV’IT! standard catalog items, allowing them to supply gloves, knee sliders, and accessories, as well as some of the track specific outfits like the Quantum 3, Control, and female-specific Xena 4 race suits.
Sage will also become the REV’IT! authorized repair and alternations team for REV’IT! and REV’IT! TailorTech customers nationwide.
In addition to MotoAmerica events, Sage can be found at their new Florida headquarters, as well as various track day events around the Nation as detailed on their website.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (January 11, 2026) – The 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship got underway in front of a sold-out crowd inside Angel Stadium for the opening round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. It turned out to be a memorable night for the elder statesman of the sport as 33-year-old Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Eli Tomac captured the 54th win of his legendary career in his debut with the team following a dominant performance in which the Coloradoan led every lap.
Eli Tomac Leads Every Lap at Anaheim 1 to Capture 54th Career Victory at Monster Energy Supercross Opener.
The 450SMX Class Main Event was forced to restart when a red flag brought the race to a halt on the opening lap after a multi-rider incident. When the gate dropped for the second time, Tomac positioned himself right behind his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Jorge Prado and seized control of the lead on the opening lap. Once out front, Tomac easily gapped the field while Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen made an impressive charge into contention after rounding the first turn deep in the top 10. The German veteran made multiple passes to slot himself just outside the top three and eventually worked his way around Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence for third before making the pass on Prado for second. Roczen closed to within a couple seconds of Tomac and kept him honest throughout the 20 Minute + 1 Lap race but never got close enough to mount a challenge.
Tomac took his second Anaheim 1 victory by a margin of 1.4 seconds over Roczen, while Prado leveraged the holeshot into the single-best-performance of the Spaniard’s U.S. racing career and his maiden Supercross podium in his seventh start. Following the race, Prado’s KTM failed the post-race sound inspection, which resulted in a penalty from the AMA of three championship points. Prado retained his third-place finish.
Lawrence earned his best Anaheim 1 result in fourth as he came out on top of a race-long battle with Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive rider Jason Anderson, who finished fifth. Defending 450SMX Class Champion Cooper Webb endured through an up and down Main Event to finish seventh, just ahead of last season’s championship runner-up Chase Sexton, who went down and went off track multiple times in his debut for Monster Energy Kawasaki.
With the win, Tomac has established a three-point lead over Roczen in the 450SMX Class standings, with Prado in third, five points behind his teammate.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac put forth a memorable debut with his new team as he led every lap of the 450SMX Class Main Event for the 54th win of his career and his second victory at the Anaheim opener. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Eli Tomac – 1st Place – 450SMX Class:
“What a start for us. We got out of the gate well and then it was just on. I would say our motorcycle was the best when it mattered. My bike was so in tune, and I had a great flow around the track. We can still do it. We got A1. What a cool night.”
Ken Roczen was in top form aboard his Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki and keep Tomac honest throughout the Main Event, eventually finishing just over a second behind in a runner-up effort. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Ken Roczen – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class:
“We had an amazing race. Eli and I were just yo-yo-ing within one second. I would catch him a little bit then I’d make a little mistake, and he’d gain a little bit. It was just tough. It was a very tricky and very busy track that I expected to be softer than it was. You had to be really patient on the throttle. Overall, I’m very excited with this second place and I hope we have many more of those coming.”
In his first race with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Jorge Prado grabbed the holeshot and stayed in the battle up front to secure his first ever podium result since moving to the United States. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Jorge Prado – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class:
“This is unreal. I can’t even think about standing on the podium right now. This shouldn’t be now, it should maybe be at the end of the year or maybe next year, not Round 1. Hard work always pays off and this offseason I’ve been putting in a lot of work. I always do, but with the right people we managed to get here with a good result. With just the little experience I have in Supercross this feels amazing.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right) : Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, and Jorge Prado. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Max Anstie Becomes Oldest 250SMX Winner Ever with Dominant Win
The first race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class was historic as England’s Max Anstie became the oldest winner in the history of the smaller displacement at 32 years, 8 months, and 16 days of age. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider brought confidence into the Main Event after winning his Heat Race and took advantage of a start inside the top five to quickly move into the top three. Anstie continued to move forward and took his time to take second place from Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas before tracking down Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco for the race lead with a little more than seven minutes and one lap to go. Once out front, Anstie was able to sprint away from the field to capture his fourth career SMX victory by a margin of 7.5 seconds.
Hymas was able to make a late pass on DiFrancesco to earn a runner-up finish in his first start since suffering a torn ACL last June, while DiFrancesco parlayed the Main Event holeshot into the first podium result of his career in his 13th Supercross start.
After a dominant Heat Race performance, defending Western Divisional 250SMX Champion Haiden Deegan was never a factor in the Main Event. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider started outside the top 10 but made an impressive climb through the field to narrowly miss out on the podium in fourth.
Anstie now holds a three-point lead over Hymas in the Western Divisional 250SMX Class, while DiFrancesco sits five points out of the lead and Deegan seven points behind his teammate.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie became the oldest winner in the history of the 250SMX Class with an impressive victory to open the Western Division Championship. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Max Anstie – 1st Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I’m just blown away. I remember coming here when I was 7 years old watching Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart race around here. To actually win tonight, that’s something special. Anaheim has a place in my heart. I always dreamed of being here and now I’m here. I’m 32 years old and this is the best night of my career thus far. It’s only Round 1. I know I’ve still got nine more [races] to go, and I know after last year what can happen. I’ll refocus tomorrow and go back to work for this championship.”
In his first race back from a torn ACL suffered last summer, Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas finished in the runner-up spot. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Chance Hymas – 2nd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I’m kind of speechless. It’s been a long road just to get back to this. I haven’t raced since High Point [during the Pro Motocross Championship]. I honestly thought my career was over. I dug deep and I’ve got some really good people in my corner. The pieces are coming together and I’m figuring it out. It’s the first round and we came away with a really good result.”
A holeshot in the Main Event helped Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco break through for his first career podium result. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Ryder DiFrancesco – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I got out front and thought I was going to give it all I got and win this thing or pull it into a third. I dream about this, especially at A1. I grew up coming here. I laid it all out there tonight.”
Western Divisional 250SMX Class Podium (left to right): Ryder DiFrancesco, Max Anstie, and Chance Hymas
Complementing the star power on the track was additional star power in the stands. Notably, professional boxer and former WBC Super Lightweight Champion Ryan Garcia took in the action following news earlier in the day that he will move up into the welterweight division to fight for the WBC title in February. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
450SMX Class Post-Race Media Scrum – Anaheim 1:
Western Divisional 250SMX Class Post-Race Media Scrum – Anaheim 1:
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday with the second race of the season from San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium on January 17. 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. An encore presentation will be showcased on NBC on Sunday, January 18, at 2 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.
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:
If riding the Grand Prix track at the Circuit of The Americas is on your to-do list, and you’re not a professional racer, 2026 may be your last chance to ride the course in the foreseeable future, according to the owners of RideSmart Motorcycle School and the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association.
The author at an Aprilia Racer Days event held in conjunction with RideSmart Motorcycle School at Circuit of The Americas, 2024. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
COTA is moving toward a membership model, and as of the current moment, 2026 is the last season in which RideSmart can offer schools and an upcoming CMRA race, set for the July 4 weekend.
“The executives at the track told us, we will give you dates for 2026. For 2027, everyone is done,” said Dave Johnson, owner/operator of RideSmart and CMRA, along with partner Quan Luu. RideSmart has taken over operations of CMRA, and the organization is no longer a non-profit. Which means events like the CMRA-sanctioned Moto Texas Superbike Challenge will be able to offer a cash purse, currently set at $25,000.
COTA officials did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Most tracks that operate on a membership basis require a cash buy-in, a purchase of real estate at the circuit, or some other form of entry into the club. They then charge a monthly fee as well. The majority of the activities at those tracks are designated for the members, and the remaining time goes to outside operations.
COTA’s website has announced the formation of what it calls “one of the most exclusive driving clubs in the world, THE CIRCUIT.” The club will be based in a new four-story clubhouse overlooking Turn One. While no membership fee has been announced, in an interview with the New York Times, COTA Chairman Bobby Epstein said the club “will probably be the most expensive club in the world for motorsports.”
According to the website grassrootsmotorsports.com, club members will have access to the track for at least 250 days a year. Add to that the days devoted to the professional racing events and the circuit-operated activities, and the days available for anything else dwindle. COTA plans to make those days available to the operations that generate the most revenue for the circuit, Johnson says, and that likely means track day organizations and similar entities will be priced out.
At COTA, there are several International-level series that hold races at the circuit, including Formula One, MotoGP and the World Endurance Championship for sports cars. Just the preparation for those events–let alone the actual days running the event–can take up a significant portion of the days allocated for non-membership activities. In addition, private car clubs, track-operated activities and races like the NASCAR and MotoAmerica rounds take place as well, and those events can generate significant revenue for the track, so they are likely to stay on the schedule.
RideSmart will continue with its schools elsewhere, and CMRA will continue with its race schedule as before. And Johnson is hopeful. He says the circuit owners have talked about plans to develop a smaller circuit in or near Austin with fewer amenities that would be accessible to private, amateur-oriented organizations, and Johnson would like to see the Texas Superbike Challenge be the first, not the one and only, held at COTA.
“Our hope is that it goes off really, really well, and I can go back to COTA and say, ‘I want to do this every year,'” Johnson says. “And racing with CMRA at COTA is a big platform jump. To be able to get on that stage is super cool for all club racers.”
Friday brought the show to a close with no slowdowns in sight — just wall-to-wall connections, final walkthroughs, and nonstop action across the floor. Education sessions pushed deeper into leadership and collaboration, while brands made the most of their last moments to connect. And as the sun set, the AlMExpo crowd headed to Angel Stadium for an exclusive experience that delivered the kind of finale only powersports can. Scroll down for a look at Day 3.
Education Highlights:
During the Ride With Us: Building our Industry, Building our Community-Together panel, Andre Albert (second from left), the Motorcycle Industry Council’s Director of Market Expansion and Events, emphasized the importance of prioritizing long-term rider growth over short-term transactions. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
“Make a motorcyclist, not a sale,” Albert said. “It’s about cultivating a motorcyclist, which on the day may not be a sale. We’ve got to think long term and build a motorcyclist.”
During the Garage Composites Roundtable on the Dealer Evolution Stage, panelists cited examples from outside powersports to illustrate how experience-led storytelling can drive results. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
“Their sales go through the roof because they’re selling dreams, memories, and experiences. They’re not selling widgets. We’ve got to get away from selling widgets.” –Sam Dantzler, President, Garage Composites
Today on the show floor:
Over at the Four Wheel Showcase, Vanderhall displayed its 2026 Brawley GTS. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Piaggio featured Cait Maher, left, who has crisscrossed the country with her Moto Guzzi V7 Rough, logging more than 100,000 miles. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Norton is launching its return to the U.S. market with four new models, three of which were showcased at AlMExpo. U.S. sales for the Manx R, Manx, Atlas, and Atlas GT are expected to begin later this year. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
More photos from the show:
Cody Clinton of Wizard of Wheels dealership in Crete, Illinois, attended today’s Garage Composites Roundtable. “They are really in tune with the industry. They hit on a lot of points that are really crucial for what we’re trying to do.” Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Jennifer Barthels and Sarah Bonanni of Sentry Insurance and Dairyland Cycle Insurance said the show delivered on its core purpose: making meaningful connections. Bonanni noted that they have attended the show every year and said they will be at the Orlando show. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Roberto Santiago, an Ohlins sales manager based in Phoenix, Arizona, said his show week was for meetings. “And the races. I’m excited to see the show grow. I enjoy it all.” Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Wandele Sosa, Owner of Sosa P. Import in Doral, Florida, said he’s been making connections at this year’s show. “That’s the reason I am here.” Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Francisco Dominguez of 4Riders, a motorcycle shop in Doral, Panama, said he was using the show to evaluate new opportunities. “I’m watching the different brands and enjoying the show. And getting to know other brands to distribute.” Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Friday night at Angel Stadium:
Friday closed with one of the most anticipated moments of the week: the A1 VIP Track Walk, presented in partnership with Feld and Angel Stadium. Attendees were invited behind the scenes for rare access to one of the most iconic venues in motorsports, experiencing the track up close ahead of the opening round of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
season.
The Angel Stadium, Anaheim. Photo courtesy AIMEXpo.
Set against the backdrop of Angel Stadium, the VIP Track Walk captured what AlMExpo does best — creating moments that bring the industry together in meaningful, unforgettable ways.
The Performance Motorcycle Oils Manufacturer In Year Three Of Sponsorship.
IRVINE, CA – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that performance motorcycle and powersports oils manufacturer SPECTRO Performance Oils will enter the third year of its three-year deal as an official partner of the 2025 MotoAmerica Championship.
SPECTRO has been engineering and manufacturing top-quality, performance motorcycle and powersports oils since 1966. SPECTRO offers a complete line of oils, lubes, and fluids for motorsports and powersports vehicles.
With the continued sponsorship of the MotoAmerica Championship, Brookfield, Connecticut-based SPECTRO is further strengthening its commitment to the motorcycle racing scene as well as the V-twin market. SPECTRO’s Heavy Duty product line includes unique lubricants, fluids, cleaners, and shop products specifically formulated for Harley-Davidson, and American V-twin motorcycles.
“Being an official sponsor of all MotoAmerica race series has been a great asset to our brand’s recognition, especially in the racing scene,”said Luke Calzone, SPECTRO’s Marketing Manager.“SPECTRO has a deep racing heritage, and we are happy to continue that tradition. We are looking forward to another great race season again in 2026, where SPECTRO celebrates 60 years in business.”
“The 2024 racing season was the first year that we had SPECTRO in our lineup of series sponsors, and it was awesome having them in our paddock,”said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship. “SPECTRO’s products are second to none and working with them has been both productive and fun.”
About MotoAmerica:
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com, and MotoAmerica’s social platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on-demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
From left to right: Kenan Sofuoğlu, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Fonsi Nieto during the Valencia Test. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha.
Everybody has questions. Wait, let me rephrase that: everyone of you has questions for us. And you know? We were kind of asking for it – literally, since we asked our sweet Patrons to donate not just their money, but their MotoGP-inquiries as well.
And let me tell you, our Patrons can be very generous!
So here we are, four pages of questions ranging from the mundane to the bizarre and everything inbetween. Do we have enough time to get through all of them? Not this week, we don’t. But trust us when I say we’ve got some juicy bits here!
So maybe you’re curious about what parts of a MotoGP-bike will never make it onto the street. Perhaps your wondering how difficult it is to make the jump from Superbike to MotoGP. Or maybe you just want to know what the most debauched thing Mat and Peter ever saw was. In any case, we invite you to crack open your drink of choice and join us for the start of Wet January.
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!
The Central Roadracing Association (CRA) is proud to announce its 56th continuous season of motorcycle racing. CRA continues its legacy as a volunteer run 501(c)(7) non-profit organization committed to expanding affordable motorcycle roadracing in the upper-midwest.
After successfully adding a new track in 2025, Motorsport Park Hastings, CRA continues to further its mission by adding an additional round in 2026 at the freshly repaved Blackhawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit, IL. CRA is thrilled to bring its affordable and competitive racing to a new track and racing community. CRA is also excited to be partnering with MotoVid.com to offer a test & tune and new racer school at Blackhawk Farms Raceway on Friday preceding the races. The test & tune day is open to any licensed racer wishing to participate in the weekends’ racing as well as new racers looking to obtain a CRA race license.
On top of adding a sixth round at Blackhawk Farms, CRA will maintain rounds at Motorsport Park Hastings and Brainerd International Raceway, laying the groundwork for a Midwest focused club racing series. As part of a continued commitment to expanding roadracing in the upper-midwest, CRA will again be offering free reciprocal race licenses for up to three rounds this year.
CRA offers multiple sponsorship and marketing opportunities for you or your business. Please contact [email protected]for more information.
Ricky Brabec (9) finished third in Stage 8. Photo courtesy Honda HRC.
The start of a new week and the final one of the Dakar Rally, delivered a formidable challenge for the Monster Energy Honda HRC riders, with today featuring the longest special stage of the 2026 event.
After arriving in Wadi ad-Dawasir yesterday, competitors faced a demanding loop to and from the bivouac there.Fast tracks through mountainous valleys combined with a vast playground of dunes in the spectacular Dawasir Valley made up the bulk of the 483 km special stage, with a brief stretch of rockier terrain before a high-speed, sandy run to the finish.
Provisional overall runner-up Ricky Brabec approached the stage with a clear strategy for the opening days of the final week.Starting tenth, he benefited from having tracks to follow, a factor that paid dividends as he consistently topped the timing checkpoints.At one stage, he built a gap of more than two minutes over Daniel Sanders as strong winds added another layer of difficulty.However, eventual stage winner Luciano Benavides capitalised on the bonus time awarded for opening the stage, and Brabec ultimately finished third, five minutes adrift.The reshuffle in the standings drops the American to third overall, now 4’47” behind leader Benavides.
Tosha Schareina continues his push back toward the front after last week’s penalty. Finishing fourth, nearly ten minutes off the winning pace, he was visibly deflated at the end of the gruelling day.The gap to the overall lead now stands at fifteen minutes as he works to close in on the provisional podium.
Adrien Van Beveren’s recent bike setup changes on his Honda CRF450 RALLY continue to pay off.After finishing third yesterday, the Frenchman was only a couple of minutes behind Schareina today, despite a slight detour along the route.While he now sits over an hour down overall, Van Beveren was pleased to have regained confidence and a positive feeling on the bike, with a renewed focus on riding fast.
Skyler Howes maintained his steady progress despite being caught out by challenging sandstorm conditions.Unfazed, he delivered another consistent performance with a top-six finish, just behind Schareina and Van Beveren.Remaining fifth overall, Howes will be aiming for a stronger result tomorrow as the first part of the marathon stage begins, while hoping to avoid the tyre issues that troubled him during last week’s marathon.
Tomorrow marks the opening leg of the marathon stage.Having already endured one earlier in the rally, tyre management will once again be crucial, having proven to be the source of the biggest surprises.With a total of 541 km to cover, the distance may be shorter than recent stages, but reaching the marathon bivouac north of Bisha without issue is vital.Once there, riders will again be without assistance and face another night camping under the stars.
Ruben Faria – General Manager:
“It was another fast stage again. We thought it would have worked for us to start further back, in reality it was a really fast stage with not too much navigation and the riders that started at the front did a good job to stay out front. Skyler finished in sixth as he made a small navigation mistake, however, it was quite a good day for him. Adrien also rode a good stage and was amongst the frontrunners, but he made a mistake, more or less in the middle of the stage and he lost around four minutes to finish in fifth. Not up to his usual pace, Tosha didn’t feel comfortable with the bike and could only manage fourth. Third placed Ricky did a strong stage and he will start in a good position tomorrow for the first day of the second marathon stage. There’s still five days to go and of course we want more, we want to win. We have Ricky who is in a good group, he can win the Dakar and we will do the maximum to make this happen.”
Ricky Brabec (9) – Stage: 3rd and Overall: 3rd :
“Today’s stage I felt great, made no mistakes, rode as best and as fast as I could all day. It was another fast stage, near the halfway point there started to be a little bit of wind, actually a lot of wind. It was so windy, the top of the ground was covered in dirt, like one metre high, just blowing sand across, which made it a little bit difficult to see. Overall it was a fun stage as we had a mix of everything, a little bit of rocks, not as much as I would like, some fun sand dunes too, so it was a fun stage to ride. I rode by myself all day so maybe tomorrow I can catch up with the group in front of me and ride in a group.”
Andrea Raymondi, team owner of Lucky Racing (on the left) and Joshua Raymond Jnr (on the right). Photo courtesy
Pennsylvania, USA – Rising American road racing talent Joshua Raymond Jnr is proud to announce a change ahead of the 2026 racing season. Switching to the CIV racing series in Italy with champions Lucky Racing S.R.L, taking on the CIV Moto3 class in the next steps in his racing career. Joshua, one of the most promising young American riders on the international stage, has spent the past two seasons competing in the British Moto4 (formerly the British Talent Cup) with British-based FibreTec Honda/MLAV Racing on Honda NSF250 machinery. During his time in the highly competitive UK-based series in the British Superbike circuit, Raymond Jnr has gained valuable experience, speed, and confidence racing on some of the world’s most demanding circuits while developing his race craft against elite junior talent. The move marks an important step forward in Joshua’s career as he continues to build momentum and progress through the international motorcycle racing ladder. His new partnership with Lucky Racing S.R.L represents a fresh opportunity to further refine his skills, capitalise on the experience gained in British Moto4, and pursue stronger results in the seasons ahead.
Joshua Raymond Jnr: “I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve learned over the last two years in British Moto4,”said Raymond Jnr.“Racing in the UK and training in Spain with my coaches, has pushed me to grow as a person and as a competitor, and I’m excited about this next step and motivated to make the most of this new opportunity.”He continued, “After testing with the team in Rome, I knew that this team was a great fit. Most importantly, they clearly want to be successful. They won the championship in 2025, so just to be considered for the seat is an accomplishment.”
Joshua’s transition comes at a pivotal moment in his development, as the young rider increasingly seeks international exposure to prepare for future pathways into MotoGP championships. Known for his determination, adaptability, and mature approach to racing, Raymond Jnr remains focused on long-term progression and continued improvement.
Andrea Raymondi, team owner of Lucky Racing S.R.L, comments, “ I’m happy to have Joshua Raymond Jr. on my team, a young 16-year-old American driver from Pennsylvania, where he made a good impression on me in the two days of free practice on the Vallelunga circuit in October, despite never having raced on an Italian circuit before.”
Further announcements regarding Joshua Raymond Jnr’s upcoming race program for 2026 will be made in due course.
You can follow Joshua’s progress on his social media accounts:
KYT Americas is proud to officially announce the first-ever Josh Herrin Replica Helmet. It was created to celebrate the historic achievement of Josh Herrin winning the Legendary Daytona 200 three years in a row. Josh Herrin is the only racer in history to have accomplished this feat, cementing his as one of America’s most iconic and accomplished motorcycle racers.
This special-edition helmet showcases Josh Herrin’s unmistakable race-inspired design, applied to a full carbon shell, delivering elite-level performance, advanced safety, and premium craftsmanship. Designed for riders who demand the highest standards, the helmet represents the spirit of competition, dedication, and excellence that defines Josh Herrin’s racing career.
To commemorate this release, a limited amount of Josh Herrin Replica Helmet purchases will include an exclusive Josh Herrin trading card, personally signed by Josh Herrin, making each helmet a true collector’s item for fans, racers, and enthusiasts.
“The First Ever” Josh Herrin Replica Helmet is more than a product launch—it is a celebration of American racing heritage and KYT Americas’ continued commitment to delivering world-class helmets inspired by real racers and real performance.
The Josh Herrin Replica Helmet will be available for purchase in Fall of 2026. Additional details, specifications, and ordering information will be announced closer to launch.
About KYT Americas:
KYT Americas is dedicated to providing high-quality, race-proven motorcycle helmets to riders across the United States. Built by riders and driven by passion, KYT Americas supports racing, track day communities, and local dealers while delivering premium products and trusted customer service.
REV’IT! TailorTech & Sage Tailoring expand their partnership. Photo courtesy REV'IT! USA
REV’IT! TailorTech and Sage Tailoring have agreed to join forces to provide best of class tailoring and race logistics support for the 2026 race season in the MotoAmerica paddock, and throughout the Nation for REV’IT! and REV’IT! TailorTech customers..
Having already worked together in the MotoAmerica paddock where REV’IT! entrusted Sage to make on-premises repairs and alternations for supported and customer racers, the two have decided to expand that partnership both in the paddock and around the Country. In the 2026 MotoAmerica paddock, Sage will continue to be the REV’IT! authorized repair solutions provider for our supported riders and customer teams.
In addition to race support, for 2026 Sage will become a REV’IT! TailorTech Authorized Dealer, giving Sage the ability to handle ordering and measurement opportunities for racers and track day participants, wherever Sage Tailoring operates throughout the year. Sage will also become a dealer for REV’IT! standard catalog items, allowing them to supply gloves, knee sliders, and accessories, as well as some of the track specific outfits like the Quantum 3, Control, and female-specific Xena 4 race suits.
Sage will also become the REV’IT! authorized repair and alternations team for REV’IT! and REV’IT! TailorTech customers nationwide.
In addition to MotoAmerica events, Sage can be found at their new Florida headquarters, as well as various track day events around the Nation as detailed on their website.
A capacity crowd was on hand to watch the 2026 SMX World Championship kick off from Southern California's Angel Stadium, the most storied venue in
Monster Energy Supercross. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
ANAHEIM, Calif. (January 11, 2026) – The 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship got underway in front of a sold-out crowd inside Angel Stadium for the opening round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. It turned out to be a memorable night for the elder statesman of the sport as 33-year-old Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Eli Tomac captured the 54th win of his legendary career in his debut with the team following a dominant performance in which the Coloradoan led every lap.
Eli Tomac Leads Every Lap at Anaheim 1 to Capture 54th Career Victory at Monster Energy Supercross Opener.
The 450SMX Class Main Event was forced to restart when a red flag brought the race to a halt on the opening lap after a multi-rider incident. When the gate dropped for the second time, Tomac positioned himself right behind his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Jorge Prado and seized control of the lead on the opening lap. Once out front, Tomac easily gapped the field while Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen made an impressive charge into contention after rounding the first turn deep in the top 10. The German veteran made multiple passes to slot himself just outside the top three and eventually worked his way around Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence for third before making the pass on Prado for second. Roczen closed to within a couple seconds of Tomac and kept him honest throughout the 20 Minute + 1 Lap race but never got close enough to mount a challenge.
Tomac took his second Anaheim 1 victory by a margin of 1.4 seconds over Roczen, while Prado leveraged the holeshot into the single-best-performance of the Spaniard’s U.S. racing career and his maiden Supercross podium in his seventh start. Following the race, Prado’s KTM failed the post-race sound inspection, which resulted in a penalty from the AMA of three championship points. Prado retained his third-place finish.
Lawrence earned his best Anaheim 1 result in fourth as he came out on top of a race-long battle with Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive rider Jason Anderson, who finished fifth. Defending 450SMX Class Champion Cooper Webb endured through an up and down Main Event to finish seventh, just ahead of last season’s championship runner-up Chase Sexton, who went down and went off track multiple times in his debut for Monster Energy Kawasaki.
With the win, Tomac has established a three-point lead over Roczen in the 450SMX Class standings, with Prado in third, five points behind his teammate.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Eli Tomac put forth a memorable debut with his new team as he led every lap of the 450SMX Class Main Event for the 54th win of his career and his second victory at the Anaheim opener. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Eli Tomac – 1st Place – 450SMX Class:
“What a start for us. We got out of the gate well and then it was just on. I would say our motorcycle was the best when it mattered. My bike was so in tune, and I had a great flow around the track. We can still do it. We got A1. What a cool night.”
Ken Roczen was in top form aboard his Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki and keep Tomac honest throughout the Main Event, eventually finishing just over a second behind in a runner-up effort. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Ken Roczen – 2nd Place – 450SMX Class:
“We had an amazing race. Eli and I were just yo-yo-ing within one second. I would catch him a little bit then I’d make a little mistake, and he’d gain a little bit. It was just tough. It was a very tricky and very busy track that I expected to be softer than it was. You had to be really patient on the throttle. Overall, I’m very excited with this second place and I hope we have many more of those coming.”
In his first race with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Jorge Prado grabbed the holeshot and stayed in the battle up front to secure his first ever podium result since moving to the United States. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Jorge Prado – 3rd Place – 450SMX Class:
“This is unreal. I can’t even think about standing on the podium right now. This shouldn’t be now, it should maybe be at the end of the year or maybe next year, not Round 1. Hard work always pays off and this offseason I’ve been putting in a lot of work. I always do, but with the right people we managed to get here with a good result. With just the little experience I have in Supercross this feels amazing.”
450SMX Class Podium (left to right) : Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, and Jorge Prado. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Max Anstie Becomes Oldest 250SMX Winner Ever with Dominant Win
The first race of the Western Divisional 250SMX Class was historic as England’s Max Anstie became the oldest winner in the history of the smaller displacement at 32 years, 8 months, and 16 days of age. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider brought confidence into the Main Event after winning his Heat Race and took advantage of a start inside the top five to quickly move into the top three. Anstie continued to move forward and took his time to take second place from Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas before tracking down Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco for the race lead with a little more than seven minutes and one lap to go. Once out front, Anstie was able to sprint away from the field to capture his fourth career SMX victory by a margin of 7.5 seconds.
Hymas was able to make a late pass on DiFrancesco to earn a runner-up finish in his first start since suffering a torn ACL last June, while DiFrancesco parlayed the Main Event holeshot into the first podium result of his career in his 13th Supercross start.
After a dominant Heat Race performance, defending Western Divisional 250SMX Champion Haiden Deegan was never a factor in the Main Event. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider started outside the top 10 but made an impressive climb through the field to narrowly miss out on the podium in fourth.
Anstie now holds a three-point lead over Hymas in the Western Divisional 250SMX Class, while DiFrancesco sits five points out of the lead and Deegan seven points behind his teammate.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Max Anstie became the oldest winner in the history of the 250SMX Class with an impressive victory to open the Western Division Championship. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Max Anstie – 1st Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I’m just blown away. I remember coming here when I was 7 years old watching Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart race around here. To actually win tonight, that’s something special. Anaheim has a place in my heart. I always dreamed of being here and now I’m here. I’m 32 years old and this is the best night of my career thus far. It’s only Round 1. I know I’ve still got nine more [races] to go, and I know after last year what can happen. I’ll refocus tomorrow and go back to work for this championship.”
In his first race back from a torn ACL suffered last summer, Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas finished in the runner-up spot. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Chance Hymas – 2nd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I’m kind of speechless. It’s been a long road just to get back to this. I haven’t raced since High Point [during the Pro Motocross Championship]. I honestly thought my career was over. I dug deep and I’ve got some really good people in my corner. The pieces are coming together and I’m figuring it out. It’s the first round and we came away with a really good result.”
A holeshot in the Main Event helped Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder DiFrancesco break through for his first career podium result. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
Ryder DiFrancesco – 3rd Place – Western Divisional 250SMX Class:
“I got out front and thought I was going to give it all I got and win this thing or pull it into a third. I dream about this, especially at A1. I grew up coming here. I laid it all out there tonight.”
Western Divisional 250SMX Class Podium (left to right): Ryder DiFrancesco, Max Anstie, and Chance Hymas
Complementing the star power on the track was additional star power in the stands. Notably, professional boxer and former WBC Super Lightweight Champion Ryan Garcia took in the action following news earlier in the day that he will move up into the welterweight division to fight for the WBC title in February. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc
450SMX Class Post-Race Media Scrum – Anaheim 1:
Western Divisional 250SMX Class Post-Race Media Scrum – Anaheim 1:
The Monster Energy SMX World Championship and Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship will continue next Saturday with the second race of the season from San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium on January 17. 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. An encore presentation will be showcased on NBC on Sunday, January 18, at 2 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.
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:
Keith Culver and Robertino "Tino" Pietri riding during an Aprilia Racers Day Track Day/RideSmart Motorcycle School event at COTA. Photo by Patrick Strzelecki/Aprilia.
If riding the Grand Prix track at the Circuit of The Americas is on your to-do list, and you’re not a professional racer, 2026 may be your last chance to ride the course in the foreseeable future, according to the owners of RideSmart Motorcycle School and the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association.
The author at an Aprilia Racer Days event held in conjunction with RideSmart Motorcycle School at Circuit of The Americas, 2024. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
COTA is moving toward a membership model, and as of the current moment, 2026 is the last season in which RideSmart can offer schools and an upcoming CMRA race, set for the July 4 weekend.
“The executives at the track told us, we will give you dates for 2026. For 2027, everyone is done,” said Dave Johnson, owner/operator of RideSmart and CMRA, along with partner Quan Luu. RideSmart has taken over operations of CMRA, and the organization is no longer a non-profit. Which means events like the CMRA-sanctioned Moto Texas Superbike Challenge will be able to offer a cash purse, currently set at $25,000.
COTA officials did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Most tracks that operate on a membership basis require a cash buy-in, a purchase of real estate at the circuit, or some other form of entry into the club. They then charge a monthly fee as well. The majority of the activities at those tracks are designated for the members, and the remaining time goes to outside operations.
COTA’s website has announced the formation of what it calls “one of the most exclusive driving clubs in the world, THE CIRCUIT.” The club will be based in a new four-story clubhouse overlooking Turn One. While no membership fee has been announced, in an interview with the New York Times, COTA Chairman Bobby Epstein said the club “will probably be the most expensive club in the world for motorsports.”
According to the website grassrootsmotorsports.com, club members will have access to the track for at least 250 days a year. Add to that the days devoted to the professional racing events and the circuit-operated activities, and the days available for anything else dwindle. COTA plans to make those days available to the operations that generate the most revenue for the circuit, Johnson says, and that likely means track day organizations and similar entities will be priced out.
At COTA, there are several International-level series that hold races at the circuit, including Formula One, MotoGP and the World Endurance Championship for sports cars. Just the preparation for those events–let alone the actual days running the event–can take up a significant portion of the days allocated for non-membership activities. In addition, private car clubs, track-operated activities and races like the NASCAR and MotoAmerica rounds take place as well, and those events can generate significant revenue for the track, so they are likely to stay on the schedule.
RideSmart will continue with its schools elsewhere, and CMRA will continue with its race schedule as before. And Johnson is hopeful. He says the circuit owners have talked about plans to develop a smaller circuit in or near Austin with fewer amenities that would be accessible to private, amateur-oriented organizations, and Johnson would like to see the Texas Superbike Challenge be the first, not the one and only, held at COTA.
“Our hope is that it goes off really, really well, and I can go back to COTA and say, ‘I want to do this every year,'” Johnson says. “And racing with CMRA at COTA is a big platform jump. To be able to get on that stage is super cool for all club racers.”
Friday brought the show to a close with no slowdowns in sight — just wall-to-wall connections, final walkthroughs, and nonstop action across the floor. Education sessions pushed deeper into leadership and collaboration, while brands made the most of their last moments to connect. And as the sun set, the AlMExpo crowd headed to Angel Stadium for an exclusive experience that delivered the kind of finale only powersports can. Scroll down for a look at Day 3.
Education Highlights:
During the Ride With Us: Building our Industry, Building our Community-Together panel, Andre Albert (second from left), the Motorcycle Industry Council’s Director of Market Expansion and Events, emphasized the importance of prioritizing long-term rider growth over short-term transactions. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
“Make a motorcyclist, not a sale,” Albert said. “It’s about cultivating a motorcyclist, which on the day may not be a sale. We’ve got to think long term and build a motorcyclist.”
During the Garage Composites Roundtable on the Dealer Evolution Stage, panelists cited examples from outside powersports to illustrate how experience-led storytelling can drive results. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
“Their sales go through the roof because they’re selling dreams, memories, and experiences. They’re not selling widgets. We’ve got to get away from selling widgets.” –Sam Dantzler, President, Garage Composites
Today on the show floor:
Over at the Four Wheel Showcase, Vanderhall displayed its 2026 Brawley GTS. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Piaggio featured Cait Maher, left, who has crisscrossed the country with her Moto Guzzi V7 Rough, logging more than 100,000 miles. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Norton is launching its return to the U.S. market with four new models, three of which were showcased at AlMExpo. U.S. sales for the Manx R, Manx, Atlas, and Atlas GT are expected to begin later this year. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
More photos from the show:
Cody Clinton of Wizard of Wheels dealership in Crete, Illinois, attended today’s Garage Composites Roundtable. “They are really in tune with the industry. They hit on a lot of points that are really crucial for what we’re trying to do.” Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Jennifer Barthels and Sarah Bonanni of Sentry Insurance and Dairyland Cycle Insurance said the show delivered on its core purpose: making meaningful connections. Bonanni noted that they have attended the show every year and said they will be at the Orlando show. Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Roberto Santiago, an Ohlins sales manager based in Phoenix, Arizona, said his show week was for meetings. “And the races. I’m excited to see the show grow. I enjoy it all.” Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Wandele Sosa, Owner of Sosa P. Import in Doral, Florida, said he’s been making connections at this year’s show. “That’s the reason I am here.” Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Francisco Dominguez of 4Riders, a motorcycle shop in Doral, Panama, said he was using the show to evaluate new opportunities. “I’m watching the different brands and enjoying the show. And getting to know other brands to distribute.” Photo courtesy AIMExpo.
Friday night at Angel Stadium:
Friday closed with one of the most anticipated moments of the week: the A1 VIP Track Walk, presented in partnership with Feld and Angel Stadium. Attendees were invited behind the scenes for rare access to one of the most iconic venues in motorsports, experiencing the track up close ahead of the opening round of the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
season.
The Angel Stadium, Anaheim. Photo courtesy AIMEXpo.
Set against the backdrop of Angel Stadium, the VIP Track Walk captured what AlMExpo does best — creating moments that bring the industry together in meaningful, unforgettable ways.
SPECTRO Performance Oils will be an official partner of MotoAmerica for a third successive year in 2026. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
The Performance Motorcycle Oils Manufacturer In Year Three Of Sponsorship.
IRVINE, CA – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that performance motorcycle and powersports oils manufacturer SPECTRO Performance Oils will enter the third year of its three-year deal as an official partner of the 2025 MotoAmerica Championship.
SPECTRO has been engineering and manufacturing top-quality, performance motorcycle and powersports oils since 1966. SPECTRO offers a complete line of oils, lubes, and fluids for motorsports and powersports vehicles.
With the continued sponsorship of the MotoAmerica Championship, Brookfield, Connecticut-based SPECTRO is further strengthening its commitment to the motorcycle racing scene as well as the V-twin market. SPECTRO’s Heavy Duty product line includes unique lubricants, fluids, cleaners, and shop products specifically formulated for Harley-Davidson, and American V-twin motorcycles.
“Being an official sponsor of all MotoAmerica race series has been a great asset to our brand’s recognition, especially in the racing scene,”said Luke Calzone, SPECTRO’s Marketing Manager.“SPECTRO has a deep racing heritage, and we are happy to continue that tradition. We are looking forward to another great race season again in 2026, where SPECTRO celebrates 60 years in business.”
“The 2024 racing season was the first year that we had SPECTRO in our lineup of series sponsors, and it was awesome having them in our paddock,”said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship. “SPECTRO’s products are second to none and working with them has been both productive and fun.”
About MotoAmerica:
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com, and MotoAmerica’s social platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on-demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
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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
Ruben Faria – General Manager: 
Ricky Brabec (9) – Stage: 3rd and Overall: 3rd : 
