Supercross : Results From Anaheim 1, California

Mathilde Gasnier

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January 11, 2026

Supercross : Results From Anaheim 1, California

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

450 SMX Class Point Standings

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

Western Divisional 250 SMX Point Standings

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:

RideSmart: 2026 Is Last Year Before COTA Goes Private

Michael Gougis

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January 10, 2026

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RideSmart: 2026 Is Last Year Before COTA Goes Private

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.”

AIMExpo: The Finish Line

Mathilde Gasnier

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January 10, 2026

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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 Oils Set For Third Year Of MotoAmerica Sponsorship

Mathilde Gasnier

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January 10, 2026

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SPECTRO Oils Set For Third Year Of MotoAmerica Sponsorship

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+

MotoGP: Márquez Back On Ducati For First Time Since Injury

Mathilde Gasnier

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January 10, 2026

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MotoGP: Márquez Back On Ducati For First Time Since Injury

Marc Márquez continues his preparations for the upcoming 2026 MotoGP season and, as scheduled, resumes track activities following the injury of the last October. The World Champion lapped at the Aspar Circuit (Valencia) with the Ducati Panigale V2 and V4.

This is Marc’s first real non-off-road training session since the parade at Campioni In Festa, where he was among the protagonists riding his Desmosedici GP in front of Ducati employees. In Valencia together with the Ducati Lenovo Team Manager Davide Tardozzi, Marc ends two intense days of work with more than positive feelings. Considering also the upcoming events — Campioni in Pista, the official team presentation on January 19th and the first MotoGP tests at the Sepang International Circuit from February 3rd to 5th — the Spanish rider’s track activities will continue for returning at the top.

Marc Márquez rides a Ducati Panigale (for the first time since his most recent injury), at the Aspar Circuit, in Valencia. Photo courtesy Ducati.

In these days, Marc used two exceptional Panigale bikes: the V2 MM93, presented last November, with his personal customization, and the new V4 Márquez 2025 World Champion Replica, the collector’s bike celebrating his 2025 title.

Flat Track: Winter Throwdown Draws 800 Pre-Entries

Mathilde Gasnier

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January 10, 2026

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Flat Track: Winter Throwdown Draws 800 Pre-Entries

The Mission Foods Winter Throwdown flat track event promoted by Cory Texter is coming back to Callahan Speedway in Callahan, Florida on January 15-17, 2026 with 800 pre-entries.

We have some new things planned, new sponsors, more pit parking, new track equipment including a brand new grader and a lot more. This will be an AMA Major Event. Come join us for the biggest amateur event weekend of the season!

More details to follow.

In the meantime, check out the entry list on the official website:
https://corytexterpromotions.com/winter-throwdown-2026-riders/

Road racer Eli Block racing at a Winter Throwdown event. Photo courtesy Cory Texter Promotions.

More, from a press release issued by Phillip Gouker:

Nathan Gouker Competing in Winter Throwdown Flat Track

Lexington, NC — Rising American motorcycle racer Nathan Gouker will take on a new challenge this winter as he competes in the Mission Foods Winter Throwdown Flat Track event at Callahan Speedway in Callahan, Florida on January 15-17, one of the most respected and competitive flat track events in the country.

Nathan will contest the event aboard a 2015 Honda CRF250R, generously provided by Shane Fox of After Hours Garage. The opportunity marks an exciting step outside of Nathan’s primary road racing discipline and offers valuable seat time in a high-intensity flat track environment.

While flat track is not Nathan’s primary background, the Winter Throwdown represents a unique chance to expand his skill set, race craft, and adaptability as a developing athlete. Competing in flat track has long been recognized as an important tool for rider development, and this opportunity allows Nathan to gain experience against strong competition in a demanding format.

“Flat track isn’t my main background, but I’m excited for the challenge,” said Gouker. “Getting to race Winter Throwdown on a bike from After Hours Garage is an awesome opportunity, and I’m thankful to everyone who believed in me enough to make it happen. I’m ready to learn and give it everything I’ve got.”

The opportunity was made possible through the support of Dale Quarterley, who helped bring the right people together and played a key role in making this project happen. In preparation for the event, Nathan has also been working closely with Aaron Stevenson, who has been coaching and guiding him as he transitions into flat track racing.

“We are incredibly thankful for this opportunity,” said Nathan’s family. “For a rider who doesn’t have extensive flat track experience, being trusted with a bike like this and invited to compete at Winter Throwdown means a lot. We’re especially grateful to Shane Fox and After Hours Garage for their generosity, to Dale Quarterley for helping make this possible, and to Aaron Stevenson for his coaching and support leading into the event.”

Nathan Gouker during a flat track practice session. Photo courtesy Phillip Gouker

Nathan and his team view the Winter Throwdown not only as a race, but as an important learning experience that contributes to his long-term development as a professional racer. The event adds another chapter to an already strong season and reflects the support of individuals who believe in investing in young talent.

Nathan looks forward to representing everyone involved with professionalism, gratitude, and determination both on and off the track.

Indian Motorcycle Celebrates 125 Years

Mathilde Gasnier

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January 9, 2026

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125 Years Strong, America’s First Motorcycle Company Continues to Push American V-Twin Motorcycles Forward with Timeless Designs, Leading Innovation & Proven Performance.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Since its first motorcycle rolled off the line in 1901 in Springfield, Mass., Indian Motorcycle has embodied American craftsmanship, proven performance, unwavering reliability, and trailblazing innovation. More than a century later, those same qualities fuel America’s First Motorcycle Company to keep pushing American V-Twins forward with purpose and precision.

In celebration of its 125th anniversary, Indian Motorcycle today announced Never Finished, a year-long campaign that pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of founders George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom, while declaring that Indian Motorcycle will never stop challenging limits. Never Finished is a reflection of the Indian Motorcycle brand, which has been driven by progress and innovation since 1901.

“The pursuit of innovation that drove our founders continues to drive us today,” Nate Secor, Director of Marketing for Indian Motorcycle. “Whether through design, engineering, or marketing, we push ourselves every day to honor that legacy. The Never Finished campaign isn’t just a celebration of our 125-year history, it’s a commitment to our riders that we are always innovating, always competing, and will always be pushing forward.”

Following successful careers as bicycle racers in the late 19th century, Hendee and Hedstrom joined forces to engineer gasoline-powered bicycles to pace competitive races. At the time, early motorized pacers were notoriously unreliable, often sputtering to a stop and drawing laughs from spectators as racers pedaled past. Hendee and Hedstrom, however, built machines that performed flawlessly, earning respect and attention. Recognizing the potential, they set out to produce motor-assisted bicycles for mass production.

In 1901, Hendee and Hedstrom introduced America’s first motorcycle, marking the birth of Indian Motorcycle. By 1913, the company had become the market leader, producing 30,000 units annually in what was then the world’s largest motorcycle factory. Indian Motorcycle’s rise was fueled by its reputation for reliability, innovation, and technology.

As America’s First Motorcycle Company, Indian Motorcycle continues to push boundaries and move forward. Across its entire lineup, each motorcycle is built with purpose and precision, crafted with no shortcuts to take on every mile ahead. The brand empowers riders to forge their own path with machines that stand apart for those who refuse to blend in. Reaching 125 years is a historic milestone and a true testament to the riders who refused to let the spirit of Indian Motorcycle fade through a 60-year hiatus and to those who helped fuel the brand’s return more than a decade ago. With 125 years of road behind it, Indian Motorcycle’s legacy serves as a launchpad, shaped by its rich history and driven forward by competitive spirit, grit, and determination.

Throughout 2026, Indian Motorcycle will celebrate its 125th anniversary through a variety of products, programs, and rider promotions. More information will be shared throughout the year. To stay informed, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE:

Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

Dakar Rally: American Brabec Wins Stage 4

Mathilde Gasnier

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January 9, 2026

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Dakar Rally: American Brabec Wins Stage 4

Stage six success for Monster Energy Honda HRC as Brabec wins in Riyadh.

Monster Energy Honda HRC’s Ricky Brabec claimed his first stage victory of this year’s Dakar Rally, leading a one-two finish alongside teammate Tosha Schareina.

Stage six took the riders into the vast dunes of the Qassim region on the longest day of the rally so far, with an early start from Hail towards Riyadh. The challenge began with a 322 km liaison section before the competitors reached the sand, where 326 km of demanding special stage awaited across spectacular dunes. A further 267 km liaison then followed to bring the riders into the Saudi capital.

With the first week of racing drawing to a close, Brabec needed to apply pressure in the overall standings. Despite enduring more than 12 hours in the saddle and a physically demanding stage, the American secured his 12th Dakar stage win upon arrival in Riyadh – the same city where he claimed victory on stage six in 2020. The result moves him to within just 45 seconds of overall leader Daniel Sanders.

After receiving a 10-minute penalty the previous day, Schareina was determined to recover as much time as possible before the rest day. Finishing 1’14” behind Brabec, the Spaniard retains fourth place overall and remains firmly in contention as he targets a push towards the podium in the second week.

Following a challenging marathon stage yesterday, where Skyler Howes focused on tyre management and was not feeling at his best physically, the American welcomed a more manageable day aboard his Honda CRF450 RALLY. Despite a minor fall, he finished fourth, four minutes off the lead, and continues to regain ground in sixth overall.

Adrien Van Beveren has endured a difficult start to his Dakar campaign, but stage six’s dune-heavy terrain suited the three-time Le Touquet beach race winner. Although an early navigation error cost him time, a top-five result marked a positive step forward as he found his rhythm in the sand ahead of the final week.

After an exhausting 900 km day on the bike, the riders will enjoy a well-earned rest day in Riyadh tomorrow before turning their attention to the second week of the rally. On Sunday, the Dakar resumes with another demanding stage towards Wadi Ad Dawasir, where 876 km lie in wait.

Ruben Faria – General Manager:

“The final stage before the rest day was a stage full of dunes. After the penalty yesterday, Tosha, naturally was affected by it, but like with everything, we need to think about the coming days. Today he didn’t feel comfortable on the bike and in my opinion he can do better, although he did recover some time. I believe he can catch up to Daniel Sanders and Ricky next week. A penalty for Sanders today changed the final stage result and because of this Ricky won the stage. The battle for the lead overall is really close, less than one minute separates them. The race is completely open at this halfway point and we believe we can win this race as we are in a strong position. Skyler rode a strong stage finishing in fourth, that is a good result for him and the team. I also believe he can push more and fight with the front runners. Adrien had a better day after his previous stages, today he had a strong stage too and we came away with four riders in the top five. I think that’s a good result. Now, we need to focus on the second week as we have a long way still to go and we need strong results to fight for the win.”

Ricky Brabec (9) – Stage: 1ST Overall: 2ND:

“It’s cool to win the stage. The day after rest day is a big day so hopefully we get a good opening bonus. It was a long day in the saddle, we left the bivouac at 4am so I’m a little bit tired, my eyes are heavy, however, the body is good. I’m definitely looking forrward to sleeping tonight. The team is looking good, we’re all riding really well, the mechanics are doing a good job. We’ll enjoy our rest day and make a solid push for the second week.”

MotoAmerica: Who Is Racing Where In 2026 – Superbike, Part One

Michael Gougis

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January 9, 2026

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MotoAmerica: Who Is Racing Where In 2026 – Superbike, Part One

First Person/Opinion

by Michael Gougis

More Superbikes, more race winners, more race-winning teams – MotoAmerica’s Superbike grid is set for one of its biggest shuffles in recent years as the 2026 season gets closer. While a few seats remain unfilled, some of the highest profile moves already are set. In this installment, we’ll focus on the top level of the MotoAmerica Superbike grid, which will see dramatic changes among the front runners and Championship contenders in recent seasons. You have to go back to 2021 – five years ago, already! – to find the last season where the reigning Superbike Champion did not return to defend his title with the same team and brand he won the Championship with.

That Superbike Champion is none other than Cameron Beaubier, who earned five Superbike titles in six seasons from 2015 to 2020 before departing for the Moto2 World Championship. Beaubier won his sixth MotoAmerica Superbike Championship in 2025 aboard the Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR, and then made the highest-profile shift in the off-season. Shortly after the 2025 season ended, Beaubier announced that he would join the Warhorse HSBK team and ride a new 2026-spec Ducati Panigale V4 R in the MotoAmerica Superbike class. Warhorse is stepping up to a two-rider Superbike program for 2026, but Josh Herrin, the 2024 Superbike Champion on a Warhorse Ducati, will no longer be in the Warhorse camp. The second Warhorse seat will go to Benjamin Smith, a seasoned MotoAmerica rider who raced a Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike for Flo4Law Racing in 2025. Flo4Law also will join Warhorse HSBK as a sponsor. Tytlers is not expected to compete in MotoAmerica in 2026.

Benjamin Smith (78) in 2025. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Ducati is slated to have four machines on the Superbike grid, all of them full Superbike-spec machines built in the Ducati Corse racing shop in Italy. Rahal Ducati Moto, which fielded PJ Jacobsen on Panigale V2 racebikes in Supersport, will move Jacobsen into Superbike, and the team has intimated that the move is a precursor to running a multi-rider Superbike team in the class in the future. The new 2026 Panigale features, among other things, a shift to a double-sided swingarm, and in World Superbike testing, 2025 Championship runner-up Nicolo Bulega already was under the race lap record at Jerez on the new and still-developing racebike.

PJ Jacobsen (15) in 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.

One good thing about a stable rules package is that last season’s well-sorted and fast racebikes tend to remain competitive, especially at the start to the season. And last year’s Ducati Panigale V4 R racebikes ridden by Herrin to multiple victories will be back on the grid. Wrench Racing, which ran the satellite Yamaha YZF-R1s Bobby Fong took to two Superbike wins and eight podiums in 2024, will run the ex-Warhorse machines in 2026. Wrench’s rider will be Cameron Petersen, who is a MotoAmerica race winner across multiple classes and the 2020 Stock 1000 Champion. Petersen’s crew chief will be his dad, Robbie Petersen, who has had a stellar career as a racer internationally and in the U.S.A., and as a successful crew chief in MotoAmerica.

Cameron Peterson (45) in 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.

The BMW landscape has shifted to OrangeCat Racing, which won the 2025 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 title with Andrew Lee on Alpha Racing-built BMW M 1000 RR racebikes. OrangeCat dipped a toe into the Superbike waters at the final 2025 round at New Jersey with Lee and Jayson Uribe, running upgraded Stock 1000 machines in the Superbike class with positive results – Uribe took fifth in the final Superbike race of the season, 4.325 seconds off the race win. OrangeCat’s 2026 plan is to field Uribe and Sean Dylan Kelly, who is moving over from the Team Hammer/Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team. Kelly was a race winner in his last appearance in MotoAmerica on a BMW and was a consistent threat for the podium last year. Three-time Stock 1000 Champion Lee is no longer with the team.

Sean Dylan Kelly (40) in 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Noteworthy about the two makes mentioned above: This means that there will be at least six Superbikes on the grid that were built overseas in either factory racing shops (Ducati Corse) or by the official factory racing partner (Alpha Racing). Both of those operations have had significant success across the globe in International and National level Superbike racing. It’s a big commitment for a team to run such a bike, especially the Ducati – if you want to race one, you have to commit to sending mechanics to Italy to spend weeks learning the machine prior to the start of the season. For a fee, Alpha will send technicians to support a BMW effort, and they have access to a pool of information gathered by teams racing the identical machine around the world.

Jayson Uribe (36) in 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Attack Racing will field Bobby Fong on its Progressive Insurance-backed Yamaha YZF-R1 for another crack at the Superbike title that slipped through Fong’s fingers in 2025. Attack Racing, which has fielded two riders for the past several seasons, has not yet announced its second rider. Three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne, who has ridden for Attack’s Superbike program since 2020, struggled with injuries in 2024 and 2025 and his future plans were unknown at this time. Attack’s track record in MotoAmerica Superbike competition demonstrates that its machines are front-runners (and sometimes runaway winners) year after year and there’s little reason to expect them to not continue running at the front.

Bobby Fong (50) in 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Strack Racing, which won the 2025 Supersport title with Mathew Scholtz on a Yamaha YZF-R9, announced plans to move up to the Superbike class in 2025 but has made no further official announcements. The only thing that is official is that Motoamerica.com reported that Scholtz tested an YZF-R1 Superbike at The Podium Club in Arizona along with Fong, and on MotoAmerica’s Facebook page there are photos of Scholtz in his Strack leathers with the Attack squad at the Podium Club in November. Scholtz is a multi-time MotoAmerica Champion, as is Strack, and Scholtz notched race wins in Superbike before moving to Supersport with Strack, where he won titles on Yamaha’s YZF-R6 and YZF-R9.

Mathew Scholtz (1) in 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Team Hammer will once again field Richie Escalante and a second rider, as yet unannounced. The Suzuki GSX-R1000R was competitive in 2025, and both Kelly and Escalante had podium finishes, including a 2-3 finish in a race at VIR. A wild card here is the new 2026 GSX-R1000R, which brings to the table internal engine modifications that Suzuki says increase both power and durability in stock trim. That may bode well for the power of the machine in race trim. And Suzuki has finally incorporated fairing-mounted winglets on the production GSX-R1000R, meaning they will be allowed on the racebikes as well.

Richie Escalante (54) in 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Honda’s plans are as yet unannounced. But last year the company stepped up its involvement in Superbike and the Stock 1000 class, with JD Beach and Hayden Gillim both standing on the Superbike podium. HRC representatives from Japan visited the MotoAmerica round at The Ridge last year, and Honda’s results went on an upward spike for the rest of the season. If Honda keeps increasing its commitment to the series, it’s reasonable to expect a more competitive effort in 2026.

Hayden Gillim (69) in 2025. Photo by Michael Gougis.

So, looking at the announcements to date, the MotoAmerica Superbike grid will have at least eight MotoAmerica National Champions from various classes and at least six riders who have won in the Superbike class in recent seasons, all of whom are on bikes and/or teams that were on the podium last season. And all of the rider announcements have not been completed, so when the green flag drops at Road Atlanta in April, there could be even more former Superbike race winners and National Champions fighting for the win. Stay tuned.

AIMExpo: The Momentum Continues

Mathilde Gasnier

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January 9, 2026

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Day 2 at AlMExpo brought the full scope of the industry into focus. Education sessions filled early and show floor conversations stretched from booth to booth. Thursday reflected the scale of the event and the collective energy that comes from having the entire industry in one place. Here’s a closer look at what unfolded across the show floor.

Today on the show floor:

Motocross racer Malcolm Stewart met fans during a signing session at the ProTaper/Turn 14 Distribution booth. Photo courtesy AIMExpo

Yamaha continues to draw attention with its Ténéré 700. In celebration of its 70th anniversary, it brought out a livery of bikes in its iconic white and red colors. Photo courtesy AIMExpo

Can-Am showcased its 2026 Outlander Electric ATV among its new product lineup. Photo courtesy AIMExpo

Colin Miller of Honda displays three Cycle World Ten Best Bikes 2025 awards, honoring the CRF450RWE (Best Motocrosser), Gold Wing Tour DCT (Best Touring Bike), and CB750 Hornet (Best Middleweight Streetbike). Photo courtesy AIMExpo

Suzuki, which has proudly attended every AlMExpo since the show’s launch, returned in 2026 with a selection of its lineup on display, including the GSX-R1000 40th Anniversary Edition. Photo courtesy AIMExpo

At the Kawasaki booth, the Teryx4 H2 attracted a curious crowd. Photo courtesy AIMExpo

Education highlights:

During a Dealer Excellence session on electric motorcycles, David Baker, MIC board member and BRP’s Vice President and General Manager, Powersports North America, emphasized MIC’s advocacy efforts as the electric motorcycle segment
continues to grow.

“When we look at the purpose of the MIC, it’s creating that advocacy, making sure we protect the riders of tomorrow,” Baker said.

Jennifer Haskins and Jean-Marc Couffin of Results Guru in St. Thomas, Canada, attended “Fixed Ops – Advice for Beyond the Showroom” on the Dealer Excellence Stage, hosted by MPN. Photo courtesy AIMExpo

“We utilize (VisionAST’s) dashboards to help give dealers the metrics they need in order to then use our training and understand how they can run their dealerships better. We are totally here to listen and absorb information, and their insights are spot-on.”

The MIC Member Lunch & Learn offered a more personal look at the industry through conversations with members of MIC’s Board of Directors. Attendees heard firsthand perspectives on leadership, career journeys, and the experiences that continue
to shape the powersports community.

Brandy Bilbrey, Legacy Dealership Services New Braunfels, Texas. Photo courtesy AIMExpo

“I came to AlMExpo for all the new and innovative ways to help dealers grow their business. Each speaker y’all have put on the panels this year is so valuable to the dealer partners because of their knowledge of the industry.”

Irina Demina, left, Thomas Cribbs, and their daughter Abigail Cribbs, 6, of Cribbs Customs, a dealer in Savannah, Georgia, attended the presentation. Photo courtesy AIMExpo

“Do You Have a Mindset for Change,” on adjusting business practices to engage younger generations. “Don’t use the old fashioned communications,” Demina said. “Go to social media, that’s number one. It’s what we are doing.”

Coming Up tomorrow:

Friday is the final push — and it doesn’t let up. The day dives into leadership, collaboration, and the future of powersports with high- impact sessions and final moments to connect on the show floor. Then, it all heads trackside: The A1 VIP Track Walk at Angel Stadium closes out the week with exclusive access, special guests, and one last chance to celebrate together.

See everything planned for Friday in the full show schedule, available
online or in the show app.

FULL SHOW SCHEDULE

GET THE SHOW APP

Come see Daniel Dégallier and Chanler Hartwick in the MIC Business Center to learn more about MIC member benefits. Photo courtesy AIMExpo

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MIC MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Supercross : Results From Anaheim 1, California

January 11, 2026

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