Superbike Unlimited has documented its first season as a premier MotoAmerica Superbike team with rider Benjamin Smiths, in a series of videos. The behind-the-scenes footage shows the team’s struggles, its successes, and ultimately what professional racing in MotoAmerica is all about. During the long, dark days of the off season, these videos are a reminder of what motorcycle road racing fans love most about the sport. See the videos below.
The Portland Motorcycle Film Festival (PMFF) announces films selected for their January 30-31, 2026 event at the Hollywood Theatre in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Selected feature films include: Malle Moto – the Forgotten Dakar Story, The Drixton, Southbound EPII, and Dirt Track Dickie.
Selected mid-length films, between 20-40 minutes, include Slowly Going Faster, Lemans – Racing Beyond Limits, Not the NC500, and with special permission from the Isle of Man TT, Between The Hedges – Joey Dunlop.
Tickets are on sale now. Detailed film descriptions, links to movie trailers and ticket purchase, and a full log of films shown at the event since 2014 are available at www.PDXMotorcyclefilms.com.
The Hollywood Theatre, home of the Portland Motorcycle Film Festival, was built in 1926, and today operates as a non-profit showing a mix of first run and historic films. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, has a 50’ screen, modern digital projection including 70mm, and is recently expanded. More information about The Hollywood can be found at https://hollywoodtheatre.org.
The Portland Motorcycle Film Festival is a non-profit organization that has worked with the non-profit Roadracing World Action Fund and has raised over $100,000 for deployment of Airfence soft barriers and also for related safety gear used at Portland International Raceway by the Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association (OMRRA). OMRRA has hosted motorcycle road race events in the Pacific Northwest since 1972.
Every show in the history of the Portland Motorcycle Film Festival has sold out. Purchase tickets early!
It’s not just about the machines. Spending time perusing the list of motorcycles up for bidding at the upcoming 35th annual Antique & Vintage Motorcycle Auction by Mecum Auctions (scheduled for January 27-31 at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas) is an opportunity to reflect on the artistry and engineering of old race bikes. It’s not just a trip down memory lane for old times’ sake, but an opportunity to reflect on how those builders, engineers and innovators thought, how they solved issues, how with their limited knowledge and technology they sought to make their race bikes quicker, lighter and better handling. And it’s an opportunity to reflect on the skills of those riders, who did breathtaking things on machines with the limitations of the day. I mean, seriously, the tires alone from the 1950s would scare you senseless on a racetrack today!
So, a few more of the amazing race bikes that are going to be up for sale:
An original NCR factory race bike now owned by Bob Robbins has a Daspa frame and is powered by a 905cc air-cooled square-case V-Twin engine featuring bevel-driven camshafts and desmodromic valve actuation. The machine is equipped with race-modified Dell’Orto PHM 40 carburetors, a white-dial Veglia tachometer with an 8,500 rpm redline, magnesium Campagnolo wheels fitted with original Michelin S41 front and rear TV4 race tires, a hand-laid fiberglass fairing, and Marzocchi 320mm shocks. It has only ever been ridden for parade laps in 2011 in New Zealand by Paul Smart and is a sister machine to the 1978 Ducati that Mike Hailwood rode to a win at the Isle of Man. And, once again, fair warning of an impending time sink: The Falloon Report written specifically for current bike owner (and serious supporter of U.S. road racing) Robbins that accompanies the racebike is mesmerizing and you will find yourself reading the entire report, from beginning to end.
A 1967 factory replica built by British builder George Beale represents the third of 10 replicas, finished in period-correct 1967 factory Honda livery. Built with the cooperation and assistance of Honda and using the original Honda blueprints for the chassis and engine, and with reference to existing originals, the motorcycle features a 297cc inline six-cylinder four-stroke engine with Keihin carburetors, a seven-speed gearbox, and a 6-into-6 exhaust system housed in a twin-loop steel frame. This single-owner machine is equipped with full-fairing bodywork, an alloy gas tank, a road race solo seat, telescopic front forks, dual rear shocks, dual-leading-shoe drum front brakes, spoked wheels with vintage road racing tires, chain final drive, and carries Frame No. RC174GB03 and Engine No. RC174GB03. Owned by the late Bob MacLean (founder of World Championship Motorsports), it is believed to be the only one of the 10 that is located in the United States.
Another of MacLean’s bikes is this single-owner 1957 Mondial 250 Bialbero Grand Prix racer restored by Alan Cathcart. It features a 249cc air-cooled single-cylinder DOHC four-stroke engine, a five-speed transmission, and a tubular steel frame with chain final drive, carrying matching Engine and Frame No. 0504. Finished in factory Silver and White Mondial race livery, it is equipped with a steel gas tank, road race solo seat, low-mount single exhaust, telescopic external-spring front forks, dual rear shocks, front and rear drum brakes, and spoked wheels with vintage road racing tires. Known as the “Bialbero” for its gear-driven dual overhead camshafts with bevel-gear timing, the model helped Mondial secure four of six 250cc Grand Prix wins in 1957 and is regarded as one of the last great four-stroke Grand Prix machines of the post-World War II era.
The interview below is with Bob MacLean’s son Ian, who provides some insight into the bikes up for auction.
KYT Americas is accepting sponsorship applications for the 2026 season!
Racers from the United States and Canada are invited to apply for helmet sponsorship opportunities.
If you’re ready to represent KYT on and off the track, head to kytamericas.com/pages/2026-sponsorship-application to submit your application.
KYT Americas looks forward to supporting dedicated riders chasing championships in 2026—whether you’re racing at the club, regional, or national level.
MotoGP racebikes appear to be included in what the FBI says were 62 motorcycles worth $40 million confiscated in Mexico and “related to a former Olympic athlete who is among the 10 most wanted fugitives by U.S. authorities.” If the bikes seen in a photo released by the agency actually are MotoGP racebikes, the $40 million estimate could be low.
Motorcycles in two photos released by the FBI look like Ducati racebikes ridden by Valentino Rossi, Andrea Dovisioso, Andrea Iannone, Jorge Lorenzo and other MotoGP stars. What appears to be a Moto2 bike raced by Mark Marquez is also seen in one of the photos.
No information was released by the FBI as to where and how fugitive Ryan Wedding obtained the bikes and then transported them to Mexico.
Read more here:
https://ktla.com/news/40-million-in-motorcycles-seized-from-olympian-turned-drug-lord/
Sportbike Track Time has unveiled its 2026 schedule, outlining a packed season of track days running from February through early December.
The following track days, riding schools, and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States during January 2026.
This list includes 29 opportunities to ride at races, schools, and track days during the month of January in North America.
To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Event Calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website or by emailing to [email protected] or to [email protected].
Before heading to an event, contact the organization or track and confirm that it’s going to be held as publicized.
1/2 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day – Flat Track
1/2-4 SFLminiGP Championship Series, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL (3 Day Riders Camp)
1/3 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA
1/3-4 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp
1/3-4-5 Precision Track Days, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL
1/3-5 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL (Track Days)
1/9 CVMA, Support Moto Racing Ride Day, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CCW, Desert Center, CA
1/9 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day -Ooff Road
1/10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Learn To Ride Off-Road Course
1/10 Race Pace Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CCW, Desert Center, CA
1/10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Off-Road Challenge Course
1/10 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA
1/10 Jason Pridmore’s JP43 1-on-1, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA
1/11 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, The Podium Club at Attesa CCW, Casa Grande AZ
1/11 Race Pace Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CCW, Desert Center, CA
1/12 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, semi Private Supermoto School
1/14 Racers Edge Track Days And Private Coaching Days, Private day « Ride Only », Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA
1/15 Racers Edge Track Days And Private Coaching Days, Private day « Ride Only », Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA
1/15 Racers Edge Track Days And Private Coaching Days, Private day with training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA
1/16-17 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL
1/17 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA
1/18 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), PSR Day
1/17-18 N2 Track Days, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL
1/19 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, semi Private Supermoto School
1/25 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA
1/25 XCEL Trackdays, Firebird Motorsports Park, West Track
1/25 Superbike-Coach, Cornering School, Day 1, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA
1/27 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, semi Private Supermoto School
1/29-30 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Double Check Arena, Eaton, CO – 30th Anniversary Non-Racer Ca
1/31 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), PSR Day
His trophy cabinet is bulging and ready to burst, but still Bay of Plenty’s Mitch Rees reckons there’s room for a few more.
The Honda-mounted motorcycle road-racer from Whakatane loves to win races and he did just that on Boxing Day when he collected three more vital pieces of silverware.
The just-turned 33-year-old multi-time New Zealand superbike champion was up to his same old tricks around the public streets of Whanganui, the central North Island city again staging its iconic Cemetery Circuit race meeting, the third and final round of the popular annual Suzuki International Series.
The 2025 edition of the series kicked off at the Taupo International Motorsport Park on the first weekend in December and round two was staged at Manfeild, in Feilding, just a week later.
The grand finale on the fabled Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day, a massive annual festival of speed that is always a popular last fling before New Year celebrations begin, certainly delighted the large crowd that showed up on Friday, with Rees and his Honda CRB1000RR-R again leading the way.
Rees cracked the ‘triple’ once again this season, winning the premier Formula one/Superbike class overall for the series, then the New Zealand F1 TT title for winning race two at Whanganui, and then also snatching the coveted Robert Holden Memorial feature race trophy on Boxing Day.
He qualified his 1000cc superbike fastest and then won both F1 races at Whanganui before putting underlining that performance by also winning the Robert Holden Memorial (RHM) feature race.
It was Rees’ fifth F1 title win in a row for this series.
Rees previously won the F1 class overall in the Suzuki International Series in 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (the series was not run in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
And because Rees then added the RHM feature race victory to the ones he had previously celebrated in 2022, 2023 and 2024, it became four times in a row that he has won this prestigious trophy.
It could have been another Rees family battle at the front this year too, with 58-year-old “elder statesman” Tony Rees chasing hard early on in the 2025 series, until his unfortunate crash at Manfeild two weeks ago sent him to the sidelines and, with a broken ankle, Tony Rees did not race in Whanganui on Friday.
Instead, it was rising star Rhys Lindsay, from Porirua, and Taupiri youngster Jesse Stroud who completed the RHM race podium.
The Robert Holden Memorial trophy probably holds a special place in the Rees family home, with Mitch Rees’ late younger brother Damon Rees having also won it in 2020 and it has also been won by their father, Tony Rees, on seven occasions (between 1990 and 2016).
“My goal this year was to make history, to do something that’s never been done before, and I achieved that,” said Mitch Rees.
“To get my name on the Robert Holden Memorial trophy four years in a row was absolutely mega.
“It has been something of a development year for me as we try out different things with the bike and I’ll be ready to face up to some big-name international riders expected to come over for this series next season.”
Class winners in the 2025 Suzuki International Series, which wrapped up in Whanganui on Boxing Day, are: Whakatane’s Mitch Rees (formula one); Auckland’s Cameron Leslie (formula two/supersport 600); Silverdale’s Tyler King (formula three); Silverdale’s Tyler King (supersport 300); Paraparaumu’s Richard Markham-Barrett (formula sport, senior, over-600cc); Whanganui’s Jeff Croot (formula sport, junior, up to 600cc); Auckland’s Paul Pavletich (Pre 89 post classics, senior, over-600cc); Auckland’s Scott Findlay and Hawera’s Martin Gray (Pre 89, post classics junior, under-600cc) first equal; Upper Hutt’s Keiran Mair (Pre 95, post classics senior, over-600cc); Te Awanga’s Eddie Kattenberg (Pre 95, post classics junior, under-600cc); Tokomaru’s Barry Smith/Whanganui’s Louise Blythe (F1 sidecars); Whanganui’s Tracey Bryan & Jo Franzen (F2 sidecars); Whanganui’s Richie Dibben (supermoto); Masterton’s Jadin Galway (pre 72 classic solos, Cemetery Circuit only); Carterton’s Mark Smith & Graham Wilkinson (pre 82 classic sidecars, Cemetery Circuit only).
Robert Holden Memorial feature race top five:
1. Mitch Rees,
2. Rhys Lindsay,
3. Jesse Stroud,
4. Levin’s Tahana Parker,
5. Upper Hutt’s Sasha Drain.
DATES FOR 2025 SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES
• Round 1, Taupo, Dec 6-7;
• Round 2, Manfeild, Feilding, Dec 13-14;
• Round 3, Whanganui’s Cemetery Circuit, Dec 26.
N2 Track Days Announces the N2RA 6-Hour of VIR Endurance Race
N2 Track Days, the premier track-day organization on the East Coast and the driving force behind the revival of endurance motorcycle racing in the United States, is proud to introduce N2RA – the N2 Racing Association. Built on nearly a decade of success elevating and modernizing endurance racing, N2RA represents the next major step in creating a sustainable, future-focused platform for racers, teams, sponsors, and the broader American road racing community.
The inaugural N2RA event will take place at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) on August 7–9, 2026, featuring a full weekend of riding and racing: A Friday N2 Track Day; Saturday practice, qualifying, and racing; and a full slate of endurance events on Sunday. The weekend will be headlined by the 6-Hour of VIR Endurance Race for Relay, Lightsport, Supersport, and Superbike teams, and a 2-Hour Endurance Race for Ultralight machines.
N2RA leadership includes N2 Track Days CEO Jim Curtis, COO John Farrell, Race Director Anthony Sabbatino, and Business Development & Communications Director Chip Spalding, supported by a highly experienced team of officials, technical advisors, and racing-industry partners.
N2RA – A NEW ERA BUILT ON A DECADE OF PROGRESS
N2’s connection to endurance racing traces back to 2016, when the discipline was on the verge of disappearing in the United States.
In 2017, N2 stepped in. Partnering with WERA, N2 funded and promoted a revitalized endurance program built on professionalism, consistency, and rider-focused execution. Participation soared—from just a handful of teams to more than 140 teams in the final season, making the N2/WERA National Endurance Series one of the most successful club-level race programs in the country.
After six successful years, it became clear that endurance racing needed a modernized structure aligned with MotoAmerica and FIM performance standards, one capable of providing riders with a clearer developmental path to the professional ranks. The decision was made to evolve the program into a stand-alone organization: N2RA.
When the logistical timeline proved too tight to execute a full 2025 season at N2’s expected level of professionalism, leadership made the difficult but correct decision to postpone the broader rollout. Instead, N2RA will debut with a single, flagship endurance weekend at VIR—designed as the prototype for future seasons.
“We have always done things the right way, not the fast way,” said N2 CEO Jim Curtis. “If we couldn’t deliver a racing program with the professionalism our racers and partners deserve, we weren’t going to force it. Now we’re ready to take the next step.”
THE N2RA 6-Hour of VIR Weekend Format
FRIDAY – N2 Track Day
A traditional N2 Track Day with Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced groups open to riders of all levels. This gives our large, engaged track day community a chance to participate in this groundbreaking event while allowing racers valuable track time to familiarize themselves with the circuit, shake down equipment, and prepare for competition.
SATURDAY – Practice & Qualifying (20-Minute Sessions) + Endurance 30 Races
Saturday includes practice and timed qualifying sessions for all classes.
In addition, N2RA will debut the new “Endurance 30” races—30 minutes plus one lap—offered for each class:
*Superbike 30
*Supersport 30
*Lightsport 30
*Ultralight 30
These sprint-endurance hybrids provide meaningful racecraft opportunities, clean pace, tire, and fuel mileage data, and a compelling show for spectators.
SUNDAY – Feature Endurance Races
The heart of the N2RA program:
*N2RA Ultralight 2-Hour Endurance Race
*N2RA 6-Hours of VIR, featuring:
*Lightsport 6-Hour
*Supersport 6-Hour
*Superbike 6-Hour
*Special Exhibition Relay Class
CLASS STRUCTURE: A MODERNIZED PLATFORM
Drawing from FIM and MotoAmerica guidance, N2RA’s class system offers a clear development ladder and modern structure for endurance racing.
Ultralight
Small-displacement performance motorcycles ideal for developing riders and endurance fundamentals. Examples: Ninja 400, YZF-R3, RC390, etc.
Lightsport
Middleweight twins and similar platforms emphasizing corner speed, racecraft, and reliability. Examples: RS660, R7, GSX-8R, ZX-4RR, etc.
Supersport
High-performance middleweight machines following modern Supersport regulations.
Examples: YZF-R9, YZF-R6, GSX-R600/750, Ducati V2, KTM RC 990, etc.
Superbike
Premier-class liter motorcycles built for maximum performance, strategy, and endurance teamwork. Examples: YZF-R1, CBR1000RR-R, Aprilia RSV4, Ducati V4, ZX-10R, GSX-R1000, etc.
This structure allows teams to cross-enter machines into regional racing, endurance events, and eventually professional series with minimal modification—creating a consistent, scalable development pathway.
RULE BOOK & STANDARDS
N2RA has collaborated with MotoAmerica, FIM, AMA, industry partners, and technical experts to create a new, modern rulebook that reflects current racing technology and best practices. The rulebook is tentative pending final review, but early standards include:
*Standardized equipment specifications
*Enhanced safety and fueling regulations
*Modernized procedures aligned with professional racing
*Unified technical guidelines to simplify cross-series participation
This framework promotes fairness, consistency, safety, and long-term sustainability.
SPONSORSHIP, PURSE & INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
N2RA offers a compelling platform for sponsors seeking high-engagement visibility in one of the fastest-growing demographics in motorsport. Endurance racing uniquely highlights teamwork, reliability, strategy, and long-form brand exposure.
N2RA’s sponsorship ecosystem will include:
Event sponsorship
Class and purse sponsorship
Contingency programs
Vendor and manufacturer partnerships
Media and broadcast opportunities
“This is an incredible opportunity for brands who want meaningful reach into both track-day riders and racers,” said N2RA Business Development Manager Chip Spalding. “Endurance racing is exciting, unique, and extremely visible—and we’re already working with partners to build strong purse and contingency packages for our teams.”
ABOUT N2: RIDE. LEARN. RACE.
Founded in 2014, N2 Track Days is the East Coast leader in structured motorcycle track events, rider training programs using Yamaha Champions Riding School methodology, and the revitalization of American endurance racing. N2 has been a major contributor to the MotoAmerica paddock, the Roadracing World Action Fund, and the broader riding community.
For more information, visit www.n2td.org.
Ashorne, Warwick UK — Iconic Auctioneers will offer an important modern MotoGP machine at its Iconic Motorcycle Sale at RaceRetro on February 22, with a 2020 factory Aprilia RS-GP 20 race bike consigned directly from Aleix Espargaro. Raced by Espargaro during the 2020 MotoGP season, the factory 1,000cc Aprilia comes straight from the rider’s own collection and will be offered with an estimate of £300,000 to £400,000 ($404.000 to $540,000 USD, per currency conversion site XE.com) reinforcing Iconic Auctioneers’ reputation as purveyors of excellence across the motorcycle market.
The2020 season marked a significant point for Aprilia, which introduced a comprehensively revised RS-GP. The new machine featured a double rail alloy frame, V90 engine, revised aerodynamics and a seamless transmission. Campaigned by Aleix Espargaro and Bradley Smith, results were mixed in a disrupted season, with Espargaro finishing 17th overall and securing an eighth-place finish at the final round in Portugal. Smith finished 21st overall, with his best result, a 12th place in Andalucía, before being replaced for the final three rounds.
This particular RS-GP 20 has belonged to Aleix Espargaro since 2022, having come directly from Aprilia, and has since formed part of his private collection. It is presented in original condition and fitted with its factory Marelli ignition system, Akrapovic exhaust system, bespoke Ohlins suspension, Brembo calipers with carbon front discs and full carbon fiber bodywork.
While the bike has not been used for some time, it is running and would require assistance from Aprilia before being returned to the track. The sale includes a set of Aleix Espargaro’s leathers, helmet, boots and gloves from the 2020 season, along with some Aprilia paperwork and delivery notes, adding further weight to its provenance.
For collectors of top-level Grand Prix machinery, it represents a rare chance to acquire a factory-entered Aprilia MotoGP bike with direct rider ownership. Mark Bryan, Motorcycle Manager at Iconic Auctioneers, said: ““Having a MotoGP racebike offered directly by Aleix Espargaro is hugely significant and marks the first time we have presented a motorcycle of this level consigned straight from the rider. This Aprilia RS-GP 20 is a genuine factory machine with clear history and provenance, and exactly the caliber of motorcycle our buyers expect to see at Race Retro.” Bidding will take place on Sunday 22 February, both in person at Race Retro and online. Prospective bidders are encouraged to register to bid in advance.
ABOUT ICONIC AUCTIONEERS:
Iconic Auctioneers was founded in 2011 (originally as Silverstone Auctions) and rebranded in August 2023. As a world-class, specialist auction house, it handles the sale of classic, competition and modern supercars, plus an extensive range of collectors’ vehicles, historic motorcycles and automobilia. Among the UK’s leading auction houses, Iconic Auctioneers holds exclusive automotive auction rights at high-profile events including The NEC Classic Motor Show, The BRDC Classic, Supercar Fest, Race Retro and The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC.
It also oversees private sales and monthly timed online auctions. Dedicated to sourcing exceptional vehicles and connecting them with the right buyers worldwide, Iconic Auctioneers secured 29 world records and four UK records in 2025. In October 2024, the company acquired Classic Car Auctions Ltd (CCA),which now operates under the Iconic Auctioneers umbrella to manage both Iconic Sales and Classic Sales. Confirmed as the UK market leader for collectable cars by sales in 2025, Iconic Auctioneers has now held more than 150 auctions, sold over 12,000 cars and motorcycles, and achieved £34.9 million in car sales during 2025 alone, contributing to more than £400 million in total sales since its founding. With clients in more than 30 countries, the business continues to expand its international profile.
Superbike Unlimited has documented its first season as a premier MotoAmerica Superbike team with rider Benjamin Smiths, in a series of videos. The behind-the-scenes footage shows the team’s struggles, its successes, and ultimately what professional racing in MotoAmerica is all about. During the long, dark days of the off season, these videos are a reminder of what motorcycle road racing fans love most about the sport. See the videos below.
The Portland Motorcycle Film Festival (PMFF) announces films selected for their January 30-31, 2026 event at the Hollywood Theatre in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Selected feature films include: Malle Moto – the Forgotten Dakar Story, The Drixton, Southbound EPII, and Dirt Track Dickie.
Selected mid-length films, between 20-40 minutes, include Slowly Going Faster, Lemans – Racing Beyond Limits, Not the NC500, and with special permission from the Isle of Man TT, Between The Hedges – Joey Dunlop.
Tickets are on sale now. Detailed film descriptions, links to movie trailers and ticket purchase, and a full log of films shown at the event since 2014 are available at www.PDXMotorcyclefilms.com.
The Hollywood Theatre, home of the Portland Motorcycle Film Festival, was built in 1926, and today operates as a non-profit showing a mix of first run and historic films. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, has a 50’ screen, modern digital projection including 70mm, and is recently expanded. More information about The Hollywood can be found at https://hollywoodtheatre.org.
The Portland Motorcycle Film Festival is a non-profit organization that has worked with the non-profit Roadracing World Action Fund and has raised over $100,000 for deployment of Airfence soft barriers and also for related safety gear used at Portland International Raceway by the Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association (OMRRA). OMRRA has hosted motorcycle road race events in the Pacific Northwest since 1972.
Every show in the history of the Portland Motorcycle Film Festival has sold out. Purchase tickets early!
It’s not just about the machines. Spending time perusing the list of motorcycles up for bidding at the upcoming 35th annual Antique & Vintage Motorcycle Auction by Mecum Auctions (scheduled for January 27-31 at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas) is an opportunity to reflect on the artistry and engineering of old race bikes. It’s not just a trip down memory lane for old times’ sake, but an opportunity to reflect on how those builders, engineers and innovators thought, how they solved issues, how with their limited knowledge and technology they sought to make their race bikes quicker, lighter and better handling. And it’s an opportunity to reflect on the skills of those riders, who did breathtaking things on machines with the limitations of the day. I mean, seriously, the tires alone from the 1950s would scare you senseless on a racetrack today!
So, a few more of the amazing race bikes that are going to be up for sale:
An original NCR factory race bike now owned by Bob Robbins has a Daspa frame and is powered by a 905cc air-cooled square-case V-Twin engine featuring bevel-driven camshafts and desmodromic valve actuation. The machine is equipped with race-modified Dell’Orto PHM 40 carburetors, a white-dial Veglia tachometer with an 8,500 rpm redline, magnesium Campagnolo wheels fitted with original Michelin S41 front and rear TV4 race tires, a hand-laid fiberglass fairing, and Marzocchi 320mm shocks. It has only ever been ridden for parade laps in 2011 in New Zealand by Paul Smart and is a sister machine to the 1978 Ducati that Mike Hailwood rode to a win at the Isle of Man. And, once again, fair warning of an impending time sink: The Falloon Report written specifically for current bike owner (and serious supporter of U.S. road racing) Robbins that accompanies the racebike is mesmerizing and you will find yourself reading the entire report, from beginning to end.
A 1967 factory replica built by British builder George Beale represents the third of 10 replicas, finished in period-correct 1967 factory Honda livery. Built with the cooperation and assistance of Honda and using the original Honda blueprints for the chassis and engine, and with reference to existing originals, the motorcycle features a 297cc inline six-cylinder four-stroke engine with Keihin carburetors, a seven-speed gearbox, and a 6-into-6 exhaust system housed in a twin-loop steel frame. This single-owner machine is equipped with full-fairing bodywork, an alloy gas tank, a road race solo seat, telescopic front forks, dual rear shocks, dual-leading-shoe drum front brakes, spoked wheels with vintage road racing tires, chain final drive, and carries Frame No. RC174GB03 and Engine No. RC174GB03. Owned by the late Bob MacLean (founder of World Championship Motorsports), it is believed to be the only one of the 10 that is located in the United States.
Another of MacLean’s bikes is this single-owner 1957 Mondial 250 Bialbero Grand Prix racer restored by Alan Cathcart. It features a 249cc air-cooled single-cylinder DOHC four-stroke engine, a five-speed transmission, and a tubular steel frame with chain final drive, carrying matching Engine and Frame No. 0504. Finished in factory Silver and White Mondial race livery, it is equipped with a steel gas tank, road race solo seat, low-mount single exhaust, telescopic external-spring front forks, dual rear shocks, front and rear drum brakes, and spoked wheels with vintage road racing tires. Known as the “Bialbero” for its gear-driven dual overhead camshafts with bevel-gear timing, the model helped Mondial secure four of six 250cc Grand Prix wins in 1957 and is regarded as one of the last great four-stroke Grand Prix machines of the post-World War II era.
The interview below is with Bob MacLean’s son Ian, who provides some insight into the bikes up for auction.
KYT Americas is accepting sponsorship applications for the 2026 season!
Racers from the United States and Canada are invited to apply for helmet sponsorship opportunities.
If you’re ready to represent KYT on and off the track, head to kytamericas.com/pages/2026-sponsorship-application to submit your application.
KYT Americas looks forward to supporting dedicated riders chasing championships in 2026—whether you’re racing at the club, regional, or national level.
MotoGP racebikes appear to be included in what the FBI says were 62 motorcycles worth $40 million confiscated in Mexico and “related to a former Olympic athlete who is among the 10 most wanted fugitives by U.S. authorities.” If the bikes seen in a photo released by the agency actually are MotoGP racebikes, the $40 million estimate could be low.
Motorcycles in two photos released by the FBI look like Ducati racebikes ridden by Valentino Rossi, Andrea Dovisioso, Andrea Iannone, Jorge Lorenzo and other MotoGP stars. What appears to be a Moto2 bike raced by Mark Marquez is also seen in one of the photos.
No information was released by the FBI as to where and how fugitive Ryan Wedding obtained the bikes and then transported them to Mexico.
Read more here:
https://ktla.com/news/40-million-in-motorcycles-seized-from-olympian-turned-drug-lord/
Sportbike Track Time has unveiled its 2026 schedule, outlining a packed season of track days running from February through early December.
The following track days, riding schools, and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States during January 2026.
This list includes 29 opportunities to ride at races, schools, and track days during the month of January in North America.
To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Event Calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website or by emailing to [email protected] or to [email protected].
Before heading to an event, contact the organization or track and confirm that it’s going to be held as publicized.
1/2 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day – Flat Track
1/2-4 SFLminiGP Championship Series, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL (3 Day Riders Camp)
1/3 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA
1/3-4 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp
1/3-4-5 Precision Track Days, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL
1/3-5 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL (Track Days)
1/9 CVMA, Support Moto Racing Ride Day, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CCW, Desert Center, CA
1/9 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day -Ooff Road
1/10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Learn To Ride Off-Road Course
1/10 Race Pace Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CCW, Desert Center, CA
1/10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Off-Road Challenge Course
1/10 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA
1/10 Jason Pridmore’s JP43 1-on-1, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA
1/11 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, The Podium Club at Attesa CCW, Casa Grande AZ
1/11 Race Pace Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CCW, Desert Center, CA
1/12 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, semi Private Supermoto School
1/14 Racers Edge Track Days And Private Coaching Days, Private day « Ride Only », Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA
1/15 Racers Edge Track Days And Private Coaching Days, Private day « Ride Only », Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA
1/15 Racers Edge Track Days And Private Coaching Days, Private day with training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA
1/16-17 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL
1/17 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA
1/18 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), PSR Day
1/17-18 N2 Track Days, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL
1/19 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, semi Private Supermoto School
1/25 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA
1/25 XCEL Trackdays, Firebird Motorsports Park, West Track
1/25 Superbike-Coach, Cornering School, Day 1, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA
1/27 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, semi Private Supermoto School
1/29-30 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Double Check Arena, Eaton, CO – 30th Anniversary Non-Racer Ca
1/31 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), PSR Day
His trophy cabinet is bulging and ready to burst, but still Bay of Plenty’s Mitch Rees reckons there’s room for a few more.
The Honda-mounted motorcycle road-racer from Whakatane loves to win races and he did just that on Boxing Day when he collected three more vital pieces of silverware.
The just-turned 33-year-old multi-time New Zealand superbike champion was up to his same old tricks around the public streets of Whanganui, the central North Island city again staging its iconic Cemetery Circuit race meeting, the third and final round of the popular annual Suzuki International Series.
The 2025 edition of the series kicked off at the Taupo International Motorsport Park on the first weekend in December and round two was staged at Manfeild, in Feilding, just a week later.
The grand finale on the fabled Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day, a massive annual festival of speed that is always a popular last fling before New Year celebrations begin, certainly delighted the large crowd that showed up on Friday, with Rees and his Honda CRB1000RR-R again leading the way.
Rees cracked the ‘triple’ once again this season, winning the premier Formula one/Superbike class overall for the series, then the New Zealand F1 TT title for winning race two at Whanganui, and then also snatching the coveted Robert Holden Memorial feature race trophy on Boxing Day.
He qualified his 1000cc superbike fastest and then won both F1 races at Whanganui before putting underlining that performance by also winning the Robert Holden Memorial (RHM) feature race.
It was Rees’ fifth F1 title win in a row for this series.
Rees previously won the F1 class overall in the Suzuki International Series in 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (the series was not run in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
And because Rees then added the RHM feature race victory to the ones he had previously celebrated in 2022, 2023 and 2024, it became four times in a row that he has won this prestigious trophy.
It could have been another Rees family battle at the front this year too, with 58-year-old “elder statesman” Tony Rees chasing hard early on in the 2025 series, until his unfortunate crash at Manfeild two weeks ago sent him to the sidelines and, with a broken ankle, Tony Rees did not race in Whanganui on Friday.
Instead, it was rising star Rhys Lindsay, from Porirua, and Taupiri youngster Jesse Stroud who completed the RHM race podium.
The Robert Holden Memorial trophy probably holds a special place in the Rees family home, with Mitch Rees’ late younger brother Damon Rees having also won it in 2020 and it has also been won by their father, Tony Rees, on seven occasions (between 1990 and 2016).
“My goal this year was to make history, to do something that’s never been done before, and I achieved that,” said Mitch Rees.
“To get my name on the Robert Holden Memorial trophy four years in a row was absolutely mega.
“It has been something of a development year for me as we try out different things with the bike and I’ll be ready to face up to some big-name international riders expected to come over for this series next season.”
Class winners in the 2025 Suzuki International Series, which wrapped up in Whanganui on Boxing Day, are: Whakatane’s Mitch Rees (formula one); Auckland’s Cameron Leslie (formula two/supersport 600); Silverdale’s Tyler King (formula three); Silverdale’s Tyler King (supersport 300); Paraparaumu’s Richard Markham-Barrett (formula sport, senior, over-600cc); Whanganui’s Jeff Croot (formula sport, junior, up to 600cc); Auckland’s Paul Pavletich (Pre 89 post classics, senior, over-600cc); Auckland’s Scott Findlay and Hawera’s Martin Gray (Pre 89, post classics junior, under-600cc) first equal; Upper Hutt’s Keiran Mair (Pre 95, post classics senior, over-600cc); Te Awanga’s Eddie Kattenberg (Pre 95, post classics junior, under-600cc); Tokomaru’s Barry Smith/Whanganui’s Louise Blythe (F1 sidecars); Whanganui’s Tracey Bryan & Jo Franzen (F2 sidecars); Whanganui’s Richie Dibben (supermoto); Masterton’s Jadin Galway (pre 72 classic solos, Cemetery Circuit only); Carterton’s Mark Smith & Graham Wilkinson (pre 82 classic sidecars, Cemetery Circuit only).
Robert Holden Memorial feature race top five:
1. Mitch Rees,
2. Rhys Lindsay,
3. Jesse Stroud,
4. Levin’s Tahana Parker,
5. Upper Hutt’s Sasha Drain.
DATES FOR 2025 SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES
• Round 1, Taupo, Dec 6-7;
• Round 2, Manfeild, Feilding, Dec 13-14;
• Round 3, Whanganui’s Cemetery Circuit, Dec 26.
N2 Track Days Announces the N2RA 6-Hour of VIR Endurance Race
N2 Track Days, the premier track-day organization on the East Coast and the driving force behind the revival of endurance motorcycle racing in the United States, is proud to introduce N2RA – the N2 Racing Association. Built on nearly a decade of success elevating and modernizing endurance racing, N2RA represents the next major step in creating a sustainable, future-focused platform for racers, teams, sponsors, and the broader American road racing community.
The inaugural N2RA event will take place at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) on August 7–9, 2026, featuring a full weekend of riding and racing: A Friday N2 Track Day; Saturday practice, qualifying, and racing; and a full slate of endurance events on Sunday. The weekend will be headlined by the 6-Hour of VIR Endurance Race for Relay, Lightsport, Supersport, and Superbike teams, and a 2-Hour Endurance Race for Ultralight machines.
N2RA leadership includes N2 Track Days CEO Jim Curtis, COO John Farrell, Race Director Anthony Sabbatino, and Business Development & Communications Director Chip Spalding, supported by a highly experienced team of officials, technical advisors, and racing-industry partners.
N2RA – A NEW ERA BUILT ON A DECADE OF PROGRESS
N2’s connection to endurance racing traces back to 2016, when the discipline was on the verge of disappearing in the United States.
In 2017, N2 stepped in. Partnering with WERA, N2 funded and promoted a revitalized endurance program built on professionalism, consistency, and rider-focused execution. Participation soared—from just a handful of teams to more than 140 teams in the final season, making the N2/WERA National Endurance Series one of the most successful club-level race programs in the country.
After six successful years, it became clear that endurance racing needed a modernized structure aligned with MotoAmerica and FIM performance standards, one capable of providing riders with a clearer developmental path to the professional ranks. The decision was made to evolve the program into a stand-alone organization: N2RA.
When the logistical timeline proved too tight to execute a full 2025 season at N2’s expected level of professionalism, leadership made the difficult but correct decision to postpone the broader rollout. Instead, N2RA will debut with a single, flagship endurance weekend at VIR—designed as the prototype for future seasons.
“We have always done things the right way, not the fast way,” said N2 CEO Jim Curtis. “If we couldn’t deliver a racing program with the professionalism our racers and partners deserve, we weren’t going to force it. Now we’re ready to take the next step.”
THE N2RA 6-Hour of VIR Weekend Format
FRIDAY – N2 Track Day
A traditional N2 Track Day with Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced groups open to riders of all levels. This gives our large, engaged track day community a chance to participate in this groundbreaking event while allowing racers valuable track time to familiarize themselves with the circuit, shake down equipment, and prepare for competition.
SATURDAY – Practice & Qualifying (20-Minute Sessions) + Endurance 30 Races
Saturday includes practice and timed qualifying sessions for all classes.
In addition, N2RA will debut the new “Endurance 30” races—30 minutes plus one lap—offered for each class:
*Superbike 30
*Supersport 30
*Lightsport 30
*Ultralight 30
These sprint-endurance hybrids provide meaningful racecraft opportunities, clean pace, tire, and fuel mileage data, and a compelling show for spectators.
SUNDAY – Feature Endurance Races
The heart of the N2RA program:
*N2RA Ultralight 2-Hour Endurance Race
*N2RA 6-Hours of VIR, featuring:
*Lightsport 6-Hour
*Supersport 6-Hour
*Superbike 6-Hour
*Special Exhibition Relay Class
CLASS STRUCTURE: A MODERNIZED PLATFORM
Drawing from FIM and MotoAmerica guidance, N2RA’s class system offers a clear development ladder and modern structure for endurance racing.
Ultralight
Small-displacement performance motorcycles ideal for developing riders and endurance fundamentals. Examples: Ninja 400, YZF-R3, RC390, etc.
Lightsport
Middleweight twins and similar platforms emphasizing corner speed, racecraft, and reliability. Examples: RS660, R7, GSX-8R, ZX-4RR, etc.
Supersport
High-performance middleweight machines following modern Supersport regulations.
Examples: YZF-R9, YZF-R6, GSX-R600/750, Ducati V2, KTM RC 990, etc.
Superbike
Premier-class liter motorcycles built for maximum performance, strategy, and endurance teamwork. Examples: YZF-R1, CBR1000RR-R, Aprilia RSV4, Ducati V4, ZX-10R, GSX-R1000, etc.
This structure allows teams to cross-enter machines into regional racing, endurance events, and eventually professional series with minimal modification—creating a consistent, scalable development pathway.
RULE BOOK & STANDARDS
N2RA has collaborated with MotoAmerica, FIM, AMA, industry partners, and technical experts to create a new, modern rulebook that reflects current racing technology and best practices. The rulebook is tentative pending final review, but early standards include:
*Standardized equipment specifications
*Enhanced safety and fueling regulations
*Modernized procedures aligned with professional racing
*Unified technical guidelines to simplify cross-series participation
This framework promotes fairness, consistency, safety, and long-term sustainability.
SPONSORSHIP, PURSE & INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES
N2RA offers a compelling platform for sponsors seeking high-engagement visibility in one of the fastest-growing demographics in motorsport. Endurance racing uniquely highlights teamwork, reliability, strategy, and long-form brand exposure.
N2RA’s sponsorship ecosystem will include:
Event sponsorship
Class and purse sponsorship
Contingency programs
Vendor and manufacturer partnerships
Media and broadcast opportunities
“This is an incredible opportunity for brands who want meaningful reach into both track-day riders and racers,” said N2RA Business Development Manager Chip Spalding. “Endurance racing is exciting, unique, and extremely visible—and we’re already working with partners to build strong purse and contingency packages for our teams.”
ABOUT N2: RIDE. LEARN. RACE.
Founded in 2014, N2 Track Days is the East Coast leader in structured motorcycle track events, rider training programs using Yamaha Champions Riding School methodology, and the revitalization of American endurance racing. N2 has been a major contributor to the MotoAmerica paddock, the Roadracing World Action Fund, and the broader riding community.
For more information, visit www.n2td.org.
Ashorne, Warwick UK — Iconic Auctioneers will offer an important modern MotoGP machine at its Iconic Motorcycle Sale at RaceRetro on February 22, with a 2020 factory Aprilia RS-GP 20 race bike consigned directly from Aleix Espargaro. Raced by Espargaro during the 2020 MotoGP season, the factory 1,000cc Aprilia comes straight from the rider’s own collection and will be offered with an estimate of £300,000 to £400,000 ($404.000 to $540,000 USD, per currency conversion site XE.com) reinforcing Iconic Auctioneers’ reputation as purveyors of excellence across the motorcycle market.
The2020 season marked a significant point for Aprilia, which introduced a comprehensively revised RS-GP. The new machine featured a double rail alloy frame, V90 engine, revised aerodynamics and a seamless transmission. Campaigned by Aleix Espargaro and Bradley Smith, results were mixed in a disrupted season, with Espargaro finishing 17th overall and securing an eighth-place finish at the final round in Portugal. Smith finished 21st overall, with his best result, a 12th place in Andalucía, before being replaced for the final three rounds.
This particular RS-GP 20 has belonged to Aleix Espargaro since 2022, having come directly from Aprilia, and has since formed part of his private collection. It is presented in original condition and fitted with its factory Marelli ignition system, Akrapovic exhaust system, bespoke Ohlins suspension, Brembo calipers with carbon front discs and full carbon fiber bodywork.
While the bike has not been used for some time, it is running and would require assistance from Aprilia before being returned to the track. The sale includes a set of Aleix Espargaro’s leathers, helmet, boots and gloves from the 2020 season, along with some Aprilia paperwork and delivery notes, adding further weight to its provenance.
For collectors of top-level Grand Prix machinery, it represents a rare chance to acquire a factory-entered Aprilia MotoGP bike with direct rider ownership. Mark Bryan, Motorcycle Manager at Iconic Auctioneers, said: ““Having a MotoGP racebike offered directly by Aleix Espargaro is hugely significant and marks the first time we have presented a motorcycle of this level consigned straight from the rider. This Aprilia RS-GP 20 is a genuine factory machine with clear history and provenance, and exactly the caliber of motorcycle our buyers expect to see at Race Retro.” Bidding will take place on Sunday 22 February, both in person at Race Retro and online. Prospective bidders are encouraged to register to bid in advance.
ABOUT ICONIC AUCTIONEERS:
Iconic Auctioneers was founded in 2011 (originally as Silverstone Auctions) and rebranded in August 2023. As a world-class, specialist auction house, it handles the sale of classic, competition and modern supercars, plus an extensive range of collectors’ vehicles, historic motorcycles and automobilia. Among the UK’s leading auction houses, Iconic Auctioneers holds exclusive automotive auction rights at high-profile events including The NEC Classic Motor Show, The BRDC Classic, Supercar Fest, Race Retro and The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC.
It also oversees private sales and monthly timed online auctions. Dedicated to sourcing exceptional vehicles and connecting them with the right buyers worldwide, Iconic Auctioneers secured 29 world records and four UK records in 2025. In October 2024, the company acquired Classic Car Auctions Ltd (CCA),which now operates under the Iconic Auctioneers umbrella to manage both Iconic Sales and Classic Sales. Confirmed as the UK market leader for collectable cars by sales in 2025, Iconic Auctioneers has now held more than 150 auctions, sold over 12,000 cars and motorcycles, and achieved £34.9 million in car sales during 2025 alone, contributing to more than £400 million in total sales since its founding. With clients in more than 30 countries, the business continues to expand its international profile.
