Fairmount, GA— GMD Computrack is proud to announce its return as Title Sponsor of the WERA C Superstock Expert and Novice classes, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to motorcycle roadracing and rider development.
As one of the most respected names in motorcycle chassis measurement, alignment, frame straightening, and suspension services, GMD Computrack has been an integral part of the racing community for decades. This renewed sponsorship strengthens its partnership with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and reflects a shared focus on performance, safety, and technical excellence—both on and off the track.
The WERA C Superstock classes are among the most competitive in the paddock, placing a premium on rider skill, precise setup, and consistency. These qualities closely mirror GMD Computrack’s mission of helping riders extract maximum performance from their motorcycles.
Operating from its Atlanta-based facility, GMD Computrack supports riders at every level, from first-time club racers to national champions. By returning as title sponsor of C Superstock, GMD Computrack continues its commitment to supporting grassroots racing and the competitors who drive the sport forward.
For more information about GMD Computrack and its services, visit www.gmdatl.com.
For WERA schedules, classes, and event information, visit www.wera.com.
Ducati celebrates Made in Italy National Day with an open house at the Factory and Museum
Borgo Panigale, Bologna, 3 April 2026 – On the occasion of Made in Italy National Day, promoted by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Ducati is participating in “Fabbriche Aperte” (Open Factories), an initiative by the Leonardo Committee dedicated to highlighting the country’s manufacturing and technological excellence and industrial culture.
For the occasion, on Sunday, 19 April, Ducati will open the doors of its Factory free of charge, inviting the public to discover a one-hundred-year journey, from 1926 to today, spanning past, present and future. Throughout the day, guided tours of the Factory, available in Italian and English and starting at regular intervals from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will allow visitors to walk along the production lines and observe firsthand how the motorcycles that inspire Ducatisti around the world are created.
The experience also includes the possibility to visit the Ducati Museum, open with free admission until 6:00 p.m. Here, guests can admire the most iconic racing and road bike models that have shaped the history of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, along with curiosities and details that illustrate their evolution.
The date to mark on the calendar is 19 April. Ducati invites enthusiasts, families and anyone curious to experience firsthand the excellence that has taken shape in Borgo Panigale over one century of life. To participate, please book through the official platform tickets.ducati.com, selecting the event dedicated to Made in Italy Day.
The Ducati Museum and Factory are located at Via Antonio Cavalieri Ducati 3, Bologna, Italy.
Le Mans – BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team held onto the top spot in the combined standings following the two days of testing. The Belgian squad significantly upped the pace during Wednesday afternoon’s session, setting the absolute benchmark of 1’34.597 around the Bugatti Circuit.
Behind them, the gaps are closing. F.C.C. TSR Honda France grabbed second position with a 1’34.898 lap, sitting 0.301s off the leaders. Reigning World Champions YART Yamaha followed closely in third on a 1’34.940. Autorace UBE Racing Team put their BMW in fourth overall (1’35.521), narrowly beating the Yoshimura SERT Motul Suzuki, which took fifth with a 1’35.558.
Werner Daemen, team manager of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, summed up the test:“We’ve just come through a very good test. We were the fastest for two days – once on race tyres and once on quali tyres. What really makes me happy is that the engine worked very well and the team was also very well prepared. Overall, I’m very satisfied. We have three riders, and all three are about equally fast. Like I said, the team worked hard. It doesn’t get any better. But we also know that Le Mans is always demanding. Like last year: bad weather, and 24 hours are incredibly long. The biggest difference this year is that the field is full. That means many will slow down when they get tired at night. That will be an even bigger challenge, but overall I’m very satisfied. And also after the test: yes – I’m very satisfied.”
In the Superstock, Team Etoile stayed on top. The Japanese squad concluded the test in 10th overall thanks to a 1’36.622. Finally, Legacy Competition set the benchmark in the Production class (PRD), setting a time of 1’41.126.
Family racing roots run deep as Jones Honda fields a Superbike and Talent Cup effort for the 2026 MotoAmerica season.
Jones Honda returns to MotoAmerica for another season, continuing its longstanding family legacy in motorsports competition. The team is led by Darrell Jones, owner of Jones Honda Powerhouse of Missouri, a family-owned Honda dealership that’s been doing business in Columbia, Missouri, since 1984 and is managed by Darrell’s son, Austin Jones, and Austin’s wife Megan.
In addition, Darrell’s son, Cameron Jones, and Cameron’s wife Callie, work with the team via their own racing business, CJR Performance, which is also located in Columbia, Missouri.
Family legacies also extend to Jones Honda’s two MotoAmerica riders, Ashton Yates and Farrah “Bandit” Landers.
Ashton Yates. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Ashton, the son of road racing legend Aaron Yates, continues with the team and will race the #46 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in MotoAmerica’s premier Superbike Championship. Ashton was the 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Cup Champion and moves exclusively to the Superbike class for 2026.
“I really enjoy working with the Jones Honda race team,” Ashton said. “The Joneses are family to me. I’m excited for our fifth season together and to see how we get going with the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in full Superbike trim. I’m more experienced and more motivated than ever. During the offseason, I kept busy training and riding to be mentally and physically prepared to go to work this season. I can’t wait to get this year underway and have some fun!”
Joining Jones Honda for 2026 is 17-year-old Farrah “Bandit” Landers, the younger sister of MotoAmerica multi-time class champion Rocco Landers and the daughter of Stoney Landers, also a well-known motorcycle road racer.
Competing in the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship, Bandit made her debut aboard the #17 Honda-liveried Krämer APX-350 MA this past weekend at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. It was the opening round of Talent Cup, which was held at COTA alongside the MotoGP World Championship during the Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States.
Seventeen-year-old Bandit Landers made her Talent Cup Championship debut this past weekend at Circuit of The Americas. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“I love racing motorcycles so much,” said Bandit. “I’m so grateful to the whole Jones Honda race team, and having my dad as my crew chief and my brother as my riding coach is the biggest bonus. I’ve had so much fun working with the Joneses and the whole team already, and it’s been such a great learning experience for me. I’m going to keep learning and improving!”
Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing for American Honda commented, “We’re proud to welcome Jones Honda back to the MotoAmerica paddock and to see the Jones family continue building something special—on and off the track. Darrell and the entire Jones organization have put in tremendous effort to support their riders and grow the sport the right way, and we appreciate their continued commitment to Honda and road racing.”
Jones Honda is supported by American Honda, Pro Honda Oils, Progressive Insurance, Idemitsu, SBS brakes, Öhlins suspension, Dunlop Tires, K&N Filters, Carbonsmith, Stahlman Powersports, CJR Performance, and Jones Honda Powerhouse.
The team and its two riders will be in action on April 17-19 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, for the season-opening round of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship and round two of the Talent Cup Championship.
For the full 2026 MotoAmerica schedule, and to purchase tickets for MotoAmerica events, CLICK HERE
For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica series, CLICK HERE
After a season competing on the world stage – the FIM Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) – Sonya Lloyd is back on the grid in MotoAmerica in 2026 after inking a deal with the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team in the Twins Cup category.
No stranger to running at the front in various MotoAmerica classes, Sonya returns to the Twins Cup grid this season confident of not only scoring points on a regular basis but challenging the front runners – her eyes firmly set on finishing on the podium.
Looking to build on what she learned overseas in 2025, Sonya has already made an impressive start to her season at Daytona – the fastest circuit on the calendar – where she raced to a credible fourteenth position in the opening race of the year, a mere 0.3s from P9!
She is looking to add to her points tally when the series resumes at Road Atlanta in mid-April.
Be sure to follow Sonya’s social media channels for all the latest on and off-track news as it happens.
Sonya Lloyd (28) at Daytona. Photo courtesy Sonya Lloyd Racing.
Sonya Lloyd:“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to officially be competing in the full Twins Cup season this year with the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team. This opportunity means the world to me, and I’m proud to be representing such a strong, established program with a history of success in MotoAmerica. From the moment I connected with the team, it was clear that we share the same goals and level of commitment. I’m confident in the package we’ve built together, and I’m ready to put in the work both on and off the track to deliver strong results throughout the season. This is a big step forward in my career, and I’m focused on making the most of it learning, improving, and pushing for top finishes every weekend. I’m grateful for the support from my team, partners, and everyone who continues to believe in me.”
Think of it as the bike that saved Yamaha’s sportbike sales. Yamaha’s YZF-R7 has become the brand’s number one selling retail motorcycle and has doubled the number of first-time sportbike buyers for the company. And in an industry wringing its hands over its aging customer demographic, the YZF-R7 helped lower the median age of Yamaha’s sportbike buyers to 27 years old. The YZF-R3 and the YZF-R7 account for the vast majority of the company’s sportbike sales.
Yamaha gave the YZF-R7 an overhaul for 2026, changing nearly everything but the engine. And the company invited journalists to ride the bike through the streets and highways of San Marcos in Southern California and then barrel over Palomar mountain and through the two-lane highways adjacent to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Yamaha wanted to make a better-handling, more stable, more comfortable machine, and after riding it, I can say that Yamaha has hit its intended target.
Yamaha’s 2026 YZF-R7 is available in Team Yamaha Blue, Raven, and Breaker Cyan/Raven, as well as in a 70th anniversary white, red and black color scheme. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
YZF-R7 Technical Overview
Electronics are among the most significant areas of change for Yamaha’s new lightweight Twin. There is a new six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), derived from the YZF-R1 literbike. The IMU feeds real-time data to the engine and control systems. This enables a comprehensive set of lean-sensitive rider aids including traction control, slide control, lift control, ABS, engine brake management and launch control, all of which can be adjusted by the rider.
The new 2026 YZF-R7 also introduces Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), which interprets rider input via sensors and adjusts throttle valve operation through the engine control unit. YCC-T also makes it possible to incorporate features such as cruise control, customizable ride modes, and the latest quickshifter system. Ride modes include Rain, Street, Sport, two Custom maps and then a Track mode with four preloaded maps. Included is the crazy cool Y-TRAC REV data storage system that provides lap and sector times on the track. And for a specific point on the track, the system will record throttle position, lean angle, gear, front wheel speed, RPM–the list goes on.
The Yamaha third-generation Quick Shift System (QSS) is now standard, enabling clutchless upshifts and downshifts. The system operates above 9 mph on upshifts above 2,000 rpm and downshifts above 1,600 rpm.
A new five-inch full-color TFT display offers multiple viewing modes, including a track theme. Smartphone integration allows riders to receive notifications, calls, and music playback when paired with a Bluetooth headset. Turn-by-turn navigation is now available through Garmin’s StreetCross app.
Yamaha engineers revised the frame with larger diameter, thinner-wall steel tubes and more cross bracing to increase stiffness without adding weight. New lightweight SpinForged aluminum wheels reduce unsprung mass. Aerodynamic refinements include a redesigned front fairing–and Yamaha deliberately chose not to incorporate winglets into the design. Yamaha decided to keep the airflow over the machine simple and clean, without the aerodynamic complications introduced by downforce-generating bodywork. And the electronic wheelie/lift control is more than capable of handling any power wheelies generated by the R7. The riding position is revised and the seat and tank are reshaped.
The bike retains the proven 689cc twin-cylinder CP2 engine and adds updated intake tuning designed to enhance the induction sound. Maximum power is approximately 73 bhp at 8,750 rpm. A slipper/assisted clutch eases the lever pull effort. Suspension is handled by new 41mm inverted forks with rebound damping in one leg and compression damping in the other, and the spring rate is slightly lower and damping rates are higher. The shock has rebound and preload adjustments and has more damping, and a revised linkage lowers the mechanical effort on the shock, in effect adding more compression damping to the system.
Suggested retail starts at $9,399.
Riding the YZF-R7
All the familiar positives from the prior generation remain–the seat is comfortable, the bike is narrow, the seating position is sport-oriented yet comfortable. The familiar 689cc CP2 Parallel Twin engine is still smooth and quick, the clutch lever pull is child’s play, and the throttle pull is light. The first part of the ride on the highway allowed me to experiment with the cruise control, and it is a simple-to-use feature that can give the right wrist a break on long rides.
The stiffer chassis and suspension components make an immediate and positive impression. Rolling bumps and sharp-edged cracks didn’t upset the chassis. That meant it was easier to use more throttle coming out of corners and more brake going into corners. The overall feel of control, from braking to turn-in to powering out of the corner, is greater on the street, and I suspect YZF-R7 racers are going to like the changes even more.
The quick-shifter worked really well, allowing me to focus on corner entry speeds, and the cutouts in the tank held my outer knee firmly in place during enthusiastic cornering. Wrap your head around the idea that you’re riding a lightweight twin, adjust your power expectations accordingly and adapt your riding style to carrying a bit more corner speed and a twisty road becomes a lot of fun without a lot of effort.
And hey, this might seem like a small thing, but Yamaha’s dashboard and display system really are intuitive and easy to customize without overwhelming the rider. I liked the rider aid settings in the first Track map, but in that mode, the speedometer readout is pretty small. So I switched to Custom, set all of the variables to mirror those of the Track map, and voila! I then had the bike set up the way I wanted and I could easily see how fast I was going. Not that I’m really looking at the speedometer on a Sunday-morning rip up my favorite road …
American Teenage Sensation Julian Correa Showcases Epic Resilience and Pace in World Championship Debut at Portimao.
PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL — April 1, 2026 — Seventeen-year-old American motorcycle racer Julian “Jujumonster” Correa delivered a masterclass in resilience and raw speed during his World Championship debut this past weekend at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao. Despite severe mechanical setbacks during qualifying, the young standout proved his undeniable pace, carving through the field to execute a stunning comeback in the opening round of the season.
Arriving in Portugal after an intense oK-season training regimen—which included logging an astounding 800 kilometers on the bicycle in just three weeks and strategic data-gathering alongside his team at the ESBK weekend in Jerez—Correa was primed for the world stage.
The weekend started with immense promise. Acclimating quickly to the highly technical, undulating Portimao circuit and his newly set-up machine, Correa secured a strong P13 finish during Monday’s oKicial test sessions.
However, disaster struck during Friday’s crucial Superpole qualifying session. On his first out-lap, a catastrophic transmission failure shattered the bike’s fourth gear. Forced to complete his qualifying run stuck entirely in fifth gear, Correa miraculously secured a spot on the grid, though he was relegated to start from P28.
Undeterred by the back-row start, Correa tackled the weekend’s races with maximum aggression. Saturday’s Race 1 saw him rocket from P28 to P19 in just two laps before a red flag halted the race due to an oil spill from a competitor. After navigating the hazardous track conditions, Correa narrowly missed his first World Championship point on the restart following a fierce final-lap battle.
Sunday’s Race 2 cemented Correa’s status as a formidable contender. Starting once again from P28, he systematically hunted down the pack. Pushing his tires to the absolute limit, Correa executed 12 clean overtakes to cross the finish line in P16, setting a blistering lap time that matched the 9th fastest pace on the grid.
Julian Correa (40) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Michael Correa.
“I have never been more proud of a ride in my entire life,” said Correa. “Starting from P28 wasn’t the plan, but fighting through the field without a single crash ahead of me and setting top-10 lap times proved to me that I belong on this World Championship grid. The team worked relentlessly to swap the gearbox and fix the issues, and I gave it everything I had. We’re leaving Portugal with massive confidence.”
The milestone weekend was made even more special with the presence of Correa’s core support system, including his father, Michael, his brother, Grayson, and Coach Mike Torres, who have backed his racing journey since day one.
With his World Championship debut oKicially in the books, Correa and his team are carrying tremendous momentum and invaluable data into the remainder of the season.
For more updates on Julian Correa’s racing journey, upcoming merchandise releases, and future race schedules, follow his oKicial channels.
I’ve released a new video on my YouTube channel. This latest video is part one of a two-part series on a wrap-up of the CVMA round 6 race weekend. In the video, I provide an overview of the weekend and interview several racers.
ZXMOTO Wins WorldSSP Races at Portimão — First International Victory for a Chinese Motorcycle Brand.
ZXMOTO has made history by winning both Supersport (WorldSSP) races at the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) in Portimão, marking the first-ever WSBK victories for a Chinese motorcycle brand. The success of ZXMOTO is not only a grassroots story of a world champion, but also a reflection of the cumulative strength of Chongqing’s motorcycle industry and the precise empowerment of China’s modern industrial manufacturing system. A complete domestic supply chain enables Chinese innovation to “overtake on the curve.”
3.685 Seconds: China Shows Its Speed to the World
On March 28-29, 2026, French rider Valentin Debise piloted the ZXMOTO 820RR/820RR-RS motorcycle to win both races in the WorldSSP(600-800cc) category at the Portimão round in Portugal. In the first race, Debise finished 3.685 seconds ahead of his closest competitor, and he secured a second consecutive win in the next race. These victories demonstrate the advanced performance of ZXMOTO motorcycles on a global stage.
This marks the first-ever victory for a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer in the SSP category and the first time a Chinese brand has won a WSBK round, sparking global media attention and trending online.
ZXMOTO first unveiled the 820RR at the 23rd China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition in September 2025. After six months of refinement, the bike officially launched in March 2026. From initial skepticism to worldwide acclaim, ZXMOTO has proven on a world-class stage that “Made in China” leads in engineering and performance.
Valentin Debise (53) celebrates a landmark victory at Portimão, delivering ZXMOTO’s first-ever WorldSSP win and marking the first international triumph for a Chinese motorcycle brand in the series. Photo courtesy CIMAMotor.
From left to right with Jaume Masia, Valentin Debise and Albert Arenas on the podium at Portimao. Photo courtesy CIMAMotor.
A Complete Supply Chain: How the “Motorcycle Capital” Nurtures Emerging Brands
This historic win not only puts a Chinese motorcycle brand on top of a premier international competition but also sparks global discussion around “domestic motorcycles” and “Chongqing motorcycle enterprises.”
Founder Zhang Xue shared in an interview that in 2013, he arrived in Chongqing with only 20,000 yuan to start his venture. He chose the city because it is recognized as the “Motorcycle Capital of China.” Though he didn’t know anyone locally, he could find every component for building motorcycles in a single parts market.
As the cradle of China’s motorcycle industry, Chongqing hosts 51 complete vehicle manufacturers and over 410 component suppliers, with an annual production capacity exceeding 20 million motorcycles and 20 million engines. Local supply covers over 80% of conventional motorcycle parts and around 60% for electric motorcycles. Statistically, one in every three motorcycles exported from China is made in Chongqing.
This industrial ecosystem has nurtured emerging brands like ZXMOTO, which can leverage a complete supply chain to achieve extreme innovation and precise market positioning, standing out in niche segments. It empowers a generation of Chinese motorcycle enthusiasts to chase dreams and create milestones in Chongqing.
ZXMOTO SR6 shown at a Chinese motorcycle expo in September 2025. Photo courtesy CIMAMotor.
National Platforms Drive “Supply Chain Going Global”
The victory also resonated with global motorcycle fans and boosted confidence across the motorcycle industry supply chain. It highlights the strength of “Made in China” high-end motorcycles and the robust industrial backbone behind them. With innovations in electrification and smart technologies, the Chinese motorcycle industry is reshaping the global industrial ecosystem, entering a new peak phase of development.
Looking ahead, CIMAMotor 2026 will continue to promote industry globalization, featuring B2B Matchmaking Meeting to showcase the vast market, production capacity, and partnership opportunities of Chinese motorcycles. It aims to leverage the competitive edge behind ZXMOTO championship to help Chinese enterprises transition from “product export” to “brand export” and “supply chain export.”
The FIM Oceania General Assembly re-elected Peter Doyle as FIM Oceania President during its March 23 meeting in Melbourne, Australia.
This important decision now places Peter in the President’s role for the next four years, and he also continues his position as FIM Oceania’s representative on the FIM Board of Directors.
Peter has led FIM Oceania over the past four years through a sustained period of growth and development, which has seen the creation of FIM Oceania Commissions and outstanding events such as the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup, FIM Oceania Speedway Championship and FIM Oceania Junior Cup.
Under the leadership and plans of the FIM Oceania Board, over the next four years there will be a key focus on junior development, the ‘Beyond Sports’ areas of touring and women’s development, FIM Oceania Championships and unearthing future FIM World Champions from the Oceania region.
Peter Doyle said: ‘’I am very proud to continue as FIM Oceania President for the next four years and to continue with the important duties in the FIM Board.
“I appreciate the trust placed in me by the national federations of FIM Oceania and further thank the FIM Oceania Board and Commission members for their hard work. FIM Oceania has an exciting period ahead and I am very pleased to lead the organisation.”
The National Federation Members of FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia and Motorcycling New Zealand, make up the FIM Board of Directors and nominate the FIM Oceania delegates to the FIM Oceania Commission and Senior Officials positions at FIM Oceania races. This contribution is the backbone to FIM Oceania success.
Editorial Note: Peter Doyle spent about a decade working as a crew chief in AMA Pro Superbike, primarily working with 7-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin.
Participants in an FIM Oceania meeting on 23 March in Melbourne, Australia. Photo courtesy FIM Oceania. Peter Doyle is 5th from right.
Sean Hopkins (24) on a 2017 Yamaha YZF-R6 at Road Atlanta. Photo by Aaron Galloway Motorsport Photo / Courtesy GMD Computrack.
Fairmount, GA— GMD Computrack is proud to announce its return as Title Sponsor of the WERA C Superstock Expert and Novice classes, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to motorcycle roadracing and rider development.
As one of the most respected names in motorcycle chassis measurement, alignment, frame straightening, and suspension services, GMD Computrack has been an integral part of the racing community for decades. This renewed sponsorship strengthens its partnership with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing and reflects a shared focus on performance, safety, and technical excellence—both on and off the track.
The WERA C Superstock classes are among the most competitive in the paddock, placing a premium on rider skill, precise setup, and consistency. These qualities closely mirror GMD Computrack’s mission of helping riders extract maximum performance from their motorcycles.
Operating from its Atlanta-based facility, GMD Computrack supports riders at every level, from first-time club racers to national champions. By returning as title sponsor of C Superstock, GMD Computrack continues its commitment to supporting grassroots racing and the competitors who drive the sport forward.
For more information about GMD Computrack and its services, visit www.gmdatl.com.
For WERA schedules, classes, and event information, visit www.wera.com.
Ducati will celebrate Made in Italy National Day on April 19th, promoted by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, by giving free tours of its factory and museum in Bologna, Italy. Ducati photo.
Ducati celebrates Made in Italy National Day with an open house at the Factory and Museum
Borgo Panigale, Bologna, 3 April 2026 – On the occasion of Made in Italy National Day, promoted by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Ducati is participating in “Fabbriche Aperte” (Open Factories), an initiative by the Leonardo Committee dedicated to highlighting the country’s manufacturing and technological excellence and industrial culture.
For the occasion, on Sunday, 19 April, Ducati will open the doors of its Factory free of charge, inviting the public to discover a one-hundred-year journey, from 1926 to today, spanning past, present and future. Throughout the day, guided tours of the Factory, available in Italian and English and starting at regular intervals from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will allow visitors to walk along the production lines and observe firsthand how the motorcycles that inspire Ducatisti around the world are created.
The experience also includes the possibility to visit the Ducati Museum, open with free admission until 6:00 p.m. Here, guests can admire the most iconic racing and road bike models that have shaped the history of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, along with curiosities and details that illustrate their evolution.
The date to mark on the calendar is 19 April. Ducati invites enthusiasts, families and anyone curious to experience firsthand the excellence that has taken shape in Borgo Panigale over one century of life. To participate, please book through the official platform tickets.ducati.com, selecting the event dedicated to Made in Italy Day.
The Ducati Museum and Factory are located at Via Antonio Cavalieri Ducati 3, Bologna, Italy.
Michael Van Der Mark (37) on his BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR in Le Mans. Photos courtesy of FIMEWC.com
Le Mans – BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team held onto the top spot in the combined standings following the two days of testing. The Belgian squad significantly upped the pace during Wednesday afternoon’s session, setting the absolute benchmark of 1’34.597 around the Bugatti Circuit.
Behind them, the gaps are closing. F.C.C. TSR Honda France grabbed second position with a 1’34.898 lap, sitting 0.301s off the leaders. Reigning World Champions YART Yamaha followed closely in third on a 1’34.940. Autorace UBE Racing Team put their BMW in fourth overall (1’35.521), narrowly beating the Yoshimura SERT Motul Suzuki, which took fifth with a 1’35.558.
Werner Daemen, team manager of the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, summed up the test:“We’ve just come through a very good test. We were the fastest for two days – once on race tyres and once on quali tyres. What really makes me happy is that the engine worked very well and the team was also very well prepared. Overall, I’m very satisfied. We have three riders, and all three are about equally fast. Like I said, the team worked hard. It doesn’t get any better. But we also know that Le Mans is always demanding. Like last year: bad weather, and 24 hours are incredibly long. The biggest difference this year is that the field is full. That means many will slow down when they get tired at night. That will be an even bigger challenge, but overall I’m very satisfied. And also after the test: yes – I’m very satisfied.”
In the Superstock, Team Etoile stayed on top. The Japanese squad concluded the test in 10th overall thanks to a 1’36.622. Finally, Legacy Competition set the benchmark in the Production class (PRD), setting a time of 1’41.126.
Bandit Landers (17) at Circuit of The Americas. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Family racing roots run deep as Jones Honda fields a Superbike and Talent Cup effort for the 2026 MotoAmerica season.
Jones Honda returns to MotoAmerica for another season, continuing its longstanding family legacy in motorsports competition. The team is led by Darrell Jones, owner of Jones Honda Powerhouse of Missouri, a family-owned Honda dealership that’s been doing business in Columbia, Missouri, since 1984 and is managed by Darrell’s son, Austin Jones, and Austin’s wife Megan.
In addition, Darrell’s son, Cameron Jones, and Cameron’s wife Callie, work with the team via their own racing business, CJR Performance, which is also located in Columbia, Missouri.
Family legacies also extend to Jones Honda’s two MotoAmerica riders, Ashton Yates and Farrah “Bandit” Landers.
Ashton Yates. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Ashton, the son of road racing legend Aaron Yates, continues with the team and will race the #46 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in MotoAmerica’s premier Superbike Championship. Ashton was the 2024 MotoAmerica Superbike Cup Champion and moves exclusively to the Superbike class for 2026.
“I really enjoy working with the Jones Honda race team,” Ashton said. “The Joneses are family to me. I’m excited for our fifth season together and to see how we get going with the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in full Superbike trim. I’m more experienced and more motivated than ever. During the offseason, I kept busy training and riding to be mentally and physically prepared to go to work this season. I can’t wait to get this year underway and have some fun!”
Joining Jones Honda for 2026 is 17-year-old Farrah “Bandit” Landers, the younger sister of MotoAmerica multi-time class champion Rocco Landers and the daughter of Stoney Landers, also a well-known motorcycle road racer.
Competing in the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup Championship, Bandit made her debut aboard the #17 Honda-liveried Krämer APX-350 MA this past weekend at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. It was the opening round of Talent Cup, which was held at COTA alongside the MotoGP World Championship during the Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States.
Seventeen-year-old Bandit Landers made her Talent Cup Championship debut this past weekend at Circuit of The Americas. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
“I love racing motorcycles so much,” said Bandit. “I’m so grateful to the whole Jones Honda race team, and having my dad as my crew chief and my brother as my riding coach is the biggest bonus. I’ve had so much fun working with the Joneses and the whole team already, and it’s been such a great learning experience for me. I’m going to keep learning and improving!”
Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing for American Honda commented, “We’re proud to welcome Jones Honda back to the MotoAmerica paddock and to see the Jones family continue building something special—on and off the track. Darrell and the entire Jones organization have put in tremendous effort to support their riders and grow the sport the right way, and we appreciate their continued commitment to Honda and road racing.”
Jones Honda is supported by American Honda, Pro Honda Oils, Progressive Insurance, Idemitsu, SBS brakes, Öhlins suspension, Dunlop Tires, K&N Filters, Carbonsmith, Stahlman Powersports, CJR Performance, and Jones Honda Powerhouse.
The team and its two riders will be in action on April 17-19 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia, for the season-opening round of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship and round two of the Talent Cup Championship.
For the full 2026 MotoAmerica schedule, and to purchase tickets for MotoAmerica events, CLICK HERE
For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica series, CLICK HERE
Sonya Lloyd (28) at Daytona. Photo courtesy Sonya Lloyd Racing.
Sonya shows top ten pace on season debut.
After a season competing on the world stage – the FIM Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) – Sonya Lloyd is back on the grid in MotoAmerica in 2026 after inking a deal with the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team in the Twins Cup category.
No stranger to running at the front in various MotoAmerica classes, Sonya returns to the Twins Cup grid this season confident of not only scoring points on a regular basis but challenging the front runners – her eyes firmly set on finishing on the podium.
Looking to build on what she learned overseas in 2025, Sonya has already made an impressive start to her season at Daytona – the fastest circuit on the calendar – where she raced to a credible fourteenth position in the opening race of the year, a mere 0.3s from P9!
She is looking to add to her points tally when the series resumes at Road Atlanta in mid-April.
Be sure to follow Sonya’s social media channels for all the latest on and off-track news as it happens.
Sonya Lloyd (28) at Daytona. Photo courtesy Sonya Lloyd Racing.
Sonya Lloyd:“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to officially be competing in the full Twins Cup season this year with the M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team. This opportunity means the world to me, and I’m proud to be representing such a strong, established program with a history of success in MotoAmerica. From the moment I connected with the team, it was clear that we share the same goals and level of commitment. I’m confident in the package we’ve built together, and I’m ready to put in the work both on and off the track to deliver strong results throughout the season. This is a big step forward in my career, and I’m focused on making the most of it learning, improving, and pushing for top finishes every weekend. I’m grateful for the support from my team, partners, and everyone who continues to believe in me.”
The 2026 Yamaha YZF-R7 in Breaker Cyan/Raven livery. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
Think of it as the bike that saved Yamaha’s sportbike sales. Yamaha’s YZF-R7 has become the brand’s number one selling retail motorcycle and has doubled the number of first-time sportbike buyers for the company. And in an industry wringing its hands over its aging customer demographic, the YZF-R7 helped lower the median age of Yamaha’s sportbike buyers to 27 years old. The YZF-R3 and the YZF-R7 account for the vast majority of the company’s sportbike sales.
Yamaha gave the YZF-R7 an overhaul for 2026, changing nearly everything but the engine. And the company invited journalists to ride the bike through the streets and highways of San Marcos in Southern California and then barrel over Palomar mountain and through the two-lane highways adjacent to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Yamaha wanted to make a better-handling, more stable, more comfortable machine, and after riding it, I can say that Yamaha has hit its intended target.
Yamaha’s 2026 YZF-R7 is available in Team Yamaha Blue, Raven, and Breaker Cyan/Raven, as well as in a 70th anniversary white, red and black color scheme. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
YZF-R7 Technical Overview
Electronics are among the most significant areas of change for Yamaha’s new lightweight Twin. There is a new six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), derived from the YZF-R1 literbike. The IMU feeds real-time data to the engine and control systems. This enables a comprehensive set of lean-sensitive rider aids including traction control, slide control, lift control, ABS, engine brake management and launch control, all of which can be adjusted by the rider.
The new 2026 YZF-R7 also introduces Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), which interprets rider input via sensors and adjusts throttle valve operation through the engine control unit. YCC-T also makes it possible to incorporate features such as cruise control, customizable ride modes, and the latest quickshifter system. Ride modes include Rain, Street, Sport, two Custom maps and then a Track mode with four preloaded maps. Included is the crazy cool Y-TRAC REV data storage system that provides lap and sector times on the track. And for a specific point on the track, the system will record throttle position, lean angle, gear, front wheel speed, RPM–the list goes on.
The Yamaha third-generation Quick Shift System (QSS) is now standard, enabling clutchless upshifts and downshifts. The system operates above 9 mph on upshifts above 2,000 rpm and downshifts above 1,600 rpm.
A new five-inch full-color TFT display offers multiple viewing modes, including a track theme. Smartphone integration allows riders to receive notifications, calls, and music playback when paired with a Bluetooth headset. Turn-by-turn navigation is now available through Garmin’s StreetCross app.
Yamaha engineers revised the frame with larger diameter, thinner-wall steel tubes and more cross bracing to increase stiffness without adding weight. New lightweight SpinForged aluminum wheels reduce unsprung mass. Aerodynamic refinements include a redesigned front fairing–and Yamaha deliberately chose not to incorporate winglets into the design. Yamaha decided to keep the airflow over the machine simple and clean, without the aerodynamic complications introduced by downforce-generating bodywork. And the electronic wheelie/lift control is more than capable of handling any power wheelies generated by the R7. The riding position is revised and the seat and tank are reshaped.
The bike retains the proven 689cc twin-cylinder CP2 engine and adds updated intake tuning designed to enhance the induction sound. Maximum power is approximately 73 bhp at 8,750 rpm. A slipper/assisted clutch eases the lever pull effort. Suspension is handled by new 41mm inverted forks with rebound damping in one leg and compression damping in the other, and the spring rate is slightly lower and damping rates are higher. The shock has rebound and preload adjustments and has more damping, and a revised linkage lowers the mechanical effort on the shock, in effect adding more compression damping to the system.
Suggested retail starts at $9,399.
Riding the YZF-R7
All the familiar positives from the prior generation remain–the seat is comfortable, the bike is narrow, the seating position is sport-oriented yet comfortable. The familiar 689cc CP2 Parallel Twin engine is still smooth and quick, the clutch lever pull is child’s play, and the throttle pull is light. The first part of the ride on the highway allowed me to experiment with the cruise control, and it is a simple-to-use feature that can give the right wrist a break on long rides.
The stiffer chassis and suspension components make an immediate and positive impression. Rolling bumps and sharp-edged cracks didn’t upset the chassis. That meant it was easier to use more throttle coming out of corners and more brake going into corners. The overall feel of control, from braking to turn-in to powering out of the corner, is greater on the street, and I suspect YZF-R7 racers are going to like the changes even more.
The quick-shifter worked really well, allowing me to focus on corner entry speeds, and the cutouts in the tank held my outer knee firmly in place during enthusiastic cornering. Wrap your head around the idea that you’re riding a lightweight twin, adjust your power expectations accordingly and adapt your riding style to carrying a bit more corner speed and a twisty road becomes a lot of fun without a lot of effort.
And hey, this might seem like a small thing, but Yamaha’s dashboard and display system really are intuitive and easy to customize without overwhelming the rider. I liked the rider aid settings in the first Track map, but in that mode, the speedometer readout is pretty small. So I switched to Custom, set all of the variables to mirror those of the Track map, and voila! I then had the bike set up the way I wanted and I could easily see how fast I was going. Not that I’m really looking at the speedometer on a Sunday-morning rip up my favorite road …
Julian Correa (40) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Michael Correa.
American Teenage Sensation Julian Correa Showcases Epic Resilience and Pace in World Championship Debut at Portimao.
PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL — April 1, 2026 — Seventeen-year-old American motorcycle racer Julian “Jujumonster” Correa delivered a masterclass in resilience and raw speed during his World Championship debut this past weekend at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao. Despite severe mechanical setbacks during qualifying, the young standout proved his undeniable pace, carving through the field to execute a stunning comeback in the opening round of the season.
Arriving in Portugal after an intense oK-season training regimen—which included logging an astounding 800 kilometers on the bicycle in just three weeks and strategic data-gathering alongside his team at the ESBK weekend in Jerez—Correa was primed for the world stage.
The weekend started with immense promise. Acclimating quickly to the highly technical, undulating Portimao circuit and his newly set-up machine, Correa secured a strong P13 finish during Monday’s oKicial test sessions.
However, disaster struck during Friday’s crucial Superpole qualifying session. On his first out-lap, a catastrophic transmission failure shattered the bike’s fourth gear. Forced to complete his qualifying run stuck entirely in fifth gear, Correa miraculously secured a spot on the grid, though he was relegated to start from P28.
Undeterred by the back-row start, Correa tackled the weekend’s races with maximum aggression. Saturday’s Race 1 saw him rocket from P28 to P19 in just two laps before a red flag halted the race due to an oil spill from a competitor. After navigating the hazardous track conditions, Correa narrowly missed his first World Championship point on the restart following a fierce final-lap battle.
Sunday’s Race 2 cemented Correa’s status as a formidable contender. Starting once again from P28, he systematically hunted down the pack. Pushing his tires to the absolute limit, Correa executed 12 clean overtakes to cross the finish line in P16, setting a blistering lap time that matched the 9th fastest pace on the grid.
Julian Correa (40) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Michael Correa.
“I have never been more proud of a ride in my entire life,” said Correa. “Starting from P28 wasn’t the plan, but fighting through the field without a single crash ahead of me and setting top-10 lap times proved to me that I belong on this World Championship grid. The team worked relentlessly to swap the gearbox and fix the issues, and I gave it everything I had. We’re leaving Portugal with massive confidence.”
The milestone weekend was made even more special with the presence of Correa’s core support system, including his father, Michael, his brother, Grayson, and Coach Mike Torres, who have backed his racing journey since day one.
With his World Championship debut oKicially in the books, Correa and his team are carrying tremendous momentum and invaluable data into the remainder of the season.
For more updates on Julian Correa’s racing journey, upcoming merchandise releases, and future race schedules, follow his oKicial channels.
Nathan Garvelle (210) and Sawyer Lafayette (616) in the Ultra Lightweight Shootout at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. Photo by Caliphotography
By Stuart Smith:
I’ve released a new video on my YouTube channel. This latest video is part one of a two-part series on a wrap-up of the CVMA round 6 race weekend. In the video, I provide an overview of the weekend and interview several racers.
Valentin Debise and the entire Evan Bros Racing Team celebrate victories in both WorldSSP races at Portimão. Photo courtesy of WorldSBK.
ZXMOTO Wins WorldSSP Races at Portimão — First International Victory for a Chinese Motorcycle Brand.
ZXMOTO has made history by winning both Supersport (WorldSSP) races at the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) in Portimão, marking the first-ever WSBK victories for a Chinese motorcycle brand. The success of ZXMOTO is not only a grassroots story of a world champion, but also a reflection of the cumulative strength of Chongqing’s motorcycle industry and the precise empowerment of China’s modern industrial manufacturing system. A complete domestic supply chain enables Chinese innovation to “overtake on the curve.”
3.685 Seconds: China Shows Its Speed to the World
On March 28-29, 2026, French rider Valentin Debise piloted the ZXMOTO 820RR/820RR-RS motorcycle to win both races in the WorldSSP(600-800cc) category at the Portimão round in Portugal. In the first race, Debise finished 3.685 seconds ahead of his closest competitor, and he secured a second consecutive win in the next race. These victories demonstrate the advanced performance of ZXMOTO motorcycles on a global stage.
This marks the first-ever victory for a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer in the SSP category and the first time a Chinese brand has won a WSBK round, sparking global media attention and trending online.
ZXMOTO first unveiled the 820RR at the 23rd China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition in September 2025. After six months of refinement, the bike officially launched in March 2026. From initial skepticism to worldwide acclaim, ZXMOTO has proven on a world-class stage that “Made in China” leads in engineering and performance.
Valentin Debise (53) celebrates a landmark victory at Portimão, delivering ZXMOTO’s first-ever WorldSSP win and marking the first international triumph for a Chinese motorcycle brand in the series. Photo courtesy CIMAMotor.
From left to right with Jaume Masia, Valentin Debise and Albert Arenas on the podium at Portimao. Photo courtesy CIMAMotor.
A Complete Supply Chain: How the “Motorcycle Capital” Nurtures Emerging Brands
This historic win not only puts a Chinese motorcycle brand on top of a premier international competition but also sparks global discussion around “domestic motorcycles” and “Chongqing motorcycle enterprises.”
Founder Zhang Xue shared in an interview that in 2013, he arrived in Chongqing with only 20,000 yuan to start his venture. He chose the city because it is recognized as the “Motorcycle Capital of China.” Though he didn’t know anyone locally, he could find every component for building motorcycles in a single parts market.
As the cradle of China’s motorcycle industry, Chongqing hosts 51 complete vehicle manufacturers and over 410 component suppliers, with an annual production capacity exceeding 20 million motorcycles and 20 million engines. Local supply covers over 80% of conventional motorcycle parts and around 60% for electric motorcycles. Statistically, one in every three motorcycles exported from China is made in Chongqing.
This industrial ecosystem has nurtured emerging brands like ZXMOTO, which can leverage a complete supply chain to achieve extreme innovation and precise market positioning, standing out in niche segments. It empowers a generation of Chinese motorcycle enthusiasts to chase dreams and create milestones in Chongqing.
ZXMOTO SR6 shown at a Chinese motorcycle expo in September 2025. Photo courtesy CIMAMotor.
National Platforms Drive “Supply Chain Going Global”
The victory also resonated with global motorcycle fans and boosted confidence across the motorcycle industry supply chain. It highlights the strength of “Made in China” high-end motorcycles and the robust industrial backbone behind them. With innovations in electrification and smart technologies, the Chinese motorcycle industry is reshaping the global industrial ecosystem, entering a new peak phase of development.
Looking ahead, CIMAMotor 2026 will continue to promote industry globalization, featuring B2B Matchmaking Meeting to showcase the vast market, production capacity, and partnership opportunities of Chinese motorcycles. It aims to leverage the competitive edge behind ZXMOTO championship to help Chinese enterprises transition from “product export” to “brand export” and “supply chain export.”
Peter Doyle, FIM Oceania President. Photo courtesy FIM
The FIM Oceania General Assembly re-elected Peter Doyle as FIM Oceania President during its March 23 meeting in Melbourne, Australia.
This important decision now places Peter in the President’s role for the next four years, and he also continues his position as FIM Oceania’s representative on the FIM Board of Directors.
Peter has led FIM Oceania over the past four years through a sustained period of growth and development, which has seen the creation of FIM Oceania Commissions and outstanding events such as the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup, FIM Oceania Speedway Championship and FIM Oceania Junior Cup.
Under the leadership and plans of the FIM Oceania Board, over the next four years there will be a key focus on junior development, the ‘Beyond Sports’ areas of touring and women’s development, FIM Oceania Championships and unearthing future FIM World Champions from the Oceania region.
Peter Doyle said: ‘’I am very proud to continue as FIM Oceania President for the next four years and to continue with the important duties in the FIM Board.
“I appreciate the trust placed in me by the national federations of FIM Oceania and further thank the FIM Oceania Board and Commission members for their hard work. FIM Oceania has an exciting period ahead and I am very pleased to lead the organisation.”
The National Federation Members of FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia and Motorcycling New Zealand, make up the FIM Board of Directors and nominate the FIM Oceania delegates to the FIM Oceania Commission and Senior Officials positions at FIM Oceania races. This contribution is the backbone to FIM Oceania success.
Editorial Note: Peter Doyle spent about a decade working as a crew chief in AMA Pro Superbike, primarily working with 7-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin.
Participants in an FIM Oceania meeting on 23 March in Melbourne, Australia. Photo courtesy FIM Oceania. Peter Doyle is 5th from right.
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