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Krämer Motorcycles Opens Preorders for 2026 APX-350 MA

FARGO, ND  – Krämer Motorcycles USA is proud to reflect on the inaugural year of the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup, marked by outstanding performances from each of the riders who raced the Krämer APX-350 MA. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the riders and teams on their achievements this season, and we look ahead with enthusiasm toward the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup with returning talent and new entrants. Krämer Motorcycles USA is excited to announce the launch of preorders for the APX-350 MA for the 2026 season.

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup has quickly become a proving ground for the next generation of American motorcycle road racers. The 2025 season was a testament to the program’s success. As the spec-racing class powered by Krämer Motorcycles APX-350 MA machines, the Talent Cup provides high performance, a level playing field for young riders and offers a proven “Road to MotoGPTM” development path. This season showcased both the competitive strength of the new platform and the rising stars who piloted bikes. MotoAmerica Talent Cup racers demonstrated remarkable consistency, speed, and sportsmanship throughout the year, reinforcing the APX-350 MA’s growing reputation as a lightweight race platform for developing talent. 

As Krämer looks ahead to 2026, preorders for the APX-350 MA are now open. To ensure guaranteed Spring 2026 delivery, all orders must be placed by November 15, 2025. The limited-production APX-350 MA is purpose-built for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup, delivering race-ready performance, spec chassis, and a components package engineered for consistency, performance, and rider development. Every machine is tuned to the same benchmark, allowing talent to shine. Prospective teams and riders are encouraged to place their orders early. Please note that orders received after the preorder deadline may be subject to additional costs.

“We’re really proud of what all the teams have accomplished this year,” said Joe Karvonen, owner of Krämer Motorcycles USA.The Talent Cup has proven to be a great program for developing young riders as they improve their skills and move up in the ranks. We’re excited to welcome back some familiar faces and also bring in some new riders next season.”

Krämer Motorcycles USA and MotoAmerica remain committed to promoting growth of new and young riders in American road racing. We look forward to the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup season, starting with the Circuit of The Americas in Texas during the MotoGP weekend, March 27-29.

 

For more information on the Krämer APX-350 MA or to place a preorder, visit www.kramermotorcyclesusa.com or contact [email protected]

WSBK: Superbike Heads To Jerez

The End of an Era: Jerez set for emotional WorldSBK finale. 
 
 
 
Championship standings
 
  • Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) is on the brink of securing his third WorldSBK title. With 580 points and a comfortable 39-point advantage over Bulega, he has the opportunity to seal the crown in Race 1 at the Pirelli Spanish Round.
     
  • Fresh from his Race 2 win at Estoril, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) remains determined to keep the title fight alive and will aim to prove once again that he is a force to be reckoned with in WorldSBK.
     
  • With three podium finishes at Estoril, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) climbed back into the top three in the standings. Just eight points separate him from Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha), who also has his sights set on a top-three finish in the Championship.
     
  • After being declared unfit at the Estoril Round, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) dropped to fifth place in the standings, though his consistent season has already earned him the Best Independent Rider Award for 2025.
 
Razgatlioglu’s Title Chances
 
  • Toprak Razgatlioglu will be crowned World Champion if he wins the race, finishes ahead of Nicolo Bulega, or if Bulega finishes 14th or lower.
 
 
The End of an Era

The Pirelli Spanish Round promises to be an emotional finale, marking the end of several remarkable chapters in WorldSBK history.

  • On the brink of securing his third WorldSBK crown, Toprak Razgatliogluwill contest his final weekend in the Championship before making the move to MotoGP.
     
  • Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) prepares for an emotional farewell as he brings his glittering WorldSBK career to a close after nearly two decades of success.
     
  • At home in Spain, Alvaro Bautista will aim to finish on a high in his last outing with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team before joining Barni Spark Racing Team for 2026.
     
  • It will also be the final round for Honda HRC riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge, who have raced with the Japanese manufacturer since 2022. Lecuona will move to Ducati, while Vierge steps in to replace Rea at Yamaha.
     
  • Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) will also bow out from WorldSBK, bringing to an end a career that began in 2015 and featured multiple race wins and podiums.
     
  • Ryan Vickers concludes his first full-time WorldSBK campaign with Motocorsa Racing, while Andrea Iannone will race for the final time with Team Pata GoEleven.
     
  • Following their absence at the previous round due to injury, it remains uncertain whether Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who will join BMW in 2026, and Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) will take part in their final races with their respective teams.
 
 
Historical Performance
  • In 2024, Nicolo Bulega dominated the Jerez round, winning Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race, while Toprak Razgatlioglu sealed his latest crown with victory in Race 2.
     
  • Alvaro Bautista is the most successful rider at Jerez with five wins to his name, followed by Razgatlioglu and Rea on three each.
     
  • Andrea Locatelli, Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark also featured on the podium last year.
More on worldsbk.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WorldSSP Champion Manzi leads the field into Season Finale
 
 
Stefano Manzi (62) and Can Oncu (61) at Estoril. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Stefano Manzi (62) and Can Oncu (61) at Estoril. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Championship standings

  • Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) arrives at Jerez as the newly crowned 2025 FIM Supersport World Champion. The Italian rider sealed the title in Race 2 at Estoril and now leads the standings with 425 points – 82 clear of Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team).
     
  • The Turkish rider has already secured second place in the standings, holding a comfortable 110-point advantage over Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing).
     
  • Booth-Amos, on 233 points, is locked in a close battle with Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) for third overall, with just six points separating the two ahead of the final round.

 

 

Historical performance

  • Stefano Manzi completed the double at Jerez in 2024, ending his season on a high note.
     
  • Federico Caricasulo (D34G WorldSSP Racing Team) is also a WorldSSP race winner at the Spanish venue, having taken victories in 2017 and 2019.
     
  • In 2024, Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) added to his strong campaign with a podium finish in Race 2.
  More on worldsbk.com
 
 
 
 
 
WorldSSP300 heads to Jerez for Final Showdown
 
 
WorldSSP300 race start. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Championship standings

  • Benat Fernandez (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kove) arrives in Jerez as the Championship leader, a position he has held since the Emilia-Romagna Round. The Spanish rider has 205 points and a narrow 10-point advantage over Carter Thompson (MTM Kawasaki).
     
  • Thompson, who has won two of the last four races, arrives in strong form and will be determined to close the gap to Fernandez, keeping his title hopes alive.
     
  • David Salvador (MS Racing) is just 22 points behind Fernandez and will also be targeting the championship in Jerez. Matteo Vannucci (PATA AG Motorsport Italia WorldSSP300), a two-time race winner in the last four rounds, remains in contention with 46 points to make up.

 

 

Title Chances

Benat Fernandez will be crowned World Champion at Jerez if he:

  • Finishes 1st and Carter Thompson finishes 7th or lower.
  • Finishes 2nd, Carter Thompson finishes 12th or lower, and David Salvador does not win the race.
  • Finishes 3rd, Carter Thompson finishes 16th or lower, and David Salvador finishes 5th or lower.

 

 

Historical performance

  • Last year’s race winners at Jerez were Spanish riders David Salvadorand Julio Garcia.
     
  • Two-time WorldSSP300 Champion Jeffrey Buis is the only other rider on the current grid to have won at the Spanish venue.

 

 

The Final Chapter for WorldSSP300

  • The Spanish Round at Jerez will mark the final chapter for the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship. Introduced in 2017, the category has provided a vital platform for developing young talent on the world stage.
     
  • From 2026, it will be succeeded by the new World Sportbike category, designed to continue fostering the next generation of riders while introducing a new era of competition within the WorldSBK paddock.
  More on worldsbk.com

MotoGP: Provisional 2026 Red Bull FIM MotoGP Rookies Cup Calendar Released

2026 will see another season of incomparable action in the 20th running of the Red Bull FIM MotoGP Rookies Cup. 14 races at 7 different rounds starting in Jerez in early April and ending in Spielberg in mid-September. Customary bookends to a series that has a track record of producing future MotoGP riders and World Champions.

2026 Provisional Calendar

– TEST: April 08-10, Jerez, Spain

– Round 1-2: April 23-26, Jerez, Spain

– Round 3-4: May 07-10, Le Mans, France

– Round 5-6: May 28-31, Mugello, Italy

– Round 7-8: June 25-28, Assen, The Netherlands

– Round 9-10: July 09-12, Sachsenring, Germany

– Round 11-12: September 10-13, Misano, Italy

– Round 13-14: September 17-20, Spielberg, Austria

Pipe Dreams Podcast, Episode 32: Factory Harley-Davidson Baggers Racer Bradley Smith

From left, Bradley Smith, Corey Alexander and James Rispoli. Photo courtesy Pipe Dreams podcast.

 

Pipe Dreams Podcast is back with Episode 32 featuring ex-MotoGP racer, factory BMW test rider, and now Harley-Davidson Factory Racing King of the Baggers star — the englishman Bradley Smith.

Few riders have lived more chapters of motorcycle racing than Bradley. From his early days in England racing MX to tearing through the 125cc and Moto2 ranks to standing on MotoGP podiums and later becoming one of the sport’s most trusted development riders, Bradley’s story is all about evolution.

He’s one of the rare few to score podiums in 125, Moto2, MotoGP, and MotoE—a career built on adaptability and relentless drive. In this episode, Bradley takes us through it all: the pressures of the Tech3 years, to achieving a life-long dream of becoming a factory MotoGP rider fro KTM, and his role in helping BMW develop a championship-winning WorldSBK bike with Toprak.

Now, as he takes on a new challenge in MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers with Harley-Davidson, Bradley opens up about chasing relevance, purpose, and passion in a sport that never stops evolving – just like him.

Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the full episode is out now. Video of the episode can also be viewed on Spotify or YouTube.

Follow along with Bradley on Instagram via @bradleysmith38

We hope you enjoy!

WorldSBK: Baldassarri Joins Go Eleven Ducati

The 28-year-old from the Marche region, winner of five Moto2 World Championship races and runner-up in the 2022 Supersport World Championship, will officially return to the WorldSBK Championship, joining the project of the team led by Gianni Ramello and Denis Sacchetti. It’s a fresh start for both parties: Lorenzo relaunching his career on the world stage after a brief but successful year in MotoE, while Go Eleven faces a new challenge aboard the highly anticipated 2026 version of the Borgo Panigale bike. “Balda” will be experiencing his first experience with the Ducati Superbike and the new generation of Pirelli tyres, which have evolved over the last two years; the primary goal will be to improve the package, although he had the opportunity to test the road version and immediately found himself at ease on it.

The challenge is exciting, the choice is intriguing, the idea is to start again with a young rider and gradually climb the rankings, improving over the course of the season; for Balda, it’s a chance to show his talent and earn his place in WorldSBK!

Let’s go Baldattack!

Gianni Ramello (Team Owner):
“I had the opportunity to personally follow the negotiations with Lorenzo, and I’m happy and motivated to welcome him to my team. I don’t think he’s ever had a real chance to show his potential in WorldSBK, but I hope he can do so with us. He’s a rider who had won in Moto2, constantly on the podium in the Supersport World Championship, and I believe he can create a great atmosphere within the team; working with young riders is an extra motivation for me. I can’t wait to see him in action, and we’re also waiting for the new V4 to be delivered so we can organize the first winter tests. We’re starting with no expectations, and I hope to improve race after race, but I’m aware that it will take a period of adaptation to the category and to Ducati. Welcome, Lorenzo!”

Denis Sacchetti (Team Manager):
“We’re thrilled to welcome Baldassarri to Go Eleven. Lorenzo has proven he can ride very fast in recent years, and his performances prove it, even if recent seasons weren’t really positive. We’re convinced he has the potential to be a surprise in the WorldSBK championship. He’s still young, but at the same time he has the right experience to take on this challenge. Speaking with him, I found a guy with the hunger to reach the top, aware that it will be a long and challenging journey, but his mentality is right. He’ll have the latest version of the Panigale and full Ducati support. We’ll have the first official tests with the new bike in January, and we’re all excited to begin this adventure.”

Lorenzo Baldassarri (Rider):
“I’m very happy that this opportunity has become true. I thank the Team, all the people who believed in the project and those who have always been by my side. I’m motivated and excited. I’ve had some difficult years, but this year I’ve relaunched myself in MotoE, a somewhat unusual championship, but one in which I managed to return to the top and onto the podium. Now I’ll go to Portimao to fight for the title. I can’t wait to start the new season with Go Eleven, because I think it’s an excellent team, both familiar and professional at the same time, putting me in the position to show my potential, with the goal of a growing season. We’ll have to work and improve gradually, but at the beginning I’ll want to enjoy the bike, the 2026 V4-R, which will be an extraordinary bike. I had the chance to race with the road version and I immediately felt comfortable, I think the racing version is a step up. Now I’m focused on preparing for the season as best as possible, having a good pre-season with the Team, to come to Australia ready: Phillip Island is my favorite track, it can’t wait for the first race!”

MotoGP: Diogo Moreira To Join Honda LCR in 2026

Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira signs a multi-year deal with Honda Racing Corporation, set to join Honda LCR MotoGP Team for the 2026 season.

Hailing from São Paulo, Moreira made his World Championship debut in Moto3 in 2022, where he achieved one win, three podiums, and two pole positions across 39 races. Upon his move to Moto2, he was named Rookie of the Year in 2024, and since then, he has consistently been a front-runner. In 2025, he continues to battle for the World Championship, having secured impressive victories in Assen, Austria, and Indonesia, alongside five other podium finishes.

Honda LCR, in strong collaboration with HRC, remains deeply committed to several core objectives, including the development of young talent. Moreira’s signing further strengthens both Honda and LCR’s focus on shaping the future of MotoGP, complementing the team’s ongoing dedication to excellence at all levels of the sport.

The entire Honda LCR Team is excited to welcome Diogo to the family and looks forward to the next chapter of his promising career.

 

Lucio Cecchinello | Honda LCR Team Principal: 
 

“We are very pleased to announce the arrival of Diogo Moreira to our team. Without a doubt, Diogo possesses all the qualities to become one of the greats in MotoGP. He has undeniable talent, a deep passion for racing, and has proven his speed across all types of motorcycles and disciplines. On behalf of the entire LCR Team, I extend a warm welcome to Diogo and thank Honda HRC for entrusting us with this exciting project for 2026.”

Diogo Moreira in parc fermé after taking pole position at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Diogo Moreira in parc fermé after taking pole position at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy Dorna.
 
 
 
Diogo Moreira:
 

“Joining the MotoGP World Championship with Honda LCR is a dream come true. I want to thank Honda and the team for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. I’m excited to learn, to grow, and to fight for strong results at the top level of motorcycle racing.”

 

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Get to know LCR Honda’s latest recruit, who is looking to make his mark on the sport. 

That’s it then! After months of speculation, the grid for the 2026 MotoGP season is finally complete. The last piece of the puzzle finally fell into place ahead of the Australian GP, when it was announced that Diogo Moreira had signed a multi-year MotoGP deal with LCR Honda.

The young Brazilian was one of the most sought-after prospects in the paddock, with multiple factories reportedly chasing his signature. Ultimately, Honda won the battle, securing a rider who’s been tipped as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.

Moreira will be one of two rookies on the 2026 grid — alongside Toprak Razgatlioglu, who comes from WorldSBK — and notably, he’ll become the first Brazilian MotoGP rider since Alex Barros, an icon of the sport across the 1990s and the early 2000s. But who exactly is Diogo Moreira?

 

From Motocross in São Paulo to the European racing scene

Hailing from Guarulhos, São Paulo, Diogo Moreira began his racing journey in Brazilian motocross before moving to Spain in 2017 to pursue a career on asphalt. Determined to make his mark, he worked his way up through the European junior ranks, scoring impressive results in the junior categories.

It was in the Red Bull Rookies Cup that Moreira truly caught attention, finishing 6th overall in 2021 with four podiums to his name. His speed and consistency earned him a coveted seat in the Moto3 World Championship with MT Helmets – MSI in 2022.

 

Moto3: A breakout star emerges

The Brazilian immediately caught the eye with a string of top 10 finishes on his way to the Rookie of the Year crown. On the opening day of his sophomore season, he delivered his first podium in Portugal, which was quickly followed by another in Argentina.

 

Diogo Moreira during 2023 Indonesian GP. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Diogo Moreira during 2023 Indonesian GP. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

His first-ever World Championship win came in Round 15 in Indonesia as he finished P8 in the Championship, but Moto2’s Italtrans Racing had seen enough as they offered him an intermediate class ride in 2024.

 

Moto2: Proving his mettle

His debut year in the intermediate class started inconsistently, but his pace steadily improved as he adapted to the more demanding machinery. By the end of the season, he took his first Moto2 podium at the Barcelona finale — and with it, another Rookie of the Year crown.

 

Diogo Moreira during 2025 Austrian GP. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

That was just a taste of what was to come in 2025, with the Brazilian evolving into one of the class’s standout stars. With a string of top-five finishes, back-to-back podiums at Silverstone and Aragon, and a maiden win at Assen, the Brazilian firmly announced himself as a title contender. That was the first of three wins, the other two coming in Austria and Indonesia, which leaves him within nine points of title rival Manu Gonzalez at the time of writing, heading into the Australian GP.

 

Chasing History: Brazil’s next great hope

With a move to the premier class now signed and sealed, he’ll be looking to deliver a first World Championship crown. Brazil have never had a Grand Prix World Champion, and Moreira could become its first if he can outscore Gonzalez in the remaining four rounds.

His MotoGP debut will also coincide with the long-awaited return of the Brazilian Grand Prix to the calendar in March 2026. If all goes to plan, Moreira will race in front of his home fans in just his second MotoGP outing, making it a truly emotional milestone for both him and Brazil’s passionate motorsport community.

 

Number 10 and the dream realised

Throughout his career, Moreira has proudly raced with the number 10, but he’ll have to find a new one for MotoGP as that number is already taken by factory Honda rider Luca Marini. Still, it’s a small price to pay for achieving his lifelong dream: a place in the premier class of world motorcycle racing.

He’s expected to make his MotoGP testing debut at Valencia later this year, but before that, his focus remains firmly on the 2025 Moto2 title fight. So tune in for the Phillip Island Grand Prix, and see for yourself why Honda has placed its faith in Diogo Moreira — Brazil’s next MotoGP superstar.

NHRA: Gadson Wins Texas FallNationals

Richard Gadson raced his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki Gen 3 Hayabusa to his fourth win of the season and extended his lead in the Pro Stock Motorcycle Countdown to the Championship playoffs at the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex in Ennis, TX, on Sunday.

Race Highlights:

  • Richard Gadson qualified first and increased his lead in the Countdown by winning his fourth race of the season
  • Gaige Herrera qualified second and held onto second place in the Countdown by advancing to the semi-final round

 

Richard Gadson Wins Texas NHRA FallNationals and Extends Championship Lead. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
Richard Gadson Wins Texas NHRA FallNationals and Extends Championship Lead. Photo credit Matt Polito / courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.

 

Richard Gadson qualified number one for the second time this year with a 6.747-second/201.59 mph pass in the second of Friday’s qualifying sessions, which also earned him a $5,000 bonus in the ‘JEGS Friday Nite Live’ Battle for the Saddle, part of the 10-day Stampede of Speed festival that marks the Dallas race as a highlight for NHRA fans.

In the first round of eliminations on Sunday, Gadson defeated Lance Bonham (7.306 seconds/177.15 mph) with a 6.750-second/202.00 mph pass, then ran 6.817 seconds at 199.00 mph in round two against Clayton Howey (6.947 seconds/197.26 mph) to advance to the semi-final round. Gadson laid down a 6.813-second/198.62 mph run in the semis against Matt Smith (6.873 seconds/198.03 mph) to advance to his ninth career final round appearance and sixth of the season.

In the finals, Gadson ran 6.796 seconds at 200.37 mph to defeat Vance & Hines rental rider Brayden Davis (6.817 seconds/200.34 mph), claim his fourth win of the season and career and extend his lead in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. 

By winning his second race since the six-race Countdown began, Gadson extended his lead to 72 points over Herrera in second and 105 points over third-place Matt Smith. Those gaps virtually guarantee Gadson will head into the season finale at Pomona in mid-November as points leader no matter what happens at the penultimate race of the season in Las Vegas in two weeks’ time. 

“We’ve been trying some new things with the clutch setup over the past few races. I really trust my crew chief Eddie Krawiec to find the right setup, and from the first run down the race track this weekend, I knew I had the fastest motorcycle that I’ve had all year. I could feel it. I could almost hear the tire biting into the track. This is the best motorcycle I’ve had and it’s coming at the perfect time of the season,” Gadson said. 

“Going into the last two races of the Countdown with the performance package I have right now really boosts my confidence. I know I have a great horse; I’ve just got to ride it. It’s go-time and I want to win this championship bad, but it’s not done yet by a long shot. Gaige and Matt are right behind me, and I’m not counting any chickens before they’re hatched,” he continued. “I’ve got to keep my hand on the throttle, so I’m just going to try to have fun these last two races, enjoy the ride and let the chips fall where they may in Vegas and Pomona.” 

 

Defending champion Gaige Herrera raced his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki Gen 3 Hayabusa to the semi-final round, maintaining second in the Countdown standings. Photo credit Matt Polito / courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.

 

Defending world champion Gaige Herrera qualified second a tick behind his teammate with a 6.752-second/200.71 mph run in the Friday evening qualifying session.

Herrera opened Sunday eliminations with a 6.749-second/202.52 mph victory in round one over Charles Poskey (foul), then ran a solo 6.780-second/200.95 mph run in round two after his opponent Steve Johnson, who made an unplanned trip into the sand traps in round one, was a no-show. 

In the semi-final round, Herrera ran 6.837 seconds at 199.72 mph against NHRA rookie of the year contender Davis on the Vance & Hines team’s third Hayabusa, but a rare red-light foul scuttled Herrera’s bid against Davis’s quicker 6.831-second/199.72 mph run on the starting line.

With rival Matt Smith also falling in the semi-final round, Herrera held station in second place in the Countdown. He now has a 33-point gap to Smith but lost ground to Gadson, who sits 72 points ahead with two races remaining.

“We qualified well and had a fast motorcycle all weekend, but unfortunately, I beat myself today. Every time I’ve run against Brayden I’ve had the slower bike, so I knew I had to push on the tree, but unfortunately, I cut it too close and went double-oh-five red. All three of our Hayabusas are fast, which is awesome and makes us riders push that much harder when we run against each other,” Herrera said. “I’m still second in points but it’s going to be hard to catch Richard at this point. I’ll need a miracle to happen on my side to change things, but all-in-all, I’ll be glad if it’s either me or him at the end of the season.”

RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki crew chief Andrew Hines said the dominant performance in Dallas of the team’s three Hayabusas, which swept the top three qualifying spots and all advanced to the semi-final round, is the culmination of a series of tuning trials undertaken during race weekends beginning at the two west coast NHRA rounds in July.

“Racing against each other in the late rounds and having three out of the four bikes in the semi-finals is never a bad thing. We’ve been playing around with different tuning variables for each bike from the Western Swing until this weekend. Ed and I started comparing notes, looking at data and asking ourselves what we’ve been doing differently across our three motorcycles. It came down to comparing those notes, figuring out where our shortcomings were and deciding the right direction to go for each one. And it worked on all three motorcycles this weekend,” he said. “We’re trying to give our all as tuners to each motorcycle and may the best rider win. It comes down to desire and execution. Our guys are riding top notch. It’s just a matter of putting the whole run together. A difference of a couple hundredths in elapsed time comes down to the 60-foot time, did they go straight, did they hit their shift points.”

“We feel good about the next two races, especially Vegas. These hot weather races have been challenging but we’ve been able to manage the power and the traction to get our Hayabusas to go,” he said. “Vegas typically has a sticky starting line, which is what we need to get them moving.”

With two races remaining in the Countdown to the Championship, Gadson and Herrera sit first and second in the standings, with 2,507 and 2,435 points, respectively. 

The RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team returns to action Oct. 30-Nov. 3 at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV.

 

For the latest Suzuki team news, race reports, and information visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Drag-Racing

 

About Vance & Hines Motorsports: 

Vance & Hines Motorsports is a powerhouse in the world of motorcycle racing, boasting a rich legacy of success. With a focus on innovation, performance, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, the team continues to redefine excellence in the NHRA and MotoAmerica. For more information, visit www.vanceandhinesmotorsports.com

About Suzuki: 

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.

Polaris Spins Off Indian Motorcycle, Kennedy Named CEO

MINNEAPOLIS (October 13, 2025)— Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) (“Polaris” or “the Company”) todayannounced its decision to separate Indian Motorcycle (“the Business”) from its portfolio and into a standalone business. The Company has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to Carolwood LP, an independent private equity firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Indian Motorcycle contributed approximately $478 million, or 7.0%, of Polaris’ revenues for the trailing twelve-month period ended June 30, 2025.

Upon close, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Polaris’ annualized adjusted EBITDA by approximately $50 million and to adjusted earnings per share (“EPS”) by approximately $1.00. The close of the transaction is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions. Polaris is confident in Indian Motorcycle’s future success under Carolwood ownership and will maintain a small equity position in the Business after the transaction closes. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Polaris and Indian Motorcycle both stand to benefit from this deal, which will enable each business to move faster, deliver industry-leading innovation, and lean further into our respective market strengths,” said Polaris Chief Executive Officer Mike Speetzen. “For Polaris, the sale will further strengthen our focus on the areas of our portfolio that offer the strongest growth potential and allow us to accelerate investments in key initiatives and create wins with customers and dealers. It also will unlock greater long-term value for Polaris and our shareholders, with immediate value creation that we expect will
become increasingly meaningful over time.”

Speetzen continued, “Under Polaris’ ownership and investment, Indian Motorcycle has been reestablished as a celebrated brand and major player in the global motorcycle market. With its current product portfolio, global dealer network, category expertise and manufacturing resources, the Business is well positioned to succeed as a standalone company with a dedicated focus on its industry. We were highly intentional and selective in our search and planning efforts for Indian Motorcycle’s next chapter of growth. In Carolwood, Indian Motorcycle has a partner that believes in building on the Business’ current momentum and supporting its next stage of success. We are confident and committed to making this a seamless transition for Indian Motorcycle dealers, customers and employees.”

“Indian Motorcycle is an iconic brand built on American heritage, craftsmanship, and most importantly, a community of riders,” said Andrew Shanfeld, Principal at Carolwood. “We’re honored to help usher in its next chapter as an independent company and to support its continued growth as a symbol of performance and pride. At Carolwood, we target iconic brands that we can passionately impact. Indian Motorcycle allows us to do just that.”

Future Indian Motorcycle Leadership

Carolwood has selected Mike Kennedy to serve as CEO of the new independent Indian Motorcycle organization once the deal closes. A more than 30-year motorcycle industry veteran, Kennedy has a proven track record as a leader in and around the motorcycle industry. He previously served as CEO of RumbleOn, the nation’s largest powersports dealership group; CEO and President of Vance & Hines, a leading manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems and accessories; and spent 26 years at Harley-Davidson in various leadership roles. Adam Rubin, Principal at Carolwood, said, “Indian Motorcycle has defined American motorcycling for over a century, and Carolwood’s role is to ensure that legacy thrives for the next hundred years. Mike Kennedy brings over 30 years of experience leading iconic motorcycle and performance brands and will play a critical role in stewarding Indian Motorcycle’s growth. At Carolwood, we’re deeply committed to preserving what makes Indian Motorcycle special, supporting its growth, and empowering the team to write its next great chapter.”

Continuity for Indian Motorcycle

As a part of the deal, approximately 900 employees will transition as a part of the new Indian Motorcycle Company. Indian Motorcycle will retain the majority of its team, including engineers, designers and staff, along with manufacturing resources. Manufacturing facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Monticello, Minn., as well as the industrial design and technology center in Burgdorf, Switzerland, will transition to the new standalone motorcycle company as a part of the deal. Indian Motorcycle will continue to provide sales, service, and support for dealers and customers throughout this transition. After the sale is finalized, Indian Motorcycle will operate independently of Polaris and continue selling motorcycles and parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) and providing service through its global Indian Motorcycle dealer network.

Polaris Leadership Update

Until the transaction closes, Polaris President of On Road and International Mike Dougherty will continue to lead the On Road and International businesses, including Indian Motorcycle, at Polaris. Over the next several months, he will help shepherd Indian Motorcycle in its transition to becoming a standalone company. Dougherty, with a distinguished nearly 28-year career with Polaris, has announced his intent to retire upon the closing of the transaction.

“During his tenure with Polaris, Mike’s passionate leadership is responsible for countless contributions. As a result of his tenacity and guidance, Mike shaped our international business into what it is today, scaling it over the last 25 years and establishing a direct presence in more than fifteen countries. He has expanded our business outside of North America, growing revenue from under $100 million in 2000 to more than $1 billion today, as well as strengthened our On Road businesses within their respective markets, including Indian Motorcycle achieving the No. 1 market share position in the United States for mid-size cruisers last year,” said Speetzen. “More than that, Mike is known for the teams he builds, the talent he cultivates and the culture he fosters, and I want to thank Mike for his dedication to Polaris all these years. We wish him the very best in his future retirement.”

Commenting on preliminary Third Quarter results, Speetzen said: “As we prepare to report our third quarter results, we’re encouraged by improving retail trends with ORV ex-Youth up low double digits and continued strong share gains in ORV. Based on preliminary data, we expect third quarter sales to be at the high end of our previously issued guidance range of $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion. We anticipate third quarter adjusted EPS to be in the range of $0.31 to $0.41, which is meaningfully higher than our original expectations, driven by higher-than-expected shipments, strong cost management and ongoing progress
within our operational efficiency initiatives.”

MotoGP: Márquez Undergoes Successful Surgery On Right Shoulder

After a checkup for his right shoulder blade injury, Marc Márquez has undergone a successful operation at the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid, Spain. The same medical team who had examined him seven days earlier found that the coracoid fracture and ligament damage were not showing sufficient signs of stabilization after a week of being immobilized. Therefore, given the risk of residual instability, it was decided to go ahead with surgical stabilization and repair the acromioclavicular ligaments.

Surgery was one of the options considered by doctors from the outset in the event that the planned conservative treatment failed. In any case, Marc Márquez, who is already at home, will continue his recovery process, and his progress will determine the timing of his return to racing competition.

R3 BluCru World Cup: American Clark Finished Fifth Overall

Chris Clark has finished fifth overall in the 2025 R3 BLU CRU World Cup. 
 

Clark, the first American rider to win a race in the series was one of the standouts of the year – claiming a sensational win in the opening round at Portimão in Portugal followed by a two more podiums during his front running campaign. 
 

The final round of the championship took place in Estoril, Portugal, yesterday and whilst he may have crashed out in the closing stages he was once again fighting for the podium. 
 

In addition to his on track success, Clark was invited to the Yamaha Mastercamp in Spain where he got to ride some of the biggest names in the sport – impressing as he turned his hand to off road disciplines such as flat track for the first time and even jet skiing.  

 

Overall, it was a positive debut season in the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU World Cup – a season that Chris can be proud of. 

 

An announcement regarding the #5’s future will be made in the coming weeks. 

 
Chris Clark: “Race one didn’t go to plan. I was given two long lap penalties after an incident in qualifying which left me with a lot to do. I did my best to manage it, but I ended up losing the group and it was too hard to catch them. My full focus was on trying to win the final race of the year and after starting eighteenth I fought hard and put myself in the position to win. I was in the front group, and I had a real chance for the podium. Unfortunately, I made contact with another rider and we both went down. Nobody can say that I didn’t go down without a fight and that is important – I gave it my all. I want to thank my Smrz Racing BGR guys for all their hard work this year, all my sponsors, my family, my manager, and everyone involved with the Yamaha BLU CRU series. I can’t wait to announce my 2026 plans!”

Krämer Motorcycles Opens Preorders for 2026 APX-350 MA

MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Photo courtesy MotoAmerica.
MotoAmerica Talent Cup. Photo courtesy MotoAmerica.

FARGO, ND  – Krämer Motorcycles USA is proud to reflect on the inaugural year of the 2025 MotoAmerica Talent Cup, marked by outstanding performances from each of the riders who raced the Krämer APX-350 MA. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the riders and teams on their achievements this season, and we look ahead with enthusiasm toward the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup with returning talent and new entrants. Krämer Motorcycles USA is excited to announce the launch of preorders for the APX-350 MA for the 2026 season.

The MotoAmerica Talent Cup has quickly become a proving ground for the next generation of American motorcycle road racers. The 2025 season was a testament to the program’s success. As the spec-racing class powered by Krämer Motorcycles APX-350 MA machines, the Talent Cup provides high performance, a level playing field for young riders and offers a proven “Road to MotoGPTM” development path. This season showcased both the competitive strength of the new platform and the rising stars who piloted bikes. MotoAmerica Talent Cup racers demonstrated remarkable consistency, speed, and sportsmanship throughout the year, reinforcing the APX-350 MA’s growing reputation as a lightweight race platform for developing talent. 

As Krämer looks ahead to 2026, preorders for the APX-350 MA are now open. To ensure guaranteed Spring 2026 delivery, all orders must be placed by November 15, 2025. The limited-production APX-350 MA is purpose-built for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup, delivering race-ready performance, spec chassis, and a components package engineered for consistency, performance, and rider development. Every machine is tuned to the same benchmark, allowing talent to shine. Prospective teams and riders are encouraged to place their orders early. Please note that orders received after the preorder deadline may be subject to additional costs.

“We’re really proud of what all the teams have accomplished this year,” said Joe Karvonen, owner of Krämer Motorcycles USA.The Talent Cup has proven to be a great program for developing young riders as they improve their skills and move up in the ranks. We’re excited to welcome back some familiar faces and also bring in some new riders next season.”

Krämer Motorcycles USA and MotoAmerica remain committed to promoting growth of new and young riders in American road racing. We look forward to the 2026 MotoAmerica Talent Cup season, starting with the Circuit of The Americas in Texas during the MotoGP weekend, March 27-29.

 

For more information on the Krämer APX-350 MA or to place a preorder, visit www.kramermotorcyclesusa.com or contact [email protected]

WSBK: Superbike Heads To Jerez

Toprak Razgatlioglu (1) and Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Nicolo Bulega social media.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (1) and Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Nicolo Bulega social media.
The End of an Era: Jerez set for emotional WorldSBK finale. 
 
 
 
Championship standings
 
  • Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) is on the brink of securing his third WorldSBK title. With 580 points and a comfortable 39-point advantage over Bulega, he has the opportunity to seal the crown in Race 1 at the Pirelli Spanish Round.
     
  • Fresh from his Race 2 win at Estoril, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) remains determined to keep the title fight alive and will aim to prove once again that he is a force to be reckoned with in WorldSBK.
     
  • With three podium finishes at Estoril, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) climbed back into the top three in the standings. Just eight points separate him from Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha), who also has his sights set on a top-three finish in the Championship.
     
  • After being declared unfit at the Estoril Round, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) dropped to fifth place in the standings, though his consistent season has already earned him the Best Independent Rider Award for 2025.
 
Razgatlioglu’s Title Chances
 
  • Toprak Razgatlioglu will be crowned World Champion if he wins the race, finishes ahead of Nicolo Bulega, or if Bulega finishes 14th or lower.
 
 
The End of an Era

The Pirelli Spanish Round promises to be an emotional finale, marking the end of several remarkable chapters in WorldSBK history.

  • On the brink of securing his third WorldSBK crown, Toprak Razgatliogluwill contest his final weekend in the Championship before making the move to MotoGP.
     
  • Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) prepares for an emotional farewell as he brings his glittering WorldSBK career to a close after nearly two decades of success.
     
  • At home in Spain, Alvaro Bautista will aim to finish on a high in his last outing with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team before joining Barni Spark Racing Team for 2026.
     
  • It will also be the final round for Honda HRC riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge, who have raced with the Japanese manufacturer since 2022. Lecuona will move to Ducati, while Vierge steps in to replace Rea at Yamaha.
     
  • Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) will also bow out from WorldSBK, bringing to an end a career that began in 2015 and featured multiple race wins and podiums.
     
  • Ryan Vickers concludes his first full-time WorldSBK campaign with Motocorsa Racing, while Andrea Iannone will race for the final time with Team Pata GoEleven.
     
  • Following their absence at the previous round due to injury, it remains uncertain whether Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who will join BMW in 2026, and Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) will take part in their final races with their respective teams.
 
 
Historical Performance
  • In 2024, Nicolo Bulega dominated the Jerez round, winning Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race, while Toprak Razgatlioglu sealed his latest crown with victory in Race 2.
     
  • Alvaro Bautista is the most successful rider at Jerez with five wins to his name, followed by Razgatlioglu and Rea on three each.
     
  • Andrea Locatelli, Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark also featured on the podium last year.
More on worldsbk.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WorldSSP Champion Manzi leads the field into Season Finale
 
 
Stefano Manzi (62) and Can Oncu (61) at Estoril. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Stefano Manzi (62) and Can Oncu (61) at Estoril. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Championship standings

  • Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) arrives at Jerez as the newly crowned 2025 FIM Supersport World Champion. The Italian rider sealed the title in Race 2 at Estoril and now leads the standings with 425 points – 82 clear of Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team).
     
  • The Turkish rider has already secured second place in the standings, holding a comfortable 110-point advantage over Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing).
     
  • Booth-Amos, on 233 points, is locked in a close battle with Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) for third overall, with just six points separating the two ahead of the final round.

 

 

Historical performance

  • Stefano Manzi completed the double at Jerez in 2024, ending his season on a high note.
     
  • Federico Caricasulo (D34G WorldSSP Racing Team) is also a WorldSSP race winner at the Spanish venue, having taken victories in 2017 and 2019.
     
  • In 2024, Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) added to his strong campaign with a podium finish in Race 2.
  More on worldsbk.com
 
 
 
 
 
WorldSSP300 heads to Jerez for Final Showdown
 
 
WorldSSP300 race start. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Championship standings

  • Benat Fernandez (Team#109 Retro Traffic Kove) arrives in Jerez as the Championship leader, a position he has held since the Emilia-Romagna Round. The Spanish rider has 205 points and a narrow 10-point advantage over Carter Thompson (MTM Kawasaki).
     
  • Thompson, who has won two of the last four races, arrives in strong form and will be determined to close the gap to Fernandez, keeping his title hopes alive.
     
  • David Salvador (MS Racing) is just 22 points behind Fernandez and will also be targeting the championship in Jerez. Matteo Vannucci (PATA AG Motorsport Italia WorldSSP300), a two-time race winner in the last four rounds, remains in contention with 46 points to make up.

 

 

Title Chances

Benat Fernandez will be crowned World Champion at Jerez if he:

  • Finishes 1st and Carter Thompson finishes 7th or lower.
  • Finishes 2nd, Carter Thompson finishes 12th or lower, and David Salvador does not win the race.
  • Finishes 3rd, Carter Thompson finishes 16th or lower, and David Salvador finishes 5th or lower.

 

 

Historical performance

  • Last year’s race winners at Jerez were Spanish riders David Salvadorand Julio Garcia.
     
  • Two-time WorldSSP300 Champion Jeffrey Buis is the only other rider on the current grid to have won at the Spanish venue.

 

 

The Final Chapter for WorldSSP300

  • The Spanish Round at Jerez will mark the final chapter for the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship. Introduced in 2017, the category has provided a vital platform for developing young talent on the world stage.
     
  • From 2026, it will be succeeded by the new World Sportbike category, designed to continue fostering the next generation of riders while introducing a new era of competition within the WorldSBK paddock.
  More on worldsbk.com

MotoGP: Provisional 2026 Red Bull FIM MotoGP Rookies Cup Calendar Released

2025 Red Bull FIM Rookies Cup in Misano. Photo by Gold & Goose/Red Bull.

2026 will see another season of incomparable action in the 20th running of the Red Bull FIM MotoGP Rookies Cup. 14 races at 7 different rounds starting in Jerez in early April and ending in Spielberg in mid-September. Customary bookends to a series that has a track record of producing future MotoGP riders and World Champions.

2026 Provisional Calendar

– TEST: April 08-10, Jerez, Spain

– Round 1-2: April 23-26, Jerez, Spain

– Round 3-4: May 07-10, Le Mans, France

– Round 5-6: May 28-31, Mugello, Italy

– Round 7-8: June 25-28, Assen, The Netherlands

– Round 9-10: July 09-12, Sachsenring, Germany

– Round 11-12: September 10-13, Misano, Italy

– Round 13-14: September 17-20, Spielberg, Austria

Pipe Dreams Podcast, Episode 32: Factory Harley-Davidson Baggers Racer Bradley Smith

Bradley Smith (38). Photo by Michael Gougis.
From left, Bradley Smith, Corey Alexander and James Rispoli. Photo courtesy Pipe Dreams podcast.

 

Pipe Dreams Podcast is back with Episode 32 featuring ex-MotoGP racer, factory BMW test rider, and now Harley-Davidson Factory Racing King of the Baggers star — the englishman Bradley Smith.

Few riders have lived more chapters of motorcycle racing than Bradley. From his early days in England racing MX to tearing through the 125cc and Moto2 ranks to standing on MotoGP podiums and later becoming one of the sport’s most trusted development riders, Bradley’s story is all about evolution.

He’s one of the rare few to score podiums in 125, Moto2, MotoGP, and MotoE—a career built on adaptability and relentless drive. In this episode, Bradley takes us through it all: the pressures of the Tech3 years, to achieving a life-long dream of becoming a factory MotoGP rider fro KTM, and his role in helping BMW develop a championship-winning WorldSBK bike with Toprak.

Now, as he takes on a new challenge in MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers with Harley-Davidson, Bradley opens up about chasing relevance, purpose, and passion in a sport that never stops evolving – just like him.

Available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the full episode is out now. Video of the episode can also be viewed on Spotify or YouTube.

Follow along with Bradley on Instagram via @bradleysmith38

We hope you enjoy!

WorldSBK: Baldassarri Joins Go Eleven Ducati

Lorenzo Baldassarri. Photo courtesy Go Eleven.

The 28-year-old from the Marche region, winner of five Moto2 World Championship races and runner-up in the 2022 Supersport World Championship, will officially return to the WorldSBK Championship, joining the project of the team led by Gianni Ramello and Denis Sacchetti. It’s a fresh start for both parties: Lorenzo relaunching his career on the world stage after a brief but successful year in MotoE, while Go Eleven faces a new challenge aboard the highly anticipated 2026 version of the Borgo Panigale bike. “Balda” will be experiencing his first experience with the Ducati Superbike and the new generation of Pirelli tyres, which have evolved over the last two years; the primary goal will be to improve the package, although he had the opportunity to test the road version and immediately found himself at ease on it.

The challenge is exciting, the choice is intriguing, the idea is to start again with a young rider and gradually climb the rankings, improving over the course of the season; for Balda, it’s a chance to show his talent and earn his place in WorldSBK!

Let’s go Baldattack!

Gianni Ramello (Team Owner):
“I had the opportunity to personally follow the negotiations with Lorenzo, and I’m happy and motivated to welcome him to my team. I don’t think he’s ever had a real chance to show his potential in WorldSBK, but I hope he can do so with us. He’s a rider who had won in Moto2, constantly on the podium in the Supersport World Championship, and I believe he can create a great atmosphere within the team; working with young riders is an extra motivation for me. I can’t wait to see him in action, and we’re also waiting for the new V4 to be delivered so we can organize the first winter tests. We’re starting with no expectations, and I hope to improve race after race, but I’m aware that it will take a period of adaptation to the category and to Ducati. Welcome, Lorenzo!”

Denis Sacchetti (Team Manager):
“We’re thrilled to welcome Baldassarri to Go Eleven. Lorenzo has proven he can ride very fast in recent years, and his performances prove it, even if recent seasons weren’t really positive. We’re convinced he has the potential to be a surprise in the WorldSBK championship. He’s still young, but at the same time he has the right experience to take on this challenge. Speaking with him, I found a guy with the hunger to reach the top, aware that it will be a long and challenging journey, but his mentality is right. He’ll have the latest version of the Panigale and full Ducati support. We’ll have the first official tests with the new bike in January, and we’re all excited to begin this adventure.”

Lorenzo Baldassarri (Rider):
“I’m very happy that this opportunity has become true. I thank the Team, all the people who believed in the project and those who have always been by my side. I’m motivated and excited. I’ve had some difficult years, but this year I’ve relaunched myself in MotoE, a somewhat unusual championship, but one in which I managed to return to the top and onto the podium. Now I’ll go to Portimao to fight for the title. I can’t wait to start the new season with Go Eleven, because I think it’s an excellent team, both familiar and professional at the same time, putting me in the position to show my potential, with the goal of a growing season. We’ll have to work and improve gradually, but at the beginning I’ll want to enjoy the bike, the 2026 V4-R, which will be an extraordinary bike. I had the chance to race with the road version and I immediately felt comfortable, I think the racing version is a step up. Now I’m focused on preparing for the season as best as possible, having a good pre-season with the Team, to come to Australia ready: Phillip Island is my favorite track, it can’t wait for the first race!”

MotoGP: Diogo Moreira To Join Honda LCR in 2026

From left to right, Lucio Cecchinello (Honda LCR Team Principal), Yuzuru Ishikawa (HRC Executive Director), Diogo Moreira and Taichi Honda (HRC General Manager). Photo courtesy LCR Honda.

Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira signs a multi-year deal with Honda Racing Corporation, set to join Honda LCR MotoGP Team for the 2026 season.

Hailing from São Paulo, Moreira made his World Championship debut in Moto3 in 2022, where he achieved one win, three podiums, and two pole positions across 39 races. Upon his move to Moto2, he was named Rookie of the Year in 2024, and since then, he has consistently been a front-runner. In 2025, he continues to battle for the World Championship, having secured impressive victories in Assen, Austria, and Indonesia, alongside five other podium finishes.

Honda LCR, in strong collaboration with HRC, remains deeply committed to several core objectives, including the development of young talent. Moreira’s signing further strengthens both Honda and LCR’s focus on shaping the future of MotoGP, complementing the team’s ongoing dedication to excellence at all levels of the sport.

The entire Honda LCR Team is excited to welcome Diogo to the family and looks forward to the next chapter of his promising career.

 

Lucio Cecchinello | Honda LCR Team Principal: 
 

“We are very pleased to announce the arrival of Diogo Moreira to our team. Without a doubt, Diogo possesses all the qualities to become one of the greats in MotoGP. He has undeniable talent, a deep passion for racing, and has proven his speed across all types of motorcycles and disciplines. On behalf of the entire LCR Team, I extend a warm welcome to Diogo and thank Honda HRC for entrusting us with this exciting project for 2026.”

Diogo Moreira in parc fermé after taking pole position at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Diogo Moreira in parc fermé after taking pole position at Balaton Park. Photo courtesy Dorna.
 
 
 
Diogo Moreira:
 

“Joining the MotoGP World Championship with Honda LCR is a dream come true. I want to thank Honda and the team for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. I’m excited to learn, to grow, and to fight for strong results at the top level of motorcycle racing.”

 

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Get to know LCR Honda’s latest recruit, who is looking to make his mark on the sport. 

That’s it then! After months of speculation, the grid for the 2026 MotoGP season is finally complete. The last piece of the puzzle finally fell into place ahead of the Australian GP, when it was announced that Diogo Moreira had signed a multi-year MotoGP deal with LCR Honda.

The young Brazilian was one of the most sought-after prospects in the paddock, with multiple factories reportedly chasing his signature. Ultimately, Honda won the battle, securing a rider who’s been tipped as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.

Moreira will be one of two rookies on the 2026 grid — alongside Toprak Razgatlioglu, who comes from WorldSBK — and notably, he’ll become the first Brazilian MotoGP rider since Alex Barros, an icon of the sport across the 1990s and the early 2000s. But who exactly is Diogo Moreira?

 

From Motocross in São Paulo to the European racing scene

Hailing from Guarulhos, São Paulo, Diogo Moreira began his racing journey in Brazilian motocross before moving to Spain in 2017 to pursue a career on asphalt. Determined to make his mark, he worked his way up through the European junior ranks, scoring impressive results in the junior categories.

It was in the Red Bull Rookies Cup that Moreira truly caught attention, finishing 6th overall in 2021 with four podiums to his name. His speed and consistency earned him a coveted seat in the Moto3 World Championship with MT Helmets – MSI in 2022.

 

Moto3: A breakout star emerges

The Brazilian immediately caught the eye with a string of top 10 finishes on his way to the Rookie of the Year crown. On the opening day of his sophomore season, he delivered his first podium in Portugal, which was quickly followed by another in Argentina.

 

Diogo Moreira during 2023 Indonesian GP. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Diogo Moreira during 2023 Indonesian GP. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

His first-ever World Championship win came in Round 15 in Indonesia as he finished P8 in the Championship, but Moto2’s Italtrans Racing had seen enough as they offered him an intermediate class ride in 2024.

 

Moto2: Proving his mettle

His debut year in the intermediate class started inconsistently, but his pace steadily improved as he adapted to the more demanding machinery. By the end of the season, he took his first Moto2 podium at the Barcelona finale — and with it, another Rookie of the Year crown.

 

Diogo Moreira during 2025 Austrian GP. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

That was just a taste of what was to come in 2025, with the Brazilian evolving into one of the class’s standout stars. With a string of top-five finishes, back-to-back podiums at Silverstone and Aragon, and a maiden win at Assen, the Brazilian firmly announced himself as a title contender. That was the first of three wins, the other two coming in Austria and Indonesia, which leaves him within nine points of title rival Manu Gonzalez at the time of writing, heading into the Australian GP.

 

Chasing History: Brazil’s next great hope

With a move to the premier class now signed and sealed, he’ll be looking to deliver a first World Championship crown. Brazil have never had a Grand Prix World Champion, and Moreira could become its first if he can outscore Gonzalez in the remaining four rounds.

His MotoGP debut will also coincide with the long-awaited return of the Brazilian Grand Prix to the calendar in March 2026. If all goes to plan, Moreira will race in front of his home fans in just his second MotoGP outing, making it a truly emotional milestone for both him and Brazil’s passionate motorsport community.

 

Number 10 and the dream realised

Throughout his career, Moreira has proudly raced with the number 10, but he’ll have to find a new one for MotoGP as that number is already taken by factory Honda rider Luca Marini. Still, it’s a small price to pay for achieving his lifelong dream: a place in the premier class of world motorcycle racing.

He’s expected to make his MotoGP testing debut at Valencia later this year, but before that, his focus remains firmly on the 2025 Moto2 title fight. So tune in for the Phillip Island Grand Prix, and see for yourself why Honda has placed its faith in Diogo Moreira — Brazil’s next MotoGP superstar.

NHRA: Gadson Wins Texas FallNationals

Richard Gadson powered his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki Gen 3 Hayabusa to his fourth win of the season at the Texas NHRA FallNationals, extending his Countdown to the Championship lead. Photo credit Matt Polito / courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.

Richard Gadson raced his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki Gen 3 Hayabusa to his fourth win of the season and extended his lead in the Pro Stock Motorcycle Countdown to the Championship playoffs at the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex in Ennis, TX, on Sunday.

Race Highlights:

  • Richard Gadson qualified first and increased his lead in the Countdown by winning his fourth race of the season
  • Gaige Herrera qualified second and held onto second place in the Countdown by advancing to the semi-final round

 

Richard Gadson Wins Texas NHRA FallNationals and Extends Championship Lead. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.
Richard Gadson Wins Texas NHRA FallNationals and Extends Championship Lead. Photo credit Matt Polito / courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.

 

Richard Gadson qualified number one for the second time this year with a 6.747-second/201.59 mph pass in the second of Friday’s qualifying sessions, which also earned him a $5,000 bonus in the ‘JEGS Friday Nite Live’ Battle for the Saddle, part of the 10-day Stampede of Speed festival that marks the Dallas race as a highlight for NHRA fans.

In the first round of eliminations on Sunday, Gadson defeated Lance Bonham (7.306 seconds/177.15 mph) with a 6.750-second/202.00 mph pass, then ran 6.817 seconds at 199.00 mph in round two against Clayton Howey (6.947 seconds/197.26 mph) to advance to the semi-final round. Gadson laid down a 6.813-second/198.62 mph run in the semis against Matt Smith (6.873 seconds/198.03 mph) to advance to his ninth career final round appearance and sixth of the season.

In the finals, Gadson ran 6.796 seconds at 200.37 mph to defeat Vance & Hines rental rider Brayden Davis (6.817 seconds/200.34 mph), claim his fourth win of the season and career and extend his lead in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. 

By winning his second race since the six-race Countdown began, Gadson extended his lead to 72 points over Herrera in second and 105 points over third-place Matt Smith. Those gaps virtually guarantee Gadson will head into the season finale at Pomona in mid-November as points leader no matter what happens at the penultimate race of the season in Las Vegas in two weeks’ time. 

“We’ve been trying some new things with the clutch setup over the past few races. I really trust my crew chief Eddie Krawiec to find the right setup, and from the first run down the race track this weekend, I knew I had the fastest motorcycle that I’ve had all year. I could feel it. I could almost hear the tire biting into the track. This is the best motorcycle I’ve had and it’s coming at the perfect time of the season,” Gadson said. 

“Going into the last two races of the Countdown with the performance package I have right now really boosts my confidence. I know I have a great horse; I’ve just got to ride it. It’s go-time and I want to win this championship bad, but it’s not done yet by a long shot. Gaige and Matt are right behind me, and I’m not counting any chickens before they’re hatched,” he continued. “I’ve got to keep my hand on the throttle, so I’m just going to try to have fun these last two races, enjoy the ride and let the chips fall where they may in Vegas and Pomona.” 

 

Defending champion Gaige Herrera raced his RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki Gen 3 Hayabusa to the semi-final round, maintaining second in the Countdown standings. Photo credit Matt Polito / courtesy Suzuki Motor USA.

 

Defending world champion Gaige Herrera qualified second a tick behind his teammate with a 6.752-second/200.71 mph run in the Friday evening qualifying session.

Herrera opened Sunday eliminations with a 6.749-second/202.52 mph victory in round one over Charles Poskey (foul), then ran a solo 6.780-second/200.95 mph run in round two after his opponent Steve Johnson, who made an unplanned trip into the sand traps in round one, was a no-show. 

In the semi-final round, Herrera ran 6.837 seconds at 199.72 mph against NHRA rookie of the year contender Davis on the Vance & Hines team’s third Hayabusa, but a rare red-light foul scuttled Herrera’s bid against Davis’s quicker 6.831-second/199.72 mph run on the starting line.

With rival Matt Smith also falling in the semi-final round, Herrera held station in second place in the Countdown. He now has a 33-point gap to Smith but lost ground to Gadson, who sits 72 points ahead with two races remaining.

“We qualified well and had a fast motorcycle all weekend, but unfortunately, I beat myself today. Every time I’ve run against Brayden I’ve had the slower bike, so I knew I had to push on the tree, but unfortunately, I cut it too close and went double-oh-five red. All three of our Hayabusas are fast, which is awesome and makes us riders push that much harder when we run against each other,” Herrera said. “I’m still second in points but it’s going to be hard to catch Richard at this point. I’ll need a miracle to happen on my side to change things, but all-in-all, I’ll be glad if it’s either me or him at the end of the season.”

RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki crew chief Andrew Hines said the dominant performance in Dallas of the team’s three Hayabusas, which swept the top three qualifying spots and all advanced to the semi-final round, is the culmination of a series of tuning trials undertaken during race weekends beginning at the two west coast NHRA rounds in July.

“Racing against each other in the late rounds and having three out of the four bikes in the semi-finals is never a bad thing. We’ve been playing around with different tuning variables for each bike from the Western Swing until this weekend. Ed and I started comparing notes, looking at data and asking ourselves what we’ve been doing differently across our three motorcycles. It came down to comparing those notes, figuring out where our shortcomings were and deciding the right direction to go for each one. And it worked on all three motorcycles this weekend,” he said. “We’re trying to give our all as tuners to each motorcycle and may the best rider win. It comes down to desire and execution. Our guys are riding top notch. It’s just a matter of putting the whole run together. A difference of a couple hundredths in elapsed time comes down to the 60-foot time, did they go straight, did they hit their shift points.”

“We feel good about the next two races, especially Vegas. These hot weather races have been challenging but we’ve been able to manage the power and the traction to get our Hayabusas to go,” he said. “Vegas typically has a sticky starting line, which is what we need to get them moving.”

With two races remaining in the Countdown to the Championship, Gadson and Herrera sit first and second in the standings, with 2,507 and 2,435 points, respectively. 

The RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki team returns to action Oct. 30-Nov. 3 at the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV.

 

For the latest Suzuki team news, race reports, and information visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Drag-Racing

 

About Vance & Hines Motorsports: 

Vance & Hines Motorsports is a powerhouse in the world of motorcycle racing, boasting a rich legacy of success. With a focus on innovation, performance, and a commitment to pushing boundaries, the team continues to redefine excellence in the NHRA and MotoAmerica. For more information, visit www.vanceandhinesmotorsports.com

About Suzuki: 

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.

Polaris Spins Off Indian Motorcycle, Kennedy Named CEO

Loris Baz (76) on the S&S Indian Challenger King of The Baggers racebike at the MotoAmerica round at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Photo by Michael Gougis.

MINNEAPOLIS (October 13, 2025)— Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) (“Polaris” or “the Company”) todayannounced its decision to separate Indian Motorcycle (“the Business”) from its portfolio and into a standalone business. The Company has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to Carolwood LP, an independent private equity firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Indian Motorcycle contributed approximately $478 million, or 7.0%, of Polaris’ revenues for the trailing twelve-month period ended June 30, 2025.

Upon close, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Polaris’ annualized adjusted EBITDA by approximately $50 million and to adjusted earnings per share (“EPS”) by approximately $1.00. The close of the transaction is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions. Polaris is confident in Indian Motorcycle’s future success under Carolwood ownership and will maintain a small equity position in the Business after the transaction closes. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Polaris and Indian Motorcycle both stand to benefit from this deal, which will enable each business to move faster, deliver industry-leading innovation, and lean further into our respective market strengths,” said Polaris Chief Executive Officer Mike Speetzen. “For Polaris, the sale will further strengthen our focus on the areas of our portfolio that offer the strongest growth potential and allow us to accelerate investments in key initiatives and create wins with customers and dealers. It also will unlock greater long-term value for Polaris and our shareholders, with immediate value creation that we expect will
become increasingly meaningful over time.”

Speetzen continued, “Under Polaris’ ownership and investment, Indian Motorcycle has been reestablished as a celebrated brand and major player in the global motorcycle market. With its current product portfolio, global dealer network, category expertise and manufacturing resources, the Business is well positioned to succeed as a standalone company with a dedicated focus on its industry. We were highly intentional and selective in our search and planning efforts for Indian Motorcycle’s next chapter of growth. In Carolwood, Indian Motorcycle has a partner that believes in building on the Business’ current momentum and supporting its next stage of success. We are confident and committed to making this a seamless transition for Indian Motorcycle dealers, customers and employees.”

“Indian Motorcycle is an iconic brand built on American heritage, craftsmanship, and most importantly, a community of riders,” said Andrew Shanfeld, Principal at Carolwood. “We’re honored to help usher in its next chapter as an independent company and to support its continued growth as a symbol of performance and pride. At Carolwood, we target iconic brands that we can passionately impact. Indian Motorcycle allows us to do just that.”

Future Indian Motorcycle Leadership

Carolwood has selected Mike Kennedy to serve as CEO of the new independent Indian Motorcycle organization once the deal closes. A more than 30-year motorcycle industry veteran, Kennedy has a proven track record as a leader in and around the motorcycle industry. He previously served as CEO of RumbleOn, the nation’s largest powersports dealership group; CEO and President of Vance & Hines, a leading manufacturer of high-performance aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems and accessories; and spent 26 years at Harley-Davidson in various leadership roles. Adam Rubin, Principal at Carolwood, said, “Indian Motorcycle has defined American motorcycling for over a century, and Carolwood’s role is to ensure that legacy thrives for the next hundred years. Mike Kennedy brings over 30 years of experience leading iconic motorcycle and performance brands and will play a critical role in stewarding Indian Motorcycle’s growth. At Carolwood, we’re deeply committed to preserving what makes Indian Motorcycle special, supporting its growth, and empowering the team to write its next great chapter.”

Continuity for Indian Motorcycle

As a part of the deal, approximately 900 employees will transition as a part of the new Indian Motorcycle Company. Indian Motorcycle will retain the majority of its team, including engineers, designers and staff, along with manufacturing resources. Manufacturing facilities in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Monticello, Minn., as well as the industrial design and technology center in Burgdorf, Switzerland, will transition to the new standalone motorcycle company as a part of the deal. Indian Motorcycle will continue to provide sales, service, and support for dealers and customers throughout this transition. After the sale is finalized, Indian Motorcycle will operate independently of Polaris and continue selling motorcycles and parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) and providing service through its global Indian Motorcycle dealer network.

Polaris Leadership Update

Until the transaction closes, Polaris President of On Road and International Mike Dougherty will continue to lead the On Road and International businesses, including Indian Motorcycle, at Polaris. Over the next several months, he will help shepherd Indian Motorcycle in its transition to becoming a standalone company. Dougherty, with a distinguished nearly 28-year career with Polaris, has announced his intent to retire upon the closing of the transaction.

“During his tenure with Polaris, Mike’s passionate leadership is responsible for countless contributions. As a result of his tenacity and guidance, Mike shaped our international business into what it is today, scaling it over the last 25 years and establishing a direct presence in more than fifteen countries. He has expanded our business outside of North America, growing revenue from under $100 million in 2000 to more than $1 billion today, as well as strengthened our On Road businesses within their respective markets, including Indian Motorcycle achieving the No. 1 market share position in the United States for mid-size cruisers last year,” said Speetzen. “More than that, Mike is known for the teams he builds, the talent he cultivates and the culture he fosters, and I want to thank Mike for his dedication to Polaris all these years. We wish him the very best in his future retirement.”

Commenting on preliminary Third Quarter results, Speetzen said: “As we prepare to report our third quarter results, we’re encouraged by improving retail trends with ORV ex-Youth up low double digits and continued strong share gains in ORV. Based on preliminary data, we expect third quarter sales to be at the high end of our previously issued guidance range of $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion. We anticipate third quarter adjusted EPS to be in the range of $0.31 to $0.41, which is meaningfully higher than our original expectations, driven by higher-than-expected shipments, strong cost management and ongoing progress
within our operational efficiency initiatives.”

MotoGP: Márquez Undergoes Successful Surgery On Right Shoulder

Marc Marquez (93) at Mandalika. Photo courtesy Ducati Lenovo Team.
Marc Marquez (93) at Mandalika. Photo courtesy Ducati Lenovo Team.

After a checkup for his right shoulder blade injury, Marc Márquez has undergone a successful operation at the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid, Spain. The same medical team who had examined him seven days earlier found that the coracoid fracture and ligament damage were not showing sufficient signs of stabilization after a week of being immobilized. Therefore, given the risk of residual instability, it was decided to go ahead with surgical stabilization and repair the acromioclavicular ligaments.

Surgery was one of the options considered by doctors from the outset in the event that the planned conservative treatment failed. In any case, Marc Márquez, who is already at home, will continue his recovery process, and his progress will determine the timing of his return to racing competition.

R3 BluCru World Cup: American Clark Finished Fifth Overall

Chris Clark (5) at Estoril. Photo courtesy Chris Clark Racing
Chris Clark (5) at Estoril. Photo courtesy Chris Clark Racing

Chris Clark has finished fifth overall in the 2025 R3 BLU CRU World Cup. 
 

Clark, the first American rider to win a race in the series was one of the standouts of the year – claiming a sensational win in the opening round at Portimão in Portugal followed by a two more podiums during his front running campaign. 
 

The final round of the championship took place in Estoril, Portugal, yesterday and whilst he may have crashed out in the closing stages he was once again fighting for the podium. 
 

In addition to his on track success, Clark was invited to the Yamaha Mastercamp in Spain where he got to ride some of the biggest names in the sport – impressing as he turned his hand to off road disciplines such as flat track for the first time and even jet skiing.  

 

Overall, it was a positive debut season in the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU World Cup – a season that Chris can be proud of. 

 

An announcement regarding the #5’s future will be made in the coming weeks. 

 
Chris Clark: “Race one didn’t go to plan. I was given two long lap penalties after an incident in qualifying which left me with a lot to do. I did my best to manage it, but I ended up losing the group and it was too hard to catch them. My full focus was on trying to win the final race of the year and after starting eighteenth I fought hard and put myself in the position to win. I was in the front group, and I had a real chance for the podium. Unfortunately, I made contact with another rider and we both went down. Nobody can say that I didn’t go down without a fight and that is important – I gave it my all. I want to thank my Smrz Racing BGR guys for all their hard work this year, all my sponsors, my family, my manager, and everyone involved with the Yamaha BLU CRU series. I can’t wait to announce my 2026 plans!”

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