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WorldSSP: Debise Tops Superpole Qualifying In France

Mathilde Gasnier
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WorldSSP: Debise Tops Superpole Qualifying In France

Home hero and former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise topped FIM Supersport World Championship Superpole qualifying Friday at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR on Pirelli control tires, the Frenchman lapped the 2.74-mile (4.41 km) course in 1:39.585 to top the field of 33 riders and earn pole position.

His teammate, Federico Caricasulo was the best of the rest with a 1:39.644, and Lucas Mahias earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:39.861 on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R9.

 

SUPERPOLE WSSP

 

 

More, from a press release issued by WSBK:

DOUBLING DOWN: Debise leads historic ZXMOTO 1-2 ahead of Caricasulo. Debise claimed a maiden pole at home at Magny-Cours ahead of his teammate, while French rider Mahias rounded out the front row.

Despite two crashes on Friday, including one in the Tissot Superpole session, Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) was the fastest on the day at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, where the FIM Supersport World Championship disputed their first Superpole sessions since the conclusion of the summer break. Fellow ZXMOTO rider Federico Caricasulo wasn’t far behind him, as he landed his first appearance on the front row in since Cremona last season. Joining them, fellow Frenchman Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) returns to the front row for the first time since Most.

 

ZXMOTO’S LATE MOVE

Debise got off to a bumpy start after he crashed for the second time on the day, once again at Turn 15. He returned with 19 minutes remaining, and with the session about to expire, he and his teammate Caricasulo got the job done, taking P1 and P2. The 1’39.585s  pole lap arrived as the #53’s first pole position in his professional career, and the first 1-2 ever for the Chinese manufacturer. ‘Carica’ has had his share of struggles atop their ZXMOTO 820RR, but things at last clicked for him on Friday, landing his first front row of the season. Debise and Caricasulo’s late move largely stole Mahias’s thunder as they took pole from the #94, but it was still a great ride to get his mojo back and return to the front row after not qualifying better than P17 over the last three rounds.

 

image
Valentin Debise (53) at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy WSBK.

 

TOUGH BREAK FOR GARCIA

It looked like Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) was going to make his return to the front row for the first time since Aragon; however, with the ZXMOTO riders’ dramatic late attack on the top two, the Spaniard was shuffled down to P4, his time just over a tenth slower than his teammate. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) led the session early on, and while four riders slid past him on the timesheets, his 1’40.107s time held on for P5 despite a late crash at Turn 2, to see him take a second-row start for the second consecutive round. Replacement rider Jorge Navarro (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) didn’t need much time to acclimate as he hit the ground running in France, earning a P6 with a time just two hundredths slower than Alcoba.

 

ARENAS FALLS TO P10

In P7 was French rider Corentin Perolari (Honda Racing World Supersport) as his 1’40.258s time saw him land his best Superpole session result since this same French Round last season. Filippo Farioli (VFT Racing) clocked in a time just seven hundredths slower than the Frenchman, his best Friday result since Balaton Park. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) took P9, not quite on his Donington Park pace, but his 1’40.425s was good enough for a third-row start on Saturday for the Brit. Salvaging his rough opening day, Championship leader Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) spent most of the session outside the top ten before he corrected course with a late 1’40.537s to snag P10. Not quite so lucky was Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing), who suffered a tech issue at Turn 14 early on; he returned to the session, however, despite sitting in fourth in the Championship standings, fell to P13 on Friday afternoon.

 

OETTL SIDELINED; JESPERSEN PENALISED

Sixth place in the Riders’ Championship, Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) crashed at Turn 12 just minutes into the session, and he was unable to return, meaning he did not set a time in the session. Simon Jespersen (EAB Racing Team) will have to face a Back of Grid penalty for not respecting Yellow Flag Procedure during their Free Practice session earlier in the day. The Superpole session was no kinder to him, as he suffered a late tech issue from P12.

 

The top six from the WorldSSP Tissot Superpole session, full results here!

  1. Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) 1’39.585s
  2. Federico Caricasulo (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) +0.059s
  3. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) +0.217s
  4. Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) +0.118s
  5. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) +0.128s
  6. Jorge Navarro (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) +0.027s

 

Watch all the WorldSSP action to come this weekend, continuing on Saturday at 14:00 (Local time UTC +1) with the WorldSBK VideoPass! Now 70% off!

 

AFT: Grand National Champion to be Crowned at Caterpillar

Mathilde Gasnier
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AFT: Grand National Champion to be Crowned at Caterpillar

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 4, 2026) – An epic, triple-star Grand National Championship battle will be decided during this weekend’s Caterpillar Springfield Mile I & II at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6. 

And there’s no more fitting place for this monumental occurrence to be staged than the crown jewel of the Progressive American Flat Track calendar, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, where America’s Original Extreme Sport® will compete before a massive crowd at a venue that consistently delivers unforgettable action. 

 

Go for Broke or Play the Odds? 

With three successive wins in his favor, reigning Mission AFT SuperTwins king Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) has established himself the odds-on-favorite after spending the majority of his title defense in chase mode. 

Now up 20 points with just the double finale to go, there are all sorts of ways Daniels can accumulate the points necessary to become just the 13th rider in the nearly three-quarter-century history of the series to take the title in back-to-back seasons. 

Among all of those options, there’s one that’s the most direct. A victory on Saturday would put Daniels up by at least 24 points with just 23 points left in play. That would guarantee him the crown, regardless of what anyone else managed to accomplish on the weekend.  

And to do that, all he needs to do is repeat last year’s performance in the Mission Triple Challenge. 

That’s no doubt that’s how he and Estenson Racing Yamaha would prefer to get it done. Still, a more conservative path must be tempting as well. Even in the worst case for Daniels – one in which second-ranked Briar Bauman (No. 3 Super.com/RWR/Rocket Doctor Harley-Davidson XG750R) sweeps the weekend – Daniels would need to garner a combined 27 points across both days. That’s the equivalent of a fourth and a fifth.  

If you’re a Dallas Daniels fan, you can take comfort in his track record. During the entirety of his five-year premier-class career, Daniels has finished lower than fifth just twice – both coming in his rookie campaign.  

Since then, in 61 starts, he’s finished off the podium just five times, those being two fourths and three fifths. 

Now if you’re pulling for Bauman (or Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R), who requires just a bit more help), you’ll need to take solace in Springfield’s history of magnifying misfortune and punishing even the slightest miscalculation. 

In the most recent 34 Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Events at the circuit, nearly half (14) saw five or more riders cross the finish line within a second of victory. And on more than one occasion, ten riders hit the stripe within that same small margin. 

Even the best can get caught out in the Springfield shuffle. And you don’t need to look back far for evidence of that. 

In the opening leg of last year’s Mission Triple Challenge, Bauman finished 0.836 seconds off the win but was only rewarded with a seventh-place finish. 

Even more relevantly, in the second leg, Daniels himself finished just 0.629 seconds off the win yet still only mustered seventh. 

Make no mistake, Daniels comes in with a commanding advantage. But if any track is going to bite you, this is the one. 

 

The Hunt for 700  

Counterintuitively, Daniels’ standing as the heavy favorite might actually increase Harley-Davidson’s shot at making history. 

Hours were poured over historic results, various databases, and numerous archives to confirm the records. In doing so, one win was found to be misattributed in the official record. 

That win bumped H-D’s all-time Grand National Championship Main Event victory mark to 699. 

You can be sure Bauman and Kopp will do everything in their collective power to hit 700 this weekend.  

There’s motivation for both beyond their respective outside shots at stealing away the title. 

Bauman comes in with six wins to Daniels’ five. He’ll no doubt be seeking to repeat his status as the season’s winningest rider. 

Kopp, meanwhile, could claim a share of the all-time rookie wins record at five with a Springfield double. That would also cement his claim on the single greatest rookie campaign in GNC history. 

 

Lowe Man Wins 

With football season rapidly approaching, your television sets are bound to be replete with the cliché, “low man wins.” 

While not a common phrase in the racing world, a similar one was in vogue here a year ago. 

At last year’s Springfield Mile, Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) and Turner Racing’s American Honda-backed Big Red SuperTwins effort spread their wings and flew to victory. 

In doing so, Lowe guided Honda to its first twin-cylinder victory in over a quarter century and its first as an official effort at Springfield since Bubba Shobert pulled it off all the way back in 1987. 

That performance created huge expectations for 2026 – expectations that have proved difficult to meet. Lowe has enjoyed a nice season – he’s solidly ranked fifth – however, the wins and podiums have not poured in as hoped. 

That said, another Springfield stunner would certainly make the season that did unfold go down a whole lot smoother. 

 

Next Best 

Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) is flat-out rolling right now. 

While a double dip in Rounds 4 and 6 pretty much knocked him out of title contention even before midseason, Fisher has been performing at a championship-caliber level ever since. 

He comes into Springfield boasting five podiums in his last seven races, including a second-place finish at the DuQuoin Mile where he finished just 0.012 seconds behind race winner Kopp.  

And as with Lowe, a win in the finale would do a great deal to shift the narrative on what’s already been rounding into an all-around excellent campaign. 

 

Anyone’s Race  

The track’s aforementioned tendency toward massive swarms of contenders drafting back and forth to the flag gives rise to the possibility of another upset win.  

Next-generation Fast Boy From Illinois Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) finished fourth here last year after coming home third in DuQuoin.  

And he and Daniels won’t have a monopoly on fleet Yamahas, with Hunter Bauer (No. 24 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) and Chad Cose (No. 49 Parker Racing/Pro Roofing Yamaha MT-07) also showing plenty of speed at the Miles.  

Meanwhile, Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 Bubba Boswell/Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson XG750R), Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), and Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Roof Systems KTM 790 Duke) will look to put a convincing conclusion on a year that saw RoosEvans and Gauthier on the box and Lowe in the top five.  

 

Let’s Get Wild 

As if there wasn’t enough intrigue already, reigning KICKER AFT Singles champion Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) will be pulling double duty this weekend. In addition to his quest to claim a new single-season record for Singles wins, the Australian will be showcasing his premier-class potential.   

And if you’ll recall, during last year’s wild card entry, Drane immediately proved himself capable of running with the best of the best. A year stronger, wiser, and even more prepared, there’s no doubt Drane could pose a genuine threat to the established order this weekend. 

He’ll be joined in both classes by fellow KICKER AFT Singles standout Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), who flashed serious speed in his premier-class debut earlier this season at Williams Grove. 

Meanwhile, if all that wasn’t enough magic for you, the “Wizard” Jeffrey Carver (No. 123 Happy Trails Racing Kawasaki Ninja 650) will be back in action.  

While Carver makes relatively infrequent appearances on the grid these days, whenever he does line up, the Illinois native is a threat to win. If you don’t believe it, just ask Springfield Mile co-promoter and ten-time Grand National Champion Jared Mees, who finished second to Carver at Springfield back in 2018. 

 

Get Your Kicks on Route 66 

Fans can make their way to the Springfield Mile on Saturday by participating in a special Route 66 Centennial certified ride created and organized by Mees Promotions in partnership with Harley-Davidson. 

The ride will depart from Conrad’s Harley-Davidson and travel to the Illinois State Fairgrounds via the historic Route 66. Participation is free with the purchase of a Springfield Mile event ticket. The first 75 to register will also receive an exclusive event t-shirt. 

Fans interested in participating in the September 5 ride can register HERE. 

 

 

The Race for Your Seats is Underway 

Bring the whole family and enjoy big-screen viewing, vendor displays, and a wide variety of food and beverage options 

You can still get Infield tickets for just $25 per day (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult), while Reserved Grandstand tickets start at $35 per day (all ages). A Pit Pass can be added to any ticket for an additional $40. 

For $150 per day, fans also have the opportunity to receive a Hospitality VIP Experience which provides an upgraded Reserved Grandstand ticket of their choice, food and beverage in the VIP area, and all-day access to the pits. 

And for $130 per day (all ages), H.O.G. members can enjoy the Harley-Davidson VIP Experience, which provides dedicated H.O.G. parking and an exclusive seating section, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line, photo ops included, a meet-and-greet with the Harley-Davidson riders, and exclusive swag. 

Camping is also available through the Illinois State Fairgrounds campgrounds. For reservations or questions, please call 217-524-9894.  

 

  • To purchase Caterpillar Springfield Mile I tickets, click HERE.    
  • To purchase Caterpillar Springfield Mile II tickets, click HERE.   

 

And for additional savings, purchase your Saturday and Sunday tickets together. To purchase two-day Caterpillar Springfield Mile I & II, click HERE.  

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Mees Promotions by phone 217-632-0277 or email: [email protected].  

Gates will open for fans at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT) both days, with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 2:40 p.m. ET (11:40 a.m. PT) on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT) on Sunday. 

 

 

How to Watch 

  • FloRacing 

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. 

  • FS1 

FOX Sports coverage of the Caterpillar Springfield Mile I, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, September 13, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT). The Caterpillar Springfield Mile II will air the following Sunday, September 20, at  11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT) 

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com. 

MotoGP: Espargaro To Race At Misano For Tech3

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP: Espargaro To Race At Misano For Tech3

Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider Maverick Viñales will miss the upcoming Grand Prix of San Marino (11-13 September) as he continues his recovery, with Pol Espargaró set to replace him for the 14th round of the 2026 MotoGP™ World Championship.

Espargaró returned to the Tech3 garage for the race at Silverstone and later stepped in at the subsequent event in Aragón. Next week the Spaniard will ride the RC16 once again, this time at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, while Viñales continues his rehabilitation.

Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager, said: “While our priority remains supporting Maverick in his recovery, we are pleased to have Pol with us again in Misano. He knows the team extremely well and has already shown his professionalism and commitment during his last two appearances this season. Returning to MotoGP is never easy, but Pol brings valuable experience, and we are looking forward to working with him again in San Marino. We wish Maverick continued progress in his recovery and hope to see him back when he is ready.”

Bridgestone RS12 Selected for Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Bridgestone RS12 Selected for Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Supporting the Ninja ZX-10R’s Outstanding Performance by Superior Dry Grip

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced that it will supply its premium sport motorcycle tire, the BATTLAX RACING STREET RS121, as original equipment for the new Supersport model Ninja ZX-10R released by Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. (Kawasaki).

The new Ninja ZX-10R is Kawasaki’s flagship model and a true champion Supersport machine that continuously evolves for riders who push the limits, serving as a base vehicle for professional racing. While maintaining the performance proven in the Superbike World Championship and improving emission performance, the powerful engine further enhances the bike’s potential on the circuit. In addition, newly designed large winglets increase front-end contact feel during cornering, and outstanding controllability of improved chassis geometry carries riders to new heights3.

 

Screenshot 2026 09 04 at 08.19.41
BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12
Front: 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) Rear: 190/55ZR17 M/C (75W). Photo courtesy Bridgestone.

 

Under the concept of “From Circuit to Street”, the Bridgestone BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 supplied for the Ninja ZX-10R delivers the highest level of dry grip performance in the road-legal tire lineup of BATTLAX. Incorporating technologies proven through continued success in motorcycle endurance races, the BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 delivers comprehensive improvements in circuit performance, with a particular emphasis on dry grip. In addition, by optimizing the combination of a newly developed compound and tread pattern, the tire maintains high grip performance even after multiple laps. As a result, it provides riders with safety and peace of mind across a wide range of riding conditions – from sport riding on dry, winding roads to circuit tracks.

The supply of these original equipment tires was made possible through Kawasaki’s evaluation of Bridgestone’s BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12, which was developed to match the powerful performance of the bike. Its superior dry grip and stable cornering capabilities maximize the performance of the Ninja ZX-10R and deliver outstanding performance in various environments. By developing and supplying these tires, the company will continue to contribute to the value creation that Kawasaki delivers to riders through its various models.

Bridgestone is committed to supporting the development of a safe and enjoyable motorcycling culture, offering peace of mind by advancing a premium strategy centered around the BATTLAX lineup. Through these efforts, the company strives to achieve the corporate commitment of “Emotion: Committed to inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility” described in “Bridgestone E8 Commitment” and to continue providing “Riding Excitement” 10, 20 years down the line.

 

1 Bridgestone Launches Premium Sports Motorcycle Tire “BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12”

2 The vehicle image used in this news release is licensed from Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. for this news release only. Any reproduction or unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

3 For information on the new Ninja ZX-10R, please refer to the webpage. Ninja ZX-10R | 2026 | Kawasaki

 

 

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.: 

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

BWC: Wyman & Rispoli Join the Grid for Austria Season Finale

Mathilde Gasnier
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BWC: Wyman & Rispoli Join the Grid for Austria Season Finale

Reigning King of the Baggers champion Kyle Wyman enters as an independent wildcard with Wegner x KWR, while James Rispoli joins Joe Rascal Racing for the final round of the inaugural FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.

MILWAUKEE, WI (September 4, 2026) – The FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup will welcome two accomplished American racers to the grid for its inaugural Championship Finale at the Red Bull Ring in Austria from September 18–20, with Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli confirmed to compete in the final two races of the 2026 season.

Reigning Mission King of the Baggers champion Kyle Wyman will make his FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup debut as an independent wildcard entry with Wegner Automotive x KWR (Kyle Wyman Racing), competing aboard the #33 Harley-Davidson Road Glide race motorcycle.

One of the most successful riders in American bagger racing, Wyman brings extensive experience racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the international stage and will have the opportunity to measure himself against the Bagger World Cup field on equal machinery at one of Europe’s most iconic circuits.

James Rispoli will also join the grid in Austria as the third rider for Joe Rascal Racing, replacing Jordi Torres for the final round. Rispoli, the defending Mission Super Hooligan National Champion, brings significant experience from American road racing and King of the Baggers competition and will line up alongside championship contenders Archie McDonald and Eric Granado as Joe Rascal Racing completes its inaugural Bagger World Cup campaign.

The addition of Wyman and Rispoli brings further international racing experience to a grid preparing for a decisive weekend in Austria, where the first FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup champion will be crowned after two final races.

 

 

From left to right, Jeff Schuessler, Kolja Rebstock and Carlos Ezpeleta. Photo courtesy Dorna.
From left to right, Jeff Schuessler, Kolja Rebstock and Carlos Ezpeleta. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Jeffrey Schuessler – Director of Global Racing Programs, Harley-Davidson

“We’re pleased to welcome Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli to the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup for our Championship Finale in Austria. Both are accomplished racers with tremendous experience competing on Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the United States and having them join our World Cup grid is another important step in the continued growth of this championship. The opportunity for riders from different championships and markets to come together and compete on equal machinery on the global MotoGP stage is exactly what we want the Bagger World Cup to represent. Kyle arrives as the reigning and two-time King of the Baggers champion, while James brings significant experience and success of his own. We’re excited to see how they measure themselves against our World Cup riders. With four riders still fighting for the championship, two final races and new international talent joining the grid, Austria is shaping up to be a very exciting conclusion to our inaugural season and another strong step forward for Harley-Davidson Racing globally.”

 

 

Kyle Wyman – Wegner Automotive x KWR

“I’m really excited for this opportunity. With the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing team, we’ve put a lot of work into developing the Harley-Davidson Road Glide and the King of the Baggersprogram over the years, so getting the chance to take what we’ve built and race it on the world stage feels pretty special. I’m really thankful to MotoGP, the FIM and Harley-Davidson for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it, as well as to Wegner Automotive for supporting my entry as an independent wildcard. I’m going to Austria to be competitive, but also to enjoy the experience, take it all in and have some fun racing our bike in a completely different environment. It’s not often you get an opportunity like this, and I’m excited to make the most of it.”

 

Rispoli Hooligan Q1 BJNA2710 P
James Rispoli (1). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

James Rispoli – Joe Rascal Racing

“I’m really excited to put myself to the test in the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup at the Red Bull Ring, an iconic circuit with so much history in Grand Prix racing. I’ve watched a lot of footage to try to understand the track before getting there, and I’ve already been struck by how unique it is. It’s going to be a real thrill to experience it for the first time on the Road Glide. I’m very grateful to Joe Rascal Racing and James Tonna for giving me this opportunity. I’m heading to Austria determined to be competitive and deliver a strong weekend, while at the same time having a lot of respect for Eric Granado and Archie McDonald, who are both fighting for the championship. I’m looking forward to the challenge, and I’ll do everything I can to contribute to a great season finale for the team.”

 

James Tonna – Team Co-Owner, Joe Rascal Racing: 

“We are extremely pleased to welcome James Rispoli to Joe Rascal Racing for the final round of the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. James brings an impressive depth of racing experience and a proven track record across a range of disciplines, but equally, he brings the energy, competitiveness and personality that align so naturally with the Joe Rascal Racing culture. He is an accomplished racer, a fierce competitor and someone who is never afraid to make his presence felt. We are looking forward to having him in the garage and seeing what he can bring to the team as we head into the season finale. With Archie and Eric both battling at the front of the championship, it promises to be an incredibly exciting weekend for the entire team. We are looking forward to seeing James join the other Rascals on track and fight for strong results at Red Bull Ring.”

The FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Championship Finale will take place at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, from September 18–20, with two races deciding the inaugural championship title.

WorldSBK: Bulega Heads Friday Practice At Magny-Cours

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
WorldSBK: Bulega Heads Friday Practice At Magny-Cours

Nicolò Bulega led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R on spec Pirelli tires, the Italian rider covered the 2.74-mile (4.41 km) track in 1:35.916 to lead the field of 21 riders.

Yari Montella was second-best with a 1:36.041 on his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R. 

Sam Lowes was third with a 1:36.131 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.

American Garrett Gerloff was 8th with a time of 1:36.404 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR. 

Danilo Petrucci was 18th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a time of 1:37.023. 

 

FP2 WSBK

 

More, from a press release issued by WSBK:

FRIDAY REPORT: Bulega beats Sam Lowes and Lecuona on Friday at Magny-Cours, Vierge claims P4. The Italian rider continued to show his pace despite missing the early stages of FP1 with a tech issue. 

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) topped both sessions in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours as he laid down a gauntlet to his rivals. ‘Bulegas’ finished 0.284s clear of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) on the opening day of the Acerbis French Round, while Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) completed the top three despite an FP2 crash.

 

 

 

ROLLERCOASTER DAY FOR DUCATI…

Bulega had a disrupted start to the day when he had an electrical issue on his Panigale V4 R machine, but lost little running time compared to his rivals. He topped both FP1 and FP2 as he looks to add to his Magny-Cours win count, with his 1’35.556s from FP1 good enough to top the combined timesheets. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was second overall and, like Bulega, didn’t improve his time in FP2, as he lapped just under three tenths slower than ‘Bulegas’. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed third overall despite a crash at Turn 11 in FP2, setting a 1’35.989s in FP1 to claim a top-three spot. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was fifth with a 1’36.041s ahead of Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) and Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing), while Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) finished in 15thplace.

 

image
Sam Lowes (14) at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy WSBK.

 

 

VIERGE IN THE TOP FOUR

Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was the fastest Yamaha rider after he used a fresh SCX tyre at the end of FP1 to haul himself up the order, setting a 1’36.035s to claim fourth. The #97 was also strong in FP2 with a 1’36.289s, putting him sixth in that session. Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and teammate Remy Gardner were closely matched in 13th and 14th, separated by just 0.004s, while it was a tough day for Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha). The #55, working with new crew chief Emanuele Martinelli this weekend, was 20th on the combined times and didn’t get much running in FP2 when he had a tech issue. His best time was a 1’37.384s; he finished a tenth away from Mattia Rato (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team). Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) had two crashes on Friday. In FP1, he crashed at Turns 1 and 2 but was able to re-join the session. In FP2, he crashed at the same point, but this time was taken to the medical centre after a heavy fall in the gravel trap. He was declared unfit with a concussion, and will have further assessments in hospital.

 

OLIVEIRA LEADS BMW’S CHARGE

Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), fresh from inking a new multi-year deal with BMW, claimed eighth place with a 1’36.396s. Teammate Danilo Petrucci, who announced he would leave BMW at the end of the season, finished Friday’s action in 12th place with a 1’36.511s.

 

STRONG START FOR KAWASAKI

Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) appears to be a top-ten contender or better this weekend. The #31 set his best time in Free Practice 1, like the majority of the field, with his 1’36.404s good enough to claim ninth place. The #31 showed his pace particularly in Sectors 2 and 3, being the quickest riders through those sections in FP2.

 

BIMOTA IN THE TOP TEN

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was the faster of the Bimota riders as he set a 1’36.451s although there was little to separate him from teammate Axel Bassani. The Italian manufacturer’s duo were quick to improve on their FP1 time but they finished in 10th and 16th respectively, but Bassani was just two tenths behind the #22.

 

HONDA JUST MISS OUT…

Honda had a stronger showing on Friday than in previous rounds. In both sessions, Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) was close to the top ten, eventually finishing in 11th place with a 1’36.451s, while teammate Somkiat Chantra was 18th with a 1’36.734s; the small gap on the timesheets putting six places between them. The Thai rider had a crash in the final few minutes of FP2 at Turn 3.

 

The top six from Friday’s WorldSBK running, full results here:

  1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’35.556s
  2. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.284s
  3. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.433s
  4. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.479s
  5. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.485s
  6. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.589s

Don’t miss Saturday’s Magny-Cours action starting from 09:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 70% off!

 

WorldSSP: Oncu Quickest In Opening Practice In France

Mathilde Gasnier
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WorldSSP: Oncu Quickest In Opening Practice In France

Can Oncu was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing YZF-R9 on Pirelli control tires, the Turkish rider covered the 2.74-mile (4.41 km) road course in 1:39.977, topping the field of 33 riders.

Roberto Garcia was the best of the rest with a 1:40.126 on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R9.

 Philipp Oettl was third with a lap time of 1:40.307 on his Feel Racing WorldSSP Team Ducati Panigale V2.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 12th with a 1:40.964 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.

 

FP1 WSSP

WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Opening Practice At Magny-Cours

Mathilde Gasnier
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WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Opening Practice At Magny-Cours

Nicolo Bulega was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.74-mile (4.41 km) track, the Italian recorded a 1:35.556 to lead the field of 21 riders.

Sam Lowes was the best of the rest with a 1:35.840 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.

Bulega’s teammate, Iker Lecuona was third-fastest with a 1:35.989. 

Danilo Petrucci was 8th with a time of 1:36.511 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR.

American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 9th with a 1:36.540 on his Kawasaki ZX10-RR.

 

FP1

 

 

More, from a press release issued by WSBK: 

Bulega beats Sam Lowes in red-flagged WorldSBK FP1 despite early tech issues. The Championship leader took Free Practice 1 honours at Magny-Cours ahead of Sam Lowes and Iker Lecuona.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) continued where he left off in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as he topped the Free Practice 1 timesheets despite an electrical issue costing him a bit of time at the start of the session. ‘Bulegas’ was almost three tenths clear of his rivals at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours as WorldSBK resumed after the summer break with the Acerbis French Round.

Bulega slowly brought his Panigale V4 R machine back to pits in the first five minutes after suffering from the gremlins, but his team were able to fix the problem quickly, while a red flag meant he only lost a few laps compared to his rivals. ‘Bulegas’ set a 1’35.556s as he secured top spit in FP1, finishing ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). The #14 had spent a lot of time at the top of the timesheets, but had to settle for second, 0.284s behind Bulega. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) finished in third with a 1’35.989s.

Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) put in a very late lap to finish fourth in Free Practice 1 with a 1’36.035s, just half-a-second behind Bulega, using a new SCX tyre to haul himself up the order. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) claimed fifth at the circuit where he took his one and only WorldSSP rostrum at last year, 0.615s away from ‘Bulegas’, with Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) completing the top six with just a few hundredths separating him and Surra.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) finished in seventh place ahead of Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with the #9 claiming P8 with a 1’36.511s as the lead BMW rider in the first session of the weekend. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) finished in ninth with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) rounding out the top ten.

Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) had a crash at Turns 1 and 2 in the first six minutes of the session, which briefly brought out the red flags to allow gravel to be cleared from the track. He was able to bring his bike back to the pits and return to track action later on.

 

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

  1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’35.556s
  2. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.284s
  3. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.433s
  4. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.479s
  5. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) +0.615s
  6. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.652s

Watch WorldSBK FP2 from 15:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 70% off!

 

Moto Guzzi 105th Anniversary Editions

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto Guzzi 105th Anniversary Editions

A special edition celebrating the eagle’s historic anniversary and honoring Moto Guzzi’s new home.

In this exclusive version, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio, V100 Mandello, V85 Strada and V7 Stone feature a dedicated livery inspired by the colours of the new hub in Mandello del Lario, embellished with distinctive details.

Models destined to become highly sought-after by the most passionate Guzzisti and collectors.

 

Mandello del Lario (Lecco), 3 September 2026 – Coinciding with the inauguration of Moto Guzzi’s new home in Mandello del Lario, the exclusive 105th Anniversary edition is unveiled. Created to celebrate 105 years of the House of the Eagle, it also pays tribute to an extraordinary project – a milestone in Moto Guzzi’s history – that opens the door to a new industrial, museum and cultural experience.

The Moto Guzzi 105th Anniversary edition draws heavily on the architecture and colours that define the extraordinary complex designed by American architect Greg Lynn, which, in addition to the new factory, includes the new Moto Guzzi Museum and extensive spaces for events and visitors from around the world. A place to create, experiment, enjoy new experiences and stir emotion – the home of the new Moto Guzzi that will welcome us for the next 105 years.

 

02 Moto Guzzi Stelvio 105th Anniversary
Moto Guzzi Stelvio 105th Anniversary. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.

 

03 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello 105th Anniversary
Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello 105th Anniversary. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.

 

 

04 Moto Guzzi V85 Strada 105th Anniversary
Moto Guzzi V85 Strada 105th Anniversary. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.

 

 

05 Moto Guzzi V7 105th Anniversary
Moto Guzzi V7 105th Anniversary. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.

 

 

Available from October, and only until the end of 2027, the special 105th Anniversary edition will be offered on the Stelvio, Stelvio PFF Rider Assistance Solution, V100 Mandello, V85 Strada and V7 Stone. It features a dedicated grey livery with a glossy pearlescent finish. This contemporary shade evokes an industrial, metallic and authentic aesthetic, and is an elegant, distinctive livery inspired by the architectural design of the new Moto Guzzi.

The grey colour scheme is enhanced by contrasting yellow details, also inspired by the finishes at the new Mandello site. These include the dedicated Moto Guzzi 105th Anniversary graphic, which runs vertically along both sides of the fuel tank, and the number 105, positioned where the iconic Eagle would normally appear. The same graphic also appears on the rear wheel rim. The seat, too, has been created specifically for this special edition, with the stylised Moto Guzzi Eagle and contrasting yellow stitching.

These special-edition models mark one of the most significant moments in Moto Guzzi’s history and are destined to become highly sought-after by Guzzisti and collectors worldwide.

CVMA Announces 2026–27 Winter Series Schedule

Mathilde Gasnier
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CVMA Announces 2026–27 Winter Series Schedule

Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is set to return to action for its 2026–27 Winter Series, with seven rounds scheduled from October through April. While the series is dubbed the “Winter Series,” its extended calendar gives racers plenty of opportunities to compete throughout the cooler months, beginning October 23–25, 2026, and concluding April 9–11, 2027.

 

The complete 2026–27 schedule is:

  • Round 1: October 23–25, 2026
  • Round 2: November 13–15, 2026
  • Round 3: December 11–13, 2026
  • Round 4: January 8–10, 2027
  • Round 5: February 19–21, 2027
  • Round 6: March 19–21, 2027
  • Round 7: April 9–11, 2027

 

 

More, from a press release issued by CVMA:

Get Ready to Rev Your Engines! CVMA 2026–27 Winter Series Awaits! 
 

Desert Center, CA — Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) has announced its race dates for 2027, including the final four rounds of the 2026–27 Winter Series and the first three rounds of the 2027–28 season.

 

Attention all motorcycle racing enthusiasts! The adrenaline is building as the Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) gears up for the highly anticipated 2026–27 Winter Series! This is your chance to dive headfirst into the thrill of competitive racing, surrounded by a community that shares your passion.

 

A Race Series Unlike Any Other!

This year, CVMA is proud to announce our action-packed race dates from October through April, featuring seven thrilling rounds that will test your limits. Our unique approach, alternating between Chuckwalla Raceway’s clockwise and counterclockwise configurations, promises a fresh challenge at every turn. And don’t miss the electrifying double-points rounds that bookend the series, making every race more critical than ever! 

 

2026–27 CVMA Winter Series Schedule

Round 1             October 23–25, 2026                 CCW — Double Points

Round 2             November 13–15, 2026              CW

Round 3             December 11–13, 2026              CCW

Round 4             January 8–10, 2027                    CW

Round 5             February 19–21, 2027                 CCW

Round 6             March 19–21, 2027                      CW

Round 7             April 9–11, 2027                          CCW — Double Points

                                                         

 

The Future is Bright – Looking Ahead to 2027–28

And it’s not just about the current season! CVMA is also giving racers an early look at the following season, with the first three rounds of the 2027–28 Winter Series now scheduled. Get a taste of what’s coming in the 2027–28 season with our early schedule release, ensuring that the excitement never stops! 

 

2027–28 CVMA Winter Series Schedule

Round 1             October 22–24, 2027                 CW — Double Points

Round 2             November 12–14, 2027             CCW 

Round 3             December 10–12, 2027             CW

Round 4             January 2028 — TBD                 CCW 

Round 5             February 2028 — TBD                CW

Round 6             March 2028 — TBD                    CCW 

Round 7             April 2028 — TBD                       CW — Double Points

 

2026-27 Season Starts Soon

The 2026–27 Winter Series continues CVMA’s mission of delivering competitive, professionally operated motorcycle road racing and an exceptional race weekend experience in an environment built for racers, by racers.

 

Ready to feel the rush? Competition licenses for the 2026–27 season are available now! Secure your spot, and let’s hit the track together!   https://msreg.com/2026-27-cvma-license

 

Become a Partner: Drive Your Brand Forward with CVMA. Unlock exclusive access to our passionate, engaged community of racers and fans. Sponsorship with CVMA isn’t just advertising—it’s aligning your business with the high-performance spirit of North America’s premier winter motorcycle road racing series. Reach our dedicated live-streaming and in-person audience and showcase your brand as the preferred choice for performance enthusiasts. Ready to accelerate your business growth? Contact us at [email protected] today to explore customized sponsorship opportunities for the 2026–27 Winter Series.

 

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About CVMA:


The Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) hosts the premier winter motorcycle road racing series in North America. With a racer-first focus and a mission of constant improvement, CVMA provides safe, competitive, and fun racing for riders of all levels.

 

WorldSSP: Debise Tops Superpole Qualifying In France

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Valentin Debise (53) and Federico Caricasulo (64) at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy WSBK.

Home hero and former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise topped FIM Supersport World Championship Superpole qualifying Friday at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR on Pirelli control tires, the Frenchman lapped the 2.74-mile (4.41 km) course in 1:39.585 to top the field of 33 riders and earn pole position.

His teammate, Federico Caricasulo was the best of the rest with a 1:39.644, and Lucas Mahias earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:39.861 on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R9.

 

SUPERPOLE WSSP

 

 

More, from a press release issued by WSBK:

DOUBLING DOWN: Debise leads historic ZXMOTO 1-2 ahead of Caricasulo. Debise claimed a maiden pole at home at Magny-Cours ahead of his teammate, while French rider Mahias rounded out the front row.

Despite two crashes on Friday, including one in the Tissot Superpole session, Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) was the fastest on the day at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, where the FIM Supersport World Championship disputed their first Superpole sessions since the conclusion of the summer break. Fellow ZXMOTO rider Federico Caricasulo wasn’t far behind him, as he landed his first appearance on the front row in since Cremona last season. Joining them, fellow Frenchman Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) returns to the front row for the first time since Most.

 

ZXMOTO’S LATE MOVE

Debise got off to a bumpy start after he crashed for the second time on the day, once again at Turn 15. He returned with 19 minutes remaining, and with the session about to expire, he and his teammate Caricasulo got the job done, taking P1 and P2. The 1’39.585s  pole lap arrived as the #53’s first pole position in his professional career, and the first 1-2 ever for the Chinese manufacturer. ‘Carica’ has had his share of struggles atop their ZXMOTO 820RR, but things at last clicked for him on Friday, landing his first front row of the season. Debise and Caricasulo’s late move largely stole Mahias’s thunder as they took pole from the #94, but it was still a great ride to get his mojo back and return to the front row after not qualifying better than P17 over the last three rounds.

 

image
Valentin Debise (53) at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy WSBK.

 

TOUGH BREAK FOR GARCIA

It looked like Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) was going to make his return to the front row for the first time since Aragon; however, with the ZXMOTO riders’ dramatic late attack on the top two, the Spaniard was shuffled down to P4, his time just over a tenth slower than his teammate. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) led the session early on, and while four riders slid past him on the timesheets, his 1’40.107s time held on for P5 despite a late crash at Turn 2, to see him take a second-row start for the second consecutive round. Replacement rider Jorge Navarro (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) didn’t need much time to acclimate as he hit the ground running in France, earning a P6 with a time just two hundredths slower than Alcoba.

 

ARENAS FALLS TO P10

In P7 was French rider Corentin Perolari (Honda Racing World Supersport) as his 1’40.258s time saw him land his best Superpole session result since this same French Round last season. Filippo Farioli (VFT Racing) clocked in a time just seven hundredths slower than the Frenchman, his best Friday result since Balaton Park. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) took P9, not quite on his Donington Park pace, but his 1’40.425s was good enough for a third-row start on Saturday for the Brit. Salvaging his rough opening day, Championship leader Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) spent most of the session outside the top ten before he corrected course with a late 1’40.537s to snag P10. Not quite so lucky was Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing), who suffered a tech issue at Turn 14 early on; he returned to the session, however, despite sitting in fourth in the Championship standings, fell to P13 on Friday afternoon.

 

OETTL SIDELINED; JESPERSEN PENALISED

Sixth place in the Riders’ Championship, Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) crashed at Turn 12 just minutes into the session, and he was unable to return, meaning he did not set a time in the session. Simon Jespersen (EAB Racing Team) will have to face a Back of Grid penalty for not respecting Yellow Flag Procedure during their Free Practice session earlier in the day. The Superpole session was no kinder to him, as he suffered a late tech issue from P12.

 

The top six from the WorldSSP Tissot Superpole session, full results here!

  1. Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) 1’39.585s
  2. Federico Caricasulo (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) +0.059s
  3. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) +0.217s
  4. Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) +0.118s
  5. Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) +0.128s
  6. Jorge Navarro (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) +0.027s

 

Watch all the WorldSSP action to come this weekend, continuing on Saturday at 14:00 (Local time UTC +1) with the WorldSBK VideoPass! Now 70% off!

 

AFT: Grand National Champion to be Crowned at Caterpillar

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Mission AFT SuperTwins line up for the Springfield Mile in 2025. Photo by Kristen Lassen for AMA Pro Racing.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 4, 2026) – An epic, triple-star Grand National Championship battle will be decided during this weekend’s Caterpillar Springfield Mile I & II at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6. 

And there’s no more fitting place for this monumental occurrence to be staged than the crown jewel of the Progressive American Flat Track calendar, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, where America’s Original Extreme Sport® will compete before a massive crowd at a venue that consistently delivers unforgettable action. 

 

Go for Broke or Play the Odds? 

With three successive wins in his favor, reigning Mission AFT SuperTwins king Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) has established himself the odds-on-favorite after spending the majority of his title defense in chase mode. 

Now up 20 points with just the double finale to go, there are all sorts of ways Daniels can accumulate the points necessary to become just the 13th rider in the nearly three-quarter-century history of the series to take the title in back-to-back seasons. 

Among all of those options, there’s one that’s the most direct. A victory on Saturday would put Daniels up by at least 24 points with just 23 points left in play. That would guarantee him the crown, regardless of what anyone else managed to accomplish on the weekend.  

And to do that, all he needs to do is repeat last year’s performance in the Mission Triple Challenge. 

That’s no doubt that’s how he and Estenson Racing Yamaha would prefer to get it done. Still, a more conservative path must be tempting as well. Even in the worst case for Daniels – one in which second-ranked Briar Bauman (No. 3 Super.com/RWR/Rocket Doctor Harley-Davidson XG750R) sweeps the weekend – Daniels would need to garner a combined 27 points across both days. That’s the equivalent of a fourth and a fifth.  

If you’re a Dallas Daniels fan, you can take comfort in his track record. During the entirety of his five-year premier-class career, Daniels has finished lower than fifth just twice – both coming in his rookie campaign.  

Since then, in 61 starts, he’s finished off the podium just five times, those being two fourths and three fifths. 

Now if you’re pulling for Bauman (or Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R), who requires just a bit more help), you’ll need to take solace in Springfield’s history of magnifying misfortune and punishing even the slightest miscalculation. 

In the most recent 34 Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Events at the circuit, nearly half (14) saw five or more riders cross the finish line within a second of victory. And on more than one occasion, ten riders hit the stripe within that same small margin. 

Even the best can get caught out in the Springfield shuffle. And you don’t need to look back far for evidence of that. 

In the opening leg of last year’s Mission Triple Challenge, Bauman finished 0.836 seconds off the win but was only rewarded with a seventh-place finish. 

Even more relevantly, in the second leg, Daniels himself finished just 0.629 seconds off the win yet still only mustered seventh. 

Make no mistake, Daniels comes in with a commanding advantage. But if any track is going to bite you, this is the one. 

 

The Hunt for 700  

Counterintuitively, Daniels’ standing as the heavy favorite might actually increase Harley-Davidson’s shot at making history. 

Hours were poured over historic results, various databases, and numerous archives to confirm the records. In doing so, one win was found to be misattributed in the official record. 

That win bumped H-D’s all-time Grand National Championship Main Event victory mark to 699. 

You can be sure Bauman and Kopp will do everything in their collective power to hit 700 this weekend.  

There’s motivation for both beyond their respective outside shots at stealing away the title. 

Bauman comes in with six wins to Daniels’ five. He’ll no doubt be seeking to repeat his status as the season’s winningest rider. 

Kopp, meanwhile, could claim a share of the all-time rookie wins record at five with a Springfield double. That would also cement his claim on the single greatest rookie campaign in GNC history. 

 

Lowe Man Wins 

With football season rapidly approaching, your television sets are bound to be replete with the cliché, “low man wins.” 

While not a common phrase in the racing world, a similar one was in vogue here a year ago. 

At last year’s Springfield Mile, Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) and Turner Racing’s American Honda-backed Big Red SuperTwins effort spread their wings and flew to victory. 

In doing so, Lowe guided Honda to its first twin-cylinder victory in over a quarter century and its first as an official effort at Springfield since Bubba Shobert pulled it off all the way back in 1987. 

That performance created huge expectations for 2026 – expectations that have proved difficult to meet. Lowe has enjoyed a nice season – he’s solidly ranked fifth – however, the wins and podiums have not poured in as hoped. 

That said, another Springfield stunner would certainly make the season that did unfold go down a whole lot smoother. 

 

Next Best 

Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) is flat-out rolling right now. 

While a double dip in Rounds 4 and 6 pretty much knocked him out of title contention even before midseason, Fisher has been performing at a championship-caliber level ever since. 

He comes into Springfield boasting five podiums in his last seven races, including a second-place finish at the DuQuoin Mile where he finished just 0.012 seconds behind race winner Kopp.  

And as with Lowe, a win in the finale would do a great deal to shift the narrative on what’s already been rounding into an all-around excellent campaign. 

 

Anyone’s Race  

The track’s aforementioned tendency toward massive swarms of contenders drafting back and forth to the flag gives rise to the possibility of another upset win.  

Next-generation Fast Boy From Illinois Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) finished fourth here last year after coming home third in DuQuoin.  

And he and Daniels won’t have a monopoly on fleet Yamahas, with Hunter Bauer (No. 24 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) and Chad Cose (No. 49 Parker Racing/Pro Roofing Yamaha MT-07) also showing plenty of speed at the Miles.  

Meanwhile, Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 Bubba Boswell/Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson XG750R), Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), and Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Roof Systems KTM 790 Duke) will look to put a convincing conclusion on a year that saw RoosEvans and Gauthier on the box and Lowe in the top five.  

 

Let’s Get Wild 

As if there wasn’t enough intrigue already, reigning KICKER AFT Singles champion Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) will be pulling double duty this weekend. In addition to his quest to claim a new single-season record for Singles wins, the Australian will be showcasing his premier-class potential.   

And if you’ll recall, during last year’s wild card entry, Drane immediately proved himself capable of running with the best of the best. A year stronger, wiser, and even more prepared, there’s no doubt Drane could pose a genuine threat to the established order this weekend. 

He’ll be joined in both classes by fellow KICKER AFT Singles standout Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), who flashed serious speed in his premier-class debut earlier this season at Williams Grove. 

Meanwhile, if all that wasn’t enough magic for you, the “Wizard” Jeffrey Carver (No. 123 Happy Trails Racing Kawasaki Ninja 650) will be back in action.  

While Carver makes relatively infrequent appearances on the grid these days, whenever he does line up, the Illinois native is a threat to win. If you don’t believe it, just ask Springfield Mile co-promoter and ten-time Grand National Champion Jared Mees, who finished second to Carver at Springfield back in 2018. 

 

Get Your Kicks on Route 66 

Fans can make their way to the Springfield Mile on Saturday by participating in a special Route 66 Centennial certified ride created and organized by Mees Promotions in partnership with Harley-Davidson. 

The ride will depart from Conrad’s Harley-Davidson and travel to the Illinois State Fairgrounds via the historic Route 66. Participation is free with the purchase of a Springfield Mile event ticket. The first 75 to register will also receive an exclusive event t-shirt. 

Fans interested in participating in the September 5 ride can register HERE. 

 

 

The Race for Your Seats is Underway 

Bring the whole family and enjoy big-screen viewing, vendor displays, and a wide variety of food and beverage options 

You can still get Infield tickets for just $25 per day (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult), while Reserved Grandstand tickets start at $35 per day (all ages). A Pit Pass can be added to any ticket for an additional $40. 

For $150 per day, fans also have the opportunity to receive a Hospitality VIP Experience which provides an upgraded Reserved Grandstand ticket of their choice, food and beverage in the VIP area, and all-day access to the pits. 

And for $130 per day (all ages), H.O.G. members can enjoy the Harley-Davidson VIP Experience, which provides dedicated H.O.G. parking and an exclusive seating section, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line, photo ops included, a meet-and-greet with the Harley-Davidson riders, and exclusive swag. 

Camping is also available through the Illinois State Fairgrounds campgrounds. For reservations or questions, please call 217-524-9894.  

 

  • To purchase Caterpillar Springfield Mile I tickets, click HERE.    
  • To purchase Caterpillar Springfield Mile II tickets, click HERE.   

 

And for additional savings, purchase your Saturday and Sunday tickets together. To purchase two-day Caterpillar Springfield Mile I & II, click HERE.  

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Mees Promotions by phone 217-632-0277 or email: [email protected].  

Gates will open for fans at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT) both days, with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 2:40 p.m. ET (11:40 a.m. PT) on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT) on Sunday. 

 

 

How to Watch 

  • FloRacing 

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. 

  • FS1 

FOX Sports coverage of the Caterpillar Springfield Mile I, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, September 13, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT). The Caterpillar Springfield Mile II will air the following Sunday, September 20, at  11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT) 

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com. 

MotoGP: Espargaro To Race At Misano For Tech3

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Pol Espargaró (44) at Aragon. Photo courtesy Tech3.

Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider Maverick Viñales will miss the upcoming Grand Prix of San Marino (11-13 September) as he continues his recovery, with Pol Espargaró set to replace him for the 14th round of the 2026 MotoGP™ World Championship.

Espargaró returned to the Tech3 garage for the race at Silverstone and later stepped in at the subsequent event in Aragón. Next week the Spaniard will ride the RC16 once again, this time at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, while Viñales continues his rehabilitation.

Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager, said: “While our priority remains supporting Maverick in his recovery, we are pleased to have Pol with us again in Misano. He knows the team extremely well and has already shown his professionalism and commitment during his last two appearances this season. Returning to MotoGP is never easy, but Pol brings valuable experience, and we are looking forward to working with him again in San Marino. We wish Maverick continued progress in his recovery and hope to see him back when he is ready.”

Bridgestone RS12 Selected for Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

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New Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R2. Photo courtesy Bridgestone.

Supporting the Ninja ZX-10R’s Outstanding Performance by Superior Dry Grip

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced that it will supply its premium sport motorcycle tire, the BATTLAX RACING STREET RS121, as original equipment for the new Supersport model Ninja ZX-10R released by Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. (Kawasaki).

The new Ninja ZX-10R is Kawasaki’s flagship model and a true champion Supersport machine that continuously evolves for riders who push the limits, serving as a base vehicle for professional racing. While maintaining the performance proven in the Superbike World Championship and improving emission performance, the powerful engine further enhances the bike’s potential on the circuit. In addition, newly designed large winglets increase front-end contact feel during cornering, and outstanding controllability of improved chassis geometry carries riders to new heights3.

 

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BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12
Front: 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) Rear: 190/55ZR17 M/C (75W). Photo courtesy Bridgestone.

 

Under the concept of “From Circuit to Street”, the Bridgestone BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 supplied for the Ninja ZX-10R delivers the highest level of dry grip performance in the road-legal tire lineup of BATTLAX. Incorporating technologies proven through continued success in motorcycle endurance races, the BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 delivers comprehensive improvements in circuit performance, with a particular emphasis on dry grip. In addition, by optimizing the combination of a newly developed compound and tread pattern, the tire maintains high grip performance even after multiple laps. As a result, it provides riders with safety and peace of mind across a wide range of riding conditions – from sport riding on dry, winding roads to circuit tracks.

The supply of these original equipment tires was made possible through Kawasaki’s evaluation of Bridgestone’s BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12, which was developed to match the powerful performance of the bike. Its superior dry grip and stable cornering capabilities maximize the performance of the Ninja ZX-10R and deliver outstanding performance in various environments. By developing and supplying these tires, the company will continue to contribute to the value creation that Kawasaki delivers to riders through its various models.

Bridgestone is committed to supporting the development of a safe and enjoyable motorcycling culture, offering peace of mind by advancing a premium strategy centered around the BATTLAX lineup. Through these efforts, the company strives to achieve the corporate commitment of “Emotion: Committed to inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility” described in “Bridgestone E8 Commitment” and to continue providing “Riding Excitement” 10, 20 years down the line.

 

1 Bridgestone Launches Premium Sports Motorcycle Tire “BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12”

2 The vehicle image used in this news release is licensed from Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. for this news release only. Any reproduction or unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

3 For information on the new Ninja ZX-10R, please refer to the webpage. Ninja ZX-10R | 2026 | Kawasaki

 

 

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.: 

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

BWC: Wyman & Rispoli Join the Grid for Austria Season Finale

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Kyle Wyman (1) at Laguna Seca. Photo by Brian J Nelson.

Reigning King of the Baggers champion Kyle Wyman enters as an independent wildcard with Wegner x KWR, while James Rispoli joins Joe Rascal Racing for the final round of the inaugural FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.

MILWAUKEE, WI (September 4, 2026) – The FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup will welcome two accomplished American racers to the grid for its inaugural Championship Finale at the Red Bull Ring in Austria from September 18–20, with Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli confirmed to compete in the final two races of the 2026 season.

Reigning Mission King of the Baggers champion Kyle Wyman will make his FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup debut as an independent wildcard entry with Wegner Automotive x KWR (Kyle Wyman Racing), competing aboard the #33 Harley-Davidson Road Glide race motorcycle.

One of the most successful riders in American bagger racing, Wyman brings extensive experience racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the international stage and will have the opportunity to measure himself against the Bagger World Cup field on equal machinery at one of Europe’s most iconic circuits.

James Rispoli will also join the grid in Austria as the third rider for Joe Rascal Racing, replacing Jordi Torres for the final round. Rispoli, the defending Mission Super Hooligan National Champion, brings significant experience from American road racing and King of the Baggers competition and will line up alongside championship contenders Archie McDonald and Eric Granado as Joe Rascal Racing completes its inaugural Bagger World Cup campaign.

The addition of Wyman and Rispoli brings further international racing experience to a grid preparing for a decisive weekend in Austria, where the first FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup champion will be crowned after two final races.

 

 

From left to right, Jeff Schuessler, Kolja Rebstock and Carlos Ezpeleta. Photo courtesy Dorna.
From left to right, Jeff Schuessler, Kolja Rebstock and Carlos Ezpeleta. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Jeffrey Schuessler – Director of Global Racing Programs, Harley-Davidson

“We’re pleased to welcome Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli to the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup for our Championship Finale in Austria. Both are accomplished racers with tremendous experience competing on Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the United States and having them join our World Cup grid is another important step in the continued growth of this championship. The opportunity for riders from different championships and markets to come together and compete on equal machinery on the global MotoGP stage is exactly what we want the Bagger World Cup to represent. Kyle arrives as the reigning and two-time King of the Baggers champion, while James brings significant experience and success of his own. We’re excited to see how they measure themselves against our World Cup riders. With four riders still fighting for the championship, two final races and new international talent joining the grid, Austria is shaping up to be a very exciting conclusion to our inaugural season and another strong step forward for Harley-Davidson Racing globally.”

 

 

Kyle Wyman – Wegner Automotive x KWR

“I’m really excited for this opportunity. With the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing team, we’ve put a lot of work into developing the Harley-Davidson Road Glide and the King of the Baggersprogram over the years, so getting the chance to take what we’ve built and race it on the world stage feels pretty special. I’m really thankful to MotoGP, the FIM and Harley-Davidson for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it, as well as to Wegner Automotive for supporting my entry as an independent wildcard. I’m going to Austria to be competitive, but also to enjoy the experience, take it all in and have some fun racing our bike in a completely different environment. It’s not often you get an opportunity like this, and I’m excited to make the most of it.”

 

Rispoli Hooligan Q1 BJNA2710 P
James Rispoli (1). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

James Rispoli – Joe Rascal Racing

“I’m really excited to put myself to the test in the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup at the Red Bull Ring, an iconic circuit with so much history in Grand Prix racing. I’ve watched a lot of footage to try to understand the track before getting there, and I’ve already been struck by how unique it is. It’s going to be a real thrill to experience it for the first time on the Road Glide. I’m very grateful to Joe Rascal Racing and James Tonna for giving me this opportunity. I’m heading to Austria determined to be competitive and deliver a strong weekend, while at the same time having a lot of respect for Eric Granado and Archie McDonald, who are both fighting for the championship. I’m looking forward to the challenge, and I’ll do everything I can to contribute to a great season finale for the team.”

 

James Tonna – Team Co-Owner, Joe Rascal Racing: 

“We are extremely pleased to welcome James Rispoli to Joe Rascal Racing for the final round of the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. James brings an impressive depth of racing experience and a proven track record across a range of disciplines, but equally, he brings the energy, competitiveness and personality that align so naturally with the Joe Rascal Racing culture. He is an accomplished racer, a fierce competitor and someone who is never afraid to make his presence felt. We are looking forward to having him in the garage and seeing what he can bring to the team as we head into the season finale. With Archie and Eric both battling at the front of the championship, it promises to be an incredibly exciting weekend for the entire team. We are looking forward to seeing James join the other Rascals on track and fight for strong results at Red Bull Ring.”

The FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Championship Finale will take place at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, from September 18–20, with two races deciding the inaugural championship title.

WorldSBK: Bulega Heads Friday Practice At Magny-Cours

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Nicolo Bulega (11) at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy WSBK.

Nicolò Bulega led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R on spec Pirelli tires, the Italian rider covered the 2.74-mile (4.41 km) track in 1:35.916 to lead the field of 21 riders.

Yari Montella was second-best with a 1:36.041 on his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R. 

Sam Lowes was third with a 1:36.131 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.

American Garrett Gerloff was 8th with a time of 1:36.404 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR. 

Danilo Petrucci was 18th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a time of 1:37.023. 

 

FP2 WSBK

 

More, from a press release issued by WSBK:

FRIDAY REPORT: Bulega beats Sam Lowes and Lecuona on Friday at Magny-Cours, Vierge claims P4. The Italian rider continued to show his pace despite missing the early stages of FP1 with a tech issue. 

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) topped both sessions in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours as he laid down a gauntlet to his rivals. ‘Bulegas’ finished 0.284s clear of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) on the opening day of the Acerbis French Round, while Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) completed the top three despite an FP2 crash.

 

 

 

ROLLERCOASTER DAY FOR DUCATI…

Bulega had a disrupted start to the day when he had an electrical issue on his Panigale V4 R machine, but lost little running time compared to his rivals. He topped both FP1 and FP2 as he looks to add to his Magny-Cours win count, with his 1’35.556s from FP1 good enough to top the combined timesheets. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) was second overall and, like Bulega, didn’t improve his time in FP2, as he lapped just under three tenths slower than ‘Bulegas’. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed third overall despite a crash at Turn 11 in FP2, setting a 1’35.989s in FP1 to claim a top-three spot. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was fifth with a 1’36.041s ahead of Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) and Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing), while Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) finished in 15thplace.

 

image
Sam Lowes (14) at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy WSBK.

 

 

VIERGE IN THE TOP FOUR

Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was the fastest Yamaha rider after he used a fresh SCX tyre at the end of FP1 to haul himself up the order, setting a 1’36.035s to claim fourth. The #97 was also strong in FP2 with a 1’36.289s, putting him sixth in that session. Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and teammate Remy Gardner were closely matched in 13th and 14th, separated by just 0.004s, while it was a tough day for Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha). The #55, working with new crew chief Emanuele Martinelli this weekend, was 20th on the combined times and didn’t get much running in FP2 when he had a tech issue. His best time was a 1’37.384s; he finished a tenth away from Mattia Rato (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team). Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) had two crashes on Friday. In FP1, he crashed at Turns 1 and 2 but was able to re-join the session. In FP2, he crashed at the same point, but this time was taken to the medical centre after a heavy fall in the gravel trap. He was declared unfit with a concussion, and will have further assessments in hospital.

 

OLIVEIRA LEADS BMW’S CHARGE

Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), fresh from inking a new multi-year deal with BMW, claimed eighth place with a 1’36.396s. Teammate Danilo Petrucci, who announced he would leave BMW at the end of the season, finished Friday’s action in 12th place with a 1’36.511s.

 

STRONG START FOR KAWASAKI

Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) appears to be a top-ten contender or better this weekend. The #31 set his best time in Free Practice 1, like the majority of the field, with his 1’36.404s good enough to claim ninth place. The #31 showed his pace particularly in Sectors 2 and 3, being the quickest riders through those sections in FP2.

 

BIMOTA IN THE TOP TEN

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was the faster of the Bimota riders as he set a 1’36.451s although there was little to separate him from teammate Axel Bassani. The Italian manufacturer’s duo were quick to improve on their FP1 time but they finished in 10th and 16th respectively, but Bassani was just two tenths behind the #22.

 

HONDA JUST MISS OUT…

Honda had a stronger showing on Friday than in previous rounds. In both sessions, Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) was close to the top ten, eventually finishing in 11th place with a 1’36.451s, while teammate Somkiat Chantra was 18th with a 1’36.734s; the small gap on the timesheets putting six places between them. The Thai rider had a crash in the final few minutes of FP2 at Turn 3.

 

The top six from Friday’s WorldSBK running, full results here:

  1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’35.556s
  2. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.284s
  3. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.433s
  4. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.479s
  5. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.485s
  6. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.589s

Don’t miss Saturday’s Magny-Cours action starting from 09:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 70% off!

 

WorldSSP: Oncu Quickest In Opening Practice In France

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Can Oncu (61) at Misano. Photo courtesy WSBK.

Can Oncu was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing YZF-R9 on Pirelli control tires, the Turkish rider covered the 2.74-mile (4.41 km) road course in 1:39.977, topping the field of 33 riders.

Roberto Garcia was the best of the rest with a 1:40.126 on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R9.

 Philipp Oettl was third with a lap time of 1:40.307 on his Feel Racing WorldSSP Team Ducati Panigale V2.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 12th with a 1:40.964 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.

 

FP1 WSSP

WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Opening Practice At Magny-Cours

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Nicolo Bulega (11) at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy WSBK.

Nicolo Bulega was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.74-mile (4.41 km) track, the Italian recorded a 1:35.556 to lead the field of 21 riders.

Sam Lowes was the best of the rest with a 1:35.840 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.

Bulega’s teammate, Iker Lecuona was third-fastest with a 1:35.989. 

Danilo Petrucci was 8th with a time of 1:36.511 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR.

American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 9th with a 1:36.540 on his Kawasaki ZX10-RR.

 

FP1

 

 

More, from a press release issued by WSBK: 

Bulega beats Sam Lowes in red-flagged WorldSBK FP1 despite early tech issues. The Championship leader took Free Practice 1 honours at Magny-Cours ahead of Sam Lowes and Iker Lecuona.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) continued where he left off in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as he topped the Free Practice 1 timesheets despite an electrical issue costing him a bit of time at the start of the session. ‘Bulegas’ was almost three tenths clear of his rivals at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours as WorldSBK resumed after the summer break with the Acerbis French Round.

Bulega slowly brought his Panigale V4 R machine back to pits in the first five minutes after suffering from the gremlins, but his team were able to fix the problem quickly, while a red flag meant he only lost a few laps compared to his rivals. ‘Bulegas’ set a 1’35.556s as he secured top spit in FP1, finishing ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). The #14 had spent a lot of time at the top of the timesheets, but had to settle for second, 0.284s behind Bulega. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) finished in third with a 1’35.989s.

Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) put in a very late lap to finish fourth in Free Practice 1 with a 1’36.035s, just half-a-second behind Bulega, using a new SCX tyre to haul himself up the order. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) claimed fifth at the circuit where he took his one and only WorldSSP rostrum at last year, 0.615s away from ‘Bulegas’, with Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) completing the top six with just a few hundredths separating him and Surra.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) finished in seventh place ahead of Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with the #9 claiming P8 with a 1’36.511s as the lead BMW rider in the first session of the weekend. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) finished in ninth with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) rounding out the top ten.

Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) had a crash at Turns 1 and 2 in the first six minutes of the session, which briefly brought out the red flags to allow gravel to be cleared from the track. He was able to bring his bike back to the pits and return to track action later on.

 

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

  1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’35.556s
  2. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.284s
  3. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.433s
  4. Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +0.479s
  5. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) +0.615s
  6. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.652s

Watch WorldSBK FP2 from 15:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 70% off!

 

Moto Guzzi 105th Anniversary Editions

01 Moto Guzzi 105th Anniversary range
Moto Guzzi 105th Anniversary range, from left: Stelvio, V100, V85 and V7. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.

A special edition celebrating the eagle’s historic anniversary and honoring Moto Guzzi’s new home.

In this exclusive version, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio, V100 Mandello, V85 Strada and V7 Stone feature a dedicated livery inspired by the colours of the new hub in Mandello del Lario, embellished with distinctive details.

Models destined to become highly sought-after by the most passionate Guzzisti and collectors.

 

Mandello del Lario (Lecco), 3 September 2026 – Coinciding with the inauguration of Moto Guzzi’s new home in Mandello del Lario, the exclusive 105th Anniversary edition is unveiled. Created to celebrate 105 years of the House of the Eagle, it also pays tribute to an extraordinary project – a milestone in Moto Guzzi’s history – that opens the door to a new industrial, museum and cultural experience.

The Moto Guzzi 105th Anniversary edition draws heavily on the architecture and colours that define the extraordinary complex designed by American architect Greg Lynn, which, in addition to the new factory, includes the new Moto Guzzi Museum and extensive spaces for events and visitors from around the world. A place to create, experiment, enjoy new experiences and stir emotion – the home of the new Moto Guzzi that will welcome us for the next 105 years.

 

02 Moto Guzzi Stelvio 105th Anniversary
Moto Guzzi Stelvio 105th Anniversary. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.

 

03 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello 105th Anniversary
Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello 105th Anniversary. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.

 

 

04 Moto Guzzi V85 Strada 105th Anniversary
Moto Guzzi V85 Strada 105th Anniversary. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.

 

 

05 Moto Guzzi V7 105th Anniversary
Moto Guzzi V7 105th Anniversary. Photo courtesy Moto Guzzi.

 

 

Available from October, and only until the end of 2027, the special 105th Anniversary edition will be offered on the Stelvio, Stelvio PFF Rider Assistance Solution, V100 Mandello, V85 Strada and V7 Stone. It features a dedicated grey livery with a glossy pearlescent finish. This contemporary shade evokes an industrial, metallic and authentic aesthetic, and is an elegant, distinctive livery inspired by the architectural design of the new Moto Guzzi.

The grey colour scheme is enhanced by contrasting yellow details, also inspired by the finishes at the new Mandello site. These include the dedicated Moto Guzzi 105th Anniversary graphic, which runs vertically along both sides of the fuel tank, and the number 105, positioned where the iconic Eagle would normally appear. The same graphic also appears on the rear wheel rim. The seat, too, has been created specifically for this special edition, with the stylised Moto Guzzi Eagle and contrasting yellow stitching.

These special-edition models mark one of the most significant moments in Moto Guzzi’s history and are destined to become highly sought-after by Guzzisti and collectors worldwide.

CVMA Announces 2026–27 Winter Series Schedule

CVMA Middleweight Shootout racers, Jack Roach [12], Haydn Meng [661], and Parker Mayer [775]. Photo by CaliPhotography.
CVMA Middleweight Shootout racers, Jack Roach [12], Haydn Meng [661], and Parker Mayer [775]. Photo by CaliPhotography.

Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is set to return to action for its 2026–27 Winter Series, with seven rounds scheduled from October through April. While the series is dubbed the “Winter Series,” its extended calendar gives racers plenty of opportunities to compete throughout the cooler months, beginning October 23–25, 2026, and concluding April 9–11, 2027.

 

The complete 2026–27 schedule is:

  • Round 1: October 23–25, 2026
  • Round 2: November 13–15, 2026
  • Round 3: December 11–13, 2026
  • Round 4: January 8–10, 2027
  • Round 5: February 19–21, 2027
  • Round 6: March 19–21, 2027
  • Round 7: April 9–11, 2027

 

 

More, from a press release issued by CVMA:

Get Ready to Rev Your Engines! CVMA 2026–27 Winter Series Awaits! 
 

Desert Center, CA — Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) has announced its race dates for 2027, including the final four rounds of the 2026–27 Winter Series and the first three rounds of the 2027–28 season.

 

Attention all motorcycle racing enthusiasts! The adrenaline is building as the Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) gears up for the highly anticipated 2026–27 Winter Series! This is your chance to dive headfirst into the thrill of competitive racing, surrounded by a community that shares your passion.

 

A Race Series Unlike Any Other!

This year, CVMA is proud to announce our action-packed race dates from October through April, featuring seven thrilling rounds that will test your limits. Our unique approach, alternating between Chuckwalla Raceway’s clockwise and counterclockwise configurations, promises a fresh challenge at every turn. And don’t miss the electrifying double-points rounds that bookend the series, making every race more critical than ever! 

 

2026–27 CVMA Winter Series Schedule

Round 1             October 23–25, 2026                 CCW — Double Points

Round 2             November 13–15, 2026              CW

Round 3             December 11–13, 2026              CCW

Round 4             January 8–10, 2027                    CW

Round 5             February 19–21, 2027                 CCW

Round 6             March 19–21, 2027                      CW

Round 7             April 9–11, 2027                          CCW — Double Points

                                                         

 

The Future is Bright – Looking Ahead to 2027–28

And it’s not just about the current season! CVMA is also giving racers an early look at the following season, with the first three rounds of the 2027–28 Winter Series now scheduled. Get a taste of what’s coming in the 2027–28 season with our early schedule release, ensuring that the excitement never stops! 

 

2027–28 CVMA Winter Series Schedule

Round 1             October 22–24, 2027                 CW — Double Points

Round 2             November 12–14, 2027             CCW 

Round 3             December 10–12, 2027             CW

Round 4             January 2028 — TBD                 CCW 

Round 5             February 2028 — TBD                CW

Round 6             March 2028 — TBD                    CCW 

Round 7             April 2028 — TBD                       CW — Double Points

 

2026-27 Season Starts Soon

The 2026–27 Winter Series continues CVMA’s mission of delivering competitive, professionally operated motorcycle road racing and an exceptional race weekend experience in an environment built for racers, by racers.

 

Ready to feel the rush? Competition licenses for the 2026–27 season are available now! Secure your spot, and let’s hit the track together!   https://msreg.com/2026-27-cvma-license

 

Become a Partner: Drive Your Brand Forward with CVMA. Unlock exclusive access to our passionate, engaged community of racers and fans. Sponsorship with CVMA isn’t just advertising—it’s aligning your business with the high-performance spirit of North America’s premier winter motorcycle road racing series. Reach our dedicated live-streaming and in-person audience and showcase your brand as the preferred choice for performance enthusiasts. Ready to accelerate your business growth? Contact us at [email protected] today to explore customized sponsorship opportunities for the 2026–27 Winter Series.

 

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About CVMA:


The Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) hosts the premier winter motorcycle road racing series in North America. With a racer-first focus and a mission of constant improvement, CVMA provides safe, competitive, and fun racing for riders of all levels.

 

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