MotoAmerica Superbike: OrangeCat Signs Uribe & SDK

Mathilde Gasnier

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December 9, 2025

MotoAmerica Superbike: OrangeCat Signs Uribe & SDK

OrangeCat Racing to field Jayson Uribe and Sean Dylan Kelly for 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike season as a BMW Motorrad Motorsport Official Team.

Reigning Stock 1000 Championship-winning team will also field Josh Herrin and Kaleb De Keyrel in Super Hooligan class on Lightfighter electric motorcycles.

CHICAGO – OrangeCat Racing has been selected to be a BMW Motorrad Motorsport official team for MotoAmerica’s 2026 Superbike class next season, competing aboard the BMW Motorrad flagship sportbike model – the M 1000 RR. The rider lineup includes 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Sean Dylan Kelly and returning rider Jayson Uribe.

OrangeCat Racing is coming off its most successful season to date, having secured its first MotoAmerica class title and had both of its riders finish in the top three in the Stock 1000 points standings. The team’s three years of frontrunning results in Stock 1000 as a privateer entry have culminated with an official partnership with BMW Motorrad.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be an official BMW Motorrad team this coming season,” said Jeff Connors, Team Principal for OrangeCat Racing. “BMW Motorrad Motorsport and BMW Motorrad USA have been amazing collaborators over the years and we couldn’t ask for a better group to partner with as we take on our next challenge.”

“The entire OrangeCat organization, from the riders to the engineers and mechanics, have been absolutely first-class ambassadors for our brand and for the greater motorcycle community,” said Kevin Philips, head of BMW Motorrad, Americas. “We are proud to partner with them for the 2026 season, when we will celebrate 50 years of BMW’s first AMA Superbike win.”

Alongside BMW Motorrad, OrangeCat Racing also is happy to announce it has renewed its promotional and technical partnerships with Motorworks Chicago, alpha Racing, and Öhlins for the 2026 MotoAmerica season.

The BMW / Superbike Team

The newcomer to the team, Kelly, has had a prolific motorcycle roadracing career. In addition to his 2021 title, he finished runner-up in the Supersport Class in 2020, raced in FIM Moto2 for two seasons and recorded his first MotoAmerica Superbike win aboard a BMW in 2024.

The OrangeCat Racing Team’s two BMW 1000 RRs that will be campaigned in the MotoAmerica Superbike Class in 2026. Photo courtesy of OrangeCat Racing

“The Superbike program OrangeCat Racing developed with BMW Motorrad for next year is massive, and I’m grateful to be part of it. I can’t wait to jump back on the BMW M 1000 RR – a bike I felt really good with, and got a win with, in my rookie season,” said Kelly. “I’m working hard to make the most out of the opportunity and thank OrangeCat Racing and BMW Motorrad for believing in me.”

Uribe returns to OrangeCat Racing after an eight-podium season last year and achieving third in the 2025 Stock 1000 standings. After racing overseas for several years, Uribe joined OrangeCat Racing in 2024, where he finished runner-up in the Stock 1000.

Jayson Uribe. Photo courtesy OrangeCat Racing

“From a small fish in the Stock 1000 championship to an official BMW Motorrad team, I’m incredibly lucky and thankful to have been with OrangeCat Racing for every step of the journey. I’m confident with BMW’s help and support in 2026, we’ll be able to capitalize on an already promising top-five Superbike finish at New Jersey,” said Uribe. “With SDK as my teammate and the amazing OrangeCat Racing crew, I’m genuinely excited to see what we can achieve together in the premier class.”

The Lightfighter / Super Hooligan Team

As previously announced, OrangeCat Racing also will be teaming up with Lightfighter to compete in the MotoAmerica Super Hooligan class aboard one of the electric track motorcycle brand’s V3-RH models. Along with that, the team will be fielding Josh Herrin and Kaleb De Keyrel.

With nearly two decades of racing under his belt, Herrin has won five championships, including the 2013 AMA Superbike Championship, the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, and the 2024 MotoAmerica / AMA Superbike Championship.

Josh Herrin. Photo courtesy OrangeCat Racing.

“I’m really excited to be joining OrangeCat Racing, and getting the chance to race and develop the Lightfighter. I’ve had a good gut feeling about this program from the beginning, and the passion and commitment from everyone involved in the project makes me confident in what we’re building,” said Herrin. “I can’t wait to see how far we can push this bike and hopefully put it at the front, fighting for wins.”

De Keyrel has raced with OrangeCat Racing in the past, finishing runner-up in the 2023 Stock 1000 championship with the team. Prior to that, he was the 2021 Twins Cup Champion.

Kaleb De Keyrel. Photo courtesy OrangeCat Racing

“I’m so excited to be back racing for OrangeCat again this season — they’re a great team and we have all the right people in place to be successful,” said De Keyrel. “I’m also honored to pilot the all-new Lightfighter V3-RH and fully believe this is the future of racing.”

The 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike season is set to feature 20 Superbike races at nine rounds and 12 Super Hooligan races at six rounds. To view the 2026 MotoAmerica schedule, visit https://www.motoamerica.com/calendar

To learn more about OrangeCat Racing, visit http://orangecatracing.com or check out the team’s Instagram feed at @orangecatracing. Follow along with MotoAmerica at @motoamerica.

More from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport:

BMW MOTORRAD MOTORSPORT and OrangeCat Racing Announce the new OrangeCat BMW MOTORRAD Racing Team for the 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike Race Season.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 9, 2025 – BMW Motorrad Motorsport and BMW Motorrad USA are proud to announce that OrangeCat Racing becomes an official BMW MOTORRAD MOTORSPORT Team for the 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike racing season.

The 2026 rider lineup includes 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion Sean Dylan Kelly and returning rider Jayson Uribe.

The newcomer to the team, Kelly, has had a prolific motorcycle roadracing career. In addition to his 2021 title, he finished runner-up in the Supersport Class in 2020, raced in FIM Moto2 for two seasons and recorded his first MotoAmerica Superbike win aboard a BMW in 2024.

Uribe returns to OrangeCat Racing after an eight-podium season last year, finishing third in the 2025 Stock 1000 standings. After racing overseas for several years, Uribe joined OrangeCat Racing in 2024, where he finished runner-up in the Stock 1000.

“This partnership brings together two organizations united by a passion for performance and racing excellence. The entire OrangeCat team, from the riders to the engineers and mechanics, has been absolutely first class ambassadors for our brand and for the greater motorcycle community. We are excited about our future as we continue showcasing the winning capabilities of the BMW M 1000 RR in North America’s premier Superbike championship.” said Kevin Philips, Head of BMW Motorrad, Americas.

Chicago-based OrangeCat Racing and BMW Motorrad began competing with the BMW M 1000 RR in MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 class in 2023 and achieved immediate success. In three seasons, OrangeCat Racing brought home 10 wins and 33 podiums, including a 2nd place finish with Kaleb DeKeyrel in 2023, 2nd place with Jayson Uribe in 2024, and both a 3rd place finish with Jayson Uribe and a championship with Andrew Lee in 2025.

After three very successful years in Stock 1000, OrangeCat Racing will compete in MotoAmerica’s top Superbike class with full factory backing and support from BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

“BMW has been key to our success over the years, and we’re excited about what we can achieve with support from their team,” said Jeff Connors, Team Principal for OrangeCat Racing. “The passion and work ethic BMW Motorrad Motorsport brings to the table day-in and day-out are infectious. We feel more than up to the challenge of Superbike with BMW’s partnership.”

“I’m super proud of our whole team for continuing to embrace any challenge thrown our way, and BMW has been an outstanding partner for all of us,” said Andrew Sieja, Founding Principal of OrangeCat Racing. “We have a lot in common: from love of the sport, to a sense of adventure and trying new things, to striving for our best in anything we take on.”

BMW M 1000 RR dominates global motorcycle racing in 2025.

The BMW M 1000 RR has been a global tour de force in 2025, capturing ten out of twenty national and world championships, including 164 race wins and an additional 225 podium finishes. In the U.S. BMW M-RR teams and riders captured both the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike class Championships.

On the world stage, Turkish phenom Toprak Razgatlioglu, captured his second consecutive World Superbike Championship onboard his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M 1000 RR, winning twenty-one races in 2025.

Kenny Foray and the Tecmas BMW Motorrad France BMW M 1000 RR captured the French Superbike Championship, delivering fourteen podium finishes, twelve wins and eight pole positions.

At the 2025 Isle of Man TT, BMW M 1000 RR riders won the Superbike TT race while adding five additional podium finishes in three classes.

CVMA: Support Moto Racing Ride Day on January 9th

Mathilde Gasnier

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December 9, 2025

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CVMA: Support Moto Racing Ride Day on January 9th

Kick off 2026 at the Support Moto Racing Ride Day on January 9th!

Three groups. Thirty riders each. One unforgettable day. Limited to only 30 riders per group!

Riding tips from guest instructors: Corey Alexander & Mallory Dobbs
Taco Truck lunch
Event T-shirt
Raffle giveaways
A live Q&A with Moto2 star Joe Roberts

Use code CVMA25 at checkout for a discount.

Get full details and register now: Register

RideSmart Releases 2026 Schedule

Mathilde Gasnier

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December 9, 2025

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We’re happy to announce our 2026 Schedule and our NEW WEBSITE!

Registration will open Tuesday, December 9 at 6:00pm CST for the 2026 season.

If you have ridden with us in the past 3 years, visit the new site, and select “Sign Up”. Use the email that you have on file with us, enter your information and the system will import your address and level. You can add your bike information to your garage, emergency contact information, and check your level. Email us for help or questions at [email protected]

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE

Moto-Texas Superbike Shootout!

For the first time ever an amateur race will be hosted at Circuit of The Americas with a $25,000 Purse up for grabs. July 3rd-5th. All racers are welcome, you must have an active recognized road-race license to participate. Details and Registration to be announced.

Suzuki International Series Delivers The Goods at Taupo

Mathilde Gasnier

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December 9, 2025

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Suzuki International Series Delivers The Goods at Taupo

DECEMBER 9, 2025: A massive gathering of motorcycle road-racing’s elite riders assembled in the Bay of Plenty at the weekend to mark the start to the 2025 edition of the popular three-round Suzuki International Series.

Of course, this was the perfect recipe for an intense two days of spectacular motorcycle road-racing and, under a hot and cloudless sky, a bumper crowd of spectators were wowed by the world-class entertainment on show at the Taupo International Motorsport Park, on the outskirts of the town.

With international riders again adding to the prestige of the series – skilled riders from the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Australia adding to the talent pool – it meant the Kiwi hopefuls really had to step up to be counted and, in so many cases, that’s exactly what they did.

Defending Suzuki International Series champion in the premier 1000cc formula one class, Whakatane’s Mitch Rees, was always going to be among the favourites and he lived up to that billing when he fended off spirited challenges from his own multi-time former New Zealand championship-winning father, Tony Rees, Upper Hutt’s Rogan Chandler, Porirua’s Rhys Lindsay and Auckland’s Dave Sharp.

The 32-year-old Mitch Rees qualified fastest (worth an extra competition point) and then finished the weekend unbeaten in the three F1 races that followed, enough to eclipse his 58-year-old dad Tony Rees and Chandler, who claimed a creditable third overall for the weekend with three third placings.

Auckland’s Cameron Leslie won the formula two/supersport 600 class at the weekend, finishing 1-2-2 in his three races over the two days, with Bulls rider Ashton Hughes and current New Zealand 600cc supersport champion Jake Lewis, of Christchurch, completing the podium.

Leslie is the current New Zealand 300cc supersport class champion, a title he secured back in March, and he has obviously now come to grips already with the leap up to the 600cc class.

The F1 and F2 categories were just two of 13 being contested at the weekend, with fans often not knowing which way to turn as intense battles erupted at every turn throughout all the various bike classes.

There is no time to rest and relax because, after the weekend’s opening round at Taupo, the racing now heads to the Manawatu, for round two at Manfeild, on the outskirts of Feilding, this weekend coming up (December 13-14).

Started in 2008, this year’s 17th annual Suzuki International Series – it skipped a year in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – climaxes as usual with the world-renowned Cemetery Circuit public street race event in Whanganui on Boxing Day (December 26).

CLASS LEADERS:

Class leaders after the first round of three in the 2025 Suzuki International Series in Taupo at the weekend are: Whakatane’s Mitch Rees (formula one); Auckland’s Cameron Leslie (formula two/supersport 600); Silverdale’s Tyler King (formula three); Silverdale’s Tyler King (supersport 300); Wellington’s Malcolm Bielski (formula sport, senior, over-600cc); Whanganui’s Jeff Croot (formula sport, junior, up to 600cc); Auckland’s Paul Pavletich (Pre 89 post classics, senior, over-600cc); Auckland’s Scott Findlay (Pre 89, post classics junior, under-600cc); Te Awanga’s Eddie Kattenberg (Pre 95, post classics junior, under-600cc); Upper Hutt’s Kieran Mair (Pre 95, post classics senior, over-600cc); Auckland’s Adam Unsworth & Bryce Rose (F1 sidecars); Whanganui’s Tracey Bryan & Jo Franzen (F2 sidecars); Whanganui’s Richie Dibben (supermoto).

The Suzuki International Series is supported by Suzuki New Zealand, Mondiale VGL, Auto Super Shoppe Tawa, Givi, I-Tools, Bridgestone tyres, Metzeler tyres, Sharp As Linehaul Ltd Whanganui, TSS Motorcycles, Ipone, Inferno Design & Digital, Kiwibike Motorcycle Insurance Specialists, Shark, Barred Up Scaffolding, The Dentists.

DATES FOR 2025 SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES

Round 1, Taupo, Dec 6-7;
Round 2, Manfeild, Feilding, Dec 13-14;
Round 3, Whanganui’s Cemetery Circuit, Dec 26.

MotoJunior: New Support On The Road to MotoGP™

Mathilde Gasnier

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December 8, 2025

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MotoJunior: New Support On The Road to MotoGP™

Extra incentives announced for underrepresented territories to increase access from 2026 to 2028.

The FIM MotoJunior World Championship has a new programme of incentives for teams racing with riders from countries that are currently underrepresented in the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

These new economic incentives will become available from 2026 to 2028 for teams who contract, and find success with, riders who are nationals of countries with an officially recognised population of more than 100,000 and that, at the start of each season, have less than 10% representation in the MotoGP paddock – across MotoGP, Moto2™ and Moto3™*.

These incentives are available for teams in the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship and Moto2 European Championship. They are available only in cases where the rider has not previously been a permanent entry in the Moto3 or Moto2 World Championships, and the rider must be 18 years old or younger on January 1st of the year in which they are competing in MotoJunior.

Incentive 1:

€200,000 for a team whose rider wins the Moto3 Junior World Championship AND takes a minimum of four race victories.

Incentive 2:

€100,000 for a team whose rider is the runner up in the Moto3 Junior World Championship AND takes a minimum of three race victories.

Incentive 3:

€50,000 for a team whose rider takes third overall in the Moto3 Junior World Championship AND takes a minimum of two race victories.

Incentive 4:

€100,000 for a team whose rider wins the Moto2 European Championship AND takes a minimum of four race victories.

In addition, the previous economic prize structure within MotoJunior will be eliminated.

The FIM MotoJunior World Championship will implement a new programme of incentives for riders. These will be granted in each race to riders who meet the above-mentioned requirements**, provided that they finish within the first ten positions in a Moto3 Junior World Championship or Moto2 European Championship race. You can find more detailed information about the rider incentives on the link below.

Each of these incentives is designed to add another element to the support offered for countries and riders that are underrepresented in the MotoGP World Championship. The Road to MotoGP aims to create maximum access and equal opportunities for as many potential riders as possible, wherever they’re from and whatever their background.

*Currently, the only nations with more than 10% representation are Spain and Italy.

**For clarification purposes, riders’ incentives will be granted to riders who are nationals of countries with an officially recognised population of more than 100,000 and that, at the start of each season, have less than 10% representation in the MotoGP paddock – across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3. They are available only in cases where the rider has not previously been a permanent entry in the Moto3 or Moto2 World Championships, and the rider must be 18 years old or younger on January 1st of the year in which they are competing in MotoJunior.

Riders_Incentives_MotoJunior_2026.01

Teams_Incentives_MotoJunior_2026

Where To Ride In December 2025 and January 2026

Mathilde Gasnier

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December 8, 2025

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Where To Ride In December 2025 and January 2026

The following track days, riding schools, and racing events are scheduled by organizations based in the United States during December 2025 and January 2026.

This list includes 31 opportunities to ride at races, schools, and track days during the months of December and January in North America.

To have your motorcycle racing or riding event added to the Event Calendar on this website and published in the print edition of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine, submit your calendar and contact information via the contact page on this website or by emailing to [email protected] or to [email protected].

Before heading to an event, contact the organization or track and confirm that it’s going to be held as publicized.

12/5-6 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Las Vegas Motor Speedway Classic Course, North Las Vegas

12/6-7 NOLA Riding Academy Track Days, NOLA Motorsports Park, Avondale, LA

12/6-7-8 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL (Track Days)

12/7 Superbike-Coach Corp. Schools & Track Days, Cornering School Day 3, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

12/14 Superbike-Coach Corp. Schools & Track Days, Track Academy, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

1/2 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day – Flat Track

1/2-4 SFLminiGP Championship Series, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL (3 Day Riders Camp)

1/3 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

1/3-4 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp

1/3-4-5 Precision Track Days, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL

1/3-5 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL (Track Days)

1/9 CVMA, Support Moto Racing Ride Day, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CCW, Desert Center, CA

1/9 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day -Ooff Road

1/10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Learn To Ride Off-Road Course

1/10 Race Pace Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CCW, Desert Center, CA

1/11 Race Pace Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CCW, Desert Center, CA

1/10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Off-Road Challenge Course

1/11 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, The Podium Club at Attesa CCW, Casa Grande AZ

1/10 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

1/12 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, semi Private Supermoto School

1/14 Racers Edge Track Days And Private Coaching Days, Private day « Ride Only », Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

1/15 Racers Edge Track Days And Private Coaching Days, Private day « Ride Only », Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

1/15 Racers Edge Track Days And Private Coaching Days, Private day with training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

1/16-17 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

1/17 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

1/18 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), PSR Day

1/17-18 N2 Track Days, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

1/19 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, semi Private Supermoto School

1/25 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

1/25 XCEL Trackdays, Firebird Motorsports Park, West Track

1/25 Superbike-Coach, Cornering School, Day 1, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

1/27 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, semi Private Supermoto School

1/29-30 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Double Check Arena, Eaton, CO – 30th Anniversary Non-Racer Ca

1/31 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), PSR Day

R.I.P.: Racer, Coach, Crew Member Artie Meeker (Update V2)

John Ulrich

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December 8, 2025

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R.I.P.: Racer, Coach, Crew Member Artie Meeker (Update V2)

Artie Meeker, 52, died of a heart attack while on a woods ride with friends near his home in Whiting, New Jersey on Sunday. He is survived by his wife Amy and daughter Brooke, and worked as a facilities tech for Verizon.

Meeker was a former coach and racer with NJMiniGP; a former CCS racer; a former crew member for Jimmy Winters Motorsports and YCRS/Mazziotto Racing with rider Anthony Mazziotto; and a crew member with rider Gus Rodio at Rodio Racing.

More information will be posted when and if it becomes available.

This just in:

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/46586303/arthur-m-meeker-iii?fbc

FIM Opens New Racing Motorcycle Museum In Switzerland

John Ulrich

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December 7, 2025

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FIM Opens New Racing Motorcycle Museum In Switzerland

Inauguration of the Racing Motorcycle Museum by the FIM

Watched by the President of the Council of State of Vaud, Christelle Luisier Brodard, the FIM Board of Directors along with invited dignitaries, the 2025 FIM World Champions and the FIM Family cut the ribbon to inaugurate the new Racing Motorcycle Museum (RMM).

Official ribbon-cutting opening ceremony with Christelle Luisier Brodard, FIM President Jorge Viegas, an unidentified dignitary in ceremonial dress, 15-time World Champion Giacomo Agostini (left), and Dorna’s Carmelo Ezpeleta (right) at the Inauguration of the FIM Racing Motorcycle Museum. Photo by Fabrizio Porrozzi/GPagency/courtesy FIM.

Housed in the FIM’s previous Headquarters in the Swiss Commune of Mies, the RMM will serve as a permanent showcase celebrating the rich and illustrious history of motorcycle racing, from its early origins all the way through to the present day.

The inauguration ceremony began with speeches by Christelle Luisier Brodard; Pierre-Alain Schmidt, Mayor of Mies; Fabio Muner – FIM Marketing and Digital Director; Silvia Dainese from Gris+Dainese Architetti; and Jorge Viegas – FIM President.

From left: Fabio Muner, Pierre-Alain Schmidt, Jorge Viegas, Silvia Dainese at the Inauguration of the Racing Motorcycle Museum. Photo by Good Shoot/courtesy FIM

After the ribbon cutting, Jorge Viegas and Fabio Muner called on stage 15-time FIM Circuit Racing World Champion Giacomo Agostini; 4-time FIM Motocross World Champion Harry Everts; Trial and Circuit Racing FIM Legend Sammy Miller; and Carmelo Ezpeleta – CEO of FIM MotoGP™ promoter Dorna, who were given the honour of becoming the first inductees into the new FIM Hall of Fame.

Each Hall of Famer was presented with a watch before having their handprints taken for a chequered flag centrepiece in the RMM garden.

From left: Sammy Miller, Harry Everts, Carmelo Ezpeleta, Giacomo Agostini during the Inauguration of the new FIM Racing Motorcycle Museum. Photo by Good Shoot/courtesy FIM.

Among the comprehensive list of exhibits in the RMM are machines campaigned by 2025 Ultimate Champions Marc Marquez – FIM MotoGP™ Grand Prix World Champion; Toprak Razgatlioglu – FIM Superbike World Champion; Toni Bou – FIM TrialGP World Champion; Daniel Sanders – FIM World Rally-Raid Champion; Josep Garcia – FIM EnduroGP World Champion; Bartosz Zmarzlik – FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Champion; and Romain Febvre – FIM MXGP Motocross World Champion.

Championship-winning racebikes on display inside the new FIM Racing Motorcycle Museum in Switzerland. Photo by Good Shoot/courtesy FIM.

Representing all FIM categories of motorcycle sport, other historic machines on display include, but are by no means limited to, the AJS Porcupine that in the hands of Leslie Graham won the first-ever FIM Grand Prix World Championship in 1949; Mike Hailwood’s legendary 1967 Honda RC166 F101 250 six cylinder; Valentino Rossi’s 2004 Yamaha YZR-M1; Jonathan Rea’s 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R; Marc Marquez’s 2018 Honda RC213V; Stefan Everts’ 2006 Yamaha YZ450F; Jordi Tarres’ 1989 Beta Zero prototype; Francesco Cecchini’s 2019 Zaeta DT450RS; Hubert Auriol’s 1981 BMW R80 G/S; Andrea Verona’s 2024 GASGAS EC350F; and a Yamaha YZF-R7 used by the victorious Team Europe in the 2025 inaugural FIM Intercontinental Games.

Ultimate Champions at Inauguration of the Racing Motorcycle Museum. Photo by Good Shoot/courtesy FIM.

A photo opportunity at the front of the RMM with the 2025 FIM World Champions concluded the inauguration followed by the FIM Awards Ceremony in the SwissTech Convention Center in Ecublens/Lausanne.

Christelle Luisier Brodard – President of the Council of State of Vaud, added: “It is a true pleasure to celebrate the opening of the Racing Motorcycle Museum here in Mies. This museum is a tribute to passion, innovation, and responsibility in motorcycling, offering visitors of all ages a space to learn, be inspired, and explore the evolution of the sport. Together with FIM’s new headquarters, the museum strengthens our Canton as a global hub for sport and culture. I congratulate everyone involved in making this vision a reality and wish the museum great success for years to come”.

Jorge Viegas – FIM President, said: “With such a long and rich history, it is tremendously exciting that motorcycle racing now has a permanent home at the Racing Motorcycle Museum where its legacy can be celebrated and enjoyed by visitors from around the world. So much knowledge, expertise and passion have gone into curating the exhibits that together form a world-class collection which has been carefully assembled to create an unmatched historical and educational resource that I am confident will prove invaluable for future generations”.

Pierre-Alain Schmidt – Mayor of Mies, stated: “The construction and inauguration of the Racing Motorcycle Museum undeniably represent an invaluable asset for our municipality and for the entire region. The FIM, which brings together motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world and manages all motorcycling sporting events with efficiency and professionalism, embodies the remarkable technical progress achieved in the motorcycle industry— progress that has also contributed significantly to improving rider safety. For the residents of Mies, it is a true source of pride, and for visitors, a unique landmark. The presence of the FIM and its museum in our territory allows our municipality to shine far beyond our borders. It enriches our local life and offers enthusiasts an emblematic venue. I express the wish that this magnificent project enjoys all the success it deserves, and I hereby convey the deep gratitude of our authorities”.

Fabio Muner – FIM Marketing and Digital Director, concluded: “This has been a challenging project which has been brought together in a relatively short period of time. We always wanted it to be far more than just a display of famous motorcycles, so we have worked hard to create an educational journey of the development of bike racing, the associated advances in technology and FIM protocols too. We obviously wanted to celebrate our great champions over many decades, but we also wanted to acknowledge just how far motorcycle racing has come too. We would like to express our real gratitude to the Canton of Vaud, the Municipality of Mies, our technical partners and all the parties who have supported this project and allowed us to bring the Racing Motorcycle Museum to life”.

2025 FIM Awards Ceremony Held Saturday Night In Switzerland

John Ulrich

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December 7, 2025

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2025 FIM Awards Ceremony Held Saturday Night In Switzerland

Lausanne stages star-studded 2025 FIM Awards

The 2025 FIM Awards Ceremony was staged last night (Saturday) at the modern and strikingly distinctive SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, near the northern shore of Lake Geneva, where the global superstars of motorcycle sport came together following another hard-fought and outstanding year of competition.

2025 FIM World Champions at the FIM Awards in Lausanne, Switzerland. Photo by GP Agency/courtesy FIM.

The fifteenth edition of the glittering end-of-season ceremony saw this year’s FIM World Champions receive their gold medals to enthusiastic and prolonged applause led by the assembled members of the FIM Family and headed by FIM President Jorge Viegas.

With one-thousand guests in attendance, the programme was non-stop, but ran smoothly as the winners of sixty-four FIM World Championship titles from six different spheres of motorcycle sport – Circuit Racing, Motocross, Trial, Enduro, Cross Country Rallies and Track Racing – were honoured.

Filling the impressive venue were representatives from the one-hundred-and twenty-one National Federations who showed their appreciation alongside motorcycling legends, FIM Promoters, FIM Partners and representatives from the wider global motorcycle community and industry.

Expertly overseen by Lauriane Gilliéron and Gavin Emmett who filled the demanding Masters of Ceremony roles, the evening was streamed LIVE on FIM-MOTO.TV as well as via DAZN Spain, Ziggo Sport TV, The MotoGP™ Channel, North American REV TV Canada, FOX Australia, QIDIANZHI BO/ on Douyin and PRIMA SPORT 3, ensuring the assembled guests were joined by a sizeable worldwide audience.

Following his FIM President’s Speech, Jorge Viegas presented the Gold Medal Nicolas Rodil del Valle to the Canton of Vaud, represented by Mrs Luisier Brodard, President of the Council of State of Vaud.

FIM President Jorge Viegas then welcomed FIM Circuit Racing Legend Jonathan Rea onto the stage who presented the medals in the Circuit Racing category to Beñat Fernandez – FIM Supersport 300 World Champion; Stefano Manzi – FIM Supersport World Champion; Alessandro Zaccone – FIM MotoE World Champion; Brian Uriarte – FIM JuniorGP World Champion; José Antonio Rueda – FIM Moto3 Grand Prix World Champion; Diogo Moreira – FIM Moto2 Grand Prix World Champion and Maria Herrera – FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Champion.

2025 FIM Awards in Lausanne. Photo by GP Agency/courtesy FIM.

Newly inducted FIM Hall of Fame member Harry Everts was then invited onto the stage to present the medals in the Motocross category to Elias Ishoel – FIM Snowcross World Champion; Saga Forsell – FIM Women’s Snowcross World Champion; Mano Faure – FIM 125cc Junior Motocross World Champion; Koen Hermans – FIM SidecarCross Rider World Champion; Ben van den Bogaart – FIM SidecarCross Passenger World Champion; Marc-Reiner Schmidt – FIM S1GP SuperMoto World Champion; Simon Längenfelder – FIM MX2 Motocross World Champion and Lotte van Drunen – FIM Women’s Motocross World Champion.

More warm applause greeted FIM Hall of Fame member Sammy Miller who was then invited onto the stage to present the medals in the Trial category to Ryon Land – FIM Trial3 World Champion; Harry Hemingway – FIM Trial2 World Champion; Berta Abellán – FIM Women’s Trial World Champion and Toni Bou – FIM X-Trial World Champion.

Next onto the stage was Giovanni Copioli, FIM Vice-President, who presented the medals in the Enduro category to Romain Dagna – FIM Youth Enduro World Champion; Axel Semb – FIM Junior Enduro World Champion; Billy Bolt – FIM SuperEnduro World Champion; James Moore – FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Champion; Manuel Lettenbichler – FIM Hard Enduro World Champion; Rachel Gutish – FIM Women’s Enduro World Champion; Hamish Macdonald – FIM E3 Enduro World Champion; Andrea Verona – FIM E2 Enduro World Champion and Josep Garcia – FIM E1 Enduro World Champion.

Jean-Baptiste Ley, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports’ Motorsport Events Director, was then invited onto the stage to present the medals in the Track Racing category to Tino Stjernegaard Olsen – FIM SGP4 World Champion; Villads Pedersen – FIM Speedway Youth World Champion – SGP3; Nazar Parnitskyi – FIM Speedway Under 21 World Champion – SGP2; Zach Wajtknecht – FIM Long Track World Champion; Ervín Krajčovič – FIM Flat Track World Champion and Martin Haarahiltunen – FIM Ice Speedway World Champion.

FIM President Jorge Viegas then returned to the stage to present certificates to the Presidents of the Federations before handing out the Team category medal winners to Australia – FIM Motocross of Nations, received by Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle; Austria – FIM SuperMoto of Nations; France – FIM Junior SuperMoto of Nations, received by FFM President Sébastien Poirier; Germany – FIM Speedway of Nations Under 21 – SoN2, received by DMSB Vice-President Hans-Robert Kreutz; Great Britain – Long Track of Nations, received by ACU Chairman Tim Lightfoot; Italy – FIM International Six Days’ of Enduro Junior World Trophy and FIM International Six Days’ of Enduro World Trophy, received by FMI President Giovanni Copioli; the Netherlands – FIM SidecarCross of Nations and FIM QuadCross of Nations, received by KNMV Secretary General Wim Mulder; Spain – FIM Women’s Trial des Nations and FIM Trial des Nations and the USA – FIM International Six Days’ of Enduro Women’s World Trophy, received by AMA Chairman Robert Dingman.

FIM Deputy President Ignacio Verneda was then invited onto the stage to present the medals in the Endurance category to YART Yamaha – FIM Endurance Team World Champion; Manfred Kainz – Team Manager; Karel Hanika – FIM Endurance World Champion; Marvin Fritz – FIM Endurance World Champion and Jason O’Halloran – FIM Endurance World Champion.

The final category of the night was for Ultimate Champions with FIM President Jorge Viegas once again on stage to make the presentations to Daniel Sanders – FIM World Rally-Raid Champion – RallyGP; Toni Bou – FIM TrialGP World Champion; Josep Garcia – FIM EnduroGP World Champion; Bartosz Zmarzlik – FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Champion; Romain Febvre – FIM MXGP Motocross World Champion; Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – FIM Superbike World Champion and Marc Márquez – FIM MotoGP™ Grand Prix World Champion.

Marc Márquez and Jorge Viegas at 2025 FIM Awards in Lausanne. Photo by Good-Shoot.com/courtesy FIM.

The night was brought to a conclusion with a surprise award for Marc Márquez who was presented with the FIM Sporting Trophy by FIM President Jorge Viegas.

Commenting on another successful running of the FIM Awards Ceremony, FIM President Jorge Viegas said: “To be able to celebrate this occasion in the FIM’s home country for the very first time and to have every 2025 FIM World Champions in attendance has cemented this edition of the FIM Awards to be one of the best we have enjoyed in the fifteen year history of this unique event.

“This very special evening has only been possible thanks to the support of the Canton of Vaud, the City of Lausanne and Swiss Moto, plus all the other stakeholders who have been able to join us to celebrate our collective achievements on and off the track this year.

“Each and every champion who has taken to the stage has earned and been totally worthy of the gold medal they have collected from our legends and special guests who were on hand to present these awards. The evening was brought to the perfect close by being able to present the new FIM Sporting Trophy to Marc Marquez who produced one of the greatest sporting comebacks ever this season.

“Finally on behalf of the FIM I would like to thank everyone who has been part of our successes during 2025, I truly hope together we can make 2026 even better.”

ABOUT THE FIM (www.fim-moto.com)
The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) founded in 1904, is the governing body for motorcycle sport and the global advocate for motorcycling. The FIM is an independent association formed by 123 National Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in motorcycle sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Among its 50 FIM World Championships the main events are MotoGP, Superbike, Endurance, Motocross, Supercross, SuperMoto, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country, Speedway and E-Bikes. Furthermore, the FIM is also active and involved in the following areas: public affairs, road safety, touring, and protection of the environment. The FIM was the first international sports federation to impose an Environmental Code in 1994.

Florida Flat Track Will Pay Qualifying Points For Mini Cup Final

John Ulrich

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December 7, 2025

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Florida Flat Track Will Pay Qualifying Points For Mini Cup Final

Young Flat Track Racers Can Earn Mini Cup National Finals Qualifying Points Via The Winter Throwdown

Race In The Winter Throwdown Flat Track In Florida And Earn Qualifying Points For The MotoAmerica Mini Cup National Final at Road America

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that young flat track racers can now earn qualifying points for the Mission Mini Cup National Finals via the Mission Foods Winter Throwdown flat track, scheduled for January 15-17 at Callahan Speedway in Callahan, Florida.

Racers who compete in the Mission Foods Winter Throwdown flat track will earn 10 championship qualifying points for the Mission Mini Cup National Finals.

The Mission Foods Winter Throwdown is the “biggest amateur flat track race in the world” with the AMA-sanctioned event attracting flat track racers from around the globe.

Racers who compete in any of the Throwdown’s youth classes will earn 10 championship qualifying points, giving flat track racers the opportunity to try their hand at road racing without starting with a points deficit for the Mission Mini Cup National Finals, which will take place at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 7-9, 2026.

Flat track racing has long been a feeder system to road racing, dating back to when the AMA Grand National Championship consisted of both road racing and flat track. The idea that flat trackers made good road racers was proven when three-time AMA Grand National Champion Kenny Roberts won the first of his three straight 500cc World Championships in 1978.

The Mission Winter Throwdown has also attracted top talent from outside the flat track world, including MotoAmerica racers Brandon Paasch, Ashton Yates, JD Beach, Hayden Gillim, Tyler Scott, Bodie Paige, Julian Correa, and rising Mini Cup stars such as Gabe Datis, Josh Raymond, Cole Peterman, Mahdi Salem, Chase Jazikoff, Cooper Jazikoff, Connor Raymond, and Cruise Texter.

“History has proven that flat track racers generally make good road racers,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Leading up to last year’s Mini Cup National at Road America, we received numerous inquiries from young flat trackers interested in participating. With the Winter Throwdown now an official Mission Mini Cup Qualifier, competitors will earn 10 bonus points, putting them on a level playing field heading into the National Championship alongside all other riders from around the country. With the inclusion of riders from other disciplines having the opportunity to compete, we look forward to the continued growth of the Mission Mini Cup National Final.”

The Mission Winter Throwdown will be streamed live on FansChoice TV, giving fans worldwide a front-row seat to the action.

“This collab is so rad,” said Cory Texter, owner of Cory Texter Promotions, the promoter of the Winter Throwdown. “The MotoAmerica Mini Cup National is such a special event, and now the flat track kids can earn the bonus points they need while turning laps on the dirt. It’s the perfect opportunity for any young kid who wants to try their hand against the best road racing kids in the country at Road America in August.”

For more information on the Winter Throwdown, visit https://corytexterpromotions.com/winter-throwdown/

For more information for the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact [email protected]

About MotoAmerica Mini Cup

MotoAmerica’s Mini Cup is where racers, beginning as young as six, hone their road-racing skills in what is the first step in the process that can lead to MotoAmerica’s Talent Cup and beyond. The Talent Cup can lead to other classes in the MotoAmerica Championship or perhaps, for a select few, there may be the opportunity to race internationally. Mini Cup races are held across the country and come with plenty of incentives. Riders who score enough points can qualify for the Mission Mini Cup National Final, which is held annually at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Racers also compete with the hopes of being chosen for the Dunlop Elite Rider Program, earning contingency payouts from motorcycle manufacturers, and getting free entries to the following season’s MotoAmerica Talent Cup. To top it off, AMA National #1 plates are awarded to champions, and those champions also get custom pendants from Thom Duma Fine Jewelers. For more information, please visit www.motoamerica.com/mini-cup/ and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+, which also streams the Mission Mini Cup National Final action live.

MotoAmerica Superbike: OrangeCat Signs Uribe & SDK

December 9, 2025

OrangeCat Racing rider Sean Dylan Kelly. Photo credit: Amanda Campagnoni