The wait is over! The 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship schedule is set and Pro Motocross Championship tickets are now on sale for the 2026 season. Get ready to experience motocross like never before, snag your tickets today!
Aubervilliers – Motul announces the renewal of its partnership with the MotoGP™ World Championship for another five years, running until 2030.
Motul’s involvement in the MotoGP™ covers the sponsorship of the MotoGP™ World Championship, as well as the title sponsorship of the Motul Japan Grand Prix and the Motul Valencia Grand Prix.
As a leader in the motorcycle sector, Motul has naturally been a proud partner of the world’s most prestigious motorcycle championship, MotoGP™, for over 15 years. This long-term collaboration aims to reinforce Motul’s global brand awareness and further strengthen its leading position in powersport.
Beyond global visibility, the partnership provides Motul with powerful opportunities to deepen local engagement with fans and business ties, all over the world. Concretely, Motul leverages 360° activations on site and online, reinforcing its local impact, and translating the brand’s racing heritage and technical excellence into lasting business relationships. Motul’s involvement int the MotoGP™ complements with its presence in prototype series through two top-tier teams: Red Bull KTM Tech3 and Prima Pramac Racing.
To further demonstrate its unwavering commitment to motorsport, Motul announces the renewal of its partnership with the FIM Superbike World Championship for the next five years, reinforcing its global engagement with fans, teams, media, and markets through key activations across the championship calendar.
“The renewal of our partnership with Dorna for MotoGP™ and World Superbike Championship demonstrates our long-term commitment to competition and innovation. Being part of the world’s premier motorcycle racing championship allows us to embody what it means to be a co-creator of performance working alongside the very best to continually push the limits of technology and passion.” – Andreea Culcea, Chief Brand and Communication Officer, Motul
“We’re happy to continue working with Motul. They are a longstanding partner and bring more than sponsorship to the sport – together we’ve created exciting fan events, focused campaigns, and launched some innovaAve products. Grands Prix like the season finale in Valencia, with Motul as title sponsor, are a blueprint for what we want to see going forward – a weekend full of different acAviAes that leaves no doubt Valencia was the place to be. We look forward to another step in this partnership and working with Motul to spread MotoGP broadly.” – Dan Rossomondo, Chief Commercial Officer MotoGP, Dorna Sports
Harley-Davidson Offers More Than $600,000 to Harley-Davidson Racers in MotoAmerica® Mission Foods King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan Series and Progressive American Flat Track Mission AFT SuperTwins and AFT AdventureTrackers™ Classes.
MILWAUKEE (Dec. 2, 2026) – Harley-Davidson has announced a 2026 race season contingency program supporting road racing and flat track competitors with cash awards totaling more than $600,000. These funds will be available for qualified H-D racers competing in select classes in the MotoAmerica® AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship and the Progressive American Flat Track series.
The Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team returns to the track in 2026 to defend its championship in the MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers road racing series, won in 2025 by Factory Race Team rider Kyle Wyman. The team will field race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycles powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engines. In addition, privateer teams racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the King of the Baggers series can benefit from racing contingency and available racing parts for purchase.
Mission Foods King of the Baggers Contingency
The Mission Foods King of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with stock frames and a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2026 King of The Baggers series features 14 races over seven doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. The series opens on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 5-7. Harley-Davidson will offer a $224,500 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods King of the Baggers series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $25,000 championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please email [email protected] for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Mission Foods Super Hooligan Contingency
Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship Brought To You By Roland Sands Design. KWR Harley-Davidson rider James Rispoli captured the 2025 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship aboard a race-prepared Harley-Davidson Pan America® 1250 ST motorcycle. The road racing series features 750cc-and-up high-bar race-prepared street bikes. Held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series, the 2026 Super Hooligan Championship includes 12 races over six double-header weekends, beginning with two races at Daytona International Speedway March 5-7. Harley-Davidson will offer a $144,200 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $20,000 championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please email [email protected] for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Mission AFT SuperTwins Contingency
Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing on Harley-Davidson XG750R motorcycles in the premiere Mission AFT SuperTwins class on the 16-event 2026 Progressive American Flat Track series, the most prestigious and competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world. Harley-Davidson has committed $188,000 in contingency funds for qualified SuperTwins class riders. Harley-Davidson contingency will pay first to fifth place and a $20,000 championship bonus. The season opens March 5-6 with the Daytona Short Track double-header at Daytona International Speedway. Terms and conditions apply; please email [email protected] for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
AFT AdventureTrackers™
Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing on eligible Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 models in the 2026 AFT AdventureTrackers™ series, a professional class for production-based adventure touring motorcycles with engine displacement over 1,000cc. Harley-Davidson has committed $46,000 in contingency funds for qualified AdventureTrackers™ class riders. Payouts will be awarded for first through fifth place in each race, with a championship bonus of $10,000 for the season champion. In its third season the 2026 AdventureTracker series will expand to six events held in conjunction with Progressive American Flat Track series. The season opens March 5-6 at the Daytona Short Track double-header atDaytona International Speedway. Terms and conditions apply; please email [email protected] for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
With 18 races across eight rounds, the R&G Moto4 British Cup is ready for action in 2026 as we launch into a new era.
The 2026 R&G Moto4 British Cup calendar is here! Get ready for an unmissable season, featuring eight rounds, two triple headers and races alongside the British Superbike Championship and MotoGP™.
The season gets underway in May at Oulton Park with the first of our triple header weekends, followed by rounds at Donington Park, Snetterton and Brands Hatch. The highlight of the season comes in August when the R&G Moto4 British Cup heads to Silverstone to race alongside MotoGP™ at the British GP. Thruxton and Assen are next, before the season finale at Donington Park in early October, wrapping up the year in style with another triple header weekend.
Check out the full calendar and get ready for the 2026 season to ignite as we head into a new era on the Road to MotoGP™!
AMA Announces Nominees for 2025 AMA Racing Awards
Road Racer Bodie Paige Nominated For AMA Athlete of the Year: Grand Championship
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Following another remarkable year of racing across the nation, the American Motorcyclist Association has announced the nominees for the 2025 AMA Racing Awards. These annual honors celebrate the riders, organizers and volunteers who elevate the sport through exceptional performance, dedication and leadership.
“The 2025 season delivered unforgettable moments across every discipline,” said AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “Racers and organizers nationwide pushed the limits, broke records and continued to grow our sport in inspiring ways. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to another outstanding racing year, and congratulate our national and regional champions, as well as all nominees for the 2025 AMA Racing Awards.”
Voting is now open to AMA members for several competition categories, including the prestigious AMA Athlete of the Year awards. AMA members can cast their ballots at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2N2H5SG. Voting will remain open until Monday, Dec. 15, at midnight, and all members are encouraged to participate in selecting this year’s winners.
Award winners will be announced shortly after voting closes.
2025 AMA Racing Award Nominees
AMA Athlete of the Year: National Championship
Broc Nicol — AMA Speedway National Champion
Steward Baylor Jr. — Overall AMA National Enduro Champion
Dante Oliveira — AMA National Hare and Hound Champion, National AMA NGPC Champion
Benjamin Kelley — GNCC XC1 and Overall National Champion
AMA Athlete of the Year: Grand Championship
Enzo Temmerman — Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner, won five of six motos in the Open Pro Sport and 250 Pro Sport Classes, winning both National Championships
Bodie Paige — Winner of Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track and Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Awards, National Champion in Open Heavyweight Class at AMA Flat Track Grand Championship
Quin Wentzel — AMA Vintage Grand Champion
AMA ATV Athlete of the Year
Connor Shafer — AMA 450cc Hillclimb National Champion
Kinsey Osborn — ATV WMX National Champion
Syler Padusnak — Youth All-Star (14-17), 250 Mod (13-15) and Schoolboy Sr. (13-17) National Champion
Brycen Neal — GNCC ATV XC1 National Champion
AMA Veteran/Senior Racer of the Year
Antal Halasz — AMA Road Race Vet/Senior Road Racer of the Year, National Champion in the Vet 40 1000 Expert Class at the AMA Road Race Grand Championship
Adam Beldyga — AMA Flat Track Vet/Senior Racer of the Year, National Champion in the Veteran (30+) and Senior (40+) Classes at the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship
Gregory Pamart — AMA Motocross Vet/Senior Racer of the Year, Masters (50+) National Champion at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
Dennis Burnett — AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Senior Vintage Grand Champion
AMA Youth Racer of the Year
Sawyer Gieck — AMA Youth Motocross Racer of the Year, won six out of six motos in the 85cc (10-12) Limited and 85cc (10-12) Classes at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship to claim National Championships in both classes
Jackson Joiner — AMA Youth Flat Track Racer of the Year, 85cc Modified (9-13) and 85cc Production (9-13) National Champion
Cruise Texter — National Champion in the 50cc Production Chain Drive (4-8) and 65cc Modified (7-11) at AMA Flat Track Grand Championship
Raycin Kyler — 65cc (10-11) Limited National Championship, first female to win an Open Class at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
Kannon Zabojnik — World Champion in 65cc Class at FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, National Champion in 65cc (10-11) at AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
AMA Female Racer of the Year
Lachlan Turner — WMX National Champion
Kristen Rodrigues — Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award winner
Rachel Gutish — First American to win FIM Enduro GP World Championship, member of the gold medal winning U.S. Women’s World Trophy Team at the FIM International Six-Days Enduro, AMA National Enduro Women’s Elite Champion, Women’s Pro EnduroCross National Champion
Mikayla Nielsen — NGPC Women’s Pro National Champion
Kira Knebel — Build. Train. Race. National Champion
Korie Steede — GNCC WXC National Champion, AMA U.S. Sprint Enduro Women’s Pro Champion, member of the gold medal winning U.S. Women’s World Trophy Team at the FIM International Six-Days Enduro
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation motorcycle magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
On the Front Cover: Racing Editor Chris Ulrich shown testing Bridgestone Racing Battlax V03 slicks on the Chang International Circuit, a MotoGP track in Buriram, Thailand.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Or call (909) 654-4779 to subscribe!
Log in HERE to read the December 2025 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription.
—
DECEMBER 2025 ISSUE
FEATURES
Inside Info: New BMW F 450 GS, Triumph Thruxton 400 and Tracker
400 models launched; FIM Racing Motorcycle Museum opens; new
FIM program will subsidize some MotoJunior teams and riders from
under-represented countries, including the USA, and Americans
Max Toth and Rossi Moor may be included; and more…
Historic Racebike Illustrations: Mick Ofield, On Creating Historic Illustrations
Intro: Bridgestone Racing Battlax V03 Slicks And Battlax Racing
Street RS12 Tires
Hanging With: MotoAmerica Baggers Champion Kyle Wyman
RACING
MotoGP Analysis: Engineers Love Luca Marini’s Feedback
MotoGP Analysis: For Some Racers, Anger Is Energy
Something Different: AFM Is Bringing Back Sidecar Racing
COLUMNS
Letters To The Editor: The Marquez Brothers Top MotoGP
10 Years Ago: The new Kawasaki ZX-10R was on the cover of the
December 2015 issue, boasting more power, more advanced
electronics, and racing suspension. Team owner and former racer
Dr. Laura Ellis wrote an article on how to stay hydrated at the
racetrack. PJ Jacobsen was in an “At Home” article, hot after
winning two Supersport World Championship races. And MotoGP
Editor Mat Oxley looked at a dangerous trend of young riders
chasing a tow in Moto3 practice and qualifying…
The Crash Page: Alberto Ferrandez In JuniorGP Moto2
2026 Racing, School & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride
Classified Ads/Advertiser Index
High Performance Parts & Services Directory
Chris Ulrich’s Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: Riding With Kids At Apex
*******************************************************************
Click here to receive a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine (print edition). One sample issue per household, U.S. address only.
*******************************************************************
—
The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) has officially opened ticket sales for its 2025 Awards Banquet, scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, at The Barn, located at 1900 Spring Valley Road, Lorena, TX 76655.
Festivities will kick off at 6:00 p.m. with a social “happy hour,” followed by a dinner service from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., awards presentations beginning at 8:00 p.m., and a final mix-and-mingle hour closing out the evening.
Tickets are now on sale, with organizers encouraging early purchase due to strong attendance in previous years.
The 2025 MotoGP World Championship season has been one of great progress for Honda HRC, earning a total of 285 points in the Constructors Championship (210 more than in 2024) and graduating to C Concessions thanks to one win, three further podium finishes and solid consistency. From scoring just two top ten finishes in 2024 to regularly challenging for the top five in 2025, the Honda RC213V has made impressive progress in just 12 months.
When comparing Grands Prix which took place in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the average distance from the winner to the top Honda RC213V on Sunday has been cut from an average of 30 seconds to just 13.5 seconds – more than halving the deficit to the front. With an average finish between sixth and seventh position across the 22 Grands Prix of the 2025 season, the growth is the culmination of several seasons of efforts and an ever-expanding MotoGP project. The performance of Honda’s three returning riders also exemplified the progress; Johann Zarco finished 12th overall with 148 points, 93 more than his 2024 total, Luca Marini just one spot behind in the standings and improving on his season points haul tenfold with Joan Mir taking a total of 85 more points across the year and claiming his first two Honda podiums.
In recent years, MotoGP Technical Manager Mikihiko Kawase has been working diligently alongside engineers and staff in Japan and Europe to help return Honda to the front. Having joined Honda Racing Corporation in 2012 after a youth spent racing, he came to the MotoGP World Championship with the Moto3 project before being moved to the MotoGP Project. Serving as the MotoGP Technical Manager since 2024, Kawase-san has been deeply involved in the project for a number of seasons.
Q: Could you please share a little about your role in the MotoGP operation?
Kawase: “Since 2024 I have been the MotoGP Technical Manager, it is my duty to coordinate the efforts of all the teams and engineers at the track, listen to the feedback of riders and check all of the data. From all of this information at the circuit, we work to understand the direction and coordinate with the development team on the areas to work on. With the arrival of Romano Albesiano as Technical Director, we are working closely together to best manage the work during a race weekend and on the development side to help return Honda back to the top.”
Q: Are you satisfied with 2025?
Kawase: “2025 has been a very good season, Honda’s best since 2019 in terms of Constructor points. Of course, we have to take satisfaction from this especially after several very hard seasons. But finally, Honda HRC is in MotoGP to fight for victory so we must keep working and pushing until we return to consistently fighting at the front of races and battling for the World Championship.”
Q: The average gap to the front has decreased from 30 seconds to just 13.5 seconds when we look at circuits from both the 2024 and 2025 calendars, what has been the biggest factor to achieving this?
Kawase: “For the past few seasons we were trying many, many things on the bike from the aero side, the chassis side, the engine side. Working a lot to understand where our limitations were. From the second half of 2024, we achieved quite a good aerodynamics package and were able to find a sort of base bike to make next steps with. In 2025 we have continued to work with the aero, chassis and electronics but one of the biggest steps has come from the engine. We worked not only on top end speed, but also on the power delivery – to make it more rideable. As a factory, we are always increasing our knowledge and improving our working methods. Each year the entire group becomes better, and I have to thank all of the engineers at the track, in Japan and in Italy for their efforts in making 2025 a reality. I also must acknowledge all of our riders, who have each done a big effort from their side to continue to improve their performance and working diligently to collect the data we need and try many different items during race weekends.”
Q: Now Honda moves from D to C Concessions, what does this mean for the future?
Kawase: “It is the logical next step on our return to the top, something we must do. Of course there are some limitations with reduced tyres for testing, no time with the Grand Prix riders and more limitations with engine development. The Test Team, boosted by the addition of Nakagami and Aleix Espargaro, have done a great job this season and their role will be even more critical in 2026 as we have even less room for doubt when it comes to bringing new parts to a race weekend. Inside HRC, we believe that the allocation of development resources between the ’26 and ’27 models will become clearer quickly, allowing for better project management and more efficient development.”
Q: What are the objectives for 2026?
Kawase: “Our objective is to continue fighting consistently for the top five as we did at the end of last year. To keep making improvements and fight for the podium when it is there. MotoGP is always moving forward; everyone is always getting faster so we must continue to work to our maximum. 2026 will be the last year of the 1,000cc and we want to achieve the best results possible with the Honda RC213V. Development is already underway for 2026, working to continue refining and looking for more performance in all areas.”
American Talent Julian Alessandro Correa Joins Pons Motorsport Italika Racing for Inaugural FIM World Sportbike Championship Season
Pons Motorsport Italika Racing is thrilled to announce the signing of rising American star, Julian Alessandro Correa, to compete in the all-new FIM World Sportbike Championship for the 2026 season.
The World Sportbike Championship will replace the World Supersport 300 class in 2026 as the crucial entry-level category within the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) paddock.
Correa’s move marks a significant moment for the team and American motorcycle racing, as he becomes just the second confirmed rider from the United States to enter the WorldSBK-affiliated championships for 2026, alongside World Superbike veteran Garrett Gerloff.
“Julian is an incredibly exciting young talent, and we believe he has the dedication and speed to succeed in this new era of intermediate-capacity racing,” said team owner Arnau Pons. “Pons Motorsport Italika Racing has a strong track record of developing riders, and we are committed to providing Julian with the best possible package to challenge at the front.”
The young American rider is eager to take on the world stage: “Joining Pons Motorsport Italika Racing to contest the World Sportbike Championship is a dream come true,” said Julian Alessandro Correa. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to compete against the best young riders in the world. Being one of only two confirmed Americans in the entire WorldSBK paddock is a huge honor, and I look forward to flying the flag next to a successful rider like Garrett Gerloff. My focus is entirely on a strong debut season and making the most of this chance.”
The new World Sportbike category is set to feature agile, mid-tier capacity motorcycles, offering a refined stepping stone for riders aiming to reach the World Supersport and World Superbike classes.
Julian Alessandro Correa will soon begin testing with the Pons Motorsport Italika Racing team in preparation for the inaugural 2026 FIM World Sportbike Championship season.
About Pons Motorsport Italika Racing:
Pons Motorsport Italika Racing is a highly respected team competing within the FIM World Superbike Championship paddock, committed to fostering young talent and achieving success in production-based racing.
The wait is over! The 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship schedule is set and Pro Motocross Championship tickets are now on sale for the 2026 season. Get ready to experience motocross like never before, snag your tickets today!
Aubervilliers – Motul announces the renewal of its partnership with the MotoGP™ World Championship for another five years, running until 2030.
Motul’s involvement in the MotoGP™ covers the sponsorship of the MotoGP™ World Championship, as well as the title sponsorship of the Motul Japan Grand Prix and the Motul Valencia Grand Prix.
As a leader in the motorcycle sector, Motul has naturally been a proud partner of the world’s most prestigious motorcycle championship, MotoGP™, for over 15 years. This long-term collaboration aims to reinforce Motul’s global brand awareness and further strengthen its leading position in powersport.
Beyond global visibility, the partnership provides Motul with powerful opportunities to deepen local engagement with fans and business ties, all over the world. Concretely, Motul leverages 360° activations on site and online, reinforcing its local impact, and translating the brand’s racing heritage and technical excellence into lasting business relationships. Motul’s involvement int the MotoGP™ complements with its presence in prototype series through two top-tier teams: Red Bull KTM Tech3 and Prima Pramac Racing.
To further demonstrate its unwavering commitment to motorsport, Motul announces the renewal of its partnership with the FIM Superbike World Championship for the next five years, reinforcing its global engagement with fans, teams, media, and markets through key activations across the championship calendar.
“The renewal of our partnership with Dorna for MotoGP™ and World Superbike Championship demonstrates our long-term commitment to competition and innovation. Being part of the world’s premier motorcycle racing championship allows us to embody what it means to be a co-creator of performance working alongside the very best to continually push the limits of technology and passion.” – Andreea Culcea, Chief Brand and Communication Officer, Motul
“We’re happy to continue working with Motul. They are a longstanding partner and bring more than sponsorship to the sport – together we’ve created exciting fan events, focused campaigns, and launched some innovaAve products. Grands Prix like the season finale in Valencia, with Motul as title sponsor, are a blueprint for what we want to see going forward – a weekend full of different acAviAes that leaves no doubt Valencia was the place to be. We look forward to another step in this partnership and working with Motul to spread MotoGP broadly.” – Dan Rossomondo, Chief Commercial Officer MotoGP, Dorna Sports
Harley-Davidson Offers More Than $600,000 to Harley-Davidson Racers in MotoAmerica® Mission Foods King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan Series and Progressive American Flat Track Mission AFT SuperTwins and AFT AdventureTrackers™ Classes.
MILWAUKEE (Dec. 2, 2026) – Harley-Davidson has announced a 2026 race season contingency program supporting road racing and flat track competitors with cash awards totaling more than $600,000. These funds will be available for qualified H-D racers competing in select classes in the MotoAmerica® AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship and the Progressive American Flat Track series.
The Harley-Davidson® x Dynojet Factory Race Team returns to the track in 2026 to defend its championship in the MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers road racing series, won in 2025 by Factory Race Team rider Kyle Wyman. The team will field race-prepared Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® motorcycles powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engines. In addition, privateer teams racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the King of the Baggers series can benefit from racing contingency and available racing parts for purchase.
Mission Foods King of the Baggers Contingency
The Mission Foods King of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with stock frames and a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2026 King of The Baggers series features 14 races over seven doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. The series opens on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 5-7. Harley-Davidson will offer a $224,500 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods King of the Baggers series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $25,000 championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please email [email protected] for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Mission Foods Super Hooligan Contingency
Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship Brought To You By Roland Sands Design. KWR Harley-Davidson rider James Rispoli captured the 2025 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship aboard a race-prepared Harley-Davidson Pan America® 1250 ST motorcycle. The road racing series features 750cc-and-up high-bar race-prepared street bikes. Held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series, the 2026 Super Hooligan Championship includes 12 races over six double-header weekends, beginning with two races at Daytona International Speedway March 5-7. Harley-Davidson will offer a $144,200 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $20,000 championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please email [email protected] for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Mission AFT SuperTwins Contingency
Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing on Harley-Davidson XG750R motorcycles in the premiere Mission AFT SuperTwins class on the 16-event 2026 Progressive American Flat Track series, the most prestigious and competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world. Harley-Davidson has committed $188,000 in contingency funds for qualified SuperTwins class riders. Harley-Davidson contingency will pay first to fifth place and a $20,000 championship bonus. The season opens March 5-6 with the Daytona Short Track double-header at Daytona International Speedway. Terms and conditions apply; please email [email protected] for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
AFT AdventureTrackers™
Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing on eligible Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 models in the 2026 AFT AdventureTrackers™ series, a professional class for production-based adventure touring motorcycles with engine displacement over 1,000cc. Harley-Davidson has committed $46,000 in contingency funds for qualified AdventureTrackers™ class riders. Payouts will be awarded for first through fifth place in each race, with a championship bonus of $10,000 for the season champion. In its third season the 2026 AdventureTracker series will expand to six events held in conjunction with Progressive American Flat Track series. The season opens March 5-6 at the Daytona Short Track double-header atDaytona International Speedway. Terms and conditions apply; please email [email protected] for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
With 18 races across eight rounds, the R&G Moto4 British Cup is ready for action in 2026 as we launch into a new era.
The 2026 R&G Moto4 British Cup calendar is here! Get ready for an unmissable season, featuring eight rounds, two triple headers and races alongside the British Superbike Championship and MotoGP™.
The season gets underway in May at Oulton Park with the first of our triple header weekends, followed by rounds at Donington Park, Snetterton and Brands Hatch. The highlight of the season comes in August when the R&G Moto4 British Cup heads to Silverstone to race alongside MotoGP™ at the British GP. Thruxton and Assen are next, before the season finale at Donington Park in early October, wrapping up the year in style with another triple header weekend.
Check out the full calendar and get ready for the 2026 season to ignite as we head into a new era on the Road to MotoGP™!
AMA Announces Nominees for 2025 AMA Racing Awards
Road Racer Bodie Paige Nominated For AMA Athlete of the Year: Grand Championship
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Following another remarkable year of racing across the nation, the American Motorcyclist Association has announced the nominees for the 2025 AMA Racing Awards. These annual honors celebrate the riders, organizers and volunteers who elevate the sport through exceptional performance, dedication and leadership.
“The 2025 season delivered unforgettable moments across every discipline,” said AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “Racers and organizers nationwide pushed the limits, broke records and continued to grow our sport in inspiring ways. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to another outstanding racing year, and congratulate our national and regional champions, as well as all nominees for the 2025 AMA Racing Awards.”
Voting is now open to AMA members for several competition categories, including the prestigious AMA Athlete of the Year awards. AMA members can cast their ballots at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2N2H5SG. Voting will remain open until Monday, Dec. 15, at midnight, and all members are encouraged to participate in selecting this year’s winners.
Award winners will be announced shortly after voting closes.
2025 AMA Racing Award Nominees
AMA Athlete of the Year: National Championship
Broc Nicol — AMA Speedway National Champion
Steward Baylor Jr. — Overall AMA National Enduro Champion
Dante Oliveira — AMA National Hare and Hound Champion, National AMA NGPC Champion
Benjamin Kelley — GNCC XC1 and Overall National Champion
AMA Athlete of the Year: Grand Championship
Enzo Temmerman — Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner, won five of six motos in the Open Pro Sport and 250 Pro Sport Classes, winning both National Championships
Bodie Paige — Winner of Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track and Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Awards, National Champion in Open Heavyweight Class at AMA Flat Track Grand Championship
Quin Wentzel — AMA Vintage Grand Champion
AMA ATV Athlete of the Year
Connor Shafer — AMA 450cc Hillclimb National Champion
Kinsey Osborn — ATV WMX National Champion
Syler Padusnak — Youth All-Star (14-17), 250 Mod (13-15) and Schoolboy Sr. (13-17) National Champion
Brycen Neal — GNCC ATV XC1 National Champion
AMA Veteran/Senior Racer of the Year
Antal Halasz — AMA Road Race Vet/Senior Road Racer of the Year, National Champion in the Vet 40 1000 Expert Class at the AMA Road Race Grand Championship
Adam Beldyga — AMA Flat Track Vet/Senior Racer of the Year, National Champion in the Veteran (30+) and Senior (40+) Classes at the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship
Gregory Pamart — AMA Motocross Vet/Senior Racer of the Year, Masters (50+) National Champion at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
Dennis Burnett — AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Senior Vintage Grand Champion
AMA Youth Racer of the Year
Sawyer Gieck — AMA Youth Motocross Racer of the Year, won six out of six motos in the 85cc (10-12) Limited and 85cc (10-12) Classes at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship to claim National Championships in both classes
Jackson Joiner — AMA Youth Flat Track Racer of the Year, 85cc Modified (9-13) and 85cc Production (9-13) National Champion
Cruise Texter — National Champion in the 50cc Production Chain Drive (4-8) and 65cc Modified (7-11) at AMA Flat Track Grand Championship
Raycin Kyler — 65cc (10-11) Limited National Championship, first female to win an Open Class at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
Kannon Zabojnik — World Champion in 65cc Class at FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, National Champion in 65cc (10-11) at AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
AMA Female Racer of the Year
Lachlan Turner — WMX National Champion
Kristen Rodrigues — Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award winner
Rachel Gutish — First American to win FIM Enduro GP World Championship, member of the gold medal winning U.S. Women’s World Trophy Team at the FIM International Six-Days Enduro, AMA National Enduro Women’s Elite Champion, Women’s Pro EnduroCross National Champion
Mikayla Nielsen — NGPC Women’s Pro National Champion
Kira Knebel — Build. Train. Race. National Champion
Korie Steede — GNCC WXC National Champion, AMA U.S. Sprint Enduro Women’s Pro Champion, member of the gold medal winning U.S. Women’s World Trophy Team at the FIM International Six-Days Enduro
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation motorcycle magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
On the Front Cover: Racing Editor Chris Ulrich shown testing Bridgestone Racing Battlax V03 slicks on the Chang International Circuit, a MotoGP track in Buriram, Thailand.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Or call (909) 654-4779 to subscribe!
Log in HERE to read the December 2025 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology with your online subscription.
—
DECEMBER 2025 ISSUE
FEATURES
Inside Info: New BMW F 450 GS, Triumph Thruxton 400 and Tracker
400 models launched; FIM Racing Motorcycle Museum opens; new
FIM program will subsidize some MotoJunior teams and riders from
under-represented countries, including the USA, and Americans
Max Toth and Rossi Moor may be included; and more…
Historic Racebike Illustrations: Mick Ofield, On Creating Historic Illustrations
Intro: Bridgestone Racing Battlax V03 Slicks And Battlax Racing
Street RS12 Tires
Hanging With: MotoAmerica Baggers Champion Kyle Wyman
RACING
MotoGP Analysis: Engineers Love Luca Marini’s Feedback
MotoGP Analysis: For Some Racers, Anger Is Energy
Something Different: AFM Is Bringing Back Sidecar Racing
COLUMNS
Letters To The Editor: The Marquez Brothers Top MotoGP
10 Years Ago: The new Kawasaki ZX-10R was on the cover of the
December 2015 issue, boasting more power, more advanced
electronics, and racing suspension. Team owner and former racer
Dr. Laura Ellis wrote an article on how to stay hydrated at the
racetrack. PJ Jacobsen was in an “At Home” article, hot after
winning two Supersport World Championship races. And MotoGP
Editor Mat Oxley looked at a dangerous trend of young riders
chasing a tow in Moto3 practice and qualifying…
The Crash Page: Alberto Ferrandez In JuniorGP Moto2
2026 Racing, School & Track Day Calendar: Where & When To Ride
Classified Ads/Advertiser Index
High Performance Parts & Services Directory
Chris Ulrich’s Adventures Of An Ex-Racer: Riding With Kids At Apex
*******************************************************************
Click here to receive a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine (print edition). One sample issue per household, U.S. address only.
*******************************************************************
—
The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) has officially opened ticket sales for its 2025 Awards Banquet, scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, at The Barn, located at 1900 Spring Valley Road, Lorena, TX 76655.
Festivities will kick off at 6:00 p.m. with a social “happy hour,” followed by a dinner service from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., awards presentations beginning at 8:00 p.m., and a final mix-and-mingle hour closing out the evening.
Tickets are now on sale, with organizers encouraging early purchase due to strong attendance in previous years.
The 2025 MotoGP World Championship season has been one of great progress for Honda HRC, earning a total of 285 points in the Constructors Championship (210 more than in 2024) and graduating to C Concessions thanks to one win, three further podium finishes and solid consistency. From scoring just two top ten finishes in 2024 to regularly challenging for the top five in 2025, the Honda RC213V has made impressive progress in just 12 months.
When comparing Grands Prix which took place in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the average distance from the winner to the top Honda RC213V on Sunday has been cut from an average of 30 seconds to just 13.5 seconds – more than halving the deficit to the front. With an average finish between sixth and seventh position across the 22 Grands Prix of the 2025 season, the growth is the culmination of several seasons of efforts and an ever-expanding MotoGP project. The performance of Honda’s three returning riders also exemplified the progress; Johann Zarco finished 12th overall with 148 points, 93 more than his 2024 total, Luca Marini just one spot behind in the standings and improving on his season points haul tenfold with Joan Mir taking a total of 85 more points across the year and claiming his first two Honda podiums.
In recent years, MotoGP Technical Manager Mikihiko Kawase has been working diligently alongside engineers and staff in Japan and Europe to help return Honda to the front. Having joined Honda Racing Corporation in 2012 after a youth spent racing, he came to the MotoGP World Championship with the Moto3 project before being moved to the MotoGP Project. Serving as the MotoGP Technical Manager since 2024, Kawase-san has been deeply involved in the project for a number of seasons.
Q: Could you please share a little about your role in the MotoGP operation?
Kawase: “Since 2024 I have been the MotoGP Technical Manager, it is my duty to coordinate the efforts of all the teams and engineers at the track, listen to the feedback of riders and check all of the data. From all of this information at the circuit, we work to understand the direction and coordinate with the development team on the areas to work on. With the arrival of Romano Albesiano as Technical Director, we are working closely together to best manage the work during a race weekend and on the development side to help return Honda back to the top.”
Q: Are you satisfied with 2025?
Kawase: “2025 has been a very good season, Honda’s best since 2019 in terms of Constructor points. Of course, we have to take satisfaction from this especially after several very hard seasons. But finally, Honda HRC is in MotoGP to fight for victory so we must keep working and pushing until we return to consistently fighting at the front of races and battling for the World Championship.”
Q: The average gap to the front has decreased from 30 seconds to just 13.5 seconds when we look at circuits from both the 2024 and 2025 calendars, what has been the biggest factor to achieving this?
Kawase: “For the past few seasons we were trying many, many things on the bike from the aero side, the chassis side, the engine side. Working a lot to understand where our limitations were. From the second half of 2024, we achieved quite a good aerodynamics package and were able to find a sort of base bike to make next steps with. In 2025 we have continued to work with the aero, chassis and electronics but one of the biggest steps has come from the engine. We worked not only on top end speed, but also on the power delivery – to make it more rideable. As a factory, we are always increasing our knowledge and improving our working methods. Each year the entire group becomes better, and I have to thank all of the engineers at the track, in Japan and in Italy for their efforts in making 2025 a reality. I also must acknowledge all of our riders, who have each done a big effort from their side to continue to improve their performance and working diligently to collect the data we need and try many different items during race weekends.”
Q: Now Honda moves from D to C Concessions, what does this mean for the future?
Kawase: “It is the logical next step on our return to the top, something we must do. Of course there are some limitations with reduced tyres for testing, no time with the Grand Prix riders and more limitations with engine development. The Test Team, boosted by the addition of Nakagami and Aleix Espargaro, have done a great job this season and their role will be even more critical in 2026 as we have even less room for doubt when it comes to bringing new parts to a race weekend. Inside HRC, we believe that the allocation of development resources between the ’26 and ’27 models will become clearer quickly, allowing for better project management and more efficient development.”
Q: What are the objectives for 2026?
Kawase: “Our objective is to continue fighting consistently for the top five as we did at the end of last year. To keep making improvements and fight for the podium when it is there. MotoGP is always moving forward; everyone is always getting faster so we must continue to work to our maximum. 2026 will be the last year of the 1,000cc and we want to achieve the best results possible with the Honda RC213V. Development is already underway for 2026, working to continue refining and looking for more performance in all areas.”
American Talent Julian Alessandro Correa Joins Pons Motorsport Italika Racing for Inaugural FIM World Sportbike Championship Season
Pons Motorsport Italika Racing is thrilled to announce the signing of rising American star, Julian Alessandro Correa, to compete in the all-new FIM World Sportbike Championship for the 2026 season.
The World Sportbike Championship will replace the World Supersport 300 class in 2026 as the crucial entry-level category within the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) paddock.
Correa’s move marks a significant moment for the team and American motorcycle racing, as he becomes just the second confirmed rider from the United States to enter the WorldSBK-affiliated championships for 2026, alongside World Superbike veteran Garrett Gerloff.
“Julian is an incredibly exciting young talent, and we believe he has the dedication and speed to succeed in this new era of intermediate-capacity racing,” said team owner Arnau Pons. “Pons Motorsport Italika Racing has a strong track record of developing riders, and we are committed to providing Julian with the best possible package to challenge at the front.”
The young American rider is eager to take on the world stage: “Joining Pons Motorsport Italika Racing to contest the World Sportbike Championship is a dream come true,” said Julian Alessandro Correa. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to compete against the best young riders in the world. Being one of only two confirmed Americans in the entire WorldSBK paddock is a huge honor, and I look forward to flying the flag next to a successful rider like Garrett Gerloff. My focus is entirely on a strong debut season and making the most of this chance.”
The new World Sportbike category is set to feature agile, mid-tier capacity motorcycles, offering a refined stepping stone for riders aiming to reach the World Supersport and World Superbike classes.
Julian Alessandro Correa will soon begin testing with the Pons Motorsport Italika Racing team in preparation for the inaugural 2026 FIM World Sportbike Championship season.
About Pons Motorsport Italika Racing:
Pons Motorsport Italika Racing is a highly respected team competing within the FIM World Superbike Championship paddock, committed to fostering young talent and achieving success in production-based racing.
