Cypress CA – Motul North America today heralded the announcement from its global headquarters regarding the five-year renewal of its partnership with the MotoGP World Championship, solidifying the collaboration until 2030. The renewal includes sponsorship of the global championship as well as the title sponsorship of the Motul Japan Grand Prix and the Motul Valencia Grand Prix.
Motul North America General Manager Amber Bates, expressed enthusiasm for the prolonged collaboration: “This extended global partnership with MotoGP is fantastic news for our brand and for Motul’s North American fans and riders. It underscores Motul’s commitment to the pinnacle series of motorcycle racing and reinforces our status as a leader in the powersport sector worldwide.”
This sponsorship complements Motul’s existing partnership with two of the MotoGP series’ top teams, Red Bull KTM Tech3 and Prima Pramac Racing.
Motul is planning consumer activations at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, TX in March, the only North American stop on the MotoGP circuit in 2026.
Motul Product. Photo courtesy Motul North America
More from a press release issued by Motul HQ:
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
Gold Coast, Australia – A sold-out Cbus Super Stadium witnessed one of the most memorable evenings of the season as the FIM World Supercross Championship delivered a spectacular third round on the Gold Coast. With the atmosphere at fever pitch and an all-star lineup on track, Ken Roczen produced a trademark performance to take the overall SX1 victory, Christian Craig claimed an emotional race victory, and Cooper Webb claimed third place on the podium in his championship debut. Meanwhile, Max Anstie extended his perfect SX2 season in another display of unrivalled control.
Roczen’s final bow for Pipes Motorsport Group in this season’s championship was one worthy of his legacy. He opened the night with a commanding win in the first sprint before navigating heavy traffic and chaotic opening laps to secure fourth in the second race. With the pressure at its peak in the main event, Roczen held strong for third – just enough to lock in the overall victory and bid farewell to the 2025 championship on top. The German star soaked in the moment, reflecting on the precision and patience required on the night and acknowledging the hard work behind his trademark consistency.
Ken Roczen (94) during the SX1 Race 1 in Australia. Photo courtesy FIM World Supercross Championship
Ken Roczen said: “I am really happy with my riding. I crushed the whoops and pumped to get away with the overall win!”
Christian Craig delivered the feel-good story of the evening, capturing his first World Supercross race win. The veteran’s emotional triumph earned him second overall on the night, even after a stewards’ penalty for failing to observe waved medical flags during Astin Politelli’s incident. For Craig, the victory carried profound meaning – proof that he still belongs at the highest level and a moment he shared with the fans, his team, and those who’ve stood by him through the toughest chapters of his career.
Cooper Webb, making his World Supercross debut, was impressive throughout the evening, amassing a total of 32 points to claim the final sport on the podium, just one point ahead of Eli Tomac in fourth.
Max Anstie (99) during the SX2 SuperPole in Australia. Photo courtesy FIM World Supercross Championship
In SX2, Max Anstie once again proved untouchable. Despite missing out on the Superpole after a rare mistake, the British rider reset instantly and went on to sweep all three mains, extending his championship lead. The heat, the pace, and the pressure did little to rattle him as he pushed to another dominant performance. Behind him, defending champion Shane McElrath finally found momentum with a gritty 5-3-2 effort to secure second – a long-awaited breakthrough after a difficult start to the season. Cullin Park continued his upward climb with a consistent 4-2-3 showing to stand third on the podium and keep himself firmly in the title conversation.
Max Anstie said: “I’m happy to be here in the Gold Coast, it’s been a lot of fun – I love Australia. I’m looking forward to next week in Sweden. These are the kind of seasons you dream about – from Winchester, England to the Gold Coast of Australia!”
With Roczen departing on a high, Craig rediscovering his winning edge and Anstie tightening his grip on SX2, the championship narrative takes another turn as the field now heads to Sweden for the penultimate round.
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.
James Rispoli (43) won the Mission Super Hooligan Championship on his KWR Harley-Davidson Pan America. Photo by Michael Gougis.
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.
Harley-Davidson rider Briar Bauman won in AFT Action at Peoria TT. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
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™!
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
Bodie Paige in Victory Lane at Daytona during the October ASRA Race of Champions event, with the 2025 AMA Horizon Award trophy. Photo by John Ulrich.
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.
Bodie Paige on the podium after winning a MotoAmerica Talent Cup race at COTA during the 2025 season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
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
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
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.
Aleix Espargaro (41) at Valencia. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
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.
Luca Marini (10) at Valencia. Photo courtesy Honda HRC CastrolJoan Mir (36) at Valencia. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
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.”
A graph of Honda HRC’s progress.
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.”
Joan Mir and crew celebrate in Japan. Honda HRC photo.
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.”
Julian Correa after winning in BSB Talent Cup at Brands Hatch in May. Photo by Cami Photography/ courtesy Michael Correa.
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.
American Julian Correa poses with Pons Motorsport Italika Racing team owner Arnau Pons (left) and Dani Valle, who is in charge of rider development.
RideSmart Motorcycle School is excited to announce a new chapter starting in 2026! With the new season upon us, details are in the works with our recent acquisition of the CMRA (Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association). Get ready for an exciting season of track riding and track racing.
We will be enhancing our RideSmart curriculum in the off season and will be adding some components and programs to help those who are interested in taking their learned skills to the next level. We have programs built to take a novice street rider all the way to becoming an expert road racer in the CMRA.
Between RideSmart Motorcycle School and the CMRA, and our partnership with Bittinger Motorsports, you have access to everything you need from on-track and classroom training, Mini Motos, dirt training, private coaching, CMRA Licensing School, to racing in the CMRA. New 2026 schedule and announcements to be released in the coming days. Stay tuned!
Waco, TX — The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA), one of the nation’s most established and respected amateur motorcycle roadracing organizations, is entering an exciting new phase as Dave Johnson and Quan Luu, known in the motorcycle community as operators of RideSmart Motorcycle School, move forward in the process to become its new owners.
Dave and Quan’s proposal has been approved by the CMRA Board of Directors, and the organization is now working through the final steps of the transition, with completion expected before the end of the year.
Johnson and Luu have built RideSmart into one of the nation’s most trusted rider-education programs, recognized for its commitment to safety, skill development, and community engagement. Their experience and long-standing dedication to the sport position them well to guide CMRA into its next chapter.
“We’re honored that the Board has approved our proposal,” said Dave Johnson.
“CMRA is a cornerstone of the racing community, and we are committed to maintaining its legacy while continuing to elevate the racing experience for all riders.”
“CMRA’s racers and volunteers are among the most passionate in motorsports,” added Quan Luu.
“Our focus is to support that passion by continuing to provide the most competitive, well-organized, and rider-focused racing in the nation.”
As the transition progresses, CMRA members and racers can expect continuity in operations, a full schedule of competitive events, and a renewed emphasis on accessibility, competition, and long-term stability.
The Board also extends its sincere appreciation to the other proposers—Sport Rider Coaching, ZonaFacta LLC, Throttle Therapy LLC, and Jeff Hughes—for their time, effort, and dedication throughout the process.
Maverick Vinales (12) at the Motul Grand Prix of the Valencian Community. Photo courtesy Motul North America
Cypress CA – Motul North America today heralded the announcement from its global headquarters regarding the five-year renewal of its partnership with the MotoGP World Championship, solidifying the collaboration until 2030. The renewal includes sponsorship of the global championship as well as the title sponsorship of the Motul Japan Grand Prix and the Motul Valencia Grand Prix.
Motul North America General Manager Amber Bates, expressed enthusiasm for the prolonged collaboration: “This extended global partnership with MotoGP is fantastic news for our brand and for Motul’s North American fans and riders. It underscores Motul’s commitment to the pinnacle series of motorcycle racing and reinforces our status as a leader in the powersport sector worldwide.”
This sponsorship complements Motul’s existing partnership with two of the MotoGP series’ top teams, Red Bull KTM Tech3 and Prima Pramac Racing.
Motul is planning consumer activations at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, TX in March, the only North American stop on the MotoGP circuit in 2026.
Motul Product. Photo courtesy Motul North America
More from a press release issued by Motul HQ:
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
SX2 Race 1 start in Australia. Photo courtesy FIM World Supercross Championship
Gold Coast, Australia – A sold-out Cbus Super Stadium witnessed one of the most memorable evenings of the season as the FIM World Supercross Championship delivered a spectacular third round on the Gold Coast. With the atmosphere at fever pitch and an all-star lineup on track, Ken Roczen produced a trademark performance to take the overall SX1 victory, Christian Craig claimed an emotional race victory, and Cooper Webb claimed third place on the podium in his championship debut. Meanwhile, Max Anstie extended his perfect SX2 season in another display of unrivalled control.
Roczen’s final bow for Pipes Motorsport Group in this season’s championship was one worthy of his legacy. He opened the night with a commanding win in the first sprint before navigating heavy traffic and chaotic opening laps to secure fourth in the second race. With the pressure at its peak in the main event, Roczen held strong for third – just enough to lock in the overall victory and bid farewell to the 2025 championship on top. The German star soaked in the moment, reflecting on the precision and patience required on the night and acknowledging the hard work behind his trademark consistency.
Ken Roczen (94) during the SX1 Race 1 in Australia. Photo courtesy FIM World Supercross Championship
Ken Roczen said: “I am really happy with my riding. I crushed the whoops and pumped to get away with the overall win!”
Christian Craig delivered the feel-good story of the evening, capturing his first World Supercross race win. The veteran’s emotional triumph earned him second overall on the night, even after a stewards’ penalty for failing to observe waved medical flags during Astin Politelli’s incident. For Craig, the victory carried profound meaning – proof that he still belongs at the highest level and a moment he shared with the fans, his team, and those who’ve stood by him through the toughest chapters of his career.
Cooper Webb, making his World Supercross debut, was impressive throughout the evening, amassing a total of 32 points to claim the final sport on the podium, just one point ahead of Eli Tomac in fourth.
Max Anstie (99) during the SX2 SuperPole in Australia. Photo courtesy FIM World Supercross Championship
In SX2, Max Anstie once again proved untouchable. Despite missing out on the Superpole after a rare mistake, the British rider reset instantly and went on to sweep all three mains, extending his championship lead. The heat, the pace, and the pressure did little to rattle him as he pushed to another dominant performance. Behind him, defending champion Shane McElrath finally found momentum with a gritty 5-3-2 effort to secure second – a long-awaited breakthrough after a difficult start to the season. Cullin Park continued his upward climb with a consistent 4-2-3 showing to stand third on the podium and keep himself firmly in the title conversation.
Max Anstie said: “I’m happy to be here in the Gold Coast, it’s been a lot of fun – I love Australia. I’m looking forward to next week in Sweden. These are the kind of seasons you dream about – from Winchester, England to the Gold Coast of Australia!”
With Roczen departing on a high, Craig rediscovering his winning edge and Anstie tightening his grip on SX2, the championship narrative takes another turn as the field now heads to Sweden for the penultimate round.
Kyle Wyman (33) battling with Loris Baz (76) and James Rispoli (43) at Mid-Ohio. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
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.
James Rispoli (43) won the Mission Super Hooligan Championship on his KWR Harley-Davidson Pan America. Photo by Michael Gougis.
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.
Harley-Davidson rider Briar Bauman won in AFT Action at Peoria TT. Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson.
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.
Harrison Mackay (61), Ryan Frost (24), Mason Foster (88), American Julian Correa (40), Jack Dunabie (63) and Clayton Edmunds (64) battled for third place during a 2025 race. Photo courtesy British Talent Cup.
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™!
MotoAmerica Talent Cup standout Bodie Paige raced at Daytona for the first time during the AMA-Sanctioned 2025 ASRA Race of Champions event in October. He rode a MotoAmerica Supersport-spec Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750 put together by Team Hammer for former AMA Supersport Champion Martin Cardenas to race at Circuit of The Americas earlier this year. Photo by Michael Gougis.
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
Bodie Paige in Victory Lane at Daytona during the October ASRA Race of Champions event, with the 2025 AMA Horizon Award trophy. Photo by John Ulrich.
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.
Bodie Paige on the podium after winning a MotoAmerica Talent Cup race at COTA during the 2025 season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
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
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
Action from a previous CMRA event. Photo by David Gillen/dgillenphoto.com, courtesy of CMRA.
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.
Johann Zarco (5) at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy CASTROL Honda LCR.
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.
Aleix Espargaro (41) at Valencia. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
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.
Luca Marini (10) at Valencia. Photo courtesy Honda HRC CastrolJoan Mir (36) at Valencia. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
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.”
A graph of Honda HRC’s progress.
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.”
Joan Mir and crew celebrate in Japan. Honda HRC photo.
Julian Correa in an ESBK Supersport 300 race at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in November. Photo by Life Be Lucky Photography/courtesy Michael Correa.
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.”
Julian Correa after winning in BSB Talent Cup at Brands Hatch in May. Photo by Cami Photography/ courtesy Michael Correa.
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.
American Julian Correa poses with Pons Motorsport Italika Racing team owner Arnau Pons (left) and Dani Valle, who is in charge of rider development.
Walter Walker III (43) leads JC Camacho (91), Marshal Rosas (82), and Kasey Lewis (272) in CMRA action at NOLA. Photo by David Gillen/dgillenphoto.com
RideSmart, the New Owners of CMRA
RideSmart Motorcycle School is excited to announce a new chapter starting in 2026! With the new season upon us, details are in the works with our recent acquisition of the CMRA (Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association). Get ready for an exciting season of track riding and track racing.
We will be enhancing our RideSmart curriculum in the off season and will be adding some components and programs to help those who are interested in taking their learned skills to the next level. We have programs built to take a novice street rider all the way to becoming an expert road racer in the CMRA.
Between RideSmart Motorcycle School and the CMRA, and our partnership with Bittinger Motorsports, you have access to everything you need from on-track and classroom training, Mini Motos, dirt training, private coaching, CMRA Licensing School, to racing in the CMRA. New 2026 schedule and announcements to be released in the coming days. Stay tuned!
Waco, TX — The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA), one of the nation’s most established and respected amateur motorcycle roadracing organizations, is entering an exciting new phase as Dave Johnson and Quan Luu, known in the motorcycle community as operators of RideSmart Motorcycle School, move forward in the process to become its new owners.
Dave and Quan’s proposal has been approved by the CMRA Board of Directors, and the organization is now working through the final steps of the transition, with completion expected before the end of the year.
Johnson and Luu have built RideSmart into one of the nation’s most trusted rider-education programs, recognized for its commitment to safety, skill development, and community engagement. Their experience and long-standing dedication to the sport position them well to guide CMRA into its next chapter.
“We’re honored that the Board has approved our proposal,” said Dave Johnson.
“CMRA is a cornerstone of the racing community, and we are committed to maintaining its legacy while continuing to elevate the racing experience for all riders.”
“CMRA’s racers and volunteers are among the most passionate in motorsports,” added Quan Luu.
“Our focus is to support that passion by continuing to provide the most competitive, well-organized, and rider-focused racing in the nation.”
As the transition progresses, CMRA members and racers can expect continuity in operations, a full schedule of competitive events, and a renewed emphasis on accessibility, competition, and long-term stability.
The Board also extends its sincere appreciation to the other proposers—Sport Rider Coaching, ZonaFacta LLC, Throttle Therapy LLC, and Jeff Hughes—for their time, effort, and dedication throughout the process.
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
April 9, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
