Home Blog Page 56

MotoAmerica: Real Steel Honda Returns With Multi-Class Effort

Mathilde Gasnier
-
0
MotoAmerica: Real Steel Honda Returns With Multi-Class Effort

Team to campaign the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in both Superbike and Superbike Cup, while expanding with a two-rider Talent Cup program.

For 2026 Hayden Gillim will return on his Real Steel Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Superbike and will be joined by the 2025 Stock 1000 champion Andrew Lee competing in the Superbike Cup class on Honda machinery. In the Talent Cup, Ian Fraley will be joined by 2024 Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award winner Derek Sanchez.

The Talent Cup season kicks off March 27-29 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. Three weeks later, the Superbike and Superbike Cup seasons begin April 17–19 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA, where Talent Cup competition will also take place.

Real Steel Honda Racing is proudly supported by American Honda, HRC, Progressive Insurance, Pro Honda Oils. Southern Honda Powersports, Idemitsu, Last Ark: Tactics Analogue, Vesrah, K-Tech suspension, Orient Express, Dunlop, Akrapovic Exhaust Systems, Sprint Filter, Armor Bodywork, Vortex and REB Graphics.

 

Brandon Wilson – American Honda Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing: “We are excited to return to the MotoAmerica paddock for the 2026 season with Real Steel Honda, fielding entries in both Superbike and Superbike Cup and expanding to a two-rider Talent Cup program. After a full year competing aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade in Superbike, we’re entering the season with a stronger baseline and a clearer direction than a year ago. Equally important, we’re proud to continue investing in the next generation with Ian and Derek, alongside the outstanding partners who make this program possible. We look forward to getting the season underway.”

 

Hayden Gillim – Rider #69 / Team Principal: “I’m really looking forward to 2026 and continuing to get better on the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. After a full year of Superbike, we now have data to look at and can come out of the gate swinging every race weekend. We finished last season with a podium at New Jersey so I’m looking to pick up where we left off.

I want to thank the team, sponsors, and fans for supporting this program. Having Honda back in the paddock last year was incredible for everyone and I’m looking forward to making it another big year!”

 

Andrew Lee – Rider #14: “I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the Real Steel Honda Racing team. Although this came together late in the offseason, the whole crew has made a great effort to pull everything together. It’s an honor to be with a team that has such a rich history of success and proven ability to build great programs. Most importantly, the team is one large family, and we all share the same goal of improving each session and weekend. I look forward to putting the Honda on the grid in a few weeks!”

 

Ian Fraley – Rider #10: “I’m excited to be back with Real Steel Honda Racing this season. This team feels like family, and we’ve built a strong foundation together. I’ve grown a lot and I’m coming into the season more focused, more confident, and ready to compete every weekend. Let’s get to work.”

 

Derek Sanchez – Rider #23: “I’m incredibly grateful to the Real Steel Honda team for giving me this opportunity. It means a lot to be part of such a strong and professional team, and I’m excited to give it everything I have this season as we fight for the championship.

This offseason I’ve been working extremely hard, both physically and mentally, to come into the season stronger, more consistent, and smarter on the bike. We’ve already done some testing together, and from the beginning I felt very comfortable with the team and the bike. The environment within the team is great, and I already feel at home working with everyone.

I’m also extremely happy to have Darwin Rodriguez as my crew chief and my father, Jose Sanchez, working with me this season as my mechanic and trainer. Having such a strong group around me gives me a lot of confidence going into the year.

I’m really looking forward to the season starting and continuing to build together throughout the year.”

 

Mark Junge – Technical Director / Team Principal: “I am looking forward to the 2026 MotoAmerica season and continuing to develop and refine the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP for both Hayden and Andrew. Expanding to a two-rider effort in the Talent Cup class will hopefully benefit both Ian and Derek as they look to progress in their road racing journey. I cannot thank American Honda and HRC enough for the support they have shown this program.”

 

MotoGP: VR46 Team Unveils Special Livery for COTA

Mathilde Gasnier
-
0
MotoGP: VR46 Team Unveils Special Livery for COTA

At the Edge at Hudson Yards in New York, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli unveiled the special livery they will use on Sunday of the United States GP. It was a special and historic event: for the first time ever, a MotoGP bike was unveiled in the ‘Big Apple’.

The United States GP has always been a unique weekend for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, which today unveiled at the Edge at Hudson Yards – one of the most prestigious skyscrapers in New York City – the special livery it will race with at Austin Sunday’s race. This unique day for the Tavullia-based team also represents a historic event: for the first time ever, a MotoGP bike is unveiled in the ‘Big Apple’, right at the top of one of the highest points of the City. Moreover, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli will attend the NBA game between New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans.

 

Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli present the special COTA livery of the Ducati Desmosedici, which they will campaign in Sunday’s MotoGP race. Photo courtesy Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team.

 

The special livery, conceived designed by Aldo Drudi – Drudi Performance, is the pictorial representation of the history of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, his founder Valentino Rossi and Alessio “Uccio” Salucci, his close friend and guide of this project. The livery recalls the Pop Art, and the main characters are part of an explosion of colors, with the fluo yellow as a dominant color. The riders take the central part of the scene and the symbols of the United States, such as the National Flag and the Austin Tower – as a tribute to the Circuit of the Americas – are in the scene too.

The riders will “wear” the livery, because the leathers will have these same special colors for the American weekend. Not only bikes and leathers: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will have the special colors on the jersey, a special edition “Pop Art” style that you can purchase on the Kappa Sport and VR46 Tribe websites.

 

MotoGP: Preview of the Grand Prix of the United States

Mathilde Gasnier
-
0
MotoGP: Preview of the Grand Prix of the United States

MotoGP thunders Stateside for Round 3. After four wins on the bounce for Bezzecchi we arrive into true Marquez territory. So can the #72 defeat the king of COTA?

Two down, 20 to go and we head north to the USA from Brazil to tackle the rollercoaster of COTA. From the shortest circuit on the calendar to the longest, from South America to North America, the contrasts bring new challenges and perhaps a new order. Last year’s dramatic Grand Prix in the history books and with another on the horizon, a showdown in Texas awaits the most exciting sport on Earth. MotoGP: wired different. Austin: keeping it weird. A combination that will bring us shocks, surprises and more throughout this year’s Grand Prix.

 

Marc Márquez (93) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Ducati

BEZZECCHI VS MARC MARQUEZ: the battle we’ve waited for set for COTA?

With Marco Bezzecchi’s (Aprilia Racing) dominant start to the year seeing him take the Championship lead after the opening two Grands Prix, and after winning the last two of last year, he’s looking to lay down the law at COTA. Marc Marquez’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) track record speaks for itself with seven wins but a blunder in last year’s rain means there’s revenge to be served. Those two stories combined, do we have another showdown this weekend between the Championship leader and the reigning World Champion, the latter fifth in the standings? Misano, Balaton Park, Brno and Red Bull Ring and Assen, they’ve gone toe-to-toe. Will it be a last lap battle this time?

 

Jorge Martin finished the MotoGP Sprint race P3. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

APRILIA ON TOP: historic start for the Noale factory

It’s an Aprilia Racing 1-2 in the standings after a Goiania double podium and first Grand Prix rostrum since his title-winning Solidarity GP weekend in 2024 for Jorge Martin, who moves into second overall. He’ll have to hit the ground running at COTA, given that he didn’t race there last year. From Championship leader pre-Brazil to P3 overall after, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is just 14 points behind ‘Bez’ and rode a smart Grand Prix at Goiania to bag valuable points – and he’s shown some good speed at COTA. Meanwhile, a first podium of 2026 after holding off Marc Marquez was secured last weekend by Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) sees him as the top Ducati and the Italian now heads to COTA where he was third 12 months ago – and he’ll be racing with that stunning new livery revealed in New York on Tuesday.

 

Ai Ogura (79) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Trackhouse.

EARLY REVELATIONS: Ogura sits sixth to lead established names

Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) has finished every Grand Prix or Sprint in the top five and gears up for the team’s home round. Teammate Raul Fernandez and he’s had bigger highs and lower lows, with a P3 in Thailand but a P10 last week in Brazil. Then comes 2025’s COTA podium finisher and World Championship runner-up Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), still finding his feet with the GP26 whereas both Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) aim to cast tricky Brazilian GPs aside stateside. Another revelation, particularly in qualifying at Goiania, was 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) when he started fourth – will he repeat it this weekend and fight for the V4-powered Yamaha’s first top ten in a Grand Prix having secured sixth in Goiania’s Sprint?

 

Johann Zarco (5) in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

CHASING THE TOP 10: those aiming to strike in COTA

Top Honda honours at Goiania went to Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and he sits as top Honda in the standings too, one point ahead of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) who is in 12th whilst his teammate Joan Mir is in 19th, with bad luck and crashes not reflecting the 2020 World Champion’s true pace. After Marini, double MotoGP Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who hasn’t enjoyed the start to the season he hoped for after testing. Yet to finish a Grand Prix or Sprint in the top 7, last year’s COTA winner hopes that this weekend provides a turning point. Two points further back is Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who returned last weekend and was straight into the top ten.

 

Diogo Moreira (11) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.

INDIVIDUAL ASPIRATIONS: points and progress on the agenda

Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) put on a show for his massive home audience in Goiania to bring home points for the second Grand Prix in a row but he now eyes a Sunday top ten, whilst Red Bull KTM Tech 3 pairing Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales seek improvements, the latter hoping for his first points of 2026 – and he’s a former COTA winner. There’s also the three V4 Yamahas of Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and his rookie teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu, all of which showed flashes in Brazil. Rins brought home points for the second time in 2026 whilst Razgatlioglu chases his first in MotoGP.

It’s time to ride rodeo in Texas and after 2025’s thriller, who will be the sole star in the Lone Star state in 2026? Bezzecchi vs Marquez might be about to light up…

 

Pipe Dreams Podcast: Dallas Daniels – Sliding Into A New Era

Mathilde Gasnier
-
0
Pipe Dreams Podcast: Dallas Daniels – Sliding Into A New Era

Pipe Dreams Podcast returns with Episode 37, featuring one of the most promising young talents in American Flat Track, Dallas Daniels. In this episode, Daniels shares the story of his rise from riding at just four years old to becoming a Grand National Champion, offering an in-depth look at the experiences that shaped his path to the top.

Raised in the paddock under the guidance of his father, Nick Daniels, Daniels developed a deep understanding of the sport from an early age. Their unique dynamic as both family and team laid the foundation for his work ethic, race craft, and professional mindset.

Throughout the conversation, Daniels reflects on the influence of key mentors who helped guide his development, including JD Beach, Johnny Lewis, Dale Quarterly, and the Hayden family. Their support played a significant role in shaping both his on-track performance and his personal growth within the sport.

 

 

 

Beyond racing, Daniels opens up about his efforts to share more of his personality off the bike. With a growing focus on social media and fan engagement, he is committed to giving audiences a more complete view of who he is, balancing the seriousness of competition with a genuine passion for enjoying life outside of it.

From returning to road racing at the MotoAmerica Twins Cup finale to continuing to challenge himself across disciplines, Daniels offers insight into both his present and future ambitions.

🎧 Episode 37 is now streaming on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the full episode is out now.

Video of the episode can be viewed on MotoAmerica Live+,
Spotify or YouTube.

Where To Ride in April and May 2026

Mathilde Gasnier
-
0
Where To Ride in April and May 2026

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

This list includes many opportunities to ride at races, schools, and track days during the months of April and May in North America.

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

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

 

4/1 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), PSR Day

4/1–2 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

4/3 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Learn To Ride Off-Road Course

4/3-4 PRE (Performance Riding Experience) Track Days, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

4/4 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Off-Road Challenge Course

4/4 SMRI (Sandia Motorcycle RoadRacing Inc.) Track & Race Days, Track Day, Suika Circuit, Albuquerque, NM

4/4 SportRiderRacing Series, Eagles Canyon Rcwy, Decatur, TX, Endurance

4/4-5 FIM MotoMini USA East / SFLMiniGP Championship, Bushnell Motorsports Park, Bushnell, FL (Round 3)

4/4-5 Precision Track Days, NCM Motorsports Park, Bowling Green, KY

4/4-5 Fast Line Track Days, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Munford, AL

4/4-5 California Superbike School, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, NV (All Levels)

4/4-5 RideSmart Motorcycle School, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, Hallett, OK

4/4-5 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL

4/6 SportRiderRacing Series, Eagles Canyon Rcwy, Decatur, TX, Endurance

4/6 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

4/6 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

4/9-10 California Superbike School, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA (All Levels)

4/10 ASRA National Practice & Track Days (AMA Sanctioned), Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Flat Track

4/10 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Munford, AL

4/10 Apex Assassins Track Days, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

4/10 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/10-11 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfi eld, IL – Non-Racer Camp

4/10-12 ASRA National Series, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/10-12 ASRA Relay/Endurance Series, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/10-12 ASRA Atlantic Region (AMA Sanctioned), Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/10-12 ASRA Southeast Region (AMA Sanctioned), Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/11 MRA (Motorcycle Roadracing Association) Series, High Plains Rcwy, Deer Trail, CO, New Racers’ School & Lapping Day

4/11 Moto Mini USA – Ovale USA, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA 

4/11 2WTD Mini Racing, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA 

4/11 Apex Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus (East), Grantsville, UT

4/11 UtahSBA Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus, East, Grantsville, UT

4/11 Apex Assassins Track Days, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

4/11-12 WERA Sportsman Series Mid Central Region Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Talladega, AL

4/11-12 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp

4/11-12 Trackdaz Track Days, Buttonwillow Circuit (New Track), Buttonwillow, CA

4/11-12 AFM (American Federation of Motorcyclists) Series, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Classic Track, Buttonwillow, CA

4/11-12 WERA National Challenge Series Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Talladega, AL

4/11-12 WERA Sportsman Series Southeast Region Co- Sanctioned by AMA, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Talladega, AL

4/11-12 N2 Track Days, NCBike (Staff Only Event), Garysville, NC

4/12 United MiniMoto, United Karting, Hanover, MD

4/12 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

4/12 XCEL Trackdays Track days, Firebird Motorsports Park, , Chandler, AZ, East Track

4/12 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Cornering School Day 1, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

4/12 Apex Assassins Track Days, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

4/12-13 Optimum Performance Rider Training Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

4/12-13 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfi eld, IL – Racer Camp

4/13 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (East), Willows, CA

4/14 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

4/14 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Advance Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

4/14-15 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL (Track Days)

4/16-17 California Superbike School, Streets of Willow Springs, CA (All Levels)

4/16-17 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/16-17 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt, classic track day

4/17 ASRA National Practice & Track Days (AMA Sanctioned), Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/17 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Off Road

4/17 2Wheels Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

4/17 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA (WMRRA)

4/17-19 WMRRA (Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association) Series, The Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

4/17-19 ASRA Southeast Region (AMA Sanctioned), Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/17-19 ASRA National Series, Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/17-19 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Series, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

4/17-19 ASRA National Sprints, Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/17-19 AHRMA National Road Racing Series, Big Willow, Willow Springs Raceway; Rosamond, CA

4/17-19 ASRA Midwest Region (AMA Sanctioned), Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/17-19 AHRMA Academy of RoadRacing (AAR) & Sidecar Racing School (SRS), Big Willow, Willow Springs Raceway; Rosamond, CA (BOTH AAR & SRS)

4/18 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Races & Track Days, Sandy Hook Spdway, Street, MD, Race

4/18 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Learn To Ride Off-Road Course

4/18 Race Pace Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CW, Desert Center, CA

4/18 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

4/18-19 California Superbike School, Streets of Willow Springs, CA (All Levels)

4/18-19 ASMA (Arroyo Seco Motorcycle Association) Series, Podium Club CCW, Casa Grande, AZ

4/18-19 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Grattan Raceway, Belding, MI

4/18-19 RideSmart Motorcycle School, MSR Houston, Angleton, TX

4/18-19 ASMA Track Days and Advanced Rider Training, Podium Club CCW, Casa Grande, AZ

4/18-19 Carters@thetrack Track Days, Thunderhill Raceway Park, East (NRS), Willows, CA

4/18-19 Jason Pridmore’s JP43 1-ON-1 Training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

4/18-19 Let’s Ride Track Days & Schools, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

4/18-19 Precision Track Days, Atlanta Motorsports Park, Dawsonville, GA

4/19 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, Inde Motorsports Ranch CW, Willcox, AZ

4/19 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Summit Point Circuit, Summit Point, WV (Shenandoah)

4/19 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Cornering School Day 1, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

4/19 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Off-Road Challenge Course

4/20 Fun Track Dayz, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA

4/20 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Track Drill 1-on-4 Coaching, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA

4/20 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

4/20 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Summit Point Circuit, Summit Point, WV (Main Track)

4/21 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

4/22-23 Jason Pridmore’s JP43 1-ON-1 Training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

4/22-23 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), POST Motorcycle Offi cer Update Course

4/23 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt

4/23-24 Yamaha Champions Riding School, NCBIKE (NCCAR), Garysburg, NC

4/24 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt

4/24 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL (Novice School)

4/24 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, GingerMan Raceway Bike Night, South Haven, MI

4/24-26 AHRMA National Road Racing Series, Inde Motorsports Ranch, Willcox, AZ

4/24-26 AHRMA Academy of RoadRacing (AAR) & Sidecar Racing School (SRS), Inde Motorsports Ranch; Willcox, AZ (BOTH AAR & SRS)

4/24-26 CVMA (Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association) Winter Series, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA (CW)* Double Points

4/24-26 New Jersey MiniGP Days and Camps, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Liberator, Millville, NJ – Camp 1

4/25 AMA Pro American Flat Track (AFT), Ventura Short Track, Ventura Raceway, Ventura, CA

4/25 Moto Mini USA – Ovale USA, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

4/25 Sierra Nevada MiniMoto Championship / NNKC Minimoto, Northern Nevada Kart Club, Reno, NV 

4/25 2WTD Mini Racing, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

4/25 Central Illinois Mini Moto, Mid State Kart Club, Dawson, IL 

4/25 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

4/25-26 TrackAddix Track Days, Motorsports Park Hastings, Hastings, NE

4/25-26 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp

4/25-26 Cyclesmith Track Days, Palmer Motorsports Park, Palmer, MA

4/25-26 Pacific Track Time, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West), Willows, CA

4/25-26 N2 Track Days, NCBike, Garysville, NC

4/25-26 FIM MotoMini USA East / SFLMiniGP Championship, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL (Round 4) 

4/26 Florida Track Days (FTD), Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

4/26 Sierra Nevada MiniMoto Championship / NNKC Minimoto, Northern Nevada Kart Club, Reno, NV 

4/26 TrackXperience Track Days, Spring Mountain Motorsports Resort, Pahrump, NV

4/26 UtahSBA Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus, East, Grantsville, UT

4/26-27 RideSmart Motorcycle School, Eagles Canyon Raceway, Decatur, TX

4/26-27 Hardnox Track Dayz, Area 27, Oliver, B.C.

4/27 Optimum Performance Rider Training Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

4/27 Learn2Ride2 / Spicy Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Thunderbolt, Millville, NJ

4/27 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

4/27 N2 Track Days, Summit Point Raceway (Main), Summit Point, WV

4/27-28 Yamaha Champions Riding School, NCBIKE (ChampGrad), Garysburg, NC

4/28 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

4/30 Shannonville Motorsport Park Motorcycle Lapping Days, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON

5/1 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR

5/1 Shannonville Motorsport Park Motorcycle Lapping Days, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON

5/1 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Flat Track

5/1 Penguin Riding School, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH

5/1-3 WMRRA (Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association) Series, Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR

5/1-3 OMRRA (Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association) Series, Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR

5/2 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West), Willows, CA

5/2 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

5/2 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Body Position & Knee Down Class, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

5/2 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Races & Track Days, Sandy Hook Spdway, Street, MD, Race

5/2 AMA Pro American Flat Track (AFT), Silver Dollar Short Track, Silver Dollar Speedway, Chico, CA

5/2 Southeast Mini Moto Track Days, VIR Kart Track, Alton, VA

5/2 Racing Associates Canada Events (RACE), Race School & Test Day, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON 

5/2 Apex Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus (West), Grantsville, UT

5/2 Southeast Mini Moto Track Days, VIR Kart Track, Alton, VA

5/2-3 Fast Line Track Days, NCM Motorsports Park, Bowling Green, KY

5/2-3 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp

5/2-3 NEMRR (North East Motorcycle Road Racing) Series, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH

5/2-3 Evolve GT School and Track Days, NCBIKE, Garysburg, NC

5/2-3 ASMA Track Days and Advanced Rider Training, Arroyo Seco CW, Deming, NM

5/2-3 2Wheels Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

5/2-3 CMRA (Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association) Series, Motorsport Ranch, Cresson, Texas

5/2-3 ASMA (Arroyo Seco Motorcycle Association) Series, Arroyo Seco CW, Deming, NM

5/2-3 Fasttrax Motorcycle Performance Track Days, Nelson Ledges Road Course, Garrettsville, OH

5/2-3 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West double), Willows, CA

5/2-3-4 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL

5/3 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West), Willows, CA

5/3 XCEL Trackdays Track days, Firebird Motorsports Park, , Chandler, AZ, West Track

5/3 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Wheelie Course, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

5/3 Ohio Mini Roadracing, Wilmington Raceway Park, Wilmington, OH 

5/3-4 Optimum Performance Rider Training Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

5/4 Motovid.com All Levels Motorcycle Track Days/ Performance Riding Clinics, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL

5/4 Precision Track Days, VIRginia International Raceway, Alton, VA, VIR North

5/4 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

5/4-5 California Superbike School, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Thunderbolt, NJ (All Levels)

5/5-6 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Inde Motorsports Ranch (ChampGrad), Willcox, AZ

5/6 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Pacific Raceways, Kent, WA

5/6 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

5/6-7 California Superbike School, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Thunderbolt, NJ (All Levels)

5/7 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

5/7 Shannonville Motorsport Park Motorcycle Lapping Days, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON

5/8 Carters@thetrack Track Days, Thunderhill Raceway Park, East (AFM Practice/NRS), Willows, CA

5/8 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL (Novice School)

5/8  Northwest Mini Moto & Endurance Challenge, Tri City Kart Club, Richland, WA – 12-hour Endurance 

5/8-9 N2 Track Days, Summit Point Raceway (Main), Summit Point, WV

5/8-9 Precision Track Days, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

5/8-9 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington, DE – Non-Racer Camp

5/8-10 CRA MN (Central Roadracing Association) Series, Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, MN

5/8-10 Racing Associates Canada Events (RACE), Shannonville Motorsport Park, Pro Track, Shannonville, ON 

5/9 Legion Moto Trackdays, High Plains Raceway, Deer Trail, CO

5/9 Motorheads Track Attacks Track Days, Stratotech Park, Sturgeon County, AB

5/9 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Learn To Ride Off-Road Course

5/9 UtahSBA Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus, East, Grantsville, UT

5/9 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, The Podium Club at Attesa CW, Casa Grande AZ

5/9 HART (Hallet Advanced Rider Training) Motorcycle Lapping Day Program, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, Hallett, OK

5/9-10 AFM (American Federation of Motorcyclists) Series, Thunderhill Raceway Park, Willows, CA

5/9-10 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Grattan Raceway, Belding, MI

5/10 MRA (Motorcycle Roadracing Association) Series, High Plains Rcwy, Deer Trail, CO

5/10 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

5/10 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

5/10-11 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington, DE – Racer Camp

5/11 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

5/11 N2 Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park (Thunderbolt), Millville, NJ

5/11 Z2 Track Days, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA

5/11 WMRC (Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club) School & Track Days, Mission Raceway Park, Mission, B.C

5/11-12 California Superbike School, Carolina Motorsports Park, SC (All Levels)

5/12-13 Yamaha Champions Riding School, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ

5/12-13 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), POST Motorcycle Offi cer Update Course

5/13 Motovid.com All Levels Motorcycle Track Days/ Performance Riding Clinics, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL

5/15 WERA National Endurance Series Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA –  Friday Race

5/15 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Flat Track

5/15 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Grattan Raceway, Belding, MI

5/15-17 SMRI (Sandia Motorcycle RoadRacing Inc.) Track & Race Days, License School, Suika Circuit, Albuquerque, NM

5/15-17 WERA Sportsman Series Southeast Region Co- Sanctioned by AMA, WERA Cycle Jam at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

5/15-17 WERA Sportsman Series Atlantic Coastal Region Co-Sanctioned by AMA, WERA Cycle Jam at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

5/15-17 AHRMA Academy of RoadRacing (AAR) & Sidecar Racing School (SRS), Motorsports Park Hastings; Hastings, NE (BOTH AAR & SRS)

5/15-17 WERA Sportsman Series Mid Central Region Co-Sanctioned by AMA, WERA Cycle Jam at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

5/15-17 AHRMA National Road Racing Series, Motorsport Park Hastings, Hastings, NE

5/15-17 WERA National Challenge Series Co-Sanctioned by AMA, WERA Cycle Jam at Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

5/15-17 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Series, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL

5/16 AMA Pro American Flat Track (AFT), ThrottleFest, Budds Creek Motocross Park, Mechanicsville, MD

5/16 Moto Mini USA – Ovale USA, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

5/16 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

5/16 2WTD Mini Racing, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

5/16 SMRI (Sandia Motorcycle RoadRacing Inc.) Track & Race Days, Track Day, Suika Circuit, Albuquerque, NM

5/16 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Oregon Raceway Park, Grass Valley, OR

5/16 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Races & Track Days, Sandy Hook Spdway, Street, MD, Track Day

5/16 Atlantic Roadracing League (ARL), Atlantic Motorsport Park, Mill Village, NS 

5/16-17 N2 Track Days, Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomington, GA

5/16-17 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp

5/16-17 TrackXperience Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

5/16-17 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Putnam Park, Belding, MI

5/16-17 Pacific Track Time, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West), Willows, CA

5/16-17 FIM MotoMini USA East / SFLMiniGP Championship, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL (Round 4)

5/16-17 WERA Sportsman Series North Central Region Co- Sanctioned by AMA, Grattan Raceway Park, Grattan, MI

5/16-17 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Polecat Training Center (PTC), Lynchburg, TN

5/16-17 Alaska Road Racing Motorcycle Track Days, Tanacross Race Course, Tok, AK

5/17 United MiniMoto, United Karting, Hanover, MD

5/17 Atlantic Roadracing League (ARL), Atlantic Motorsport Park, Mill Village, NS 

5/17 Central Illinois Mini Moto, Mid State Kart Club, Dawson, IL 

5/17 Rocky Mountain Mini Moto, Grand Junction Motor Speedway, Grand Junction, CO 

5/17 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Liberator

5/17 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Cornering School Day 1, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

5/17 Motorheads Track Attacks Track Days, Stratotech Park, Sturgeon County, AB

5/17 SMRI (Sandia Motorcycle RoadRacing Inc.) Track & Race Days, Race Day, Suika Circuit, Albuquerque, NM

5/17 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Oregon Raceway Park, Grass Valley, OR

5/17 Motocorsa Track Days, Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR

5/18 Optimum Performance Rider Training Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

5/18 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

5/18 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt

5/18 Penguin Riding School, Thompson Spdwy., Thompson, CT

5/18 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL

5/18-19 California Superbike School, Jennings GP, FL (All Levels)

5/21 Vintage Road Racing Association (VRRA), Shannonville Motorsports Park, Shannonville, ON 

5/22 ASRA National Practice & Track Days (AMA Sanctioned), Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV

5/22 Hardnox Track Dayz, Rocky Mountain Motorsports, Carstairs, AB

5/22 WMRC (Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club) School & Track Days, Mission Raceway Park, Mission, B.C

5/22 Atlantic RoadRacing League Track Days and High Performance Riding Academy, Atlantic Motorsport Park, Mill Village, NS – TD

5/22 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Summit Point Circuit, Summit Point, WV (Main Track)

5/22 Apex Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus (East), Grantsville, UT

5/22 Riders Choice Lapping Days, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Bowmanville, ON

5/22-23 California Superbike School, Barber Motorsports Park, AL (All Levels)

5/22-24 ASRA Relay/Endurance Series, Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV

5/22-24 ASRA National Series, Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV

5/22-24 ASRA Atlantic Region (AMA Sanctioned), Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV

5/22-24 Vintage Road Racing Association (VRRA), Shannonville Motorsports Park, Shannonville, ON 

5/22-24 Ruts To Racelines Track Days, NCBike, Garysburg, NC

5/22-24 Southern Ontario Associates of Racing (SOAR), Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend, ON 

5/22-23-24 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Autobahn Country ClubClub, Joliet, IL

5/23 AMA Pro American Flat Track (AFT), Williams Grove Half-Mile, Williams Grove, Mechanicsburg, PA

5/23 Sierra Nevada Moto Championship (NNKC), Northern Nevada Kart Club, Reno, NV 

5/23 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

5/23 Atlantic RoadRacing League Track Days and High Performance Riding Academy, Atlantic Motorsport Park, Mill Village, NS – HPRA

5/23-24 Fishtail Riding School, Canaan Motor Club, Canaan, NH

5/23-24 WMRC (Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club) School & Track Days, Mission Raceway Park, Mission, B.C, Hybrid Day

5/23-24 Yamaha Champions Riding School, High Plains Raceway, Deer Trail, CO

5/23-24 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Lightning

5/23-24 New Jersey MiniGP Days and Camps, Shenandoah Course, Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV – Round 1

5/23-24 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

5/23-24 RideSmart Motorcycle School, Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TX

5/23-24 Z2 Track Days, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West), Willows, CA

5/23-24 Fast Line Track Days, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Munford, AL

5/23-24 CMRA (Calgary Motorcycle Roadracing Association), Rocky Mountain Motorsports Park, Alberta, Canada – Race School

5/23-25 Cyclesmith Track Days, Palmer Motorsports Park, Palmer, MA

5/24 Florida Track Days (FTD), Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

5/24 Atlantic RoadRacing League Track Days and High Performance Riding Academy, Atlantic Motorsport Park, Mill Village, NS – HPRA

5/24 Ohio Mini Roadracing, G&J Kartway, Camden, OH 

5/24 Sierra Nevada Moto Championship (NNKC), Northern Nevada Kart Club, Reno, NV 

5/24 Pro 6 Cycle Inc. Track Days, Calabogie Motorsports Park, Calabogie, ON

5/24 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Off Road

5/24 Oregon Lighweight Moto, Mac Track, McMinnville, OR 

5/24 SMEC Super Moto, Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA 

5/24-25 California Superbike School, Barber Motorsports Park, AL (All Levels)

5/24-25 Let’s Ride Track Days & Schools, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

5/24-25 Track Time Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

5/25 3:16 Trackdays/America Superbike Camp, Harris Hill Raceway, San Marcos, TX, Memorial Day

5/25 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

5/25 Pro 6 Cycle Inc. Track Days, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Bowmanville, ON

5/25 Yamaha Champions Riding School, CODE 303 Emergency Vehicle Operations Center, Douglas County, CO

5/25 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Summit Point Circuit, Summit Point, WV (Main Track)

5/25 PRE (Performance Riding Experience) Track Days, VIRginia International Raceway (North), Alton, VA

5/25-26 Zalusky Advanced Riding School (ZARS) & Track Days, Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

5/26 Pro 6 Cycle Inc. Track Days, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Bowmanville, ON

5/26-27 California Superbike School, Barber Motorsports Park, AL (All Levels)

5/27 Motovid.com All Levels Motorcycle Track Days/ Performance Riding Clinics, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL

5/28 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt, advanced track day

5/28 Shannonville Motorsport Park Motorcycle Lapping Days, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON

5/29 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt, classic track day

5/29 Penguin Riding School, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH

5/29 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, GingerMan Raceway Bike Night, South Haven, MI

5/29-31 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Series, Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

5/29-31 USCRA (United States Classic Racing Association) Series (Vintage), Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, CT

5/30 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Races & Track Days, Sandy Hook Spdway, Street, MD, Race

5/30 Legion Moto Trackdays, Pueblo Motorsports Park, Pueblo, CO

5/30 Motorheads Track Attacks Track Days, Rad Torque Raceway, Edmonton, AB

5/30 2WTD Mini Racing, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

5/30 Moto Mini USA – Ovale USA, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

5/30-31 NEMRR (North East Motorcycle Road Racing) Series, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH

5/30-31 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, GingerMan Raceway, South Haven, MI

5/30-31 WERA Sportsman Series Atlantic Coastal Region Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA

5/30-31 WERA Sportsman Series Southeast Region Co- Sanctioned by AMA, Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA

5/30-31 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Advance Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

5/30-31 Alaska Road Racing Motorcycle Track Days, Tanacross Race Course, Tok, AK

5/30-31 Evolve GT School and Track Days, NCBIKE, Garysburg, NC

5/30-31 PRE (Performance Riding Experience) Track Days, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

5/30-31 Precision Track Days, NCM Motorsports Park, Bowling Green, KY

5/30-31 RideSmart Motorcycle School, MSR Houston, Angleton, TX

5/30-31 TrackAddix Track Days, Motorsports Park Hastings, Hastings, NE

5/30-31 Pro 6 Cycle Inc. Track Days, Calabogie Motorsports Park, Calabogie, ON

5/30-31 Texas Mini Grand Prix, Gulf Coast Kartway, Katy, TX 

5/31 Motorheads Track Attacks Track Days, Rad Torque Raceway, Edmonton, AB

5/31-6/1 Optimum Performance Rider Training Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

R.I.P.: AHRMA Pays Tribute to Jeff Smith, MBE (Updated)

John Ulrich
-
0
R.I.P.: AHRMA Pays Tribute to Jeff Smith, MBE (Updated)

A Transformational Leader and Champion of Vintage Motorcycling

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) mourns the passing of Jeff Smith, MBE, at the age of 91. With deep appreciation and respect, we honor a man whose leadership, vision, and tireless commitment reshaped AHRMA and secured its place as the world’s premier vintage motorcycle racing organization.

“Jeff Smith MBE was more than a champion, he was a cornerstone of our sport’s past, present, and future. His influence on motorcycle racing and trials is immeasurable, not only through his extraordinary achievements on the bike, but through the passion and integrity he carried into everything he did. As a founder and Executive Director of AHRMA, Jeff helped build a living bridge between generations of riders, preserving the spirit and history of our machines and our community. His legacy is woven into every event we hold and every rider who shares in this tradition. We have lost a true giant, but his vision and impact will endure for decades to come,” said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, AHRMA Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Jeff Smith in 1953, on his first BSA Gold Star Scrambler. Vintage photo from AHRMA Archives.

While Jeff Smith’s legendary racing career is well documented and widely celebrated, his enduring legacy within AHRMA is equally profound. In October 1990, Smith accepted the role of Executive Director at a time when the organization faced significant operational and financial challenges. Tasked with restoring solvency, growing membership, and establishing AHRMA’s independence in racing promotion, Smith stepped into a role that required rebuilding the organization from the ground up—without a roadmap.

Alongside his wife, Irene, Smith immediately set to work. From answering phones and reconnecting with members to rebuilding administrative systems, the Smiths brought stability and responsiveness back to AHRMA. Their hands-on approach sparked rapid membership growth and reestablished trust within the community.

Smith’s leadership quickly extended to competition structure and event management. He introduced critical operational improvements, including pre-entry systems and standardized race procedures, laying the foundation for professional, well-organized events. Early challenges—such as improvised race-day logistics and limited infrastructure—became catalysts for innovation and long-term growth.

A pivotal moment in AHRMA’s evolution came through Smith’s ability to foster strategic partnerships. His collaboration with industry leaders led to the creation of the landmark BMW “Battle of Legends” program, which brought international attention to AHRMA. Featuring world-class competitors and factory-supported machinery, the series elevated the organization’s prestige and credibility, opening doors to expanded event opportunities at premier venues nationwide.

Smith also cultivated key relationships within the broader motorcycling community, notably with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). Through these partnerships, AHRMA expanded its racing classes to include Battle of Twins and Sound of Singles, further strengthening participation and diversity within its events.

Equally important was Smith’s ability to build a dedicated and capable team. By appointing experienced leaders such as Road Race Director Jack Turner and empowering a passionate volunteer base, he ensured that AHRMA events met the highest standards of professionalism and competition.

By the time Smith retired as Executive Director in 1999, AHRMA had grown from fewer than 1,000 members to more than 5,000, established financial stability with substantial reserves, and expanded to a full national calendar of road racing, motocross, dirt track, cross country, and trials events. The organization had not only survived—it had flourished.

Even after stepping down, Smith continued to serve AHRMA as an Eastern Trustee and Treasurer, demonstrating his enduring dedication to the club and its members.

Reflecting on his decade of leadership, Smith spoke not of challenges, but of gratitude—for the people, the progress, and the shared passion that defined those years. He described his time guiding AHRMA as “the happiest time of my life.”

Jeff Smith’s impact on AHRMA is immeasurable. His vision, resilience, and collaborative spirit transformed an organization in crisis into a thriving, respected institution. Today, every AHRMA event and every member experience stands as a testament to his work.

AHRMA extends its heartfelt condolences to Irene Smith, Jeff’s wife of more than 68 years, and the entire Smith family. We celebrate Jeff’s life, his achievements, and the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of vintage motorcycling enthusiasts.

About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

 

More, from a press release issued by the AMA:

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Smith Passes Away

The American Motorcyclist Association is saddened by the passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Smith and extends its condolences to his friends and family.

Smith was one of the most versatile racers in motorcycling history, excelling in a variety of motorcycle racing disciplines, most notably motocross and trials. Beyond his prowess as a racer, Smith was an industry leader, working in a number of leadership positions at Can-Am and serving as the executive director of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA).

Born in 1934 in Colne, England, Smith’s motorcycling journey began at nine years old when his father brought home a two-stroke Triumph motorcycle for Smith to ride. After World War II, Smith began competing at local trials events, and quickly caught the attention of Norton Motorcycles, becoming one of the manufacturer’s works riders in 1952.

Smith earned the ACU British Trials Championships in 1953 and 1954 — the latter title coming aboard a BSA.

Jeff Smith in his younger days. Photo courtesy AMA Archives.

Soon after his second trials championship, Smith began his motocross career with a stunning victory at the 1954 Dutch Motocross Grand Prix after BSA approached him to fill out the roster for the factory team at the event. In the year following this victory, he won the Experts Grand National — a prestigious British scrambles event — and the 1955 British Grand Prix, signifying a start to his motocross career on the world stage.

Smith’s international career hit a fever pitch in 1964 and 1965, when he raced his way to back-to-back 500cc World Motocross Championships while riding for BSA. He was also a six-time Motocross des Nations champion as a member of the British team.

Smith excelled outside of motocross, as well, competing on behalf of his country at 11 International Six Days Trial — now known as the International Six Days Enduro — events and winning eight gold medals for England in the process.

After his racing career, Smith joined Can-Am’s motocross efforts on the developmental side, helping produce the brand’s racing motorcycles.

In the 1990s, Smith filled the role of executive director of AHRMA, where he stayed until his retirement in 1999. He also served the North Central region from 2001 until 2008 on the AMA Board of Directors.

Smith was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.

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 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.

CVMA: Results From Round 6 of the Winter Series

Mathilde Gasnier
-
0
CVMA: Results From Round 6 of the Winter Series

It was a scorcher for the sixth round of the CVMA 2025/2026 winter series, with a relentless heat wave engulfing the Desert Center area just days before the event. On Friday, as riders prepared for practice, the mercury soared to a sweltering 108 degrees, setting the stage for an intense weekend. Even as the sun dipped, the oppressive heat lingered, creating a challenging atmosphere for both riders and fans.

Saturday morning teased with a brief cool spell during qualifiers, but it didn’t take long for the temperature to rise again, mirroring the fierce competition unfolding on the track. The atmosphere was electric as riders revved their engines, navigating tight corners and battling for position under the blazing sun.

Despite the sweltering conditions, the weekend delivered an exhilarating spectacle of racing, with competitors in every class pushing their limits. The close battles on track highlighted the stakes at hand, as each rider aimed to snag crucial championship points in this penultimate round of the series. The heat only seemed to intensify their determination, making for a thrilling experience that left spectators on the edge of their seats.

 

Sawyer Lafayette (616), Anthony Estrada (107) , Nathan Gravelle (hidden – 210). Photo by Caliphotography

 

  • Saturday Qualifying

The fastest of all in Saturday morning qualifying, Nicholas Ciling topped the field of open-class bikes, turning a 1:45.540 lap time.

Jack Roach was fastest on a middleweight, turning a 1:47.547 lap time.

Gio Alvarez was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:49.617 lap time.

Nathan Gravelle was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:56.744 lap time.

Joel Ohman was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:49.665 lap time.

 

  • Saturday Races

Saturday’s Supersport Middleweight race was a barn burner. Jack Roach got the hole shot and led the entire race while a battle for the remaining spots on the podium raged behind him. Parker Mayer, Ryan Breckenridge, and Nicholas Telliard traded positions several times throughout the race. The last lap of the race saw several passes, and in the end, Roach took the win with Mayer second and Breckenridge rounding out the podium in third.

Gio Alvarez won three races on his lightweight class bike and set a lap record in the Formula Twins class in the process.

Sawyer Lafayette came from the very back of the grid, starting last, to win the Formula Ultralightweight race. Joel Ohman won both CVMA Hooligans races.

 

Gio Alvarez (822), Justin Bordonaro (589), Geiser Hernandez (white hidden – 28). Photo by Caliphotography

 

  • Sunday Shootouts

In the premier race of the day, The Shootout, Nicholas Ciling (Yamaha YZF-R1) got the holeshot and led the first lap. Ceiling was followed closely by Michael Gilbert (Yamaha YZF-R1) and Danilo Lewis (Honda CBR1000RR) in second and third, respectively. On lap two, Lewis used the power of his CBR to motor past Gilbert on the back straight, taking second place. Gilbert lost another position on lap 2 to Corey Alexander (Ducati Panigale V4) when Alexander went by on the brakes into turn three. At the end of the second lap, it was still Ciling at the front,but Lewis and Alexander were now in second and third. Lewis was able to get by Ciling on the fifth lap to take the lead, and Alexander also passed Ciling for second, demoting him to third. Lewis and Alexander raced nose to tail for the second half of the race while Gilbert was able to get by Ciling to take third position. On lap eight, Alexander was able to pass Lewis for the lead approaching the white flag. Alexander was able to fend off Lewis on the final lap for the win. At the finish, it was Alexander winning, Lewis second, and Gilbert third.

 

Corey Alexander (23), Danilo Lewis (94). Photo by Caliphotography

 

The Formula Lightweight Twins Shootout started with Gio Alvarez (Aprilia RS660) leading into turn one, followed by Justin Bordonaro (Aprilia RS660) and Geiser Hernandez (Aprilia RS660). Alvarez set a new lap record for the class on lap two and was never challenged. Hernandez was able to pass Bordonaro for second on the third lap, and that would set the final order. Alvarez took the win, Hernandez second, and Bordonaro third.

At the start of the Formula Ultra Lightweight Shootout, Nathan Gravelle (Kawasaki Ninja 500) led into turn one with Anthony Estrada (Kawasaki Ninja 400) in second. Sawyer Lafayette (Kawasaki Ninja 400) was able to come from last on the grid to run third at the end of the first lap. Lafayette passed both Estrada and Gravelle in turn 13 to take the lead. At the end of the second lap, it was Lafayette leading, Gravelle, and Estrada. Lafayette traded the lead back and forth on laps four and five. A mistake on lap six forced Lafayette down to third, but he was ableto work his way back into second before the end of the lap. On the final lap, Gravelle was leading at the start, but Lafayette was able to make a pass on the entry to turn five and hold on to the lead until the finish. At the strip, it was Lafayette for the win, Gravelle second, and Estrada third.

 

Jack Roach (12), Hayden Meng (661), Parker Mayer (775), Joel Ohman (92). Photo by Caliphotography

 

In the Middleweight Shootout, Jack Roach(Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R) led into turn one, followed by Haydn Meng (Suzuki GSX-R750) in second and Joel Ohman (Suzuki GSX-R750) in third. The running order never changed.

Full race results can be found on Speedhive: https://speedhive.mylaps.com/events/3432964

Check out the replays of the races on the 951 Live YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@951live

Next Round. Come out and join us for the final round of the CVMA 25/26 Winter Series on 4/24-26/26. This is a double points round, so don’t miss out!

CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.

CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting in racing on the Fridaybefore each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.

CVMA. For racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!

CVMA would also like to thank the 2024/2025 Winter Series Sponsors: Support Moto Racing, Apex Assassins, Ryder Gear, CaliPhotography, Racers Edge/Dunlop, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, 2 Fast Track Days, LapSnap

NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop

Utah SuperBike To Host Three Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers In 2026

Mathilde Gasnier
-
0
Utah SuperBike To Host Three Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers In 2026

Beehive State Buzz: Utah SuperBike Increases To Three Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers For National Final This Summer.

IRVINE, CA – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Utah SuperBike has joined the growing list of organizations hosting qualifiers for the 2026 Mission Mini Cup National Final.

The addition of Utah SuperBike further strengthens MotoAmerica’s nationwide grassroots development program by giving riders in Utah and surrounding states an opportunity to earn bonus points and prepare for the biggest Mission Mini Cup event of the season.

“We appreciate Utah SuperBike’s commitment to hosting these MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup qualifiers,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Jeff (Taylor, Utah SuperBike Vice President) and his team already host a successful racing series in Utah, and they have stepped up by providing multiple chances for their riders to earn the 10 available bonus points toward the National Final in August. We look forward to seeing everyone compete for a championship later this summer.”

The Mission Mini Cup program features riders aged six to 16 in the following classes:

  • Stock 50 (ages 6-8)
  • Stock 110 (ages 8-12)
  • GP 110 (ages 10-14)
  • GP 160 (10-14)
  • GP 190 (12-16)

The Mission Mini Cup classes serve as the official youth development ladder of MotoAmerica and are a proving ground for the sport’s next generation of professional talent.

“Utah SuperBike is thrilled to host these Mission Mini Cup qualifiers again for 2026,” said Taylor. “This year, we have added another qualifier to the schedule, giving everyone three chances to get the 10 bonus points towards the National Final in August. We recognize that the future of American racing rests on the shoulders of these young athletes, and Utah SuperBike is honored to support their two-wheel dreams.”

 

Maverick Johnson is a premier rising talent in American road racing. Following a dominant season in both the GP 110 and GP 160 classes—where he secured six podiums across eight races at the National Final—Johnson finished second and third overall, respectively. His standout performance has earned him a coveted spot with the Aspar KSB Academy to compete in the 2026 ESBK (Spanish Superbike Championship). Photo by Larry Lawrence.

 

The Utah SuperBike-hosted Mission Mini Cup qualifiers are scheduled for May 30, June 20, and July 11 at Burt Brothers Motorpark in Tooele, Utah.

A one-time, 10-point bonus is awarded to participants in any of the 2026 Mission Mini Cup qualifiers regardless of the number of events entered and will be used to calculate the final finishing order for the Mission Mini Cup National Final, to be held at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex on August 7-9.

Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha again are providing manufacturer contingency to support the Stock 50 and Stock 110 classes, further enhancing the offering for riders throughout the 2026 season.

 

About MotoAmerica:
 
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

MotoGP: Statement from Race Direction Following the Brazilian GP

Mathilde Gasnier
-
0
MotoGP: Statement from Race Direction Following the Brazilian GP

Following the challenges with the track surface during the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Circuit and Race Promoter have carried out investigations into the causes, including the unprecedented rainfall which impacted the final works and contributed to the track surface issues. 

On Saturday, a significant defect in the track emerged due to the collapse of an undocumented old sewage system beneath the surface. The problem, which was fortunately off the racing line, was immediately attended to and repaired following a quick response from the Circuit, which allowed track activity to continue later in the day. On Sunday, localised asphalt degradation caused by the significant heat and track activity became apparent following the conclusion of the Moto2 Grand Prix.

Despite removing all excess aggregate ahead of the MotoGP Grand Prix, a small risk of continued surface deterioration during the MotoGP race remained. Circuit staff were working right up to the scheduled start to prepare the track, but in the interest of safety, Race Direction took the decision to reduce the race to 23 laps (75% of the original race distance). Teams were immediately informed of the change by IRTA staff on each row of the grid.

MotoGP’s homologation process for circuits is managed by the FIM and begins more than a year in advance. It includes detailed inspections of all construction areas. As each global location will require a different asphalt mix and laying procedure, these are decided by the Circuit and presented to the FIM to ensure all safety standards are met. Homologation is then confirmed shortly before each Grand Prix.

The issues faced in Brazil have been acknowledged by the Promoter and the Circuit and will be rectified before MotoGP returns next season. The Grand Prix of Brazil welcomed 148,384 fans to Autódromo Internacional de Goiania – Ayrton Senna, demonstrating both the strong appeal of MotoGP in Brazil and MotoGP’s opportunity for further global growth.

WSBK Preview: Superbike Arrives in Portugal

Mathilde Gasnier
-
0
WSBK Preview: Superbike Arrives in Portugal

Home hero hopes for Oliveira at Portimao while Bulega battles to establish WorldSBK supremacy.

Nicolo Bulega aims to continue his form while home hero Miguel Oliveira will look to give his passionate fanbase something to cheer on home soil.

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship rolls around to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for Round 2 of the 2026 season, a circuit defined but its undulations which lend themselves to its ‘rollercoaster’ nicknames. Some riders head to the Pirelli Portuguese Round at Portimao with a load of momentum in their sails, while others are just starting the steep climb towards the top. What twists will there be when WorldSBK takes to the track in Portugal?

BULEGA LEADS THE WAY: Can anyone fight with the #11?

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) heads to Portimao on the back of a treble in Australia and knowing he can be competitive here too; last year, he was second behind Toprak Razgatlioglu in all three races. He’ll be aiming to take his winning run up to 10 races, joining only Razgatlioglu, Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC) in having such a streak. Of course, there will be plenty of riders aiming to stop his streak, including home hero Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team). The #88 is no stranger to winning at home having won the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, and he produced three epic comebacks in Australia to show his race pace and race craft is at a high level. BMW have won the last six races at Portimao, so both Oliveira and teammate Danilo Petrucci will want to keep that going. The only riders on the grid who have won at Portimao are Bautista (5 wins) and Rea (13 wins), with Bautista winning all of his on Ducati machinery. Rea returns this weekend in place of Jake Dixon (Honda HRC), still recovering from his wrist fracture, after signing as a Honda test rider; he will need to pass a medical check on Thursday after he was declared unfit at Jerez at the end of 2025. The #65 claimed Honda’s sole win at Portimao back in 2014, in a soaking wet Race 2.

 

Yari Montella (5) and Lorenzo Baldassarri (34) during the WSBK Race 1 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK

 

HOPING TO KEEP THE FORM GOING: Can Australia’s podium heroes repeat their success?

Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) both claimed their first WorldSBK podiums at Phillip Island and will want to keep that form going. Montella took a top-ten finish at Portimao last year while Baldassarri’s only WorldSBK weekend at Portimao saw him score points in Race 2 back in 2023. Bimota enjoyed plenty of podium success in Australia as Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) took his first rostrums for the Italian brand, while teammate Alex Lowes was also on the podium. Both will be aiming to be in the fight again this weekend; one more podium and Bimota will have matched their tally from 2025 already.

Although not on the podium, Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) took his best WorldSBK result last time out with a P4 finish and the #95 will aim for more of the same; last year, when racing for MIE Honda, he scored two points. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) took a top-six finish in Australia with the new ZX-10RR and will hope he can keep that form going; he’s had two P4 finishes at Portimao in the past. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) was a top-ten contender in Australia in his first WorldSBK weekend, and Portimao is a circuit he knows well; he raced there in the Moto2 European Championship in 2023 and 2024, taking three P2 finishes in four races. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) gradually found more pace on his Ducati Panigale V4R as the Australian Round progressed and will hope he can start Portimao where he left Phillip Island; in the top six and closing in on the podium.

 

Andrea Locatelli (5%) during the Phillip Island test. Photo courtesy WSBK

 

AIMING FOR IMPROVEMENTS: Yamaha aiming to be closer at Portimao

Australia was nothing short of a disappointment for Yamaha, scoring 14 points; 11 came from Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) salvaging a P5 finish in a wet Race 2. ‘Loka’ has a podium finish at Portimao, finishing P3 last year in Race 2. Teammate Xavi Vierge was a bright spark at Phillip Island as the lead rider for the Japanese brand, although he didn’t get the results his pace showed with crashes in Race 1 and Race 2, and didn’t start the Tissot Superpole Race. It’s similar for rookie Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and teammate Remy Gardner, who would’ve wanted more from the opening round of the season and will aim higher at Portimao. Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) will aim to put his Yamaha R1 in the points-scoring positions at Portimao, while Mattia Rato will continue adapting to WorldSBK; the #13 knows Portimao well from his time in the Moto2 European Championship.

 

Axel Bassani (47) and Sam Lowes (14) during the WSBK Race 2 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK

 

TWO 2026 DEBUTS: Chantra, Bridewell set for first round of 2026

Somkiat Chantra (Honda HRC) missed the opening round of the season after sustaining arm injuries in training, but he jumped back on the CBR1000RR-R SP at a private test recently. He’ll need to pass a medical check to race at the weekend. Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) has raced in WorldSBK before but now he’s with a new project for the remainder of the 2026 season, racing on a Panigale V4R. Elsewhere, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) will need to pass a medical check in order to race after he fractured his wrist in Race 2 in Australia. Like Chantra, he was at the recent Portimao test – and was in the top three on the opening day and led the (slightly reduced) field on last Friday’s extra day of running.

Catch up on the Australia highlights show HERE, read the Official Programme for Jerez HERE and don’t miss any action using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

 

 

 

WSSP: Arenas looks to defend early WorldSSP lead, can Oncu get back on top at Portimao?

 

A posse of talented riders make their way to Portugal for the World Supersport field’s Round 2, as the season continues to heat up.

With Phillip Island and the season debut in the rear-view mirror, the FIM Supersport World Championship gets set for the Pirelli Portuguese Round in its second race weekend of 2026 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. Riders like Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) and rookie Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) kicked off their season strong Down Under, with many talented riders up and down the order, a litany of faces could taste the Prosecco DOC from the top step of the podium this weekend.

 

ARENAS AT THE HEAD OF THE PACK: The 2020 Moto3 World Champion won in his debut weekend

The #75 had a full weekend last time out, landing P4, then P1 to close the weekend; he’ll hope to stay hot now with the European rounds of the schedule getting started. Behind him on the order, his countryman Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) enjoyed similar rostrum-topping success, taking the top spot in the season’s opening race. He hopes to improve on his pair of P7s earned last time out at Portimao. Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) took his first podium last round as a WorldSSP rider, a strong way to start his campaign. He will now race for the first time at the track in this Championship, where he rode last season as a MotoE rider on his way to a pair of P6s.

 

HARD WORK PAYING DIVIDENDS: Oettl looking for more podium appearances

German rider Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) ran a very comprehensive testing programme of all WorldSSP riders, laying down laps aplenty in rain or shine at Jerez and Portimao. His work bore fruit in Race 1in Australia, sending him to P2. He will anticipate a stronger showing than his P10 and P11 from last campaign, with the caveat that he was recovering from a bad knee injury this time last year. Arenas wasn’t the only AS BLU CRU Racing Team rider who performed well at Phillip Island. Aldi Mahendra landed his first WorldSSP podium, and now with a taste for silverware, he’ll be in the podium hunt again at Portimao. The Indonesian’s former teammate Can Oncu’s (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing) season came to a sputtering start with a pair of P5 despite being hailed by many as this season’s clear favourite. Portimao will give a clearer picture of Oncu’s level with his new team, but with this many talented riders around him, every point is critical.

 

BAYLISS BRINGING HIS BEST: The Aussie carries good momentum back to Europe

After opening the season on the podium, the #32 fell to P12 in a rain-affected Race 2, but he will look to take his team back to the top three in Portugal. Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) outscored his veteran French teammate Lucas Mahias, and in Portugal, Garcia will aspire to again land in the top six. Alessandro Zaccone’s (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) progress in acquainting himself with the WorldSBK paddock will continue at Portimao, and he will feasibly look to land his first top five finishes in his rookie season. Lastly, Andrea Giombini (Motozoo by Madforce Dubai) will again look to strategise his way to the front after a clever Race 2 tyre decision saw him to a career high P4 in the category.

 

2026 DEBUT: Honda and QJMOTOR are back on track at Portimao

Austrian rider Andreas Kofler (Motorsport Kofler) joins the grid alongside Honda Racing World Supersport’s Corentin Perolari and Ana Carrasco who will make their debut this season in Round 2, as well as the QJMOTOR Factory Racing pair of Raffaele de Rosa and Marcos Ramirez as WorldSSP Challenge riders. The four will provisionally compete for the rest of the season from here on out. Portuguese rider Martim Jesus (Rosa Competicion/MCL) will participate on his Honda CBR600RR as a wild-card appearance.

Tune in this weekend for all the action as all four Championships lay it on the line at Portimao. Tune in Live and OnDemand with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

MotoAmerica: Real Steel Honda Returns With Multi-Class Effort

Real Steel Honda is set to compete in Superbike aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, with Hayden Gillim (69) leading the charge. Photo courtesy of Real Steel Honda.

Team to campaign the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in both Superbike and Superbike Cup, while expanding with a two-rider Talent Cup program.

For 2026 Hayden Gillim will return on his Real Steel Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Superbike and will be joined by the 2025 Stock 1000 champion Andrew Lee competing in the Superbike Cup class on Honda machinery. In the Talent Cup, Ian Fraley will be joined by 2024 Nicky Hayden Road Race Horizon Award winner Derek Sanchez.

The Talent Cup season kicks off March 27-29 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. Three weeks later, the Superbike and Superbike Cup seasons begin April 17–19 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA, where Talent Cup competition will also take place.

Real Steel Honda Racing is proudly supported by American Honda, HRC, Progressive Insurance, Pro Honda Oils. Southern Honda Powersports, Idemitsu, Last Ark: Tactics Analogue, Vesrah, K-Tech suspension, Orient Express, Dunlop, Akrapovic Exhaust Systems, Sprint Filter, Armor Bodywork, Vortex and REB Graphics.

 

Brandon Wilson – American Honda Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing: “We are excited to return to the MotoAmerica paddock for the 2026 season with Real Steel Honda, fielding entries in both Superbike and Superbike Cup and expanding to a two-rider Talent Cup program. After a full year competing aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade in Superbike, we’re entering the season with a stronger baseline and a clearer direction than a year ago. Equally important, we’re proud to continue investing in the next generation with Ian and Derek, alongside the outstanding partners who make this program possible. We look forward to getting the season underway.”

 

Hayden Gillim – Rider #69 / Team Principal: “I’m really looking forward to 2026 and continuing to get better on the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. After a full year of Superbike, we now have data to look at and can come out of the gate swinging every race weekend. We finished last season with a podium at New Jersey so I’m looking to pick up where we left off.

I want to thank the team, sponsors, and fans for supporting this program. Having Honda back in the paddock last year was incredible for everyone and I’m looking forward to making it another big year!”

 

Andrew Lee – Rider #14: “I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the Real Steel Honda Racing team. Although this came together late in the offseason, the whole crew has made a great effort to pull everything together. It’s an honor to be with a team that has such a rich history of success and proven ability to build great programs. Most importantly, the team is one large family, and we all share the same goal of improving each session and weekend. I look forward to putting the Honda on the grid in a few weeks!”

 

Ian Fraley – Rider #10: “I’m excited to be back with Real Steel Honda Racing this season. This team feels like family, and we’ve built a strong foundation together. I’ve grown a lot and I’m coming into the season more focused, more confident, and ready to compete every weekend. Let’s get to work.”

 

Derek Sanchez – Rider #23: “I’m incredibly grateful to the Real Steel Honda team for giving me this opportunity. It means a lot to be part of such a strong and professional team, and I’m excited to give it everything I have this season as we fight for the championship.

This offseason I’ve been working extremely hard, both physically and mentally, to come into the season stronger, more consistent, and smarter on the bike. We’ve already done some testing together, and from the beginning I felt very comfortable with the team and the bike. The environment within the team is great, and I already feel at home working with everyone.

I’m also extremely happy to have Darwin Rodriguez as my crew chief and my father, Jose Sanchez, working with me this season as my mechanic and trainer. Having such a strong group around me gives me a lot of confidence going into the year.

I’m really looking forward to the season starting and continuing to build together throughout the year.”

 

Mark Junge – Technical Director / Team Principal: “I am looking forward to the 2026 MotoAmerica season and continuing to develop and refine the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP for both Hayden and Andrew. Expanding to a two-rider effort in the Talent Cup class will hopefully benefit both Ian and Derek as they look to progress in their road racing journey. I cannot thank American Honda and HRC enough for the support they have shown this program.”

 

MotoGP: VR46 Team Unveils Special Livery for COTA

The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team makes history by unveiling the Austin livery in New York. Photo courtesy Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team.

At the Edge at Hudson Yards in New York, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli unveiled the special livery they will use on Sunday of the United States GP. It was a special and historic event: for the first time ever, a MotoGP bike was unveiled in the ‘Big Apple’.

The United States GP has always been a unique weekend for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, which today unveiled at the Edge at Hudson Yards – one of the most prestigious skyscrapers in New York City – the special livery it will race with at Austin Sunday’s race. This unique day for the Tavullia-based team also represents a historic event: for the first time ever, a MotoGP bike is unveiled in the ‘Big Apple’, right at the top of one of the highest points of the City. Moreover, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli will attend the NBA game between New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans.

 

Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli present the special COTA livery of the Ducati Desmosedici, which they will campaign in Sunday’s MotoGP race. Photo courtesy Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team.

 

The special livery, conceived designed by Aldo Drudi – Drudi Performance, is the pictorial representation of the history of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, his founder Valentino Rossi and Alessio “Uccio” Salucci, his close friend and guide of this project. The livery recalls the Pop Art, and the main characters are part of an explosion of colors, with the fluo yellow as a dominant color. The riders take the central part of the scene and the symbols of the United States, such as the National Flag and the Austin Tower – as a tribute to the Circuit of the Americas – are in the scene too.

The riders will “wear” the livery, because the leathers will have these same special colors for the American weekend. Not only bikes and leathers: the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will have the special colors on the jersey, a special edition “Pop Art” style that you can purchase on the Kappa Sport and VR46 Tribe websites.

 

MotoGP: Preview of the Grand Prix of the United States

Marco Bezzecchi (72) in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

MotoGP thunders Stateside for Round 3. After four wins on the bounce for Bezzecchi we arrive into true Marquez territory. So can the #72 defeat the king of COTA?

Two down, 20 to go and we head north to the USA from Brazil to tackle the rollercoaster of COTA. From the shortest circuit on the calendar to the longest, from South America to North America, the contrasts bring new challenges and perhaps a new order. Last year’s dramatic Grand Prix in the history books and with another on the horizon, a showdown in Texas awaits the most exciting sport on Earth. MotoGP: wired different. Austin: keeping it weird. A combination that will bring us shocks, surprises and more throughout this year’s Grand Prix.

 

Marc Márquez (93) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Ducati

BEZZECCHI VS MARC MARQUEZ: the battle we’ve waited for set for COTA?

With Marco Bezzecchi’s (Aprilia Racing) dominant start to the year seeing him take the Championship lead after the opening two Grands Prix, and after winning the last two of last year, he’s looking to lay down the law at COTA. Marc Marquez’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) track record speaks for itself with seven wins but a blunder in last year’s rain means there’s revenge to be served. Those two stories combined, do we have another showdown this weekend between the Championship leader and the reigning World Champion, the latter fifth in the standings? Misano, Balaton Park, Brno and Red Bull Ring and Assen, they’ve gone toe-to-toe. Will it be a last lap battle this time?

 

Jorge Martin finished the MotoGP Sprint race P3. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

APRILIA ON TOP: historic start for the Noale factory

It’s an Aprilia Racing 1-2 in the standings after a Goiania double podium and first Grand Prix rostrum since his title-winning Solidarity GP weekend in 2024 for Jorge Martin, who moves into second overall. He’ll have to hit the ground running at COTA, given that he didn’t race there last year. From Championship leader pre-Brazil to P3 overall after, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is just 14 points behind ‘Bez’ and rode a smart Grand Prix at Goiania to bag valuable points – and he’s shown some good speed at COTA. Meanwhile, a first podium of 2026 after holding off Marc Marquez was secured last weekend by Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) sees him as the top Ducati and the Italian now heads to COTA where he was third 12 months ago – and he’ll be racing with that stunning new livery revealed in New York on Tuesday.

 

Ai Ogura (79) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Trackhouse.

EARLY REVELATIONS: Ogura sits sixth to lead established names

Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) has finished every Grand Prix or Sprint in the top five and gears up for the team’s home round. Teammate Raul Fernandez and he’s had bigger highs and lower lows, with a P3 in Thailand but a P10 last week in Brazil. Then comes 2025’s COTA podium finisher and World Championship runner-up Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), still finding his feet with the GP26 whereas both Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) aim to cast tricky Brazilian GPs aside stateside. Another revelation, particularly in qualifying at Goiania, was 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) when he started fourth – will he repeat it this weekend and fight for the V4-powered Yamaha’s first top ten in a Grand Prix having secured sixth in Goiania’s Sprint?

 

Johann Zarco (5) in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.

CHASING THE TOP 10: those aiming to strike in COTA

Top Honda honours at Goiania went to Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and he sits as top Honda in the standings too, one point ahead of Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) who is in 12th whilst his teammate Joan Mir is in 19th, with bad luck and crashes not reflecting the 2020 World Champion’s true pace. After Marini, double MotoGP Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), who hasn’t enjoyed the start to the season he hoped for after testing. Yet to finish a Grand Prix or Sprint in the top 7, last year’s COTA winner hopes that this weekend provides a turning point. Two points further back is Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who returned last weekend and was straight into the top ten.

 

Diogo Moreira (11) in Brazil. Photo courtesy Honda LCR.

INDIVIDUAL ASPIRATIONS: points and progress on the agenda

Diogo Moreira (Pro Honda LCR) put on a show for his massive home audience in Goiania to bring home points for the second Grand Prix in a row but he now eyes a Sunday top ten, whilst Red Bull KTM Tech 3 pairing Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales seek improvements, the latter hoping for his first points of 2026 – and he’s a former COTA winner. There’s also the three V4 Yamahas of Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) and his rookie teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu, all of which showed flashes in Brazil. Rins brought home points for the second time in 2026 whilst Razgatlioglu chases his first in MotoGP.

It’s time to ride rodeo in Texas and after 2025’s thriller, who will be the sole star in the Lone Star state in 2026? Bezzecchi vs Marquez might be about to light up…

 

Pipe Dreams Podcast: Dallas Daniels – Sliding Into A New Era

Dallas Daniels (No. 1) dominates the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track for his first win of the season. Photo courtesy Daniels' social media

Pipe Dreams Podcast returns with Episode 37, featuring one of the most promising young talents in American Flat Track, Dallas Daniels. In this episode, Daniels shares the story of his rise from riding at just four years old to becoming a Grand National Champion, offering an in-depth look at the experiences that shaped his path to the top.

Raised in the paddock under the guidance of his father, Nick Daniels, Daniels developed a deep understanding of the sport from an early age. Their unique dynamic as both family and team laid the foundation for his work ethic, race craft, and professional mindset.

Throughout the conversation, Daniels reflects on the influence of key mentors who helped guide his development, including JD Beach, Johnny Lewis, Dale Quarterly, and the Hayden family. Their support played a significant role in shaping both his on-track performance and his personal growth within the sport.

 

 

 

Beyond racing, Daniels opens up about his efforts to share more of his personality off the bike. With a growing focus on social media and fan engagement, he is committed to giving audiences a more complete view of who he is, balancing the seriousness of competition with a genuine passion for enjoying life outside of it.

From returning to road racing at the MotoAmerica Twins Cup finale to continuing to challenge himself across disciplines, Daniels offers insight into both his present and future ambitions.

🎧 Episode 37 is now streaming on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, the full episode is out now.

Video of the episode can be viewed on MotoAmerica Live+,
Spotify or YouTube.

Where To Ride in April and May 2026

A coach follows a student during a California Superbike School event. Photo courtesy California Superbike School

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

This list includes many opportunities to ride at races, schools, and track days during the months of April and May in North America.

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

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

 

4/1 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), PSR Day

4/1–2 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

4/3 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Learn To Ride Off-Road Course

4/3-4 PRE (Performance Riding Experience) Track Days, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

4/4 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Off-Road Challenge Course

4/4 SMRI (Sandia Motorcycle RoadRacing Inc.) Track & Race Days, Track Day, Suika Circuit, Albuquerque, NM

4/4 SportRiderRacing Series, Eagles Canyon Rcwy, Decatur, TX, Endurance

4/4-5 FIM MotoMini USA East / SFLMiniGP Championship, Bushnell Motorsports Park, Bushnell, FL (Round 3)

4/4-5 Precision Track Days, NCM Motorsports Park, Bowling Green, KY

4/4-5 Fast Line Track Days, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Munford, AL

4/4-5 California Superbike School, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, NV (All Levels)

4/4-5 RideSmart Motorcycle School, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, Hallett, OK

4/4-5 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL

4/6 SportRiderRacing Series, Eagles Canyon Rcwy, Decatur, TX, Endurance

4/6 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

4/6 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

4/9-10 California Superbike School, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA (All Levels)

4/10 ASRA National Practice & Track Days (AMA Sanctioned), Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/10 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Flat Track

4/10 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Munford, AL

4/10 Apex Assassins Track Days, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

4/10 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/10-11 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfi eld, IL – Non-Racer Camp

4/10-12 ASRA National Series, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/10-12 ASRA Relay/Endurance Series, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/10-12 ASRA Atlantic Region (AMA Sanctioned), Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/10-12 ASRA Southeast Region (AMA Sanctioned), Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

4/11 MRA (Motorcycle Roadracing Association) Series, High Plains Rcwy, Deer Trail, CO, New Racers’ School & Lapping Day

4/11 Moto Mini USA – Ovale USA, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA 

4/11 2WTD Mini Racing, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA 

4/11 Apex Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus (East), Grantsville, UT

4/11 UtahSBA Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus, East, Grantsville, UT

4/11 Apex Assassins Track Days, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

4/11-12 WERA Sportsman Series Mid Central Region Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Talladega, AL

4/11-12 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp

4/11-12 Trackdaz Track Days, Buttonwillow Circuit (New Track), Buttonwillow, CA

4/11-12 AFM (American Federation of Motorcyclists) Series, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Classic Track, Buttonwillow, CA

4/11-12 WERA National Challenge Series Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Talladega, AL

4/11-12 WERA Sportsman Series Southeast Region Co- Sanctioned by AMA, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Talladega, AL

4/11-12 N2 Track Days, NCBike (Staff Only Event), Garysville, NC

4/12 United MiniMoto, United Karting, Hanover, MD

4/12 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

4/12 XCEL Trackdays Track days, Firebird Motorsports Park, , Chandler, AZ, East Track

4/12 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Cornering School Day 1, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

4/12 Apex Assassins Track Days, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV

4/12-13 Optimum Performance Rider Training Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

4/12-13 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfi eld, IL – Racer Camp

4/13 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (East), Willows, CA

4/14 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

4/14 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Advance Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

4/14-15 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL (Track Days)

4/16-17 California Superbike School, Streets of Willow Springs, CA (All Levels)

4/16-17 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/16-17 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt, classic track day

4/17 ASRA National Practice & Track Days (AMA Sanctioned), Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/17 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Off Road

4/17 2Wheels Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

4/17 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA (WMRRA)

4/17-19 WMRRA (Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association) Series, The Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

4/17-19 ASRA Southeast Region (AMA Sanctioned), Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/17-19 ASRA National Series, Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/17-19 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Series, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

4/17-19 ASRA National Sprints, Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/17-19 AHRMA National Road Racing Series, Big Willow, Willow Springs Raceway; Rosamond, CA

4/17-19 ASRA Midwest Region (AMA Sanctioned), Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

4/17-19 AHRMA Academy of RoadRacing (AAR) & Sidecar Racing School (SRS), Big Willow, Willow Springs Raceway; Rosamond, CA (BOTH AAR & SRS)

4/18 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Races & Track Days, Sandy Hook Spdway, Street, MD, Race

4/18 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Learn To Ride Off-Road Course

4/18 Race Pace Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Rcwy., CW, Desert Center, CA

4/18 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

4/18-19 California Superbike School, Streets of Willow Springs, CA (All Levels)

4/18-19 ASMA (Arroyo Seco Motorcycle Association) Series, Podium Club CCW, Casa Grande, AZ

4/18-19 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Grattan Raceway, Belding, MI

4/18-19 RideSmart Motorcycle School, MSR Houston, Angleton, TX

4/18-19 ASMA Track Days and Advanced Rider Training, Podium Club CCW, Casa Grande, AZ

4/18-19 Carters@thetrack Track Days, Thunderhill Raceway Park, East (NRS), Willows, CA

4/18-19 Jason Pridmore’s JP43 1-ON-1 Training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

4/18-19 Let’s Ride Track Days & Schools, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

4/18-19 Precision Track Days, Atlanta Motorsports Park, Dawsonville, GA

4/19 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, Inde Motorsports Ranch CW, Willcox, AZ

4/19 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Summit Point Circuit, Summit Point, WV (Shenandoah)

4/19 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Cornering School Day 1, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

4/19 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Off-Road Challenge Course

4/20 Fun Track Dayz, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA

4/20 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Track Drill 1-on-4 Coaching, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA

4/20 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

4/20 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Summit Point Circuit, Summit Point, WV (Main Track)

4/21 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

4/22-23 Jason Pridmore’s JP43 1-ON-1 Training, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

4/22-23 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), POST Motorcycle Offi cer Update Course

4/23 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt

4/23-24 Yamaha Champions Riding School, NCBIKE (NCCAR), Garysburg, NC

4/24 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt

4/24 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL (Novice School)

4/24 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, GingerMan Raceway Bike Night, South Haven, MI

4/24-26 AHRMA National Road Racing Series, Inde Motorsports Ranch, Willcox, AZ

4/24-26 AHRMA Academy of RoadRacing (AAR) & Sidecar Racing School (SRS), Inde Motorsports Ranch; Willcox, AZ (BOTH AAR & SRS)

4/24-26 CVMA (Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association) Winter Series, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA (CW)* Double Points

4/24-26 New Jersey MiniGP Days and Camps, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Liberator, Millville, NJ – Camp 1

4/25 AMA Pro American Flat Track (AFT), Ventura Short Track, Ventura Raceway, Ventura, CA

4/25 Moto Mini USA – Ovale USA, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

4/25 Sierra Nevada MiniMoto Championship / NNKC Minimoto, Northern Nevada Kart Club, Reno, NV 

4/25 2WTD Mini Racing, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

4/25 Central Illinois Mini Moto, Mid State Kart Club, Dawson, IL 

4/25 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

4/25-26 TrackAddix Track Days, Motorsports Park Hastings, Hastings, NE

4/25-26 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp

4/25-26 Cyclesmith Track Days, Palmer Motorsports Park, Palmer, MA

4/25-26 Pacific Track Time, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West), Willows, CA

4/25-26 N2 Track Days, NCBike, Garysville, NC

4/25-26 FIM MotoMini USA East / SFLMiniGP Championship, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL (Round 4) 

4/26 Florida Track Days (FTD), Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

4/26 Sierra Nevada MiniMoto Championship / NNKC Minimoto, Northern Nevada Kart Club, Reno, NV 

4/26 TrackXperience Track Days, Spring Mountain Motorsports Resort, Pahrump, NV

4/26 UtahSBA Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus, East, Grantsville, UT

4/26-27 RideSmart Motorcycle School, Eagles Canyon Raceway, Decatur, TX

4/26-27 Hardnox Track Dayz, Area 27, Oliver, B.C.

4/27 Optimum Performance Rider Training Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

4/27 Learn2Ride2 / Spicy Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Thunderbolt, Millville, NJ

4/27 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

4/27 N2 Track Days, Summit Point Raceway (Main), Summit Point, WV

4/27-28 Yamaha Champions Riding School, NCBIKE (ChampGrad), Garysburg, NC

4/28 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

4/30 Shannonville Motorsport Park Motorcycle Lapping Days, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON

5/1 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR

5/1 Shannonville Motorsport Park Motorcycle Lapping Days, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON

5/1 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Flat Track

5/1 Penguin Riding School, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH

5/1-3 WMRRA (Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association) Series, Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR

5/1-3 OMRRA (Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association) Series, Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR

5/2 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West), Willows, CA

5/2 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

5/2 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Body Position & Knee Down Class, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

5/2 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Races & Track Days, Sandy Hook Spdway, Street, MD, Race

5/2 AMA Pro American Flat Track (AFT), Silver Dollar Short Track, Silver Dollar Speedway, Chico, CA

5/2 Southeast Mini Moto Track Days, VIR Kart Track, Alton, VA

5/2 Racing Associates Canada Events (RACE), Race School & Test Day, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON 

5/2 Apex Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus (West), Grantsville, UT

5/2 Southeast Mini Moto Track Days, VIR Kart Track, Alton, VA

5/2-3 Fast Line Track Days, NCM Motorsports Park, Bowling Green, KY

5/2-3 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp

5/2-3 NEMRR (North East Motorcycle Road Racing) Series, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH

5/2-3 Evolve GT School and Track Days, NCBIKE, Garysburg, NC

5/2-3 ASMA Track Days and Advanced Rider Training, Arroyo Seco CW, Deming, NM

5/2-3 2Wheels Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

5/2-3 CMRA (Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association) Series, Motorsport Ranch, Cresson, Texas

5/2-3 ASMA (Arroyo Seco Motorcycle Association) Series, Arroyo Seco CW, Deming, NM

5/2-3 Fasttrax Motorcycle Performance Track Days, Nelson Ledges Road Course, Garrettsville, OH

5/2-3 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West double), Willows, CA

5/2-3-4 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL

5/3 Fun Track Dayz, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West), Willows, CA

5/3 XCEL Trackdays Track days, Firebird Motorsports Park, , Chandler, AZ, West Track

5/3 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Wheelie Course, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

5/3 Ohio Mini Roadracing, Wilmington Raceway Park, Wilmington, OH 

5/3-4 Optimum Performance Rider Training Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

5/4 Motovid.com All Levels Motorcycle Track Days/ Performance Riding Clinics, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL

5/4 Precision Track Days, VIRginia International Raceway, Alton, VA, VIR North

5/4 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

5/4-5 California Superbike School, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Thunderbolt, NJ (All Levels)

5/5-6 Yamaha Champions Riding School, Inde Motorsports Ranch (ChampGrad), Willcox, AZ

5/6 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Pacific Raceways, Kent, WA

5/6 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

5/6-7 California Superbike School, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Thunderbolt, NJ (All Levels)

5/7 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), FES Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

5/7 Shannonville Motorsport Park Motorcycle Lapping Days, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON

5/8 Carters@thetrack Track Days, Thunderhill Raceway Park, East (AFM Practice/NRS), Willows, CA

5/8 Jennings GP Track Days & Novice Schools, Jennings GP, Jennings, FL (Novice School)

5/8  Northwest Mini Moto & Endurance Challenge, Tri City Kart Club, Richland, WA – 12-hour Endurance 

5/8-9 N2 Track Days, Summit Point Raceway (Main), Summit Point, WV

5/8-9 Precision Track Days, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

5/8-9 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington, DE – Non-Racer Camp

5/8-10 CRA MN (Central Roadracing Association) Series, Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, MN

5/8-10 Racing Associates Canada Events (RACE), Shannonville Motorsport Park, Pro Track, Shannonville, ON 

5/9 Legion Moto Trackdays, High Plains Raceway, Deer Trail, CO

5/9 Motorheads Track Attacks Track Days, Stratotech Park, Sturgeon County, AB

5/9 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Learn To Ride Off-Road Course

5/9 UtahSBA Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus, East, Grantsville, UT

5/9 Brake Free Track Time Track Days, The Podium Club at Attesa CW, Casa Grande AZ

5/9 HART (Hallet Advanced Rider Training) Motorcycle Lapping Day Program, Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, Hallett, OK

5/9-10 AFM (American Federation of Motorcyclists) Series, Thunderhill Raceway Park, Willows, CA

5/9-10 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Grattan Raceway, Belding, MI

5/10 MRA (Motorcycle Roadracing Association) Series, High Plains Rcwy, Deer Trail, CO

5/10 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

5/10 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

5/10-11 American Supercamp (Dirt Track School), Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington, DE – Racer Camp

5/11 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

5/11 N2 Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park (Thunderbolt), Millville, NJ

5/11 Z2 Track Days, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA

5/11 WMRC (Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club) School & Track Days, Mission Raceway Park, Mission, B.C

5/11-12 California Superbike School, Carolina Motorsports Park, SC (All Levels)

5/12-13 Yamaha Champions Riding School, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ

5/12-13 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), POST Motorcycle Offi cer Update Course

5/13 Motovid.com All Levels Motorcycle Track Days/ Performance Riding Clinics, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL

5/15 WERA National Endurance Series Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA –  Friday Race

5/15 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Flat Track

5/15 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Grattan Raceway, Belding, MI

5/15-17 SMRI (Sandia Motorcycle RoadRacing Inc.) Track & Race Days, License School, Suika Circuit, Albuquerque, NM

5/15-17 WERA Sportsman Series Southeast Region Co- Sanctioned by AMA, WERA Cycle Jam at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

5/15-17 WERA Sportsman Series Atlantic Coastal Region Co-Sanctioned by AMA, WERA Cycle Jam at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

5/15-17 AHRMA Academy of RoadRacing (AAR) & Sidecar Racing School (SRS), Motorsports Park Hastings; Hastings, NE (BOTH AAR & SRS)

5/15-17 WERA Sportsman Series Mid Central Region Co-Sanctioned by AMA, WERA Cycle Jam at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

5/15-17 AHRMA National Road Racing Series, Motorsport Park Hastings, Hastings, NE

5/15-17 WERA National Challenge Series Co-Sanctioned by AMA, WERA Cycle Jam at Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA

5/15-17 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Series, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL

5/16 AMA Pro American Flat Track (AFT), ThrottleFest, Budds Creek Motocross Park, Mechanicsville, MD

5/16 Moto Mini USA – Ovale USA, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

5/16 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

5/16 2WTD Mini Racing, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

5/16 SMRI (Sandia Motorcycle RoadRacing Inc.) Track & Race Days, Track Day, Suika Circuit, Albuquerque, NM

5/16 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Oregon Raceway Park, Grass Valley, OR

5/16 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Races & Track Days, Sandy Hook Spdway, Street, MD, Track Day

5/16 Atlantic Roadracing League (ARL), Atlantic Motorsport Park, Mill Village, NS 

5/16-17 N2 Track Days, Roebling Road Raceway, Bloomington, GA

5/16-17 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Fun Camp

5/16-17 TrackXperience Track Days, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, Desert Center, CA

5/16-17 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Putnam Park, Belding, MI

5/16-17 Pacific Track Time, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West), Willows, CA

5/16-17 FIM MotoMini USA East / SFLMiniGP Championship, Gainesville Raceway, Gainesville, FL (Round 4)

5/16-17 WERA Sportsman Series North Central Region Co- Sanctioned by AMA, Grattan Raceway Park, Grattan, MI

5/16-17 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Polecat Training Center (PTC), Lynchburg, TN

5/16-17 Alaska Road Racing Motorcycle Track Days, Tanacross Race Course, Tok, AK

5/17 United MiniMoto, United Karting, Hanover, MD

5/17 Atlantic Roadracing League (ARL), Atlantic Motorsport Park, Mill Village, NS 

5/17 Central Illinois Mini Moto, Mid State Kart Club, Dawson, IL 

5/17 Rocky Mountain Mini Moto, Grand Junction Motor Speedway, Grand Junction, CO 

5/17 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Liberator

5/17 Superbike-Coach Corp. (School), Cornering School Day 1, Little 99 Raceway, Stockton, CA

5/17 Motorheads Track Attacks Track Days, Stratotech Park, Sturgeon County, AB

5/17 SMRI (Sandia Motorcycle RoadRacing Inc.) Track & Race Days, Race Day, Suika Circuit, Albuquerque, NM

5/17 2Fast Motorcycle Track Days & Instruction, Oregon Raceway Park, Grass Valley, OR

5/17 Motocorsa Track Days, Portland International Raceway, Portland, OR

5/18 Optimum Performance Rider Training Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

5/18 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA, Semi Private Supermoto School

5/18 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt

5/18 Penguin Riding School, Thompson Spdwy., Thompson, CT

5/18 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL

5/18-19 California Superbike School, Jennings GP, FL (All Levels)

5/21 Vintage Road Racing Association (VRRA), Shannonville Motorsports Park, Shannonville, ON 

5/22 ASRA National Practice & Track Days (AMA Sanctioned), Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV

5/22 Hardnox Track Dayz, Rocky Mountain Motorsports, Carstairs, AB

5/22 WMRC (Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club) School & Track Days, Mission Raceway Park, Mission, B.C

5/22 Atlantic RoadRacing League Track Days and High Performance Riding Academy, Atlantic Motorsport Park, Mill Village, NS – TD

5/22 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Summit Point Circuit, Summit Point, WV (Main Track)

5/22 Apex Track Days, Utah Motorsports Campus (East), Grantsville, UT

5/22 Riders Choice Lapping Days, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Bowmanville, ON

5/22-23 California Superbike School, Barber Motorsports Park, AL (All Levels)

5/22-24 ASRA Relay/Endurance Series, Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV

5/22-24 ASRA National Series, Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV

5/22-24 ASRA Atlantic Region (AMA Sanctioned), Summit Point Motorsports Park, Summit Point, WV

5/22-24 Vintage Road Racing Association (VRRA), Shannonville Motorsports Park, Shannonville, ON 

5/22-24 Ruts To Racelines Track Days, NCBike, Garysburg, NC

5/22-24 Southern Ontario Associates of Racing (SOAR), Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend, ON 

5/22-23-24 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, Autobahn Country ClubClub, Joliet, IL

5/23 AMA Pro American Flat Track (AFT), Williams Grove Half-Mile, Williams Grove, Mechanicsburg, PA

5/23 Sierra Nevada Moto Championship (NNKC), Northern Nevada Kart Club, Reno, NV 

5/23 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

5/23 Atlantic RoadRacing League Track Days and High Performance Riding Academy, Atlantic Motorsport Park, Mill Village, NS – HPRA

5/23-24 Fishtail Riding School, Canaan Motor Club, Canaan, NH

5/23-24 WMRC (Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club) School & Track Days, Mission Raceway Park, Mission, B.C, Hybrid Day

5/23-24 Yamaha Champions Riding School, High Plains Raceway, Deer Trail, CO

5/23-24 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Lightning

5/23-24 New Jersey MiniGP Days and Camps, Shenandoah Course, Summit Point Raceway, Summit Point, WV – Round 1

5/23-24 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills, MO

5/23-24 RideSmart Motorcycle School, Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TX

5/23-24 Z2 Track Days, Thunderhill Raceway Park (West), Willows, CA

5/23-24 Fast Line Track Days, Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Munford, AL

5/23-24 CMRA (Calgary Motorcycle Roadracing Association), Rocky Mountain Motorsports Park, Alberta, Canada – Race School

5/23-25 Cyclesmith Track Days, Palmer Motorsports Park, Palmer, MA

5/24 Florida Track Days (FTD), Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead, FL

5/24 Atlantic RoadRacing League Track Days and High Performance Riding Academy, Atlantic Motorsport Park, Mill Village, NS – HPRA

5/24 Ohio Mini Roadracing, G&J Kartway, Camden, OH 

5/24 Sierra Nevada Moto Championship (NNKC), Northern Nevada Kart Club, Reno, NV 

5/24 Pro 6 Cycle Inc. Track Days, Calabogie Motorsports Park, Calabogie, ON

5/24 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Private Training Day- Off Road

5/24 Oregon Lighweight Moto, Mac Track, McMinnville, OR 

5/24 SMEC Super Moto, Virginia International Raceway, Alton, VA 

5/24-25 California Superbike School, Barber Motorsports Park, AL (All Levels)

5/24-25 Let’s Ride Track Days & Schools, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Buttonwillow, CA

5/24-25 Track Time Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

5/25 3:16 Trackdays/America Superbike Camp, Harris Hill Raceway, San Marcos, TX, Memorial Day

5/25 Socal Supermoto School, Apex Motorsports Park, Perris, CA

5/25 Pro 6 Cycle Inc. Track Days, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Bowmanville, ON

5/25 Yamaha Champions Riding School, CODE 303 Emergency Vehicle Operations Center, Douglas County, CO

5/25 Evolve GT School and Track Days, Summit Point Circuit, Summit Point, WV (Main Track)

5/25 PRE (Performance Riding Experience) Track Days, VIRginia International Raceway (North), Alton, VA

5/25-26 Zalusky Advanced Riding School (ZARS) & Track Days, Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

5/26 Pro 6 Cycle Inc. Track Days, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, Bowmanville, ON

5/26-27 California Superbike School, Barber Motorsports Park, AL (All Levels)

5/27 Motovid.com All Levels Motorcycle Track Days/ Performance Riding Clinics, Blackhawk Farms Raceway, S. Beloit, IL

5/28 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt, advanced track day

5/28 Shannonville Motorsport Park Motorcycle Lapping Days, Shannonville Motorsport Park, Shannonville, ON

5/29 The Riders Club Track Days, New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, Thunderbolt, classic track day

5/29 Penguin Riding School, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH

5/29 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, GingerMan Raceway Bike Night, South Haven, MI

5/29-31 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Series, Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

5/29-31 USCRA (United States Classic Racing Association) Series (Vintage), Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, CT

5/30 Sandy Hook Mini Moto Races & Track Days, Sandy Hook Spdway, Street, MD, Race

5/30 Legion Moto Trackdays, Pueblo Motorsports Park, Pueblo, CO

5/30 Motorheads Track Attacks Track Days, Rad Torque Raceway, Edmonton, AB

5/30 2WTD Mini Racing, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

5/30 Moto Mini USA – Ovale USA, APEX Motorsports Park, Perris, CA 

5/30-31 NEMRR (North East Motorcycle Road Racing) Series, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH

5/30-31 STT (Sportbike Track Time) Track Days, GingerMan Raceway, South Haven, MI

5/30-31 WERA Sportsman Series Atlantic Coastal Region Co-Sanctioned by AMA, Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA

5/30-31 WERA Sportsman Series Southeast Region Co- Sanctioned by AMA, Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, GA

5/30-31 Rich Oliver’s Mystery School (Dirt Track School), Advance Kids Ride & Wrench Camp

5/30-31 Alaska Road Racing Motorcycle Track Days, Tanacross Race Course, Tok, AK

5/30-31 Evolve GT School and Track Days, NCBIKE, Garysburg, NC

5/30-31 PRE (Performance Riding Experience) Track Days, Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, SC

5/30-31 Precision Track Days, NCM Motorsports Park, Bowling Green, KY

5/30-31 RideSmart Motorcycle School, MSR Houston, Angleton, TX

5/30-31 TrackAddix Track Days, Motorsports Park Hastings, Hastings, NE

5/30-31 Pro 6 Cycle Inc. Track Days, Calabogie Motorsports Park, Calabogie, ON

5/30-31 Texas Mini Grand Prix, Gulf Coast Kartway, Katy, TX 

5/31 Motorheads Track Attacks Track Days, Rad Torque Raceway, Edmonton, AB

5/31-6/1 Optimum Performance Rider Training Track Days, Ridge Motorsports Park, Shelton, WA

R.I.P.: AHRMA Pays Tribute to Jeff Smith, MBE (Updated)

Jeff Smith on a Can-Am in 2011. Photo from Cannedham.com.

A Transformational Leader and Champion of Vintage Motorcycling

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) mourns the passing of Jeff Smith, MBE, at the age of 91. With deep appreciation and respect, we honor a man whose leadership, vision, and tireless commitment reshaped AHRMA and secured its place as the world’s premier vintage motorcycle racing organization.

“Jeff Smith MBE was more than a champion, he was a cornerstone of our sport’s past, present, and future. His influence on motorcycle racing and trials is immeasurable, not only through his extraordinary achievements on the bike, but through the passion and integrity he carried into everything he did. As a founder and Executive Director of AHRMA, Jeff helped build a living bridge between generations of riders, preserving the spirit and history of our machines and our community. His legacy is woven into every event we hold and every rider who shares in this tradition. We have lost a true giant, but his vision and impact will endure for decades to come,” said Greg “GT” Tomlinson, AHRMA Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Jeff Smith in 1953, on his first BSA Gold Star Scrambler. Vintage photo from AHRMA Archives.

While Jeff Smith’s legendary racing career is well documented and widely celebrated, his enduring legacy within AHRMA is equally profound. In October 1990, Smith accepted the role of Executive Director at a time when the organization faced significant operational and financial challenges. Tasked with restoring solvency, growing membership, and establishing AHRMA’s independence in racing promotion, Smith stepped into a role that required rebuilding the organization from the ground up—without a roadmap.

Alongside his wife, Irene, Smith immediately set to work. From answering phones and reconnecting with members to rebuilding administrative systems, the Smiths brought stability and responsiveness back to AHRMA. Their hands-on approach sparked rapid membership growth and reestablished trust within the community.

Smith’s leadership quickly extended to competition structure and event management. He introduced critical operational improvements, including pre-entry systems and standardized race procedures, laying the foundation for professional, well-organized events. Early challenges—such as improvised race-day logistics and limited infrastructure—became catalysts for innovation and long-term growth.

A pivotal moment in AHRMA’s evolution came through Smith’s ability to foster strategic partnerships. His collaboration with industry leaders led to the creation of the landmark BMW “Battle of Legends” program, which brought international attention to AHRMA. Featuring world-class competitors and factory-supported machinery, the series elevated the organization’s prestige and credibility, opening doors to expanded event opportunities at premier venues nationwide.

Smith also cultivated key relationships within the broader motorcycling community, notably with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). Through these partnerships, AHRMA expanded its racing classes to include Battle of Twins and Sound of Singles, further strengthening participation and diversity within its events.

Equally important was Smith’s ability to build a dedicated and capable team. By appointing experienced leaders such as Road Race Director Jack Turner and empowering a passionate volunteer base, he ensured that AHRMA events met the highest standards of professionalism and competition.

By the time Smith retired as Executive Director in 1999, AHRMA had grown from fewer than 1,000 members to more than 5,000, established financial stability with substantial reserves, and expanded to a full national calendar of road racing, motocross, dirt track, cross country, and trials events. The organization had not only survived—it had flourished.

Even after stepping down, Smith continued to serve AHRMA as an Eastern Trustee and Treasurer, demonstrating his enduring dedication to the club and its members.

Reflecting on his decade of leadership, Smith spoke not of challenges, but of gratitude—for the people, the progress, and the shared passion that defined those years. He described his time guiding AHRMA as “the happiest time of my life.”

Jeff Smith’s impact on AHRMA is immeasurable. His vision, resilience, and collaborative spirit transformed an organization in crisis into a thriving, respected institution. Today, every AHRMA event and every member experience stands as a testament to his work.

AHRMA extends its heartfelt condolences to Irene Smith, Jeff’s wife of more than 68 years, and the entire Smith family. We celebrate Jeff’s life, his achievements, and the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of vintage motorcycling enthusiasts.

About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With over 3,000 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

 

More, from a press release issued by the AMA:

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Smith Passes Away

The American Motorcyclist Association is saddened by the passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Smith and extends its condolences to his friends and family.

Smith was one of the most versatile racers in motorcycling history, excelling in a variety of motorcycle racing disciplines, most notably motocross and trials. Beyond his prowess as a racer, Smith was an industry leader, working in a number of leadership positions at Can-Am and serving as the executive director of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA).

Born in 1934 in Colne, England, Smith’s motorcycling journey began at nine years old when his father brought home a two-stroke Triumph motorcycle for Smith to ride. After World War II, Smith began competing at local trials events, and quickly caught the attention of Norton Motorcycles, becoming one of the manufacturer’s works riders in 1952.

Smith earned the ACU British Trials Championships in 1953 and 1954 — the latter title coming aboard a BSA.

Jeff Smith in his younger days. Photo courtesy AMA Archives.

Soon after his second trials championship, Smith began his motocross career with a stunning victory at the 1954 Dutch Motocross Grand Prix after BSA approached him to fill out the roster for the factory team at the event. In the year following this victory, he won the Experts Grand National — a prestigious British scrambles event — and the 1955 British Grand Prix, signifying a start to his motocross career on the world stage.

Smith’s international career hit a fever pitch in 1964 and 1965, when he raced his way to back-to-back 500cc World Motocross Championships while riding for BSA. He was also a six-time Motocross des Nations champion as a member of the British team.

Smith excelled outside of motocross, as well, competing on behalf of his country at 11 International Six Days Trial — now known as the International Six Days Enduro — events and winning eight gold medals for England in the process.

After his racing career, Smith joined Can-Am’s motocross efforts on the developmental side, helping produce the brand’s racing motorcycles.

In the 1990s, Smith filled the role of executive director of AHRMA, where he stayed until his retirement in 1999. He also served the North Central region from 2001 until 2008 on the AMA Board of Directors.

Smith was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.

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 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.

CVMA: Results From Round 6 of the Winter Series

Gio Alvarez leading the Formula Lightweight Twins Shootout. Photo by Caliphotography.

It was a scorcher for the sixth round of the CVMA 2025/2026 winter series, with a relentless heat wave engulfing the Desert Center area just days before the event. On Friday, as riders prepared for practice, the mercury soared to a sweltering 108 degrees, setting the stage for an intense weekend. Even as the sun dipped, the oppressive heat lingered, creating a challenging atmosphere for both riders and fans.

Saturday morning teased with a brief cool spell during qualifiers, but it didn’t take long for the temperature to rise again, mirroring the fierce competition unfolding on the track. The atmosphere was electric as riders revved their engines, navigating tight corners and battling for position under the blazing sun.

Despite the sweltering conditions, the weekend delivered an exhilarating spectacle of racing, with competitors in every class pushing their limits. The close battles on track highlighted the stakes at hand, as each rider aimed to snag crucial championship points in this penultimate round of the series. The heat only seemed to intensify their determination, making for a thrilling experience that left spectators on the edge of their seats.

 

Sawyer Lafayette (616), Anthony Estrada (107) , Nathan Gravelle (hidden – 210). Photo by Caliphotography

 

  • Saturday Qualifying

The fastest of all in Saturday morning qualifying, Nicholas Ciling topped the field of open-class bikes, turning a 1:45.540 lap time.

Jack Roach was fastest on a middleweight, turning a 1:47.547 lap time.

Gio Alvarez was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:49.617 lap time.

Nathan Gravelle was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:56.744 lap time.

Joel Ohman was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:49.665 lap time.

 

  • Saturday Races

Saturday’s Supersport Middleweight race was a barn burner. Jack Roach got the hole shot and led the entire race while a battle for the remaining spots on the podium raged behind him. Parker Mayer, Ryan Breckenridge, and Nicholas Telliard traded positions several times throughout the race. The last lap of the race saw several passes, and in the end, Roach took the win with Mayer second and Breckenridge rounding out the podium in third.

Gio Alvarez won three races on his lightweight class bike and set a lap record in the Formula Twins class in the process.

Sawyer Lafayette came from the very back of the grid, starting last, to win the Formula Ultralightweight race. Joel Ohman won both CVMA Hooligans races.

 

Gio Alvarez (822), Justin Bordonaro (589), Geiser Hernandez (white hidden – 28). Photo by Caliphotography

 

  • Sunday Shootouts

In the premier race of the day, The Shootout, Nicholas Ciling (Yamaha YZF-R1) got the holeshot and led the first lap. Ceiling was followed closely by Michael Gilbert (Yamaha YZF-R1) and Danilo Lewis (Honda CBR1000RR) in second and third, respectively. On lap two, Lewis used the power of his CBR to motor past Gilbert on the back straight, taking second place. Gilbert lost another position on lap 2 to Corey Alexander (Ducati Panigale V4) when Alexander went by on the brakes into turn three. At the end of the second lap, it was still Ciling at the front,but Lewis and Alexander were now in second and third. Lewis was able to get by Ciling on the fifth lap to take the lead, and Alexander also passed Ciling for second, demoting him to third. Lewis and Alexander raced nose to tail for the second half of the race while Gilbert was able to get by Ciling to take third position. On lap eight, Alexander was able to pass Lewis for the lead approaching the white flag. Alexander was able to fend off Lewis on the final lap for the win. At the finish, it was Alexander winning, Lewis second, and Gilbert third.

 

Corey Alexander (23), Danilo Lewis (94). Photo by Caliphotography

 

The Formula Lightweight Twins Shootout started with Gio Alvarez (Aprilia RS660) leading into turn one, followed by Justin Bordonaro (Aprilia RS660) and Geiser Hernandez (Aprilia RS660). Alvarez set a new lap record for the class on lap two and was never challenged. Hernandez was able to pass Bordonaro for second on the third lap, and that would set the final order. Alvarez took the win, Hernandez second, and Bordonaro third.

At the start of the Formula Ultra Lightweight Shootout, Nathan Gravelle (Kawasaki Ninja 500) led into turn one with Anthony Estrada (Kawasaki Ninja 400) in second. Sawyer Lafayette (Kawasaki Ninja 400) was able to come from last on the grid to run third at the end of the first lap. Lafayette passed both Estrada and Gravelle in turn 13 to take the lead. At the end of the second lap, it was Lafayette leading, Gravelle, and Estrada. Lafayette traded the lead back and forth on laps four and five. A mistake on lap six forced Lafayette down to third, but he was ableto work his way back into second before the end of the lap. On the final lap, Gravelle was leading at the start, but Lafayette was able to make a pass on the entry to turn five and hold on to the lead until the finish. At the strip, it was Lafayette for the win, Gravelle second, and Estrada third.

 

Jack Roach (12), Hayden Meng (661), Parker Mayer (775), Joel Ohman (92). Photo by Caliphotography

 

In the Middleweight Shootout, Jack Roach(Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R) led into turn one, followed by Haydn Meng (Suzuki GSX-R750) in second and Joel Ohman (Suzuki GSX-R750) in third. The running order never changed.

Full race results can be found on Speedhive: https://speedhive.mylaps.com/events/3432964

Check out the replays of the races on the 951 Live YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@951live

Next Round. Come out and join us for the final round of the CVMA 25/26 Winter Series on 4/24-26/26. This is a double points round, so don’t miss out!

CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.

CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting in racing on the Fridaybefore each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.

CVMA. For racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!

CVMA would also like to thank the 2024/2025 Winter Series Sponsors: Support Moto Racing, Apex Assassins, Ryder Gear, CaliPhotography, Racers Edge/Dunlop, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, 2 Fast Track Days, LapSnap

NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop

Utah SuperBike To Host Three Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers In 2026

Chip Lampley was a front-runner at last year’s Mission Mini Cup National Final, where he showcased his talent by riding his Honda CRF50F to podium finishes in three out of the five Stock 50 races. Photo by Larry Lawrence.

Beehive State Buzz: Utah SuperBike Increases To Three Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers For National Final This Summer.

IRVINE, CA – MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is proud to announce that Utah SuperBike has joined the growing list of organizations hosting qualifiers for the 2026 Mission Mini Cup National Final.

The addition of Utah SuperBike further strengthens MotoAmerica’s nationwide grassroots development program by giving riders in Utah and surrounding states an opportunity to earn bonus points and prepare for the biggest Mission Mini Cup event of the season.

“We appreciate Utah SuperBike’s commitment to hosting these MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup qualifiers,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Jeff (Taylor, Utah SuperBike Vice President) and his team already host a successful racing series in Utah, and they have stepped up by providing multiple chances for their riders to earn the 10 available bonus points toward the National Final in August. We look forward to seeing everyone compete for a championship later this summer.”

The Mission Mini Cup program features riders aged six to 16 in the following classes:

  • Stock 50 (ages 6-8)
  • Stock 110 (ages 8-12)
  • GP 110 (ages 10-14)
  • GP 160 (10-14)
  • GP 190 (12-16)

The Mission Mini Cup classes serve as the official youth development ladder of MotoAmerica and are a proving ground for the sport’s next generation of professional talent.

“Utah SuperBike is thrilled to host these Mission Mini Cup qualifiers again for 2026,” said Taylor. “This year, we have added another qualifier to the schedule, giving everyone three chances to get the 10 bonus points towards the National Final in August. We recognize that the future of American racing rests on the shoulders of these young athletes, and Utah SuperBike is honored to support their two-wheel dreams.”

 

Maverick Johnson is a premier rising talent in American road racing. Following a dominant season in both the GP 110 and GP 160 classes—where he secured six podiums across eight races at the National Final—Johnson finished second and third overall, respectively. His standout performance has earned him a coveted spot with the Aspar KSB Academy to compete in the 2026 ESBK (Spanish Superbike Championship). Photo by Larry Lawrence.

 

The Utah SuperBike-hosted Mission Mini Cup qualifiers are scheduled for May 30, June 20, and July 11 at Burt Brothers Motorpark in Tooele, Utah.

A one-time, 10-point bonus is awarded to participants in any of the 2026 Mission Mini Cup qualifiers regardless of the number of events entered and will be used to calculate the final finishing order for the Mission Mini Cup National Final, to be held at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex on August 7-9.

Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha again are providing manufacturer contingency to support the Stock 50 and Stock 110 classes, further enhancing the offering for riders throughout the 2026 season.

 

About MotoAmerica:
 
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

MotoGP: Statement from Race Direction Following the Brazilian GP

Workers fix Goiania’s sinkhole on Saturday afternoon – they performed a miracle getting the problem fixed so the sprint could take place. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.

Following the challenges with the track surface during the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Circuit and Race Promoter have carried out investigations into the causes, including the unprecedented rainfall which impacted the final works and contributed to the track surface issues. 

On Saturday, a significant defect in the track emerged due to the collapse of an undocumented old sewage system beneath the surface. The problem, which was fortunately off the racing line, was immediately attended to and repaired following a quick response from the Circuit, which allowed track activity to continue later in the day. On Sunday, localised asphalt degradation caused by the significant heat and track activity became apparent following the conclusion of the Moto2 Grand Prix.

Despite removing all excess aggregate ahead of the MotoGP Grand Prix, a small risk of continued surface deterioration during the MotoGP race remained. Circuit staff were working right up to the scheduled start to prepare the track, but in the interest of safety, Race Direction took the decision to reduce the race to 23 laps (75% of the original race distance). Teams were immediately informed of the change by IRTA staff on each row of the grid.

MotoGP’s homologation process for circuits is managed by the FIM and begins more than a year in advance. It includes detailed inspections of all construction areas. As each global location will require a different asphalt mix and laying procedure, these are decided by the Circuit and presented to the FIM to ensure all safety standards are met. Homologation is then confirmed shortly before each Grand Prix.

The issues faced in Brazil have been acknowledged by the Promoter and the Circuit and will be rectified before MotoGP returns next season. The Grand Prix of Brazil welcomed 148,384 fans to Autódromo Internacional de Goiania – Ayrton Senna, demonstrating both the strong appeal of MotoGP in Brazil and MotoGP’s opportunity for further global growth.

WSBK Preview: Superbike Arrives in Portugal

Nicolo Bulega (11) at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy Dorna

Home hero hopes for Oliveira at Portimao while Bulega battles to establish WorldSBK supremacy.

Nicolo Bulega aims to continue his form while home hero Miguel Oliveira will look to give his passionate fanbase something to cheer on home soil.

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship rolls around to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for Round 2 of the 2026 season, a circuit defined but its undulations which lend themselves to its ‘rollercoaster’ nicknames. Some riders head to the Pirelli Portuguese Round at Portimao with a load of momentum in their sails, while others are just starting the steep climb towards the top. What twists will there be when WorldSBK takes to the track in Portugal?

BULEGA LEADS THE WAY: Can anyone fight with the #11?

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) heads to Portimao on the back of a treble in Australia and knowing he can be competitive here too; last year, he was second behind Toprak Razgatlioglu in all three races. He’ll be aiming to take his winning run up to 10 races, joining only Razgatlioglu, Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC) in having such a streak. Of course, there will be plenty of riders aiming to stop his streak, including home hero Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team). The #88 is no stranger to winning at home having won the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, and he produced three epic comebacks in Australia to show his race pace and race craft is at a high level. BMW have won the last six races at Portimao, so both Oliveira and teammate Danilo Petrucci will want to keep that going. The only riders on the grid who have won at Portimao are Bautista (5 wins) and Rea (13 wins), with Bautista winning all of his on Ducati machinery. Rea returns this weekend in place of Jake Dixon (Honda HRC), still recovering from his wrist fracture, after signing as a Honda test rider; he will need to pass a medical check on Thursday after he was declared unfit at Jerez at the end of 2025. The #65 claimed Honda’s sole win at Portimao back in 2014, in a soaking wet Race 2.

 

Yari Montella (5) and Lorenzo Baldassarri (34) during the WSBK Race 1 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK

 

HOPING TO KEEP THE FORM GOING: Can Australia’s podium heroes repeat their success?

Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) both claimed their first WorldSBK podiums at Phillip Island and will want to keep that form going. Montella took a top-ten finish at Portimao last year while Baldassarri’s only WorldSBK weekend at Portimao saw him score points in Race 2 back in 2023. Bimota enjoyed plenty of podium success in Australia as Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) took his first rostrums for the Italian brand, while teammate Alex Lowes was also on the podium. Both will be aiming to be in the fight again this weekend; one more podium and Bimota will have matched their tally from 2025 already.

Although not on the podium, Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) took his best WorldSBK result last time out with a P4 finish and the #95 will aim for more of the same; last year, when racing for MIE Honda, he scored two points. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) took a top-six finish in Australia with the new ZX-10RR and will hope he can keep that form going; he’s had two P4 finishes at Portimao in the past. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) was a top-ten contender in Australia in his first WorldSBK weekend, and Portimao is a circuit he knows well; he raced there in the Moto2 European Championship in 2023 and 2024, taking three P2 finishes in four races. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) gradually found more pace on his Ducati Panigale V4R as the Australian Round progressed and will hope he can start Portimao where he left Phillip Island; in the top six and closing in on the podium.

 

Andrea Locatelli (5%) during the Phillip Island test. Photo courtesy WSBK

 

AIMING FOR IMPROVEMENTS: Yamaha aiming to be closer at Portimao

Australia was nothing short of a disappointment for Yamaha, scoring 14 points; 11 came from Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) salvaging a P5 finish in a wet Race 2. ‘Loka’ has a podium finish at Portimao, finishing P3 last year in Race 2. Teammate Xavi Vierge was a bright spark at Phillip Island as the lead rider for the Japanese brand, although he didn’t get the results his pace showed with crashes in Race 1 and Race 2, and didn’t start the Tissot Superpole Race. It’s similar for rookie Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and teammate Remy Gardner, who would’ve wanted more from the opening round of the season and will aim higher at Portimao. Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) will aim to put his Yamaha R1 in the points-scoring positions at Portimao, while Mattia Rato will continue adapting to WorldSBK; the #13 knows Portimao well from his time in the Moto2 European Championship.

 

Axel Bassani (47) and Sam Lowes (14) during the WSBK Race 2 at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy WSBK

 

TWO 2026 DEBUTS: Chantra, Bridewell set for first round of 2026

Somkiat Chantra (Honda HRC) missed the opening round of the season after sustaining arm injuries in training, but he jumped back on the CBR1000RR-R SP at a private test recently. He’ll need to pass a medical check to race at the weekend. Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) has raced in WorldSBK before but now he’s with a new project for the remainder of the 2026 season, racing on a Panigale V4R. Elsewhere, Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) will need to pass a medical check in order to race after he fractured his wrist in Race 2 in Australia. Like Chantra, he was at the recent Portimao test – and was in the top three on the opening day and led the (slightly reduced) field on last Friday’s extra day of running.

Catch up on the Australia highlights show HERE, read the Official Programme for Jerez HERE and don’t miss any action using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

 

 

 

WSSP: Arenas looks to defend early WorldSSP lead, can Oncu get back on top at Portimao?

 

A posse of talented riders make their way to Portugal for the World Supersport field’s Round 2, as the season continues to heat up.

With Phillip Island and the season debut in the rear-view mirror, the FIM Supersport World Championship gets set for the Pirelli Portuguese Round in its second race weekend of 2026 at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. Riders like Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) and rookie Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) kicked off their season strong Down Under, with many talented riders up and down the order, a litany of faces could taste the Prosecco DOC from the top step of the podium this weekend.

 

ARENAS AT THE HEAD OF THE PACK: The 2020 Moto3 World Champion won in his debut weekend

The #75 had a full weekend last time out, landing P4, then P1 to close the weekend; he’ll hope to stay hot now with the European rounds of the schedule getting started. Behind him on the order, his countryman Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) enjoyed similar rostrum-topping success, taking the top spot in the season’s opening race. He hopes to improve on his pair of P7s earned last time out at Portimao. Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) took his first podium last round as a WorldSSP rider, a strong way to start his campaign. He will now race for the first time at the track in this Championship, where he rode last season as a MotoE rider on his way to a pair of P6s.

 

HARD WORK PAYING DIVIDENDS: Oettl looking for more podium appearances

German rider Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) ran a very comprehensive testing programme of all WorldSSP riders, laying down laps aplenty in rain or shine at Jerez and Portimao. His work bore fruit in Race 1in Australia, sending him to P2. He will anticipate a stronger showing than his P10 and P11 from last campaign, with the caveat that he was recovering from a bad knee injury this time last year. Arenas wasn’t the only AS BLU CRU Racing Team rider who performed well at Phillip Island. Aldi Mahendra landed his first WorldSSP podium, and now with a taste for silverware, he’ll be in the podium hunt again at Portimao. The Indonesian’s former teammate Can Oncu’s (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Racing) season came to a sputtering start with a pair of P5 despite being hailed by many as this season’s clear favourite. Portimao will give a clearer picture of Oncu’s level with his new team, but with this many talented riders around him, every point is critical.

 

BAYLISS BRINGING HIS BEST: The Aussie carries good momentum back to Europe

After opening the season on the podium, the #32 fell to P12 in a rain-affected Race 2, but he will look to take his team back to the top three in Portugal. Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) outscored his veteran French teammate Lucas Mahias, and in Portugal, Garcia will aspire to again land in the top six. Alessandro Zaccone’s (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) progress in acquainting himself with the WorldSBK paddock will continue at Portimao, and he will feasibly look to land his first top five finishes in his rookie season. Lastly, Andrea Giombini (Motozoo by Madforce Dubai) will again look to strategise his way to the front after a clever Race 2 tyre decision saw him to a career high P4 in the category.

 

2026 DEBUT: Honda and QJMOTOR are back on track at Portimao

Austrian rider Andreas Kofler (Motorsport Kofler) joins the grid alongside Honda Racing World Supersport’s Corentin Perolari and Ana Carrasco who will make their debut this season in Round 2, as well as the QJMOTOR Factory Racing pair of Raffaele de Rosa and Marcos Ramirez as WorldSSP Challenge riders. The four will provisionally compete for the rest of the season from here on out. Portuguese rider Martim Jesus (Rosa Competicion/MCL) will participate on his Honda CBR600RR as a wild-card appearance.

Tune in this weekend for all the action as all four Championships lay it on the line at Portimao. Tune in Live and OnDemand with the WorldSBK VideoPass!

1...555657...7,609Page 56 of 7,609
0FansLike
0FollowersFollow
0FollowersFollow
1,620SubscribersSubscribe

Latest Posts

Follow us

43,094FansLike
19,223FollowersFollow
16,430FollowersFollow
1,200SubscribersSubscribe

Menu

Information

© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AUTHOR LOGIN