MotoAmerica: Youngsters Reflect On Red Bull Rookies Cup Tryout (Updated)

Michael Gougis

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October 10, 2025

MotoAmerica: Youngsters Reflect On Red Bull Rookies Cup Tryout (Updated)

By Sean Bice

Let’s face it, the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event is a brutal process, especially for teenagers who already have to deal with the dreaded teenage angst. The pool of talent is literally as big as the world itself because the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup is a World Championship, and only 113 riders from around the globe were chosen to participate in the Event.

Of that 113, eight of the riders chosen were either American or have been racing on American soil. And, of those eight, seven of them—Hank Vossberg, Ella Dreher, Bodie Paige, Kensei Matsudaira, Mikey Lou Sanchez, Mahdi Salem, and Joshua Raymond Jr.—made it through the first cutdown, which winnowed the field of 113 young athletes to just 56.

That was tough enough, but it got exponentially tougher on final day of the Selection Event. Of the 56 finalists, only eight riders were chosen to become part of the 20th edition of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.

I’ll say it: we had seven riders among that final group of 56. The chances seemed pretty good that at least one of our seven would be chosen among the eight. Nope, it didn’t happen. Am I bitter? Yup, I sure am. I’ll bet a lot of people who’ve been following this process are bitter. But the seven MotoAmerica kids aren’t. By all accounts, they loved the experience.

“What a week,”commented Vossberg. “It was my first time ever out of the country and longest time away from home. We started last week training with one of the best coaches out there. Sergio Gadea helped us prepare for the Rookies Cup. Rookies Cup was a whole experience in itself. We had two sessions each day, and each session, I was able to improve my lap times, my lines, and my confidence on the bike, it being my first time on one. I was chosen, along with all the other MotoAmerica Talent Cup riders to move onto the third day! On the last day of riding, I went faster and improved more, but I know I have a lot to work on before Rookies Cup.

“I want to thank my Mom and Dad for supporting me on this journey, I couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you to MotoAmerica for giving me and many other riders this chance to elevate our racing career! Thank you to all the filmers, Steve Radley and Federico Sarria, and everyone else who was a part of putting together the awesome show Generation Speed!

“Everyone else that supported me this season, thank you!”

Dreher said, “What an awesome couple weeks here in Spain. We started off at Aspar Circuit doing some training for five days and getting some super knowledgeable info and coaching from Sergio Gadea. We came into the Selection Event super positive and knew what to expect. I made it to the third day, which kept my hopes high. It was definitely nerve-racking sitting listening to names be called. Sadly, I did not get in, but it was quite the experience riding with the fastest riders out there. I’m going to take what I learned back to the U.S and come back stronger.

“Thank you to John Ludwig for everything you have done, and of course, for dealing with me for 3 weeks. 😂 And my madré Michelle Skradski missing me tons for doing what I love. ❤️ Thank you to Sergio Gadea for his coaching. It definitely helped tremendously and guided me in the direction of being the best.”

“Last but not least, thank you to Sullivan Mounsey for the advice (during) the couple weeks we had over here. Also, don’t forget ping-pong.😉“

More, from a news release issued by MotoAmerica:

By Sean Bice

Bodie Paige:

“That’s a wrap on the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event. I want to thank all of them for this amazing experience and opportunity. I am very happy to have made it through to the final day and my performance over the last two days. I will take the positives away and come back hope to come back even stronger next year.

“Congratulations to my fellow Australian compatriot Archie Schmidt and all the other successful riders for being selected for the 2026 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup season.

“It’s time to get back to work. Next stop, the U.S.!”

Joshua Raymond Jr.:

“When you have over 100 of the fastest kids in the world competing for only 8 open spots, it really makes everyone up their game. The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event is a great time. I improved with every lap, and I made it to the final day, which is a huge accomplishment.”

Kensei Matsudaira:

“Trying out for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup was a great experience, even though I wasn’t one of the selected riders this year. I’ve raced with many of those who were selected, and they were simply on another level. I know where I need to be next year, but honestly nothing really changes for me since the goal has always been to be able to fight for wins and championships at the highest level in Europe. I’ll be continuing to train here in Spain until the end of the year and finishing the season with my last race in the European Talent Cup at Valencia where, hopefully, I’ll be able to take another step forward toward my goals.

“Big thank you to MotoAmerica, Wayne Rainey, Chuck Aksland, and Roadracing World for supporting me in my journey from the US. It was an honor to be one of the riders representing the U.S. at the Rookies Cup Selection Event, and I’m looking forward to doing the same at the FIM MiniGP World Final coming up in November at Valencia.”

Mahdi Salem:

“Made it all the way to the final day and left it all on track. Didn’t get the spot this first year, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and this is just the beginning. Congrats to my friends Travis Borg (Malta) and Afonso Almeida (Portugal) for making it into the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.”

Mikey Lou Sanchez:

“It was a good experience. I had a great time, and I’m glad I was invited, even though I was not chosen this year. I’m going to keep working, I hope to be invited to try out again next year. I’m going to focus on getting the best results I can to finish out this year in the European Talent Cup.”

WorldSBK: Bulega Tops FP2 In Estoril

Michael Gougis

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October 10, 2025

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Aruba.it Racing – Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega topped Friday’s WorldSBK FP2 session at Estoril with a best lap of 1:35.778. ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team’s Toprak Razgatlioglu, bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team’s Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani, and Motocorsa Racing’s Ryan Vickers completed the top five.

FP2 Results

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Leads FP1 In Estoril

Michael Gougis

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October 10, 2025

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WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Leads FP1 In Estoril

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) topped the opening session of the EICMA Estoril Round as he started a potential title-deciding weekend in the perfect fashion. ‘El Turco’ set a 1’36.054s to claim the honours in Free Practice 1 at the Circuito Estoril, with title rival Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 0.226s slower than the #1 as the penultimate round of the season kicked off.

Razgatlioglu’s 1’36.054s was good enough to claim top spot despite being set in the first half of the 45-minute session, although Bulega slowly closed the gap to his Championship rival down from four tenths to just over two tenths. The #11 set a 1’36.280s as he finished in second place during FP1, with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) taking P3 on the Bimota KB998 Rimini, just over half-a-second down on Razgatlioglu.

Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) showed his potential in the first action at Estoril as he claimed P4, only 0.011s down on the #22 ahead as he set a 1’36.631s. ‘The Maniac’ was sandwiched between the two Bimota riders with Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) enjoying a strong start to the weekend in P5, around half-a-tenth down on his fellow Italian rider in P4. Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) completed the top six with a 1’36.742s.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was the lead rider on the Yamaha R1 in P7, finishing directly ahead of teammate Jonathan Rea in eighth with around a tenth separating the two Yamaha riders. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was ninth with a 1’37.036s with ‘Petrux’ nursing a hand injury he sustained in a gym training accident. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), one of Petrucci’s two rivals for P3 in the Championship, completed the top ten with Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) in 11th; the Spanish rider is making his comeback from injury at Estoril and he, along with Petrucci, will be reassessed after FP1.

Tarran Mackenzie (MGM BONOVO Action) had a difficult start to Free Practice 1 when he crashed at Turn 1 on his Ducati Panigale V4 R, running wide before falling off the bike when he hit the gravel; he was able to walk away from the fall.

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’36.054s

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.226s

3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.566s

4. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) +0.577s

5. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.620s

6. Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) +0.688s

SBK FP1 Results

WorldSBK: Oncu On Supersport Pole In Estoril

Michael Gougis

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October 10, 2025

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WorldSBK: Oncu On Supersport Pole In Estoril

The 2025 FIM Supersport World Championship season is off and running in their penultimate round at the Circuito Estoril as the grid is now set for Saturday’s Race 1 with the conclusion of their Tissot Superpole Race. Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) was the fastest on Friday to kick off the EICMA Estoril Round, taking his fourth pole of the season. Alberto Surra (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) gave him a late run for his money, but he finished behind Oncu in P2. Rounding out the front row, Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) took P3 for his third front-row start of 2025

ONCU INEVITABLE IN ESTORIL SUPERPOLE: Fourth pole position of 2025 for the Turk

Can Oncu had another terrific start to a WorldSSP round weekend as his 1’39.608s time shot him up the order to sit pole. In the final moments of the session, fellow Yamaha rider Alberto Surra snuck his way up the timesheets to finish P2, claiming his best Superpole start in the category. Valentin Debise stayed hot in Estoril’s first event. After his race win at Aragon, Debise will sit front row through his P3-earning time, clocking in nearly four tenths slower than Oncu in P1.

QJ’S BREAKOUT SUPERPOLE RESULT: De Rosa earns the manufacturer’s best start position in their second WorldSSP season

Raffaele de Rosa (QJMOTOR Factory Racing) turned heads on his QJMOTOR SRK 800 RS as the pair combined for QJ’s best-ever Superpole result in P4, from which he will lead the second row into Race one on Saturday. Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) earned P5 through his late 1’40.135s lap, which saved him from a poor start on Saturday, he looked destined for throughout much of the session. Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) had a Friday Superpole session full of perseverance as the Frenchman struggled with tech issues throughout Free Practice. Undeterred, the #94 finishes sixth on the day to cap off the second row.

MANZI SPUTTERS OFF THE LINE TO OPEN ESTORIL: The Championship leader finishes on Friday in P13

Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) showed another step taken by the grid’s Ducatis. At the session’s midway point, he led a group of four Panigale V2s within the top six. He wasn’t able to improve his time, however, and finished the session in P7. Ondrej Vostatek (WRP Racing) had a breakout Superpole result, improving his previous season-best result of P16 to a P8 result at Estoril, an encouraging start to the weekend for the Czech rider. Federico Caricasulo (D34G WorldSSP Racing Team) had an early lowside crash in the session but ended up missing P8 by just 0.011s to settle for P9. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) struggled in the first half of the session, but with less than 20 minutes remaining, the #69 and his 1’40.283s time clawed his way back up the order for P10 to lead the fourth row. Stefano Manzi’s first showing was one to forget at Estoril as the #62 will start Race 1 from the sixth row after his P13 earning time of 1’40.346s was nearly three-quarters of a second away from P1

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

1. Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) 1’39.608s

2. Alberto Surra (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) +0.269s

3. Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) +0.376s

4. Raffaele De Rosa (QJMOTOR Factory Racing) +0.442s

5. Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) +0.527s

6. Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA) +0.561s

SSP Superpole Results

WorldSBK: Oncu Quickest In Supersport FP1 At Estoril

Michael Gougis

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October 10, 2025

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WorldSBK: Oncu Quickest In Supersport FP1 At Estoril

Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team’s Can Oncu set the pace in WorldSSP FP1 at Estoril on Friday with a lap of 1:40.047. Orelac Racing Verdnatura’s Xavier Cardelus and Jaume Masia, Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team’s Alberto Surra, and WRP Racing’s Ondrej Vostatek rounded out the top five.

SSP FP1

New Zealand’s Suzuki International Series Set For December Kickoff

Michael Gougis

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October 9, 2025

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New Zealand’s Suzuki International Series Set For December Kickoff

Once again the rest of the world is looking this way as the Suzuki International Series prepares for blast-off in December, a competition seen as the perfect place for riders to showcase their undeniable motorcycle racing skills.

There are now just eight weeks to go before the flag drops for the start of the popular three-round series and competition organiser Allan ‘Flea’ Willacy is currently putting the final preparations in place for the start of the most popular motorcycle road-race series in the Southern Hemisphere, a competition that perhaps may inspire or open doors for Kiwi riders, and others too, who intend to make an impact on the world stage.

Last season’s outright winner of the Suzuki International Series, Whakatane’s Mitch Rees, left our shores to compete at the famous Isle of Man TT road race spectacular earlier this year and will head overseas again to race at Macau, in China, in November, before returning to compete in the 2025 Suzuki International Series.

Started in 2008, this year’s 17th annual Suzuki International Series – it skipped a year in 2021 due to the COVID-019 pandemic – as usual includes the world-renowned Cemetery Circuit public street race event in Whanganui on Boxing Day, a race day sometimes hailed as the “Isle of Man of the south”.

It all kicks off the busiest time of the year for New Zealand’s premier motorcycle road-racers and the international elite who make the trip Downunder.

The opening round of the series at the Taupo International Motorsport Park on the weekend of December 6-7 will again be highly anticipated, with the excitement continuing at round two at Manfeild, on the outskirts of Feilding, just a week later, on December 13-14.

It wraps up, as always, with the spectacular finale on Whanganui’s world-famous Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day, this traditional post-Christmas “street fight” perhaps the jewel in the crown for motorcycle road-racing in New Zealand.

It will again be celebrated as the Southern Hemisphere’s premier “round the houses” race meeting, sponsored of course by Suzuki New Zealand, but again too with additional high-profile financial support from Oceania’s leading freight and logistics provider Mondiale VGL.

Willacy said he was thrilled to be able “to work with so many great people” to make this series happen again in 2025.

Willacy also said he was delighted to report that a large number of entries have been received this year, with 16 international competitors signed up, arriving from the United States of America, Great Britain and Australia. It is the largest number of international entries seen in New Zealand since the Marlboro Series days in the 1970s and class entries for this year’s series are filling up fast.

“It’s fantastic also to have this continued support from Suzuki New Zealand,” Willacy said.

“The inclusive nature of the international series class rules allow club riders to compete alongside seasoned campaigners and these events are a launching pad for many of our up-and-coming competitors,” said Willacy.

“The various bike classes that are offered by this series cater for all motorcycle owners out there and we know this leads to the high participation numbers that we see in the Suzuki International Series each year. That’s what we’re all about, offering something for everyone.”

Early bird tickets are available until the end of November. For more details, interested parties should follow the link on the www.cemeterycircuit.co.nz web site.

DATES FOR 2025 SUZUKI INTERNATIONAL SERIES

• Round 1, Taupo, Dec 6-7;

• Round 2, Manfeild, Feilding, Dec 13-14;

• Round 3, Whanganui’s Cemetery Circuit, Dec 26.

AHRMA: Announces Winners of the ProChampionship at Barber

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 9, 2025

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AHRMA: Announces Winners of the ProChampionship at Barber

Mesa wins Pro Challenge race at the 20^th Annual Barber Vintage Festival.

Stefano Mesa, riding Brian Larrabure’s 2006 Ducati 749RS built by Boulder Motorsports wins the 4^th annual Pro Challenge on Saturday during the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) road race held at the Barber Motorsports Park.

Sponsored by Fast by Ferracci Racing Products and Moto Corse Performance with supporting sponsors Larrabure Framing and NOLA Riding Academy, the Pro Challenge was a 12-lap featured race highlighted during the 20^th Annual Barber Vintage Festival in conjunction with the AHRMA National Roadracing series presented by Motobilia season finale. The race included 27 competitors with a split purse payout of $20,750 covering the top five Pro and top five Non-Pro racers.

This year’s race was run under AHRMA Sound of Thunder 2 rules which included Liquid cooled twins to 900cc, liquid cooled triples to 765cc and unlimited air cooled twins for a great mix of machines.

The Pro Challenge took place immediately following lunchtime activities on Saturday afternoon. Mesa, took the hole shot into turn one, increasing his lead each lap, taking the checkered flag unchallenged for first in the Pro category. Taylor Knapp, took second on a 2023 Triumph 765 Moto2, Gus Rodio third on a 2006 NCR Millona 1100, Michael Hilton fourth on a 2014 Ducati 899, and Nate Kern taking fifth position in the money racing a 2023 BMW R nineT. The top 5 in the Non-pro category included Mark Heckles in first on a 2006 Ducati 1200 Paul Smart, Kevin Wiater second on a 2022 KTM RC8C, Dalton Dimmick third riding his 2025 Ducati Panigale V2S, Brett Folkers in fourth on a 2022 Kramer 890 GP2, and Clint Austin in fifth place riding a 2023 KTM RC8C.

The $20,750 purse was distributed as follows:

Pro Payout

1st place $6,000

2nd place $3,600

3rd place $2,400

4th place $1,800

5th place $1,200

Non-pro Payout to AHRMA qualified racers

1st place $2,000

2nd place $1,500

3rd place $1,000

4th place $750

5th place $500

AHRMA’s annual Pro Challenge run at the Barber Vintage Festival allows pro riders to bring added attention and prestige to an already world-renowned event. By offering a generous purse, this race draws top talent from around the world.

2025 4^th Annual Pro Champion Race Winners

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Pro Competitors

Stefano Mesa, 2006 Ducati 749RS, Boca Raton, FL
Taylor Knapp, 2023 Triumph 765 Moto2, Harvest AL
Gus Rodio, NCR Millona 1100, Hammonton, NJ
Michael Hilton, 2014 Ducati 899, Murfreesboro, TN
Nate Kern, 2023 BMW R nineT, Cumming, GA

Non-pro AHRMA Competitors

Mark Heckles, 2006 Ducati 1200 Paul Smart, Bedford, NY
Kevin Wiater, 2022 KTM RC8C, Hanover Park, IL
Dalton Dimick, 2025 Ducati Panigale V2S, Timnath, CO
Brett Folkerts, 2022 Kramer 890 GP2, Urbandale, IA
Clint Austin, 2023 KTM RC8C, Cut Off, LA

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage machines along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With almost 3000 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.

MotoGP: Pre-season Test Dates Confirmed

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 9, 2025

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With the calendar out and the Season Launch revealed, the final pieces of the puzzle are put in place.

2026 is coming! After next year’s Season Launch was confirmed to take place in Kuala Lumpur on the 6th and 7th of February, the final pieces of the puzzle can now be revealed.

We begin with the Shakedown Test – for factory test riders, rookies, and manufacturers with concessions – at Petronas Sepang International Circuit at the end of January. Then it’s three days at Sepang with the whole grid rolling out in force ahead of the Season Launch.

In 2026, the glittering Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur hosts the flagship event, with activity split between the 6th and 7th of February. Stay tuned for more details on that coming soon.

Finally, the Buriram Test is the weekend before the season opener as Chang International Circuit welcomes the grid for the last two days of testing ahead of the race action.

Here’s the full rundown:

SHAKEDOWN TEST: 29th – 30th – 31st January

SEPANG TEST: 3rd – 4th – 5th February

SEASON LAUNCH: 6th – 7th February

BURIRAM TEST: 21st – 22nd February

That’s not forgetting the Valencia Test, which is our very first glimpse of any rider changes, bike upgrades and fresh faces joining the grid. As ever, the Tuesday after the 2025 season finale will see the class of 2026 head out for their first taste of another season at full throttle.

See you there!

Team USA Lands on Podium at 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations

Mathilde Gasnier

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October 9, 2025

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Team USA Lands on Podium at 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations

Eli Tomac, R.J. Hampshire and Justin Cooper race to second-place finish as United States hosts 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The United States secured a second-place finish after a weekend of intense competition at the 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations, which took place at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Ind., on Oct. 3-5.

The trio of Eli Tomac, R.J. Hampshire and Justin Cooper overcame adversity to finish on the podium at the prestigious international competition.

“Eli, R.J. and Justin represented the United States very well, showcasing unparalleled determination and devotion to their country while producing a strong finish at this year’s Motocross of Nations,” AMA Director of Racing and Team USA Manager Mike Pelletier said. “This year’s competition was a true team effort. Eli, R.J., and Justin worked closely together, supporting one another and riding with pride every step of the way. We’re incredibly proud of their collaboration and commitment to representing Team USA at the highest level.”

Joining the United States on the podium was Australia, as brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence — along with Kyle Webster — led the Aussies to their second consecutive Chamberlain Trophy. Rounding out the podium was France, which finished the weekend with 33 points.

Tomac (4-2), competed to a second-place finish overall in the MXGP class, falling just short of class champion Australian Jett Lawrence, who went 1-3 in motos.

In the MX2 class, Cooper landed in second place thanks to a 10-10 performance in motos. Charging to the championship was Netherlands’ Kay de Wolf, who claimed the class crown behind an 8-8 finish in motos.

After going 7-33 in motos, Hampshire claimed ninth place in the Open Class while Australia’s Hunter Lawrence earned the class title with a 1-1 finish in motos.

The 2026 FIM Motocross of Nations will run in Ernée, France on Oct. 2-4.

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.

Results From Ramming Speed Superbike Showdown At Willow

John Ulrich

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October 8, 2025

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Results From Ramming Speed Superbike Showdown At Willow

Willow Springs Superbike Showdown Results

On Saturday, October 4, more than 70 racers and track riders gathered at Willow Springs International Raceway to take on the Fastest Road in the West, the Big Willow 2.5 mile course. Folks went fast, machines were challenged, and the Willow Springs Superbike Showdown took place to much fanfare & excitement.

The event, created to honor the two-wheeled warriors of the WSMC, WERA & AHRMA racing clubs, featured a half-day open track day & new racers’ school followed by road racing on motorcycles ranging in age from Jason Lindquist’s 1968 Yamaha DT-1 to Rob Morton’s 2026 Aprilia RS660.

Ed Sorbo (50) leads the charge in Formula 40. Photo by Caliphotography.com

While the event faced challenges from competing races in Southern California & Leeds, Alabama, there was a homecoming of racers who have called Willow Springs Raceway home for over 70 years, including veteran racer Jim Granger who was at the first AMA national motorcycle race in 1954 when the track was made of a solution called “desert mix,” a scraped gravel surface rolled flat & then oiled down. Other legends who participated included Thad Wolff, Clinton Whitehouse, Ed Haazer & our own Scott Fabbro who started his career at WSIR in 1986.

Ed Hearn (54) leads a pack of Superbikes up into the Omega. Photo by Caliphotography.com

Because of the overwhelming number of veteran racers at the track, the day went off without incident for both the track day & races. AMA Pro Mookie Wilkerson passed seven out of nine new racers who took to the course for the mock race after lunch, including Mike Strozzi of Moto Haus, who brought a half dozen riders to get licensed. Moto Haus also stepped up as the official sponsor of the Big Twins class…thank you Mike!

Superbikes spanning 50 years at Willow Springs. Photo by Caliphotography.com

Ramming Speed believes that this one-day format may work for future events. Without financial support we cannot afford to run a two or three day event given our boutique clientele. If you are a moto-centric business or classic road racing sympathizer, please contact us to discuss how you can help get us on the track next year! Thank you for your support of the Willow Springs Superbike Showdown!

Kerri Kress (925) leads Andrew Gray (110) up the hill. Photo by Caliphotography.com

Here are the race results from the Willow Springs Superbike Showdown 2025:

FORMULA 40 – HEAVY
1 – Ed Sorbo, Suz GSX-R1000
2 – Terry Heard, BMW S1000 RR
3 – Andy Edwards, Aprilia RSV4

FORMULA 40 – MIDDLE
1 – Dexter Stuart, Apr RS660
2 – Wayne Gann, Yam R6
3 – Gilbert Silva, Yam R6

James-Derek Mayo (411) on his Kramer HKR Evo2R leading Scott Fabbro (381) on his SV650. Photo by Caliphotography.com

FORMULA 40 – LIGHT
1 – Rob Linders, Kaw Ninja 400
2 – Clinton Whitehouse, Kaw Ninja 400
3 – Kerri Kress, Hon NSF250

CLASSIC 1980s – HEAVY
1 – Ed Haazer, Kaw KZ1000
2 – Darrin Gauvin, Hon CB900F
3 – Andrew Gray, MG LeMans

CLASSIC 1980s – LIGHT
1 – Brady Walker, Hon SR500
2 – Eric Johnston, Hon SL350
3 – Tom Ferguson, Hon Ascot

1000 SUPERSPORT
1 – Terry Heard, BMW S1000 RR
2 – Andy Edwards, Apr RSV4
3 – Paul Sainthon, Apr RS Mille

600 SUPERSPORT
1 – Chester Norton, Kaw ZX-6R
2 – Dexter Stuart, Apr RS660
3 – Wayne Gann, Yam R6

400 SUPERSPORT
1 – BJ Bohrer, Hon CBR250RR
2 – Clinton Whitehouse, Yam FZR400
3 – Jason Lindquist, Yam TZ125

POWER TWINS – HEAVY
1 – Paul Sainthon, Apr RS Mille
2 – Gary Thompson, H-D Dyna

POWER TWINS – MIDDLE
1 – Ed Sorbo, Suz SV650
2 – Robby Weaver, Apr RS660
3 – Richard Barnett, Kraemer 690

POWER TWINS – LIGHT
1 – Rob Linders, Kaw Ninja 400
2 – Clinton Whitehouse Kaw Ninja 400
3 – BJ Bohrer, Hon RS125

Event Organizer Brady Walker (69) on his SR500. Photo by Caliphotography.com

VINTAGE – HEAVY
1 – Andrew Gray, MG LeMans
2 – Mike Jefferies, BMW R75/5
3 – Eric Johnston, BMW R75/5

IRONMAN – HEAVY
1 – Ed Sorbo, Suz GSX-R1000
2 – Wayne Gann, Suz GSX-R1000
3 – Ed Haazer, Kaw KZ1000

IRONMAN – MIDDLE
1 – Chester Norton, Kaw ZX-6R
2 – Ed Hearn, Yam R6
3 – Dexter Stuart, Apr RS660

IRONMAN – LIGHT
1 – Clinton Whitehouse, Yam RZ350
2 – Kerri Kress, Hon NSF250

IRONMAN -ULTRA LIGHT
1 – Jason Lindquist, Yam TZ125

All event info, photos and results can be found at www.bradywalker.com

Thank you for supporting the Willow Springs Superbike Showdown!

MotoAmerica: Youngsters Reflect On Red Bull Rookies Cup Tryout (Updated)

October 10, 2025

Rookies Cup Dreher 562162991_18071296313225669_3032358380057745120_n — MotoAmerica Talent Cup riders, from left, Ella Dreher, Bodie Paige, Kensei Matsudaira, ands Hank Vossberg. Photo courtesy of Ella Dreher.

By Sean Bice

Let’s face it, the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event is a brutal process, especially for teenagers who already have to deal with the dreaded teenage angst. The pool of talent is literally as big as the world itself because the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup is a World Championship, and only 113 riders from around the globe were chosen to participate in the Event.

Of that 113, eight of the riders chosen were either American or have been racing on American soil. And, of those eight, seven of them—Hank Vossberg, Ella Dreher, Bodie Paige, Kensei Matsudaira, Mikey Lou Sanchez, Mahdi Salem, and Joshua Raymond Jr.—made it through the first cutdown, which winnowed the field of 113 young athletes to just 56.

That was tough enough, but it got exponentially tougher on final day of the Selection Event. Of the 56 finalists, only eight riders were chosen to become part of the 20th edition of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.

I’ll say it: we had seven riders among that final group of 56. The chances seemed pretty good that at least one of our seven would be chosen among the eight. Nope, it didn’t happen. Am I bitter? Yup, I sure am. I’ll bet a lot of people who’ve been following this process are bitter. But the seven MotoAmerica kids aren’t. By all accounts, they loved the experience.

“What a week,”commented Vossberg. “It was my first time ever out of the country and longest time away from home. We started last week training with one of the best coaches out there. Sergio Gadea helped us prepare for the Rookies Cup. Rookies Cup was a whole experience in itself. We had two sessions each day, and each session, I was able to improve my lap times, my lines, and my confidence on the bike, it being my first time on one. I was chosen, along with all the other MotoAmerica Talent Cup riders to move onto the third day! On the last day of riding, I went faster and improved more, but I know I have a lot to work on before Rookies Cup.

“I want to thank my Mom and Dad for supporting me on this journey, I couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you to MotoAmerica for giving me and many other riders this chance to elevate our racing career! Thank you to all the filmers, Steve Radley and Federico Sarria, and everyone else who was a part of putting together the awesome show Generation Speed!

“Everyone else that supported me this season, thank you!”

Dreher said, “What an awesome couple weeks here in Spain. We started off at Aspar Circuit doing some training for five days and getting some super knowledgeable info and coaching from Sergio Gadea. We came into the Selection Event super positive and knew what to expect. I made it to the third day, which kept my hopes high. It was definitely nerve-racking sitting listening to names be called. Sadly, I did not get in, but it was quite the experience riding with the fastest riders out there. I’m going to take what I learned back to the U.S and come back stronger.

“Thank you to John Ludwig for everything you have done, and of course, for dealing with me for 3 weeks. 😂 And my madré Michelle Skradski missing me tons for doing what I love. ❤️ Thank you to Sergio Gadea for his coaching. It definitely helped tremendously and guided me in the direction of being the best.”

“Last but not least, thank you to Sullivan Mounsey for the advice (during) the couple weeks we had over here. Also, don’t forget ping-pong.😉“

More, from a news release issued by MotoAmerica:

By Sean Bice

Bodie Paige:

“That’s a wrap on the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event. I want to thank all of them for this amazing experience and opportunity. I am very happy to have made it through to the final day and my performance over the last two days. I will take the positives away and come back hope to come back even stronger next year.

“Congratulations to my fellow Australian compatriot Archie Schmidt and all the other successful riders for being selected for the 2026 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup season.

“It’s time to get back to work. Next stop, the U.S.!”

Joshua Raymond Jr.:

“When you have over 100 of the fastest kids in the world competing for only 8 open spots, it really makes everyone up their game. The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event is a great time. I improved with every lap, and I made it to the final day, which is a huge accomplishment.”

Kensei Matsudaira:

“Trying out for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup was a great experience, even though I wasn’t one of the selected riders this year. I’ve raced with many of those who were selected, and they were simply on another level. I know where I need to be next year, but honestly nothing really changes for me since the goal has always been to be able to fight for wins and championships at the highest level in Europe. I’ll be continuing to train here in Spain until the end of the year and finishing the season with my last race in the European Talent Cup at Valencia where, hopefully, I’ll be able to take another step forward toward my goals.

“Big thank you to MotoAmerica, Wayne Rainey, Chuck Aksland, and Roadracing World for supporting me in my journey from the US. It was an honor to be one of the riders representing the U.S. at the Rookies Cup Selection Event, and I’m looking forward to doing the same at the FIM MiniGP World Final coming up in November at Valencia.”

Mahdi Salem:

“Made it all the way to the final day and left it all on track. Didn’t get the spot this first year, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and this is just the beginning. Congrats to my friends Travis Borg (Malta) and Afonso Almeida (Portugal) for making it into the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.”

Mikey Lou Sanchez:

“It was a good experience. I had a great time, and I’m glad I was invited, even though I was not chosen this year. I’m going to keep working, I hope to be invited to try out again next year. I’m going to focus on getting the best results I can to finish out this year in the European Talent Cup.”

WorldSBK: Bulega Tops FP2 In Estoril

October 10, 2025

SBK FP2 Bulega 51606_JDR_R11_2025_Action — Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Aruba.it Racing – Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega topped Friday’s WorldSBK FP2 session at Estoril with a best lap of 1:35.778. ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team’s Toprak Razgatlioglu, bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team’s Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani, and Motocorsa Racing’s Ryan Vickers completed the top five.

FP2 Results

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Leads FP1 In Estoril

October 10, 2025

SBK P1 51696_JDR_R11_2025_Action — Toprak Razgatlioglu (1). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) topped the opening session of the EICMA Estoril Round as he started a potential title-deciding weekend in the perfect fashion. ‘El Turco’ set a 1’36.054s to claim the honours in Free Practice 1 at the Circuito Estoril, with title rival Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 0.226s slower than the #1 as the penultimate round of the season kicked off.

Razgatlioglu’s 1’36.054s was good enough to claim top spot despite being set in the first half of the 45-minute session, although Bulega slowly closed the gap to his Championship rival down from four tenths to just over two tenths. The #11 set a 1’36.280s as he finished in second place during FP1, with Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) taking P3 on the Bimota KB998 Rimini, just over half-a-second down on Razgatlioglu.

Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) showed his potential in the first action at Estoril as he claimed P4, only 0.011s down on the #22 ahead as he set a 1’36.631s. ‘The Maniac’ was sandwiched between the two Bimota riders with Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) enjoying a strong start to the weekend in P5, around half-a-tenth down on his fellow Italian rider in P4. Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) completed the top six with a 1’36.742s.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was the lead rider on the Yamaha R1 in P7, finishing directly ahead of teammate Jonathan Rea in eighth with around a tenth separating the two Yamaha riders. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was ninth with a 1’37.036s with ‘Petrux’ nursing a hand injury he sustained in a gym training accident. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), one of Petrucci’s two rivals for P3 in the Championship, completed the top ten with Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) in 11th; the Spanish rider is making his comeback from injury at Estoril and he, along with Petrucci, will be reassessed after FP1.

Tarran Mackenzie (MGM BONOVO Action) had a difficult start to Free Practice 1 when he crashed at Turn 1 on his Ducati Panigale V4 R, running wide before falling off the bike when he hit the gravel; he was able to walk away from the fall.

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’36.054s

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.226s

3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.566s

4. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) +0.577s

5. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.620s

6. Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) +0.688s

SBK FP1 Results

WorldSBK: Oncu On Supersport Pole In Estoril

October 10, 2025

Oncu Crash image00109 — Can Oncu (61). Photo by racesport.nl / Randy van Maasdijk