New Hartford, NY — Elisa Gendron Belén is set to return to the national stage for the 2026 MotoAmerica season, competing in the highly competitive SC-Project Twins Cup aboard her 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R, fielded by BGB Racing.
The 2026 season marks Elisa’s second year in the Twins Cup class and her fourth consecutive season as a full-time professional road racer, continuing a steady progression through the MotoAmerica paddock. Her GSX-8R will once again be expertly prepared by Karns Performance, providing a strong technical foundation as she builds on the experience gained during her rookie Twins Cup campaign.
“Elisa has shown consistent growth as a racer, both on and off the track,”said the BGB Racing team.“With a full season of Twins Cup experience behind her, 2026 is about taking the next step forward and competing deeper into the field.”
Elisa’s 2026 effort is supported by a dedicated group of partners, including:
• Bison Leathers
• Charlie’s Chop Shop
• Certified Knee Draggers
• EvolveGT Track Days
• N2 Track Days
• Ruts to Racelines
• New York Safety Track
• Belén Dental
• NG Brakes
• Meck’s Autobody
• Woodcraft
Off the track, Elisa continues to distinguish herself academically. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management and has recently completed her MBA, both earned from St. John Fisher University—a rare combination of elite-level racing and advanced business education that positions her well for a long-term career in motorsports.
With proven determination, strong technical support, and a growing base of partners, Elisa Gendron Belén enters the 2026 MotoAmerica season focused on performance, consistency, and continued development in one of the championship’s most competitive classes.
For updates throughout the season, follow Elisa Gendron Belén and BGB Racing on social media and at MotoAmerica events nationwide.
The second day of the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championshipprivate test at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto saw improving conditions, giving teams and riders a better opportunity to evaluate machinery and gather data ahead of a second private test at Portimao on January 28-29. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) made his first appearance of the season count, topping the timesheets with a 1’39.331.
Key points from Day 2
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona both made strong impressions. Bulega dominated with a 1’39.331, the fastest lap of the session, while Lecuona steadily improved in his second outing, finishing sixth fastest with a 1’39.979 over 26 laps despite a minor crash at Turn 5.
Nicolo Bulega at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati):
“For the first test, it wasn’t so bad, honestly, but the weather was a problem. The track had a lot of wet patches, so it wasn’t very useful, I only managed 20 laps. The last time I rode a bike before winter was a MotoGP, so I used these laps to get the feeling of the Superbike back. My first impression of the new Ducati is good; I already tried it here last October. It feels positive, but it’s still a new bike, so we need to keep going and do more laps.”
Alex Lowes (22) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna
Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) showed competitive speed aboard the KB998 Rimini. Lowes finished second with a 1’39.450, just 0.119s off Bulega, completing 16 laps. Bassani finished seventh in 1’40.069, contributing valuable feedback to the 2026 programme.
Xavi Vierge (97) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna
Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) delivered the top Yamaha performance with a 1’39.770, finishing third and completing 34 laps focused on consistency and setup.
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) rounded out the top four with a 1’39.811, improving steadily over 27 laps and working on early-season baseline checks.
Danilo Petrucci (9) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna
ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team focused on development. Miguel Oliveira (1’40.447) and Danilo Petrucci (1’40.823) completed 29 and 19 laps respectively, gathering crucial early-season data on the new M 1000 RR. Test rider Michael van der Mark added extra mileage with 45 laps, finishing fifth fastest in 1’39.836 and supporting BMW’s refinement of both race and development setups.
Lorenzo Baldassarri (34) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna
Other notable performers: Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) showed strong pace on his new ZX-10RR, finishing 11th in 1’40.445. Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) continued Honda’s winter development programme, ending 13th in 1’40.450 across 29 laps. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) ended the day 23rd with a 1’41.772 over 43 laps. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) also made his WorldSBK testing debut, completing his first laps on the Ducati Panigale V4R.
Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup confirms more teams, reveals weekend format, and opens ticket sales.
Niti Racing join the ranks, the majority of rounds are confirmed to race on Saturday and Sunday, and sales open for exclusive fan ticket packages.
The inaugural Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is coming in 2026. As the countdown continues, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP™ can announce some exciting new milestones for the inaugural season of the competition: a new team, the weekend format, and exclusive ticket packages for all six rounds of the 2026 championship.
PROVISIONAL GRID CONTINUES TO GROW: new team added
Harley-Davidson has confirmed an agreement with Niti Racing (Indonesia), who join previously announced teams Saddlemen Race Development (USA), Cecchini Racing Garage (Italy), and Joe Rascal Racing (Australia) on the provisional entry list.
Niti Racing enters the Bagger World Cup as Indonesia’s first team on the MotoGP™ stage, introducing a bold new identity to global motorsport. Built on a strong foundation of national racing development and professional team operations, Niti Racing represents Indonesia’s ambition to compete, grow, and lead on the international stage. Blending Indonesian/national heritage with modern racing excellence, Niti Racing brings fresh energy, global vision, and long-term commitment to the future of world motorcycle racing.
In a further boost for the inaugural season, Joe Rascal Racing has received approval to expand its entry from two to three riders, further strengthening the overall grid for the debut season.
“With the addition of Niti Racing, and the approval of a third rider for Joe Rascal Racing, the provisional entry list now stands at four teams and nine riders,” said Jeffrey Schuessler, Global Director of Racing Programs at Harley-Davidson. “This gives us a strong and competitive foundation for year one, and with ongoing discussions involving additional teams, we’re encouraged by the level of global interest as we continue to build the series in a structured and sustainable way.”
A provisional rider line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.
PROVISIONAL WEEKEND FORMAT: Saturday-Sunday schedule revealed for most rounds
The next exciting reveal is the schedule, with the majority of the season set to follow a Saturday-Sunday race format. The Italian Grand Prix at Mugello is the exception.
At the United States, Netherlands, Great Britain, Aragón, and Austria Grand Prix, the weekend will follow a three-day format:
Friday: Free Practice 1 (FP1) and Free Practice 2 (FP2)
Saturday: Qualifying sessions around midday, followed by Race 1 in the afternoon, scheduled immediately after the MotoGP™ Tissot Sprint
Sunday: Race 2, held either in the morning or afternoon depending on the event
At the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, a modified format will apply:
Friday: FP1, FP2, and Qualifying
Saturday: Bagger World Cup Race 1 and Race 2
EXCLUSIVE TICKET PACKAGES: sales now open
For fans counting down the days, dedicated Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup ticket packages are now available for all six events on the inaugural calendar, offering fans exclusive access and premium experiences throughout.
Each ticket package includes:
Access to a Harley-Davidson branded grandstand
Dedicated motorcycle parking
Helmet and jacket storage (subject to availability)
Exclusive Harley-Davidson Fan Pack
Access to the paddock and team garages
Access to the MotoGP™ and all new Harley-Davidson Fan Zone
Pricing and availability can be found on each respective Grand Prix page:
The team’s 2026 presentation reveals an updated Trackhouse livery and the return of the iconic Gulf colours this season.
American MotoGP team Trackhouse has revealed two new liveries for 2026! One is its own livery design, updated for the season ahead, and the other the iconic livery for its partner Gulf – the colours that will run on both Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26 bikes at the season opener in Thailand, raced by MotoGP race winner Raul Fernandez and sophomore contender Ai Ogura.
Ai Ogura on the left and Raul Fernandez on the right. Photo courtesy Trackhouse
The updated Trackhouse livery retains its house colors, inspired by the Trackhouse Racing organisation’s blue, black and dayglo yellow base palette, with some little updates for 2026 – and with some variations during the season.
The Gulf colours, meanwhile, will be on track in Thailand and then again at the second round in Brazil. Then they break cover again at the Italian GP at Mugello, in Lombok as the team return to the scene of their first Sprint podium, and finally at Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix – five rounds in total.
Trackhouse take on their third MotoGP season in 2026. Now Grand Prix winners after Raul Fernandez took that stunning win in Australia last year, there’s plenty to get excited about looking ahead – hear from the riders, Team Principal Davide Brivio and Team Owner and Founder Justin Marks as they gear up for another campaign in the most exciting sport on Earth!
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Trackhouse
Raul Fernandez: “Our great results at the end of year were the consequence of the work we did during the season. Having an incredible team, Davide and Justin behind us is the key to having a family on track. My training this winter was pretty much the same as last year, but the thing I would like to change is the result of the test as I crashed during the test in Malaysia last year and was injured. But now, I feel fully fit and ready to start the season. I like the new liveries a lot, especially, the Trackhouse one as with more carbon parts it looks a little bit more aggressive and I just love the Gulf colors which I cannot wait to start the season with, in Thailand. We are going to look great on track. Anyway, the important thing is that the bike can be fast on track and for this year, I think we have to be really focused on ourselves and not think too much about the results. The results are the consequences of the work we are doing. We have to be focused on what we can control and need to improve each day to be competitive. I want to enjoy racing like I did in the last rounds of 2025 and I’m sure then the results will come.”
Ai Ogura (79). Photo courtesy Trackhouse
Ai Ogura: “I think our GULF livery is really cool. It matches well with my personal color because my favorite color is blue. I actually like both our designs and can’t wait to go out on track with them both! For 2026, I think I can be a bit more confident on the bike. After I experienced my rookie season in MotoGP everything is hopefully a bit more under control this year. We’ll see how it goes but the first test is going to be very important as, for sure, one of the big targets this season will be the grid positions. Last season we could be competitive during the race but the grid position has usually not been the best and we really need to work on that, especially during the test days. I’m sure we can improve our starting positions a bit and hopefully we can be better at most races. I don’t have a specific target for 2026, but I want to do my best in all the races – that is the target.”
From left to right with Ai Ogura, Davide Brivio and Raul Fernandez. Photo courtesy Trackhouse
Davide Brivio, Team Principal of Trackhouse MotoGP Team:“Our bikes are beautiful. First of all, GULF is the iconic color that all motorsport fans love. We are very excited to be able, again, to use these iconic colors for five races this season. Then the new Trackhouse livery – our corporate Trackhouse colors – are a bit blacker, more aggressive. Overall, we’re excited about both liveries.
“Speaking about the riders, all the paddock has been talking for many years about how talented Raul is and what a strong rider he can be and I think last year, he was able to show it, to translate his talent into results. Last year, we had a difficult start but once he started to be in the top 10 he just kept going, arriving to the win towards the end of the season. It tells me that Raul gets confidence when the results come and I hope, with the end of season we had last year, there is going to be another big step in his confidence in ‘26. The talent is there, the potential is there and if he’s confident and convinced of his potential, we can be there.
“We have been very happy with Ai’s season last year. It was supposed to be a year where he had to learn and understand MotoGP and I think this is what he has done. Of course, he has also been able to show great performance, especially in the first race but, honestly, through the season we have always seen him very competitive in the races, analyzing lap times and most of the time, very fast at the end of the race. We definitely have to improve Qualifying, as it’s becoming more and more important in MotoGP. When you start on the first rows, the weekend goes completely different. For sure, this is one area to work on this year – if we can start nearer the front, with our competitiveness, I’m sure we can do something good.
“The goal is to improve what we have done last year. Raul finished inside the top 10 but just in 10th place so, first of all, we should get both riders in the top 10 and be able to hopefully score some podiums. We have to be ready, we have to be there and when the opportunity comes, just take it. We know it’s very difficult but, I’m sure that we can have some good weekends through the season.”
Justin Marks, Founder & Owner, Trackhouse Entertainment Group: “This is the start of year three for the USA’s only premier class team in the modern era and one that has seen us grow in stature, experience and recognition for our performance on track and our global fanbase which grows daily across North America and all points of the world. Last season the Trackhouse Team found speed and success. Raul scored his first MotoGP podium with our beautiful Gulf colors in the Indonesia Sprint race. Next time out, he podiumed again on Sprint Saturday on Phillip Island and went even better on Sunday, taking his first premier class victory to lift the Australian winner’s trophy and give Trackhouse its first MotoGP win in only our second season in the championship.
“Trackhouse is an organization that believes in young talent and that meant we were very happy to capture the 2024 Moto2 World Champion, Ai Ogura. This measured deep thinking kid from Japan has raw speed and all the makings of a future premier class winner. He was not far off at his very first MotoGP race with a fourth place finish and despite some heavy crashes through his rookie campaign he showed that he’s a fast learner and has the pace and ability to be a front runner soon.
“Now with the taste of victory in MotoGP we are so hungry for more and I cannot be more excited with our season to come in MotoGP with Raul and Ai and the NASCAR with Ross, Shane and our leader’s rookie, Connor Zilisch. As an elite level motorsport organization we are racing with world class partners. In NASCAR and MotoGP Trackhouse is carving new stories with every one of our partners and today you have seen the incredible 2026 color scheme of our Gulf bike.
“As a kid I grew up loving these colors on the Ford GT40s and the Porsche 917s at the Le Mans 24 hour race. Even more when Steve McQueen – the coolest of them all – immortalized Gulf in the movie theaters. Now to have five races in the coming MotoGP season with both our bikes running Gulf colors it’s a dream come true and we are honored, grateful and excited to be racing with them through 2026.
“I truly believe our teams are capable of great success in the coming eleven months, both on four wheels and two wheels. I cannot wait for us to get underway in Thailand for round one of the MotoGP World Championship. Thank you for all your great support. We are hungry for more success and taking you with us when Raul and Ai get on track with these awesome Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26’s.”
Trackhouse Entertainment Group is a front-running force in America’s premier stockcar series, the NASCAR CUP. Having started with a single car entry in 2021, Trackhouse Racing now fields three cars in the series and has, to date, visited Victory Lane fourteen times. In 2026, they prepare for their third season in MotoGP – aiming even higher after taking their first MotoGP Grand Prix win last season.
Come back for more from testing as we head out on track at Sepang and then join us for the season opener from the 27th of February to the 1st of March in Buriram!
Comedian Doug Stanhope (one of my all-time favorites) did one of the best sendups I’ve ever heard of something that seemingly every law enforcement agency does, or at least did on a regular basis when I was a daily newspaper and Associated Press reporter. In his “True Stories of The Highway Patrol” routine, Stanhope talks about a hypothetical traffic stop where officers seize two marijuana seeds, calculate the number of plants that could be grown from those seeds, and estimate the value of the seizure in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Point is, in my experience, law enforcement agencies routinely overestimate the value of items they seize. And I’ve been ruminating on that ever since the operation that unearthed a trove of motorcycles in Mexico connected to fugitive Ryan Wedding. An FBI statement said that 62 machines were recovered with an estimated value of $40 million.
OK, time for some math. That means each motorcycle in that collection has to be worth a little more than $645,000. And a quick review of some motorcycle auction sites and a bit of internet research quickly brings the estimated value of the collection into question.
Let’s start with what we can actually put a price tag on. About two-thirds of the way into the grid of motorcycles in the main photo released by the FBI appear to be a couple of Kawasaki ZX-7 racebikes. If the competition numbers on the fairings of the machines are correct, at least one of them appears to be the machine Scott Russell rode to the WorldSBK title and/or one that Doug Chandler rode to the AMA Superbike Championship. We know exactly what those are worth: $70,000 each, because they sold at auction in 2022 for that amount. Not exactly cheap, but nowhere near $645,000.
There’s a Ducati Supermono singles racebike in the photo. Assuming it’s genuine, it’s a sweet machine and definitely collectible. There were only 67 of them made. Still, in 2022, one sold at auction for $165,760. Again, nowhere near $645,000.
Those machines are the ones with provenance that can be traced and verified. When it gets to many of the other machines in the collection, things get a lot less certain.
This Nicky Hayden tribute Ducati Desmosedici GP8 sold at auction for $288,000. Photo from RM Sotheby’s.
Former Grand Prix and British Superbike racer Taylor Mackenzie (son of famous racer Niall Mackenzie) did an analysis of one of the bikes seized, a 125cc Grand Prix bike with the number of nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi on it. In a video on his YouTube channel, Mackenzie points out that the colors on the seized bike are different that the colors of the bikes Rossi actually raced. So is it a Rossi racebike? Maybe, maybe not. There are a lot of replicas, rebuilds, and bitsa bikes for sale on the auction circuit. A tribute to MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden Ducati recently sold for $288,000 at auction. The bike, a Desmosedici GP8, was dismantled when purchased from Ducati in 2010 and was re-assembled with a chassis from the middle of the 2008 season, unused engine crankcases, a “race-used” Hayden fuel tank and “other Hayden and original Ducati MotoGP parts, all being acquired at the same time in 2010,” the auction site states.
In this collection, there are a number of machines that appear to be 500cc two-stroke V-Four racebikes from the 1980s. Again, depending on the provenance, a quick Google search says that such machines would sell for between $85,000 and $250,000. The highest priced two-stroke Grand Prix machine sold at auction in recent years was a 1997 Honda NSR500V, the twin-cylinder Honda produced to prop up the grids with a racebike that privateers could afford. It was never started, still had the original plastic shipping plastic covers on the carburetors, and had a ton of documentation. It sold at auction last year for $267,000. It was billed as the highest price ever paid for a Japanese motorcycle sold at auction.
A Ducati GP10 ridden to the MotoGP win in Australia by Casey Stoner. Photo from RM Sotheby’s.
It is possible, of course, that individual machines could have changed hands between private parties for more money. But when it comes to public sales, thevintagent.com tracks public auction sales of motorcycles, and on its list of most expensive motorcycles sold at auctions, the highest-priced modern road racing machine is a 2010 Ducati GP10 CS1 ridden by two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner to victory at Philip Island and to multiple podium finishes. It came with a certificate of authenticity from Ducati Corse and documented history. It sold for about $320,000 in Monaco in 2012. Just beneath that on the list is a 2011 Ducati Desmosedici GP11 VR2, ridden by Rossi to a third-place finish at Le Mans, again with a certificate of authenticity from Ducati Corse. It sold for $312,500 in the same auction as the Stoner bike. It appears very similar to one of the seized machines, although it is impossible to say with 100 percent certainty that it is the same bike. The point is that MotoGP machines of this vintage sold for far less than that $645,000 that each machine would have to sell for to get to that $40 million mark.
Ex-Valentino Rossi factory Ducati GP11. Photo from RM Sotheby’s.
There are more modern MotoGP machines in the collection, with the liveries of Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Iannone. These are harder to get a handle on in terms of value, but it is noteworthy that one of Dovizioso’s machines recently went up for auction. It was one of his Desmosedici GP19 racebikes, the one he rode to wins in Qatar and Austria, and it was authenticated by Ducati Corse. Unusually, it was offered in full running order, with a starter and original factory electronics. In many cases, when a MotoGP bike is sold, the factory removes the ECU. It was expected to get at least $671,000 at auction, but the auction site where it was listed says the bike failed to sell. Aleix Espargaro is selling his 2020 Aprilia RS-GP, complete with electronics but requiring some factory assistance to get it running. It comes straight from Espargaro, who got it from the factory, and it comes with leathers, boots, helmet and gloves used by Espargaro in races in 2020. Due up for auction in February, the sale price estimate is $404,000 to $540,000.
A 2019 Ducati GP19 ridden by Andrea Dovizioso to race wins and second in the MotoGP World Championship in 2019 was offered for auction last year and did not sell. Photo from Iconic Auctioneers.
Is there the possibility that there are one or two extremely rare, valuable machines among the seized bikes that are worth several million on their own? Nothing’s impossible, but we can perhaps get some perspective from over in the car world. Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s F1W04-04 2013 Mercedes AMG-Petronas F1 W04 sold at auction in 2023. It is a race-winning car in Hamilton’s hands, the third-most expensive Grand Prix car ever sold behind two vintage Mercedes racers from the 1950s, and – here’s the real kicker – the only Mercedes F1 car ever “to be sold outside of the Mercedes organization,” the auction website states. Hamilton was 22nd on the list of highest-paid athletes in 2025, with an estimated income of $80 million, and was named the world’s most marketable athlete in 2025 in SportsPro’s marketability rankings – and not for the first time.
And that car sold for $18.8 million.
Again, not cheap, but think of the level of fame of its racer and the scarcity of the vehicle. To even think of getting into the multi-million dollar level for a bike, it seems, it would take something like owning the only Honda or Yamaha factory MotoGP or 500cc Grand Prix racebike in private hands, one that Marquez or Rossi rode to at least one race win, one with an indisputable pedigree, if Marquez or Rossi also were anywhere near as popular as Hamilton, and motorcycle road racing was as popular as Formula One.
Maybe, somewhere, there’s someone who would spend that kind of money on a single collectible racebike, but there’s no evidence of that happening in the world of publicly traded motorcycles. Again, according to thevintagent.com, the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction traded hands for $1.32 million.
Valuing a historic racing machine always comes down to one thing in the end – how much will someone actually pay for it? And if the bike isn’t for sale, then its value is an educated guess at best. But based on historic data for actual sales on similar machines (or, in some cases, maybe the actual racebikes seized), it’s really, really hard to see how the motorcycles in the photo released by law enforcement are worth anywhere near $40 million.
Back in action: WorldSBK grid gathers in Jerez for first private test of 2026.
The 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season officially got underway at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, as teams and riders returned for the first private test of the year. Persistent rain throughout the day significantly limited track time, with 2025 runner-up Nicolo Bulega (Aruba Racing Ducati) choosing not to venture out on track. Even so, the session allowed teams to carry out initial baseline checks, assess new working structures, and begin early evaluation work ahead of the season opener in Australia next month.
Day 1 results:
1. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’52.976
2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +1.218s
3. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +1.284s
Productive running in difficult conditions saw Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) make the most of the day, setting a best lap of 1’52.976 to top the timesheets at the end of Day 1.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy Dorna
Early laps of the new season came for Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) as the Portuguese rider continued his adaptation to the BMW M 1000 RR during a rain-affected opening day, completing 31 laps and finishing third overall.
Stefano Manzi (62). Photo courtesy Dorna
Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was quick to settle into his programme, running consistently before conditions worsened later in the session and concluding the day in fourth position.
Jake Dixon (96). Photo courtesy Dorna
Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) continued his familiarisation programme on the CBR1000RR-R, completing steady mileage in challenging conditions and ending Day 1 ninth overall.
Pata Maxus Yamaha focused on groundwork and early data collection, with Andrea Locatelli finishing seventh and Xavi Vierge placing 12th at the end of the opening day.
Alvaro Bautista (19). Photo courtesy Dorna
Wearing his new colours, Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) worked through initial set-up evaluation during the first private test of 2026, concluding the day eighth fastest.
Xavi Fores (12). Photo courtesy Dorna
Development work continued for bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, with Axel Bassani and test rider Xavi Fores sharing track time on the KB998 Rimini.
Due to the impending snow storm this weekend, the combined ASRA Atlantic Region and NJMiniGP awards banquet has been postponed from January 24th to February 21st.
The banquet will now take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, still at The Kathedral Event Center at 499 S. Egg Harbor Rd., Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Interior view of the Kathedral Event Center set up for the 2024 ASRA Awards Banquet.
We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding. All other details (time, program, dress code, etc.) remain the same.
Mark your calendars and get ready for a wonderful evening of celebration, fellowship, and recognition!
NEW DATE NJMINIGP + ASRA ATLANTIC REGION BANQUET FEBRUARY 21
Join us at the Kathedral Event Center for dinner, awards banquet, and more.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team officially launched their 2026 campaign today at a spectacular event in Indonesia, marking the beginning of Yamaha’s V4 era. The presentation introduced the refreshed team colour scheme and showcased the completely redesigned YZR-M1.
Today, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team commenced a new era for Yamaha to the great excitement of the motorsports industry, media, and fans. The team presentation was part of Yamaha Motor Indonesia’s 3S Dealer Meeting, the largest Yamaha dealer meeting in the world, held at the InterContinental Jakarta in Indonesia. The popular event was the perfect occasion for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team to introduce its 2026 line-up and unveil the all-new 2026 M1, including its updated livery.
From left to right with, Fabio Quartararo (20), Takahiro Sumi, Massimo Meregalli, Paolo Pavesio and Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Takahiro Sumi, General Manager of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.’s Motor Sports Development Division & President of Yamaha Motor Racing and Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Principal of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP highlighted the remarkable achievement of developing the new V4-powered YZR-M1 in parallel with racing in 2025 – an unprecedented challenge in the modern MotoGP era. To achieve such an ambitious target, they also underlined the importance of seamless alignment between Japan and Italy and the creation of an environment where specialists coming from diverse backgrounds can perform at their best.
Massimo Meregalli, Sport Manager of Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Director of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPlater added that the focus in 2026 will be on extracting performance and building consistency weekend after weekend while getting acquainted with the new machine, with positive results expected to follow as a consequence of getting the fundamentals right.
This spirit of unity and shared purpose extends beyond the Yamaha Family to Yamaha’s long-standing partnerships. Throughout 2026, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team can once again rely on team Title Sponsor Monster Energy Company‘s full support. Yamaha’s global alliance with Monster Energy is built on a shared vision of racing as a unique way to communicate to fans worldwide the spirit of challenge that connects the two corporations. This strong relationship, which started more than a decade ago, embraces most of Yamaha racing efforts – from MXGP to SX up to MotoGP – and it is reflected in the iconic Monster claw branding that in 2026 features prominently again on the team logo, uniforms, and bikes.
Fabio Quartararo (20) and Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP management was later joined on stage by Factory riders Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins, who had the honour of unveiling their 2026 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1s. Clearly excited by the passionate crowd and the brand-new bike, the teammates shared their thoughts on 2026 preseason testing and their expectations for the upcoming season.
The 2026 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bike livery retains the characteristic camouflage theme, but the livery is refreshed by more blue and white than in previous years. Additionally, a new important logo appears on the M1: that of the new Official Logistics Partner DP World, a Dubai-headquartered global logistics provider and port/terminal operator, employing more than 100,000 people worldwide and handling around 10% of the world‘s container trade. The new partnership will be officially launched in Dubai soon at a dedicated event planned on 26 January.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Fabio Quartararo was crowned World Champion in 2021 with Yamaha, and he enters his eighth season with the Iwata-based manufacturer this year. He remains a solid fan favourite thanks to his unique talent as well as his friendly persona. However, once his visor is down, the charming Frenchman turns into a speed demon, and his hunger for success has never been bigger. He spent the start of 2026 training around the clock and is ready to take on the busy upcoming season with the help of crew chief Diego Gubellini.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Having made his Yamaha debut in 2024, the experienced Álex Rins remains a key asset to the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team in 2026. He is determined to quickly gain confidence with his new 2026 YZR-M1 and push it to the limit to get Yamaha back to the front, supported by crew chief David Muñoz.
The upcoming MotoGP season will be an intense one, currently projected to count 22 GP rounds and 44 races, with the MotoGP race weekends featuring a MotoGP Sprint on the Saturday and a MotoGP Race on the Sunday.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team take this opportunity to sincerely thank their numerous long-standing Official Sponsors and Official Partners for their enthusiasm for motorcycle Grand Prix racing.
OFFICIAL SPONSORS
• Monster Energy Corporation
• DP World (also Official Logistics Partner)
• Eneos Corporation
• Yamalube
• Macron (also Official Clothing Supplier)
• Akrapovič
• Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing
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TAKAHIRO SUMI General Manager, Motor Sports Development Division, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. & President of Yamaha Motor Racing:
“2026 marks the start of Yamaha’s V4 era, and it’s an exciting chapter – but it demands discipline, data, and dedication from everyone involved: our Factory in Japan, Yamaha Motor Racing in Italy, the Factory Teams, and our Test Team. Last year’s parallel development of three platforms gave us the foundation for this year, so we can now focus on growing the 2026 M1 powered by the new V4 engine while continuing to work on the 2027 prototype.
“We’ve already seen encouraging signs: improved braking stability, better acceleration potential, and a more consistent feeling over long runs. Success early on in the season will not be measured just based on results: every lap adds knowledge that will propel us forward. Our focus for 2026 is centred on accelerating development speed and ensuring seamless integration between design, testing, and racing. We strive to consistently gain momentum – the results will follow.”
PAOLO PAVESIO – Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Principal, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
“2026 is crucial because it accelerates Yamaha’s transformation. It’s phase two of our Blue Shift plan. The new M1 we’ve just introduced gives us far more development margin than before. I am envisioning a season during which we will grow our understanding of the new bike and our performance lap by lap, race by race.
“Indonesia is the perfect place to start this new chapter. It’s home to one of the most passionate motorcycling communities in the world: here we have our bigger racing fan base and, of course, this is a key market for Yamaha. Hosting the team launch alongside the YIMM 3S Dealer Meeting underlines the importance of this region to Yamaha’s vision. The energy and enthusiasm here inspire us and strengthen our commitment to a big upcoming challenge and a long MotoGP season, counting again 22 rounds in total.
“I also want to highlight the partnerships that fuel our journey. Monster Energy has been a trusted force alongside Yamaha for more than a decade across multiple racing disciplines. In MotoGP, they became our title sponsor in 2019 – a milestone announced right here in Jakarta. This partnership is built on a shared love of racing and pushing the level of performance to the limit, and together we will strive to make many more unforgettable moments.
“We are also proud to welcome DP World as a new partner. Their world-leading logistics expertise will help us simplify operations and enable performance with absolute precision. DP World’s presence signals ambition and momentum – qualities that perfectly align with Yamaha’s fast-moving MotoGP project as well as other classes, which is something we‘ll cover in more detail during next week‘s DP World x Yamaha event held in Dubai.
“Last but not least, I cannot wait to see Fabio and Álex riding the new bike in Sepang in less than a couple of weeks. The first test is always special because it is the moment when all the work done over the winter comes together, but with a completely new project this preseason is even more special!”
MASSIMO MEREGALLI – Sport Manager, Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
“Unveiling this new 2026 bike is a special moment because it represents months of hard work from many people – in the garage and back in Japan. This year, the biggest change is technical: we start with a completely new project, and that, for sure, will create an exciting atmosphere inside the garage, especially at the upcoming tests and the opening round. There will be a steep but interesting learning curve, and everyone – mechanics, engineers, riders – will be pushing in the same direction from day one.”
FABIO QUARTARARO – Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
“I am ready to start riding again! The team launch is always the moment that the energy and enthusiasm for the new season builds – and you couldn’t ask for a better and more supportive crowd than the Indonesian fans. It’s exciting to start this new chapter. The V4 engine is a big change, and I can’t wait to feel how it will develop on track. I think also the fans and the media are very curious. I’ve been training hard all winter, so I’m ready to give it my all. Indonesia is the perfect place to kick things off because the fans here are incredible. As always, I will do everything I can to make them proud!”
ÁLEX RINS – Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
“First of all, it’s always nice to visit Indonesia. The fans here are really something special. Last year I gained momentum at the end of the season – with the Indonesian GP probably being the best weekend of all. Kicking off the season with the team presentation here in Jakarta, I feel super motivated. I want to carry this energy that I got from today’s launch with the fans into the 2026 season. The new bike gives us more development opportunities, and that’s highly motivating too. There will be a lot of work ahead of us, but I can’t wait. I’ve worked hard during the off-season to be ready from the first test. It’s a new era for Yamaha, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Over 200 racers from far and wide gathered again in the California Desert for awesome racing and perfect weather. With the rest of the country covered in snow and ice, Chuckwalla was the place to be if you like going fast on a motorcycle, as the hundreds of racers who attend round four can confirm.
Friday practice offered lots of quality track time for racers to come up to speed. Also on Friday, the New Racer School graduated eight riders who earned their racing licenses and will be joining the club’s amateur ranks.
Saturday Qualifying
Saturday morning qualifying was fast and furious with some of the fastest riders from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico on track. Conditions were perfect with cool air to help the bikes makepower and sunshine to warm the track surface.
The fastest of all in Saturday morning qualifying, David Anthony topped the field of open-class bikes, turning a blistering 1:44.364 lap time.
Brenden Ketelesen was fastest on a middleweight, turning a 1:44.807 lap time.
Gio Alvarez was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:50.738 lap time.
Sawyer Lafayette was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:54.587 lap time.
Joel Ohman was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:50.011 lap time.
Owen Williams (13), leading Brenden Ketelesen (144), and Alexander Enriquez (12) at the start of the Middleweight Shootout. Photo by CaliPhotography
Saturday Races
Saturday’s standout racers included Joel Ohman winning both races in the rapidly growing CVMA Hooligans Class.
Sawyer Lafayette won two races on his ultralightweight class bike and went on to set a new lap record on that bike Sunday.
Sunday Shootouts
In the premier race of the day, The Shootout, Cory Alexander (Ducati Panigale V4) got the holeshot and was first into turn one. At the end of the first lap, Alexander led, followed by Deion Campbell (Yamaha YZF-R1), and Nick Ciling (Yamaha YZF-R1). Technical issues during qualifying prevented Bryce Kornbau (Yamaha YZF-R1M) from recording a timed lap. Because of this, Kornbau started the race from the back of the grid. However, by the end of the second lap Kornbau had worked his way to third position. Throughout the race, Kornbau worked to close the gap to the two leaders, Alexander and Campbell. Alexander and Campbell ran nose to tail the entire race, with Campbell pressing Alexander but never able to mount a challenge for the lead. At the finish, it was Alexander for the win, Campbell second, and Kornbau a close third.
Brenden Ketelesen celebrating his win in the Middleweight Shootout. Photo by CaliPhotography
The Middleweight Shootout started with Owen Williams leading into turn one on his Suzuki GSX-R750. At the end of the first lap Williams was leading, followed by Brenden Ketelesen (Kawasaki ZX-6R) and Alexander Enriquez (Suzuki GSX-R750). On the second lap, Ketelesen would make a brave pass on Williams at the end of the back straight into turn ten. Enriquez would also pass Williams on the penultimate lap to set the finishing order. At the stripe on the last lap, Ketelesen was first, Enriquez second, and Williams third.
Next Round. Bring your sweetheart to our next round on Valentine’s Day weekend, 2/14-2/15.
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 tochoose 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 Friday before 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, RoadRace City/Bridgestone, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, 2 Fast Track Days, Statewide Services Inc., LapSnap
NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop
Prospective competitors can apply for 2026 entries for the FIM MotoJunior World Championship in the following categories: FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship, Moto2 European Championship, Stock European Championship, and Momoven Moto4 European Cup.
Key dates:
• Applications close: 26th January 2026
• Confirmation of selected riders: no later than February 16th 2026 (via email)
• Selected riders must register online: no later than March 16th 2026
The Organization reserves the right not to admit or reject any application, at any time.
Applications/Entries are accepted by the Organization on the basis of the double crite-ria of Team/Rider. The right to register is limited to the accepted rider within the se-lected category and the accepted Team’s structure during a given season. Whether the accepted rider wishes to move to a different team, or change the previously se-lected category, or the accepted team wishes to substitute the rider, changes are only permitted if previously approved by the Organization. In any of these cases, additional entry fees may apply.
The Organization reserves the right not to organize a category. In such a case, the ap-plications of that category that eventually is cancelled by the Organization will be fully reimbursed using the same payment method used to pay the application fee.
The Organization reserves the right to split one of the categories into two groups.
Applicants entering the FIM Moto3 Jr WCh, Moto2 ECh, and Stock EChcategories must pay an application fee of 50% of the total entry fee (VAT included). Applications not paid by 25th January 2026 will not be considered. You can check the season entry fees here.
Momoven Moto4 EC applicants are not required make any advance payment, and the application form is sufficient for their application to be considered.
For further information about application conditions for the 2026 season, click here.
Applications, and future registrations of accepted riders, shall always belong to the person or company (“the owner”) to whom the registration invoice has been issued, as per the data provided in the registration form. That means that the owner is the only one entitled to request changes on the application/registration, as well as the one obliged to inform about those changes to the Organization.
In case of vacancies, the Organization will contact those candidates that have not been included on the first list of selected riders.
For further clarifications, please contact us at [email protected] or call us at +34 91 782 02 20.
Elisa Gendron Belén during a 2025 Twins Cup race. Photo courtesy Bruce Gendron.
New Hartford, NY — Elisa Gendron Belén is set to return to the national stage for the 2026 MotoAmerica season, competing in the highly competitive SC-Project Twins Cup aboard her 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R, fielded by BGB Racing.
The 2026 season marks Elisa’s second year in the Twins Cup class and her fourth consecutive season as a full-time professional road racer, continuing a steady progression through the MotoAmerica paddock. Her GSX-8R will once again be expertly prepared by Karns Performance, providing a strong technical foundation as she builds on the experience gained during her rookie Twins Cup campaign.
“Elisa has shown consistent growth as a racer, both on and off the track,”said the BGB Racing team.“With a full season of Twins Cup experience behind her, 2026 is about taking the next step forward and competing deeper into the field.”
Elisa’s 2026 effort is supported by a dedicated group of partners, including:
• Bison Leathers
• Charlie’s Chop Shop
• Certified Knee Draggers
• EvolveGT Track Days
• N2 Track Days
• Ruts to Racelines
• New York Safety Track
• Belén Dental
• NG Brakes
• Meck’s Autobody
• Woodcraft
Off the track, Elisa continues to distinguish herself academically. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management and has recently completed her MBA, both earned from St. John Fisher University—a rare combination of elite-level racing and advanced business education that positions her well for a long-term career in motorsports.
With proven determination, strong technical support, and a growing base of partners, Elisa Gendron Belén enters the 2026 MotoAmerica season focused on performance, consistency, and continued development in one of the championship’s most competitive classes.
For updates throughout the season, follow Elisa Gendron Belén and BGB Racing on social media and at MotoAmerica events nationwide.
The second day of the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championshipprivate test at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto saw improving conditions, giving teams and riders a better opportunity to evaluate machinery and gather data ahead of a second private test at Portimao on January 28-29. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) made his first appearance of the season count, topping the timesheets with a 1’39.331.
Key points from Day 2
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona both made strong impressions. Bulega dominated with a 1’39.331, the fastest lap of the session, while Lecuona steadily improved in his second outing, finishing sixth fastest with a 1’39.979 over 26 laps despite a minor crash at Turn 5.
Nicolo Bulega at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati):
“For the first test, it wasn’t so bad, honestly, but the weather was a problem. The track had a lot of wet patches, so it wasn’t very useful, I only managed 20 laps. The last time I rode a bike before winter was a MotoGP, so I used these laps to get the feeling of the Superbike back. My first impression of the new Ducati is good; I already tried it here last October. It feels positive, but it’s still a new bike, so we need to keep going and do more laps.”
Alex Lowes (22) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna
Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) showed competitive speed aboard the KB998 Rimini. Lowes finished second with a 1’39.450, just 0.119s off Bulega, completing 16 laps. Bassani finished seventh in 1’40.069, contributing valuable feedback to the 2026 programme.
Xavi Vierge (97) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna
Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) delivered the top Yamaha performance with a 1’39.770, finishing third and completing 34 laps focused on consistency and setup.
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) rounded out the top four with a 1’39.811, improving steadily over 27 laps and working on early-season baseline checks.
Danilo Petrucci (9) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna
ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team focused on development. Miguel Oliveira (1’40.447) and Danilo Petrucci (1’40.823) completed 29 and 19 laps respectively, gathering crucial early-season data on the new M 1000 RR. Test rider Michael van der Mark added extra mileage with 45 laps, finishing fifth fastest in 1’39.836 and supporting BMW’s refinement of both race and development setups.
Lorenzo Baldassarri (34) at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna
Other notable performers: Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) showed strong pace on his new ZX-10RR, finishing 11th in 1’40.445. Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) continued Honda’s winter development programme, ending 13th in 1’40.450 across 29 laps. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) ended the day 23rd with a 1’41.772 over 43 laps. Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) also made his WorldSBK testing debut, completing his first laps on the Ducati Panigale V4R.
Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup confirms more teams, reveals weekend format, and opens ticket sales.
Niti Racing join the ranks, the majority of rounds are confirmed to race on Saturday and Sunday, and sales open for exclusive fan ticket packages.
The inaugural Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is coming in 2026. As the countdown continues, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP™ can announce some exciting new milestones for the inaugural season of the competition: a new team, the weekend format, and exclusive ticket packages for all six rounds of the 2026 championship.
PROVISIONAL GRID CONTINUES TO GROW: new team added
Harley-Davidson has confirmed an agreement with Niti Racing (Indonesia), who join previously announced teams Saddlemen Race Development (USA), Cecchini Racing Garage (Italy), and Joe Rascal Racing (Australia) on the provisional entry list.
Niti Racing enters the Bagger World Cup as Indonesia’s first team on the MotoGP™ stage, introducing a bold new identity to global motorsport. Built on a strong foundation of national racing development and professional team operations, Niti Racing represents Indonesia’s ambition to compete, grow, and lead on the international stage. Blending Indonesian/national heritage with modern racing excellence, Niti Racing brings fresh energy, global vision, and long-term commitment to the future of world motorcycle racing.
In a further boost for the inaugural season, Joe Rascal Racing has received approval to expand its entry from two to three riders, further strengthening the overall grid for the debut season.
“With the addition of Niti Racing, and the approval of a third rider for Joe Rascal Racing, the provisional entry list now stands at four teams and nine riders,” said Jeffrey Schuessler, Global Director of Racing Programs at Harley-Davidson. “This gives us a strong and competitive foundation for year one, and with ongoing discussions involving additional teams, we’re encouraged by the level of global interest as we continue to build the series in a structured and sustainable way.”
A provisional rider line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.
PROVISIONAL WEEKEND FORMAT: Saturday-Sunday schedule revealed for most rounds
The next exciting reveal is the schedule, with the majority of the season set to follow a Saturday-Sunday race format. The Italian Grand Prix at Mugello is the exception.
At the United States, Netherlands, Great Britain, Aragón, and Austria Grand Prix, the weekend will follow a three-day format:
Friday: Free Practice 1 (FP1) and Free Practice 2 (FP2)
Saturday: Qualifying sessions around midday, followed by Race 1 in the afternoon, scheduled immediately after the MotoGP™ Tissot Sprint
Sunday: Race 2, held either in the morning or afternoon depending on the event
At the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, a modified format will apply:
Friday: FP1, FP2, and Qualifying
Saturday: Bagger World Cup Race 1 and Race 2
EXCLUSIVE TICKET PACKAGES: sales now open
For fans counting down the days, dedicated Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup ticket packages are now available for all six events on the inaugural calendar, offering fans exclusive access and premium experiences throughout.
Each ticket package includes:
Access to a Harley-Davidson branded grandstand
Dedicated motorcycle parking
Helmet and jacket storage (subject to availability)
Exclusive Harley-Davidson Fan Pack
Access to the paddock and team garages
Access to the MotoGP™ and all new Harley-Davidson Fan Zone
Pricing and availability can be found on each respective Grand Prix page:
Ai Ogura on the left and Raul Fernandez on the right. Photo courtesy Trackhouse
The team’s 2026 presentation reveals an updated Trackhouse livery and the return of the iconic Gulf colours this season.
American MotoGP team Trackhouse has revealed two new liveries for 2026! One is its own livery design, updated for the season ahead, and the other the iconic livery for its partner Gulf – the colours that will run on both Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26 bikes at the season opener in Thailand, raced by MotoGP race winner Raul Fernandez and sophomore contender Ai Ogura.
Ai Ogura on the left and Raul Fernandez on the right. Photo courtesy Trackhouse
The updated Trackhouse livery retains its house colors, inspired by the Trackhouse Racing organisation’s blue, black and dayglo yellow base palette, with some little updates for 2026 – and with some variations during the season.
The Gulf colours, meanwhile, will be on track in Thailand and then again at the second round in Brazil. Then they break cover again at the Italian GP at Mugello, in Lombok as the team return to the scene of their first Sprint podium, and finally at Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix – five rounds in total.
Trackhouse take on their third MotoGP season in 2026. Now Grand Prix winners after Raul Fernandez took that stunning win in Australia last year, there’s plenty to get excited about looking ahead – hear from the riders, Team Principal Davide Brivio and Team Owner and Founder Justin Marks as they gear up for another campaign in the most exciting sport on Earth!
Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Trackhouse
Raul Fernandez: “Our great results at the end of year were the consequence of the work we did during the season. Having an incredible team, Davide and Justin behind us is the key to having a family on track. My training this winter was pretty much the same as last year, but the thing I would like to change is the result of the test as I crashed during the test in Malaysia last year and was injured. But now, I feel fully fit and ready to start the season. I like the new liveries a lot, especially, the Trackhouse one as with more carbon parts it looks a little bit more aggressive and I just love the Gulf colors which I cannot wait to start the season with, in Thailand. We are going to look great on track. Anyway, the important thing is that the bike can be fast on track and for this year, I think we have to be really focused on ourselves and not think too much about the results. The results are the consequences of the work we are doing. We have to be focused on what we can control and need to improve each day to be competitive. I want to enjoy racing like I did in the last rounds of 2025 and I’m sure then the results will come.”
Ai Ogura (79). Photo courtesy Trackhouse
Ai Ogura: “I think our GULF livery is really cool. It matches well with my personal color because my favorite color is blue. I actually like both our designs and can’t wait to go out on track with them both! For 2026, I think I can be a bit more confident on the bike. After I experienced my rookie season in MotoGP everything is hopefully a bit more under control this year. We’ll see how it goes but the first test is going to be very important as, for sure, one of the big targets this season will be the grid positions. Last season we could be competitive during the race but the grid position has usually not been the best and we really need to work on that, especially during the test days. I’m sure we can improve our starting positions a bit and hopefully we can be better at most races. I don’t have a specific target for 2026, but I want to do my best in all the races – that is the target.”
From left to right with Ai Ogura, Davide Brivio and Raul Fernandez. Photo courtesy Trackhouse
Davide Brivio, Team Principal of Trackhouse MotoGP Team:“Our bikes are beautiful. First of all, GULF is the iconic color that all motorsport fans love. We are very excited to be able, again, to use these iconic colors for five races this season. Then the new Trackhouse livery – our corporate Trackhouse colors – are a bit blacker, more aggressive. Overall, we’re excited about both liveries.
“Speaking about the riders, all the paddock has been talking for many years about how talented Raul is and what a strong rider he can be and I think last year, he was able to show it, to translate his talent into results. Last year, we had a difficult start but once he started to be in the top 10 he just kept going, arriving to the win towards the end of the season. It tells me that Raul gets confidence when the results come and I hope, with the end of season we had last year, there is going to be another big step in his confidence in ‘26. The talent is there, the potential is there and if he’s confident and convinced of his potential, we can be there.
“We have been very happy with Ai’s season last year. It was supposed to be a year where he had to learn and understand MotoGP and I think this is what he has done. Of course, he has also been able to show great performance, especially in the first race but, honestly, through the season we have always seen him very competitive in the races, analyzing lap times and most of the time, very fast at the end of the race. We definitely have to improve Qualifying, as it’s becoming more and more important in MotoGP. When you start on the first rows, the weekend goes completely different. For sure, this is one area to work on this year – if we can start nearer the front, with our competitiveness, I’m sure we can do something good.
“The goal is to improve what we have done last year. Raul finished inside the top 10 but just in 10th place so, first of all, we should get both riders in the top 10 and be able to hopefully score some podiums. We have to be ready, we have to be there and when the opportunity comes, just take it. We know it’s very difficult but, I’m sure that we can have some good weekends through the season.”
Justin Marks, Founder & Owner, Trackhouse Entertainment Group: “This is the start of year three for the USA’s only premier class team in the modern era and one that has seen us grow in stature, experience and recognition for our performance on track and our global fanbase which grows daily across North America and all points of the world. Last season the Trackhouse Team found speed and success. Raul scored his first MotoGP podium with our beautiful Gulf colors in the Indonesia Sprint race. Next time out, he podiumed again on Sprint Saturday on Phillip Island and went even better on Sunday, taking his first premier class victory to lift the Australian winner’s trophy and give Trackhouse its first MotoGP win in only our second season in the championship.
“Trackhouse is an organization that believes in young talent and that meant we were very happy to capture the 2024 Moto2 World Champion, Ai Ogura. This measured deep thinking kid from Japan has raw speed and all the makings of a future premier class winner. He was not far off at his very first MotoGP race with a fourth place finish and despite some heavy crashes through his rookie campaign he showed that he’s a fast learner and has the pace and ability to be a front runner soon.
“Now with the taste of victory in MotoGP we are so hungry for more and I cannot be more excited with our season to come in MotoGP with Raul and Ai and the NASCAR with Ross, Shane and our leader’s rookie, Connor Zilisch. As an elite level motorsport organization we are racing with world class partners. In NASCAR and MotoGP Trackhouse is carving new stories with every one of our partners and today you have seen the incredible 2026 color scheme of our Gulf bike.
“As a kid I grew up loving these colors on the Ford GT40s and the Porsche 917s at the Le Mans 24 hour race. Even more when Steve McQueen – the coolest of them all – immortalized Gulf in the movie theaters. Now to have five races in the coming MotoGP season with both our bikes running Gulf colors it’s a dream come true and we are honored, grateful and excited to be racing with them through 2026.
“I truly believe our teams are capable of great success in the coming eleven months, both on four wheels and two wheels. I cannot wait for us to get underway in Thailand for round one of the MotoGP World Championship. Thank you for all your great support. We are hungry for more success and taking you with us when Raul and Ai get on track with these awesome Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26’s.”
Trackhouse Entertainment Group is a front-running force in America’s premier stockcar series, the NASCAR CUP. Having started with a single car entry in 2021, Trackhouse Racing now fields three cars in the series and has, to date, visited Victory Lane fourteen times. In 2026, they prepare for their third season in MotoGP – aiming even higher after taking their first MotoGP Grand Prix win last season.
Come back for more from testing as we head out on track at Sepang and then join us for the season opener from the 27th of February to the 1st of March in Buriram!
Scott Russell's 1993 World Superbike Championship-winning Kawasaki sold for $70,000. Photo from Iconic Motorbike Auctions.
First Person/Opinion:
by Michael Gougis
Comedian Doug Stanhope (one of my all-time favorites) did one of the best sendups I’ve ever heard of something that seemingly every law enforcement agency does, or at least did on a regular basis when I was a daily newspaper and Associated Press reporter. In his “True Stories of The Highway Patrol” routine, Stanhope talks about a hypothetical traffic stop where officers seize two marijuana seeds, calculate the number of plants that could be grown from those seeds, and estimate the value of the seizure in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Point is, in my experience, law enforcement agencies routinely overestimate the value of items they seize. And I’ve been ruminating on that ever since the operation that unearthed a trove of motorcycles in Mexico connected to fugitive Ryan Wedding. An FBI statement said that 62 machines were recovered with an estimated value of $40 million.
OK, time for some math. That means each motorcycle in that collection has to be worth a little more than $645,000. And a quick review of some motorcycle auction sites and a bit of internet research quickly brings the estimated value of the collection into question.
Let’s start with what we can actually put a price tag on. About two-thirds of the way into the grid of motorcycles in the main photo released by the FBI appear to be a couple of Kawasaki ZX-7 racebikes. If the competition numbers on the fairings of the machines are correct, at least one of them appears to be the machine Scott Russell rode to the WorldSBK title and/or one that Doug Chandler rode to the AMA Superbike Championship. We know exactly what those are worth: $70,000 each, because they sold at auction in 2022 for that amount. Not exactly cheap, but nowhere near $645,000.
There’s a Ducati Supermono singles racebike in the photo. Assuming it’s genuine, it’s a sweet machine and definitely collectible. There were only 67 of them made. Still, in 2022, one sold at auction for $165,760. Again, nowhere near $645,000.
Those machines are the ones with provenance that can be traced and verified. When it gets to many of the other machines in the collection, things get a lot less certain.
This Nicky Hayden tribute Ducati Desmosedici GP8 sold at auction for $288,000. Photo from RM Sotheby’s.
Former Grand Prix and British Superbike racer Taylor Mackenzie (son of famous racer Niall Mackenzie) did an analysis of one of the bikes seized, a 125cc Grand Prix bike with the number of nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi on it. In a video on his YouTube channel, Mackenzie points out that the colors on the seized bike are different that the colors of the bikes Rossi actually raced. So is it a Rossi racebike? Maybe, maybe not. There are a lot of replicas, rebuilds, and bitsa bikes for sale on the auction circuit. A tribute to MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden Ducati recently sold for $288,000 at auction. The bike, a Desmosedici GP8, was dismantled when purchased from Ducati in 2010 and was re-assembled with a chassis from the middle of the 2008 season, unused engine crankcases, a “race-used” Hayden fuel tank and “other Hayden and original Ducati MotoGP parts, all being acquired at the same time in 2010,” the auction site states.
In this collection, there are a number of machines that appear to be 500cc two-stroke V-Four racebikes from the 1980s. Again, depending on the provenance, a quick Google search says that such machines would sell for between $85,000 and $250,000. The highest priced two-stroke Grand Prix machine sold at auction in recent years was a 1997 Honda NSR500V, the twin-cylinder Honda produced to prop up the grids with a racebike that privateers could afford. It was never started, still had the original plastic shipping plastic covers on the carburetors, and had a ton of documentation. It sold at auction last year for $267,000. It was billed as the highest price ever paid for a Japanese motorcycle sold at auction.
A Ducati GP10 ridden to the MotoGP win in Australia by Casey Stoner. Photo from RM Sotheby’s.
It is possible, of course, that individual machines could have changed hands between private parties for more money. But when it comes to public sales, thevintagent.com tracks public auction sales of motorcycles, and on its list of most expensive motorcycles sold at auctions, the highest-priced modern road racing machine is a 2010 Ducati GP10 CS1 ridden by two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner to victory at Philip Island and to multiple podium finishes. It came with a certificate of authenticity from Ducati Corse and documented history. It sold for about $320,000 in Monaco in 2012. Just beneath that on the list is a 2011 Ducati Desmosedici GP11 VR2, ridden by Rossi to a third-place finish at Le Mans, again with a certificate of authenticity from Ducati Corse. It sold for $312,500 in the same auction as the Stoner bike. It appears very similar to one of the seized machines, although it is impossible to say with 100 percent certainty that it is the same bike. The point is that MotoGP machines of this vintage sold for far less than that $645,000 that each machine would have to sell for to get to that $40 million mark.
Ex-Valentino Rossi factory Ducati GP11. Photo from RM Sotheby’s.
There are more modern MotoGP machines in the collection, with the liveries of Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Iannone. These are harder to get a handle on in terms of value, but it is noteworthy that one of Dovizioso’s machines recently went up for auction. It was one of his Desmosedici GP19 racebikes, the one he rode to wins in Qatar and Austria, and it was authenticated by Ducati Corse. Unusually, it was offered in full running order, with a starter and original factory electronics. In many cases, when a MotoGP bike is sold, the factory removes the ECU. It was expected to get at least $671,000 at auction, but the auction site where it was listed says the bike failed to sell. Aleix Espargaro is selling his 2020 Aprilia RS-GP, complete with electronics but requiring some factory assistance to get it running. It comes straight from Espargaro, who got it from the factory, and it comes with leathers, boots, helmet and gloves used by Espargaro in races in 2020. Due up for auction in February, the sale price estimate is $404,000 to $540,000.
A 2019 Ducati GP19 ridden by Andrea Dovizioso to race wins and second in the MotoGP World Championship in 2019 was offered for auction last year and did not sell. Photo from Iconic Auctioneers.
Is there the possibility that there are one or two extremely rare, valuable machines among the seized bikes that are worth several million on their own? Nothing’s impossible, but we can perhaps get some perspective from over in the car world. Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s F1W04-04 2013 Mercedes AMG-Petronas F1 W04 sold at auction in 2023. It is a race-winning car in Hamilton’s hands, the third-most expensive Grand Prix car ever sold behind two vintage Mercedes racers from the 1950s, and – here’s the real kicker – the only Mercedes F1 car ever “to be sold outside of the Mercedes organization,” the auction website states. Hamilton was 22nd on the list of highest-paid athletes in 2025, with an estimated income of $80 million, and was named the world’s most marketable athlete in 2025 in SportsPro’s marketability rankings – and not for the first time.
And that car sold for $18.8 million.
Again, not cheap, but think of the level of fame of its racer and the scarcity of the vehicle. To even think of getting into the multi-million dollar level for a bike, it seems, it would take something like owning the only Honda or Yamaha factory MotoGP or 500cc Grand Prix racebike in private hands, one that Marquez or Rossi rode to at least one race win, one with an indisputable pedigree, if Marquez or Rossi also were anywhere near as popular as Hamilton, and motorcycle road racing was as popular as Formula One.
Maybe, somewhere, there’s someone who would spend that kind of money on a single collectible racebike, but there’s no evidence of that happening in the world of publicly traded motorcycles. Again, according to thevintagent.com, the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction traded hands for $1.32 million.
Valuing a historic racing machine always comes down to one thing in the end – how much will someone actually pay for it? And if the bike isn’t for sale, then its value is an educated guess at best. But based on historic data for actual sales on similar machines (or, in some cases, maybe the actual racebikes seized), it’s really, really hard to see how the motorcycles in the photo released by law enforcement are worth anywhere near $40 million.
American Garrett Gerloff (31) finished 14th during the Jerez test. Photo courtesy Dorna
Back in action: WorldSBK grid gathers in Jerez for first private test of 2026.
The 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season officially got underway at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, as teams and riders returned for the first private test of the year. Persistent rain throughout the day significantly limited track time, with 2025 runner-up Nicolo Bulega (Aruba Racing Ducati) choosing not to venture out on track. Even so, the session allowed teams to carry out initial baseline checks, assess new working structures, and begin early evaluation work ahead of the season opener in Australia next month.
Day 1 results:
1. Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’52.976
2. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +1.218s
3. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +1.284s
Productive running in difficult conditions saw Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) make the most of the day, setting a best lap of 1’52.976 to top the timesheets at the end of Day 1.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy Dorna
Early laps of the new season came for Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) as the Portuguese rider continued his adaptation to the BMW M 1000 RR during a rain-affected opening day, completing 31 laps and finishing third overall.
Stefano Manzi (62). Photo courtesy Dorna
Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was quick to settle into his programme, running consistently before conditions worsened later in the session and concluding the day in fourth position.
Jake Dixon (96). Photo courtesy Dorna
Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) continued his familiarisation programme on the CBR1000RR-R, completing steady mileage in challenging conditions and ending Day 1 ninth overall.
Pata Maxus Yamaha focused on groundwork and early data collection, with Andrea Locatelli finishing seventh and Xavi Vierge placing 12th at the end of the opening day.
Alvaro Bautista (19). Photo courtesy Dorna
Wearing his new colours, Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) worked through initial set-up evaluation during the first private test of 2026, concluding the day eighth fastest.
Xavi Fores (12). Photo courtesy Dorna
Development work continued for bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, with Axel Bassani and test rider Xavi Fores sharing track time on the KB998 Rimini.
Exterior view of the Kathedral Event Center in Hammonton, New Jersey.
Due to the impending snow storm this weekend, the combined ASRA Atlantic Region and NJMiniGP awards banquet has been postponed from January 24th to February 21st.
The banquet will now take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, still at The Kathedral Event Center at 499 S. Egg Harbor Rd., Hammonton, NJ 08037.
Interior view of the Kathedral Event Center set up for the 2024 ASRA Awards Banquet.
We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding. All other details (time, program, dress code, etc.) remain the same.
Mark your calendars and get ready for a wonderful evening of celebration, fellowship, and recognition!
NEW DATE NJMINIGP + ASRA ATLANTIC REGION BANQUET FEBRUARY 21
Join us at the Kathedral Event Center for dinner, awards banquet, and more.
Fabio Quartararo (20) and Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team officially launched their 2026 campaign today at a spectacular event in Indonesia, marking the beginning of Yamaha’s V4 era. The presentation introduced the refreshed team colour scheme and showcased the completely redesigned YZR-M1.
Today, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team commenced a new era for Yamaha to the great excitement of the motorsports industry, media, and fans. The team presentation was part of Yamaha Motor Indonesia’s 3S Dealer Meeting, the largest Yamaha dealer meeting in the world, held at the InterContinental Jakarta in Indonesia. The popular event was the perfect occasion for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team to introduce its 2026 line-up and unveil the all-new 2026 M1, including its updated livery.
From left to right with, Fabio Quartararo (20), Takahiro Sumi, Massimo Meregalli, Paolo Pavesio and Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Takahiro Sumi, General Manager of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.’s Motor Sports Development Division & President of Yamaha Motor Racing and Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Principal of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP highlighted the remarkable achievement of developing the new V4-powered YZR-M1 in parallel with racing in 2025 – an unprecedented challenge in the modern MotoGP era. To achieve such an ambitious target, they also underlined the importance of seamless alignment between Japan and Italy and the creation of an environment where specialists coming from diverse backgrounds can perform at their best.
Massimo Meregalli, Sport Manager of Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Director of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPlater added that the focus in 2026 will be on extracting performance and building consistency weekend after weekend while getting acquainted with the new machine, with positive results expected to follow as a consequence of getting the fundamentals right.
This spirit of unity and shared purpose extends beyond the Yamaha Family to Yamaha’s long-standing partnerships. Throughout 2026, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team can once again rely on team Title Sponsor Monster Energy Company‘s full support. Yamaha’s global alliance with Monster Energy is built on a shared vision of racing as a unique way to communicate to fans worldwide the spirit of challenge that connects the two corporations. This strong relationship, which started more than a decade ago, embraces most of Yamaha racing efforts – from MXGP to SX up to MotoGP – and it is reflected in the iconic Monster claw branding that in 2026 features prominently again on the team logo, uniforms, and bikes.
Fabio Quartararo (20) and Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP management was later joined on stage by Factory riders Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins, who had the honour of unveiling their 2026 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1s. Clearly excited by the passionate crowd and the brand-new bike, the teammates shared their thoughts on 2026 preseason testing and their expectations for the upcoming season.
The 2026 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bike livery retains the characteristic camouflage theme, but the livery is refreshed by more blue and white than in previous years. Additionally, a new important logo appears on the M1: that of the new Official Logistics Partner DP World, a Dubai-headquartered global logistics provider and port/terminal operator, employing more than 100,000 people worldwide and handling around 10% of the world‘s container trade. The new partnership will be officially launched in Dubai soon at a dedicated event planned on 26 January.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Fabio Quartararo was crowned World Champion in 2021 with Yamaha, and he enters his eighth season with the Iwata-based manufacturer this year. He remains a solid fan favourite thanks to his unique talent as well as his friendly persona. However, once his visor is down, the charming Frenchman turns into a speed demon, and his hunger for success has never been bigger. He spent the start of 2026 training around the clock and is ready to take on the busy upcoming season with the help of crew chief Diego Gubellini.
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Having made his Yamaha debut in 2024, the experienced Álex Rins remains a key asset to the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team in 2026. He is determined to quickly gain confidence with his new 2026 YZR-M1 and push it to the limit to get Yamaha back to the front, supported by crew chief David Muñoz.
The upcoming MotoGP season will be an intense one, currently projected to count 22 GP rounds and 44 races, with the MotoGP race weekends featuring a MotoGP Sprint on the Saturday and a MotoGP Race on the Sunday.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team take this opportunity to sincerely thank their numerous long-standing Official Sponsors and Official Partners for their enthusiasm for motorcycle Grand Prix racing.
OFFICIAL SPONSORS
• Monster Energy Corporation
• DP World (also Official Logistics Partner)
• Eneos Corporation
• Yamalube
• Macron (also Official Clothing Supplier)
• Akrapovič
• Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing
• Blue Core
• Roboze
• BLU CRU
• SIEMENS
• BMC Air Filters
• REEVO
• Debem
• Gilles Tooling
• RCB
• Pont Grup
• Alpinestars
• DID
• Beta
• Capit
• NGK Spark Plugs
• Total Energies (also Official Sustainable Fuel Supplier)
• Yamaha Corporation (Yamaha Music)
• Michelin
OFFICIAL PARTNERS
• Alpinestars
• Zeiss
• Blinkfire
• Toyota Material Handling
• Hygenia
• RCM
• Airbank
• Beta
HOSPITALITY PARTNERS
• Mokador
• Ca’ dei Frati
TAKAHIRO SUMI General Manager, Motor Sports Development Division, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. & President of Yamaha Motor Racing:
“2026 marks the start of Yamaha’s V4 era, and it’s an exciting chapter – but it demands discipline, data, and dedication from everyone involved: our Factory in Japan, Yamaha Motor Racing in Italy, the Factory Teams, and our Test Team. Last year’s parallel development of three platforms gave us the foundation for this year, so we can now focus on growing the 2026 M1 powered by the new V4 engine while continuing to work on the 2027 prototype.
“We’ve already seen encouraging signs: improved braking stability, better acceleration potential, and a more consistent feeling over long runs. Success early on in the season will not be measured just based on results: every lap adds knowledge that will propel us forward. Our focus for 2026 is centred on accelerating development speed and ensuring seamless integration between design, testing, and racing. We strive to consistently gain momentum – the results will follow.”
PAOLO PAVESIO – Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Principal, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
“2026 is crucial because it accelerates Yamaha’s transformation. It’s phase two of our Blue Shift plan. The new M1 we’ve just introduced gives us far more development margin than before. I am envisioning a season during which we will grow our understanding of the new bike and our performance lap by lap, race by race.
“Indonesia is the perfect place to start this new chapter. It’s home to one of the most passionate motorcycling communities in the world: here we have our bigger racing fan base and, of course, this is a key market for Yamaha. Hosting the team launch alongside the YIMM 3S Dealer Meeting underlines the importance of this region to Yamaha’s vision. The energy and enthusiasm here inspire us and strengthen our commitment to a big upcoming challenge and a long MotoGP season, counting again 22 rounds in total.
“I also want to highlight the partnerships that fuel our journey. Monster Energy has been a trusted force alongside Yamaha for more than a decade across multiple racing disciplines. In MotoGP, they became our title sponsor in 2019 – a milestone announced right here in Jakarta. This partnership is built on a shared love of racing and pushing the level of performance to the limit, and together we will strive to make many more unforgettable moments.
“We are also proud to welcome DP World as a new partner. Their world-leading logistics expertise will help us simplify operations and enable performance with absolute precision. DP World’s presence signals ambition and momentum – qualities that perfectly align with Yamaha’s fast-moving MotoGP project as well as other classes, which is something we‘ll cover in more detail during next week‘s DP World x Yamaha event held in Dubai.
“Last but not least, I cannot wait to see Fabio and Álex riding the new bike in Sepang in less than a couple of weeks. The first test is always special because it is the moment when all the work done over the winter comes together, but with a completely new project this preseason is even more special!”
MASSIMO MEREGALLI – Sport Manager, Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
“Unveiling this new 2026 bike is a special moment because it represents months of hard work from many people – in the garage and back in Japan. This year, the biggest change is technical: we start with a completely new project, and that, for sure, will create an exciting atmosphere inside the garage, especially at the upcoming tests and the opening round. There will be a steep but interesting learning curve, and everyone – mechanics, engineers, riders – will be pushing in the same direction from day one.”
FABIO QUARTARARO – Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
“I am ready to start riding again! The team launch is always the moment that the energy and enthusiasm for the new season builds – and you couldn’t ask for a better and more supportive crowd than the Indonesian fans. It’s exciting to start this new chapter. The V4 engine is a big change, and I can’t wait to feel how it will develop on track. I think also the fans and the media are very curious. I’ve been training hard all winter, so I’m ready to give it my all. Indonesia is the perfect place to kick things off because the fans here are incredible. As always, I will do everything I can to make them proud!”
ÁLEX RINS – Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
“First of all, it’s always nice to visit Indonesia. The fans here are really something special. Last year I gained momentum at the end of the season – with the Indonesian GP probably being the best weekend of all. Kicking off the season with the team presentation here in Jakarta, I feel super motivated. I want to carry this energy that I got from today’s launch with the fans into the 2026 season. The new bike gives us more development opportunities, and that’s highly motivating too. There will be a lot of work ahead of us, but I can’t wait. I’ve worked hard during the off-season to be ready from the first test. It’s a new era for Yamaha, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Corey Alexander (23) leading Deion Campbell (194) and Bryce Kornbau (1) in The Shootout. Photo by CaliPhotography.
Over 200 racers from far and wide gathered again in the California Desert for awesome racing and perfect weather. With the rest of the country covered in snow and ice, Chuckwalla was the place to be if you like going fast on a motorcycle, as the hundreds of racers who attend round four can confirm.
Friday practice offered lots of quality track time for racers to come up to speed. Also on Friday, the New Racer School graduated eight riders who earned their racing licenses and will be joining the club’s amateur ranks.
Saturday Qualifying
Saturday morning qualifying was fast and furious with some of the fastest riders from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico on track. Conditions were perfect with cool air to help the bikes makepower and sunshine to warm the track surface.
The fastest of all in Saturday morning qualifying, David Anthony topped the field of open-class bikes, turning a blistering 1:44.364 lap time.
Brenden Ketelesen was fastest on a middleweight, turning a 1:44.807 lap time.
Gio Alvarez was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:50.738 lap time.
Sawyer Lafayette was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:54.587 lap time.
Joel Ohman was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:50.011 lap time.
Owen Williams (13), leading Brenden Ketelesen (144), and Alexander Enriquez (12) at the start of the Middleweight Shootout. Photo by CaliPhotography
Saturday Races
Saturday’s standout racers included Joel Ohman winning both races in the rapidly growing CVMA Hooligans Class.
Sawyer Lafayette won two races on his ultralightweight class bike and went on to set a new lap record on that bike Sunday.
Sunday Shootouts
In the premier race of the day, The Shootout, Cory Alexander (Ducati Panigale V4) got the holeshot and was first into turn one. At the end of the first lap, Alexander led, followed by Deion Campbell (Yamaha YZF-R1), and Nick Ciling (Yamaha YZF-R1). Technical issues during qualifying prevented Bryce Kornbau (Yamaha YZF-R1M) from recording a timed lap. Because of this, Kornbau started the race from the back of the grid. However, by the end of the second lap Kornbau had worked his way to third position. Throughout the race, Kornbau worked to close the gap to the two leaders, Alexander and Campbell. Alexander and Campbell ran nose to tail the entire race, with Campbell pressing Alexander but never able to mount a challenge for the lead. At the finish, it was Alexander for the win, Campbell second, and Kornbau a close third.
Brenden Ketelesen celebrating his win in the Middleweight Shootout. Photo by CaliPhotography
The Middleweight Shootout started with Owen Williams leading into turn one on his Suzuki GSX-R750. At the end of the first lap Williams was leading, followed by Brenden Ketelesen (Kawasaki ZX-6R) and Alexander Enriquez (Suzuki GSX-R750). On the second lap, Ketelesen would make a brave pass on Williams at the end of the back straight into turn ten. Enriquez would also pass Williams on the penultimate lap to set the finishing order. At the stripe on the last lap, Ketelesen was first, Enriquez second, and Williams third.
Next Round. Bring your sweetheart to our next round on Valentine’s Day weekend, 2/14-2/15.
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 tochoose 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 Friday before 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, RoadRace City/Bridgestone, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, 2 Fast Track Days, Statewide Services Inc., LapSnap
NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop
JuniorGP Race Start at Estoril in 2025. Photo courtesy JuniorGP.
Prospective competitors can apply for 2026 entries for the FIM MotoJunior World Championship in the following categories: FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship, Moto2 European Championship, Stock European Championship, and Momoven Moto4 European Cup.
Key dates:
• Applications close: 26th January 2026
• Confirmation of selected riders: no later than February 16th 2026 (via email)
• Selected riders must register online: no later than March 16th 2026
The Organization reserves the right not to admit or reject any application, at any time.
Applications/Entries are accepted by the Organization on the basis of the double crite-ria of Team/Rider. The right to register is limited to the accepted rider within the se-lected category and the accepted Team’s structure during a given season. Whether the accepted rider wishes to move to a different team, or change the previously se-lected category, or the accepted team wishes to substitute the rider, changes are only permitted if previously approved by the Organization. In any of these cases, additional entry fees may apply.
The Organization reserves the right not to organize a category. In such a case, the ap-plications of that category that eventually is cancelled by the Organization will be fully reimbursed using the same payment method used to pay the application fee.
The Organization reserves the right to split one of the categories into two groups.
Applicants entering the FIM Moto3 Jr WCh, Moto2 ECh, and Stock EChcategories must pay an application fee of 50% of the total entry fee (VAT included). Applications not paid by 25th January 2026 will not be considered. You can check the season entry fees here.
Momoven Moto4 EC applicants are not required make any advance payment, and the application form is sufficient for their application to be considered.
For further information about application conditions for the 2026 season, click here.
Applications, and future registrations of accepted riders, shall always belong to the person or company (“the owner”) to whom the registration invoice has been issued, as per the data provided in the registration form. That means that the owner is the only one entitled to request changes on the application/registration, as well as the one obliged to inform about those changes to the Organization.
In case of vacancies, the Organization will contact those candidates that have not been included on the first list of selected riders.
For further clarifications, please contact us at [email protected] or call us at +34 91 782 02 20.
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as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
TAKAHIRO SUMI General Manager, Motor Sports Development Division, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. & President of Yamaha Motor Racing: 
PAOLO PAVESIO – Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Principal, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
MASSIMO MEREGALLI – Sport Manager, Yamaha Motor Racing & Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
FABIO QUARTARARO – Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
ÁLEX RINS – Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP:
