Johann Zarco continues recovery and targets September return.
On Wednesday, July 1st, Johann Zarco visited doctor Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet in Lyon to assess the current condition of his knee.
After the crash in Catalunya, the initial MRI scans were performed while the knee was still heavily inflamed, making it difficult to accurately assess the full extent of the injury. As the inflammation subsided, further examinations provided a clearer picture and a more positive outlook than initially expected, with the injuries first suspected no longer confirmed. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is healing well, while the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), initially believed to be torn, is also showing encouraging signs of recovery. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), remains torn.
Over the past few weeks, the French rider had been waiting for a burn injury to heal before undergoing surgery. In the meantime, he continued training and made steady progress, making a non-surgical approach a viable option.
Following the medical team’s advice, and with doctors reporting being impressed by Johann Zarco’s progress, the rider will not undergo surgery and will instead continue with a rehabilitation programme focused on recovery and strengthening. Subject to further medical assessments, the objective is for Zarco to return to the race track in September.
The Castrol Honda LCR Team is pleased to confirm these positive developments and looks forward to seeing Johann Zarco back on track when the time comes.
Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association Livestreaming Race Weekend at Circuit of the Americas
The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) announced that this race weekend at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) will be available via livestream, giving fans around the world the opportunity to watch the action from anywhere.
The livestream will cover all race sessions over the course of the weekend allowing motorcycle racing enthusiasts who can’t make it trackside to follow every lap of the action at one of the premier road racing circuits in North America.
“This is a true grassroots effort. We want to get more Americans excited about motorsports and motorcycle racing and to do that we are making this livestream available to everyone in the country and beyond,” said Josh Bittinger of Bittinger Media Source, a RideSmart Partner.
Coverage begins on Saturday July 4th and runs through Sunday July 5th. Viewers can expect a full-scale broadcast production for the event, featuring 2 static cameras, 8 PTZ cameras, and a drone operator capturing the action from every angle of the circuit. The broadcast will also include live pit reporting from Dezrae Caldwell and Alonzo Contreres, with hosting duties handled by Josh Bittinger and AJ Pyne.
Event Details:
– Event: Moto-Texas Superbike Challenge
– Location: Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas
The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) grew out of another organization, the Central Road Racing Club (CRRC), which was incorporated in 1974. The CRRC’s founder was Lou Linden, a University of Texas law student at that time. Lou’s vision was to organize the casually structured road racing community into the intense road racing scene we have now with the CMRA.
The CMRA holds two and three-day events on weekends from February through November at tracks in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Events feature sprint races (usually 6 to 8 laps) and endurance races (teams of up to 5 riders, 4 to 8 hours long). The CMRA has race classifications for riders as young as eight years old and motorcycles from 50cc mini’s up to unlimited displacement Formula 1 machines.
CMRA events are sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). In order to participate in CMRA competition a valid AMA Membership is required.
Special emphasis is placed on family participation in the sport. Many multi-generation families enjoy participation in both on-track racing and support roles, or just sharing in the fun of the events as spectators and racing fans.
Suzuka, July 4, 2026— Endurance Moto Promoter (EMP), promoter of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) since the 2026 season, and Honda Mobilityland Corporation, organizer of the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours as well as the owner and operator of Suzuka Circuit, signed an agreement this Saturday, July 4, covering the organization of the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours for three more years, from 2027 to 2029.
First held in 1978, the Japanese event holds a special place in the Championship. It is the only EWC round staged outside Europe that offers an atmosphere found nowhere else, driven by tens of thousands of fans waving light sticks. Suzuka also remains the home circuit of reference for the Japanese manufacturers involved in endurance racing (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki).
Through this agreement, both parties share a common goal: to firmly anchor the event in the motorcycling landscape, to grow endurance racing culture in Japan and, over the long term, to strengthen interest in the discipline across both Europe and Asia.
Tsuyoshi Saito, President of Honda Mobilityland Corporation (on the left) and Claude Michy (President of EMP) on the right. Photo courtesy EWC.
Tsuyoshi Saito, President of Honda Mobilityland Corporation: “The Suzuka 8 Hours holds a unique place within the Championship. Our ambition is to build further on these strengths. As the national circuit of reference for Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki, we want to increase manufacturer participation in endurance racing and thereby help raise the value of the FIM Endurance World Championship.”
Claude Michy, President of EMP: “I was honored and proud that Honda Mobilityland Corporation agreed to join this adventure. This organization aims to increase the visibility of the Championship, strengthen its appeal and support its long-term development. We also want to involve all the manufacturers as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW and Aprilia more closely by creating a genuine space for collaboration, allowing them to build high-value activation together with us. The Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours is the flagship event of the FIM Endurance World Championship and a true showcase for the Japanese industry. I would like to thank Honda Mobilityland Corporation for its support of the FIM EWC. May this new edition be crowned with success.”
EMP, the structure bringing together the organizers of the FIM EWC rounds alongside Motul, has been promoting the EWC since the start of the 2026 season.
Bradley Ray set a blistering pace to lead the British Superbike Championship times for McAMS Yamaha, topping the Pre-Qualifying session at Snetterton by 0.474s from AJN Steelstock bimota’s Max Cook.
Ray had set the benchmark lap time early in the session, laying the gauntlet down to his rivals with a time that was just 0.078s adrift of the all-time fastest BSB lap at the Norfolk circuit.
Cook closed in the final minutes of the session, displacing reigning champion Kyle Ryde from second place as the Nitrous Coin Nitrous Competitions Racing contender completed the top three.
Leon Haslam was fourth fastest for the Moto Rapido Racing team, moving ahead of Scott Redding and the Hager PBM Racing Team, who had set the pace in the opening Free Practice session this morning.
Christian Iddon had a strong session in sixth place for the Sencat Racing Yamaha team, holding off Storm Stacey and Glenn Irwin with Danny Kent completing the top ten.
British Superbike Championship, Snetterton, Pre-Qualifying result:
“It has been a solid day; straight away in FP1 I felt comfortable. I had some discs to bed in this morning and then got into a rhythm straight away and was fast. I think maybe it is a little bit easier for me coming here on the same bike as last year, with Max and Kyle both on new bikes.
“Overall I am super happy; we made a few changes in FP2 and we went in a direction that didn’t feel that comfortable, so we went back to something that was more suited to me. There are a few areas I still want to improve for race distance more than anything and we will roll on again tomorrow!
“I was quite surprised with the lap times today, but it came quite quickly from this morning and we could get into a rhythm. It is definitely nice to end today fastest ahead of tomorrow.”
Six-Time SMX Champion and AMA Hall of Famer Jeff Stanton to Serve as Grand Marshal of RedBud National. Michigan Legend and 1989 Race Winner Makes Anticipated Homecoming.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – MX Sports Pro Racing, in partnership with RedBud MX and the Ritchie Family, has announced that six-time SMX Champion and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Stanton will serve as Grand Marshal of this Saturday’s 53rd running of the 5.11 RedBud National, which will take place on America’s 250th Anniversary, on July 4th, for Round 22 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship. The Michigan legend will make an anticipated return to his home race as the ceremonial ambassador of this weekend’s momentous fifth race of the summer Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
“Jeff Stanton is a hero to many racers and enthusiasts throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes. He was blessed with exceptional natural talent, but what set him apart was a determination and work ethic that turned into championships and built a Hall of Fame career,” said Amy Ritchie, Co-Owner of RedBud MX. “We’ve considered Jeff a member of the RedBud family for many years, but we’ve yet to celebrate him in the way he is so deserving of. Given the significance of this year’s race taking place on America’s 250th Anniversary, we felt the timing was perfect to make him our Grand Marshal and allow him to be a part of something he helped grow into one of American motocross’ biggest events.”
Stanton enjoyed a decorated racing career that saw him capture a trio of both Supercross and Pro Motocross titles over the span of eight years. While those six combined titles are easily Hall of Fame accolades, what makes them even more impressive is the fact that Stanton won each respective title consecutively. He swept the 250cc championships in both Supercross and Pro Motocross during the 1989, 1990, and 1992 seasons, which puts Stanton in elite company with Ricky Carmichael as the only riders in history to accomplish the feat on three or more occasions.
Hailing just 70 miles from RedBud, in Sherwood, Stanton managed to capture just a single victory at his home National, doing so at the 1989 event, but also never finished off the overall podium in six 250cc starts at the venue. He amassed a total of 37 career SMX wins in both 250cc and 500cc competition and also became a star on the international stage with multiple victories at the U.S. Grand Prix and a trio of Motocross of Nations triumphs with Team USA. Stanton was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000, six years after he made his final start. Today, Stanton shares his passion for off-road riding through Jeff Stanton Adventures, which is based in his home state and explores the natural beauty of Michigan as the first official “Triumph Accredited Adventure Partner” in North America. Stanton has been an ambassador for the storied British manufacturer for several years and has played a key role in Triumph’s foray into SMX competition.
The 5.11 RedBud National will take place this Saturday, July 4, with on-track action starting at 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET, followed by opening ceremonies at 9:15 a.m. PT / 12:15 p.m. ET then motos for the 250SMX Class and 450SMX Class starting at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Comprehensive live streaming coverage of the Independence Day spectacle will air exclusively on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET before coverage of the motos gets underway at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.
F.C.C. TSR Honda France secures sixth on the grid after Top 10 Trial cancellation
Honda HRC will start from pole position for Sunday’s 47th edition of the FIM Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours after Saturday’s Top 10 Trial was cancelled due to persistent rain at Suzuka Circuit.
Based on Friday’s combined qualifying results, Honda HRC secured pole position with an average lap time of 2:04.738. Following the cancellation of the Top 10 Trial, Takumi Takahashi, Jonathan Rea and Somkiat Chantra will line up first aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP #30 for Sunday’s race.
The Honda HRC riders after qualifying on pole, based on earlier sessions after Superpole was rained out, with multi-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea at left, Takumi Takahashi at center, and Somkiat Chantra at right. Photo by Kohei Hirota/Roadracingworld.com
Free practice session 2 got underway at 13:00 under cooler conditions than Friday before rain arrived towards the end of the session. Takahashi was first on track, setting the team’s fastest lap of 2:06.267 on his sixth lap. Rea followed with a personal best lap time of 2:07.354, before handing the bike over to Chantra for the final seven minutes. Chantra’s best lap time was 2:06.325, leaving Takahashi’s lap as Honda HRC’s fastest lap time and placing the team second overall in the session.
For F.C.C. TSR Honda France, free practice session 2 was dedicated to race preparation rather than setting fast lap times. The team focused on confirming the race setup across both Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP #5 machines, comparing engine and electronic settings while gathering valuable data ahead of Sunday’s eight-hour race.
With rain forecast, the riders also prioritised preserving the wet tyres for the race and planned to use Sunday’s warm-up to further refine the bike’s setup in wet conditions. Despite not chasing a fast lap, the team completed the second free practice confident in the package developed for Sunday’s race.
With the Top 10 Trial cancelled, Friday’s combined qualifying results determined the starting grid, with F.C.C. TSR Honda France securing sixth place on the grid with a qualifying time of 2:05.321.
The result represents a significant improvement on last year’s 11th-place grid position and puts the Honda #5 squad in a strong position for Sunday’s race, with all three riders encouraged by the progress made throughout the week and confident in the race package developed across both machines.
Among the other permanent Honda teams, Tati Team AVA6 Racing will start 28th on the grid after recording a qualifying time of 2:08.094 with Hugo Clère, Mike Di Meglio and Isaac Viñales aboard the Honda #4.
In the Superstock category, Dafy-Kaedear-RAC41-Honda will line up fifth in class with a qualifying time of 2:07.772, with Takeshi Ishizuka, Diego Poncet and Kevin Manfredi, while Wójcik Racing Team #77 SST will start seventh in the category with a 2:08.356, with Oscar Gutiérrez Iglesias, Jordi Torres Fernández and Gabriele Giannini.
The 47th edition of the ‘Coca-Cola’ Suzuka 8 Hours will start on Sunday, 5 July, at 11:30 am local time.
F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s Alan Techer said, “Free practice session 2 went quite well. The most important thing is that both bikes are working well and are now on the same race setup in terms of the engine, electronics and everything else, so we’re in a good position. Tomorrow we’ll probably have wet conditions, so we’ll use the warm-up to try a few things and improve our feeling in the wet ahead of the race. Sixth place is a good result and we’re happy with it. Last year we started from 11th on the grid, so it’s definitely a step forward. I’m just a little disappointed that both of my teammates missed out on the Top 10 Trial because it’s the first time here for John and Corentin. I’ve experienced it before, and it’s something really special with all the fans watching as you go out for that one flying lap. Hopefully they’ll get the chance to experience it next year.”
F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s Corentin Perolari said: “Today I only did one run before coming back in, mainly to save the wet tyres for the race. We still haven’t decided who will take the start, that will be decided this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Depending on the conditions, it could be John, Alan or me. With rain expected tomorrow, we’re feeling confident, so we’ll see how everything unfolds.”
F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s John McPhee said, “Today we didn’t do many laps. The only running we completed was to check the base map for the race engine and compare the settings between the two bikes. Although we didn’t complete a fast lap, everything we did was focused on preparing for the race. It’s a real shame that we won’t be able to put on a show for the fans in the Top 10 Trial, but we’re feeling good and looking forward to Sunday’s race.”
More, from a press release issued by the Yoshimura SERT Motul team:
YOSHIMURA SERT MOTUL DETERMINED TO STRENGTHEN ITS POSITION AT THE SUZUKA 8 HOURS
The legendary Suzuka Circuit hosts the third and penultimate round of the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship, the 47th edition of the iconic Suzuka 8 Hours, this Sunday the 5th of July.
Currently second in the championship standings, Yoshimura SERT Motul heads into one of the season’s most prestigious events determined to strengthen its title challenge. After an intense week of preparation marked by highly changeable weather conditions, the Franco-Japanese squad will line up eighth on the starting grid. A position that does little to dampen the team’s ambitions, having secured a podium finish at the legendary Japanese circuit in 2025.
Preparation began with two productive private testing days, during which the team finished sixth and seventh respectively. Tuesday’s running took place entirely in dry conditions, allowing the riders to set a best lap of 2:05.896. Wednesday also started on a dry track before rain arrived around midday, forcing the final sessions to be held on a soaking wet circuit. Despite the changing conditions, the team’s fastest lap improved to 2:05.856.
Yoshimura SERT Motul immediately showed strong pace in the opening official Free Practice session, with the #12 Suzuki topping the timesheets thanks to a lap time of 2:05.323. In qualifying, Gregg Black finished sixth in his session with a 2:05.248, while Cocoro Atsumi claimed fourth with a 2:05.470. Dan Linfoot posted the eighth fastest time in his session with a 2:05.792 but was unable to improve after crashing early in Q2. With an average qualifying time of 2:05.359, Yoshimura SERT Motul secured eighth place and qualified for the Top 10 Trial. However, the shootout, which was set to determine the first 10 places on the grid was cancelled, due to heavy rain, leaving the #12 Suzuki locked into eighth on the starting grid.
Gregg Black (12) leads a group in qualifying. Photo courtesy Yoshimura SERT Motul.
With incredibly small margins separating the leading contenders and unpredictable weather forecast for race day, all the ingredients are in place for a wide-open contest. Having demonstrated competitive pace in both dry and wet conditions throughout the week, the team remains fully focused on delivering a result that matches its ambitions.
Sunday’s program begins with the Warm-Up session from 08:30 to 09:15 local time before the start of the Suzuka 8 Hours at 11.30, 04.30 CEST. Live coverage of the race will be available across Europe on Eurosport, while Japanese fans will be provided live action on Jsports.
Yohei Kato – Team Director
“Unfortunately, Dan’s crash during yesterday’s qualifying session meant our results did not fully reflect the team’s true potential. We are also very disappointed that today’s Top 10 Trial session was cancelled.
“Despite these setbacks, we are fully focused on the race. While the weather forecast remains uncertain, we will stay composed and approach the race with confidence, regardless of the conditions. We aim to achieve a strong result with the new GSX-R1000R here in Japan – Yoshimura’s home turf – and we appreciate your continued support.”
Damien Saulnier – Team Manager
“We eventually finished eighth overall in qualifying. Naturally, there’s a slight sense of disappointment because we were counting on the Top 10 Trial to improve our grid position. As soon as the first raindrops started falling while we were taking the team photo in front of the garage, we quickly realised the session was in serious doubt before Race Direction eventually called it off. We’ll therefore start from eighth, which is a little further back than we had hoped. Dan’s crash also disrupted our qualifying and cost us the opportunity to achieve a stronger result. That said, an eight-hour race isn’t won in qualifying. What really matters now is being fast and consistent on track, avoiding mistakes and, above all, delivering flawless pit stops. Every second in the pits will count because we simply can’t afford to lose time. It’s clear that eight to 10 bikes have the pace to fight at the front, so we’re expecting a very close race. The weather could also play a major role, with conditions likely to be similar to Spa; rain, a drying track and strategic tire choices. Everything points towards a particularly demanding race.”
Gregg Black – Rider
“We made a positive start to the week despite track conditions being quite different from pre-season testing, with slightly less grip following the heavy rain. We adapted the bike well and felt comfortable in both wet and dry conditions. On Wednesday we were competitive in the rain, and on Friday morning we topped the opening official Free Practice session. Qualifying proved more challenging because of the higher track temperatures. You had to find clear track, put together a clean lap and make the most of the new tyre. The gaps were incredibly close. I set a new personal best at Suzuka with a 2:05.248 during my second qualifying session and finished just 0.160 seconds from the fastest rider in my group. Although we’re eighth on the grid, we’re still very close to the front on outright pace. My teammates also showed strong speed throughout the week. Cocoro had a few harmless crashes early on, while Dan suffered a heavy crash during his second qualifying session while trying to pick up a slipstream, which caused significant damage to the bike and disrupted our program. We were looking forward to the Top 10 Trial to maximize our chances and score additional points, but the rain denied us that opportunity. It’s frustrating, but we have to adapt. The forecast suggests mixed conditions for the race, and that’s something we feel quite comfortable with.”
Dan Linfoot in qualifying. Photo courtesy Yoshimura SERT Motul.
Dan Linfoot – Rider
“My qualifying was something of a mixed bag. In Q1 I had a fresh tire for the final two laps, but traffic prevented me from putting together a perfect lap. Then in Q2 I crashed on my out lap while trying to slot in behind another rider for a tow. The bike was heavily damaged, and I wasn’t able to complete a flying lap, which was obviously very disappointing. Fortunately, Cocoro and Gregg produced strong enough lap times to keep the team inside the Top 10 before the Top 10 Trial was cancelled. Rain is expected for the race, and I’m actually quite happy with that. Being from the UK, I’m used to riding in those conditions and I feel very comfortable in the wet. I’m looking forward to the start and hopefully we can fight for the best result possible.”
Cocoro Atsumi in qualifying. Photo courtesy Yoshimura SERT Motul.
Cocoro Atsumi – Rider
“Overall, qualifying went quite well, even if the final result wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for. I wasn’t able to make the most of the tires with which I believed I could have set a 2.04 lap, so there was probably still some potential left.
“The most important thing is our race pace, which has been strong in both dry and wet conditions. Everyone in the team is working in the right direction, and we head into the race feeling confident. Now it’s up to us to give everything and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.”
TrackDaz Running Buttonwillow BOTH TRACKS on August 1-2
***BRP Classic and Circuit***
Our next event is the weekend of August 1-2. We’re doing something a little crazy. Buttonwillow has 2 tracks we can use, so we thought we’d give you opportunity to ride both of them in the same day.
Saturday, we’ll be ABC Format on the Classic Course, while on the new Circuit we’ll have No-Sessions format.
Price for No Sessions Only is $350
Price for ABC format is only $250
+$100 if you want to add the No Sessions day to your order.
**YES.. you can ride the ABC event session, then ride next door and out on track.
Sunday, we’ll be ABC format on the Circuit, while we’re ABC format on the Classic Course. Just like on Saturday, you can add $100 to your ABC format day and ride both tracks.
$100 also gets you New Racer School on Sunday (circuit)
We’re going to have a measuring party Saturday for REV’IT! TAILORTECH.
For this event, pre-registered riders who have pre-signed the E-WAIVER will not report to registration, but instead will bring their motorcycles straight to tech inspection.
August 1-2 Weekend Buttonwillow Classic/Circuit insanity Registration:
August 1-2 Weekend Buttonwillow Classic/Circuit insanity Registration:
The third round of the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship takes place in Japan with the 47th edition of the ‘Coca-Cola’ Suzuka 8 Hours from 3–5 July. Known as one of the most physically demanding races on the calendar, the Suzuka Circuit challenges riders with its technical 5.821 km layout, and this year the event takes place one month earlier than usual.
This year, 20 Honda-powered teams will compete out of a total of 50 entries, including the permanent Formula EWC teams F.C.C. TSR Honda France and Tati Team AVA6 Racing as well as the permanent Superstock teams Wójcik Racing Team #77 SST and Dafy-Kaedear-RAC41-Honda.
During the two qualifying sessions, Honda HRC with Takumi Takahashi, Jonathan Rea and Somkiat Chantra emerged as the fastest team.
In the first qualifying session, Takahashi in the blue rider group set his best lap of 2:05.055 on his third lap, securing second place in his session. In the following session, Rea topped the timesheets with a lap of 2:04.583. Chantra completed Honda HRC’s first qualifying run in the red group, placing sixth with a best time of 2:05.763.
The second qualifying session began at 15:30, with Takahashi returning to the track and maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout the run. He set the fastest time of his session with a 2:05.088 on his second of nine laps. Rea improved his performance, lowering his morning lap time to 2:04.422, while Chantra improved his personal best to 2:05.465.
With Rea’s and Takahashi’s best laps combined, Honda HRC topped the overall qualifying classification with an average time of 2:04.738, while Rea’s lap remained the fastest recorded across all qualifying sessions.
F.C.C. TSR Honda France returns to home ground aiming for a strong result, with riders Alan Techer, Corentin Perolari and John McPhee targeting valuable championship points aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP.
Techer was the first rider to take to the track for F.C.C. TSR Honda France in the blue group with a best lap of 2:06.059, placing 10th in his session. He was followed by Perolari, who posted a 2:05.785 to finish sixth, while McPhee set the benchmark for the team in the red group with a 2:05.332.
During the second qualifying session, Techer improved to 2:05.985, while Perolari also improved with a 2:05.310. McPhee, running on a different tyre strategy, recorded a 2:05.828 and was unable to improve his earlier laptime, focusing instead on gathering data for race conditions.
By averaging the two fastest laps from both sessions, F.C.C. TSR Honda France secured sixth place overall with a 2:05.321 average, earning a place in tomorrow’s Top 10 Trial.
The other EWC team Tati Team AVA6 Racing completed qualifying in 28th place overall with a combined average lap time of 2:08.094 aboard the Honda #4 with Hugo Clère, Mike Di Meglio and Isaac Viñales steadily improving in changing conditions.
In the Superstock category, Dafy-Kaedear-RAC41-Honda qualified fifth in class with a 2:07.772 lap with Takeshi Ishizuka, Diego Poncet and Kevin Manfredi, while Wójcik Racing Team #77 SST placed seventh in Superstock with a best time of 2:08.356.
A second free practice session takes place on Saturday, followed by the decisive Top 10 Trial, which will determine the front rows of the grid.
The 47th edition of the Suzuka 8 Hours will start on Sunday, 5 July 2026 at 11:30 am local time.
BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP, between present and future.
Half a season still to go with our hearts on the line, but 2027 is just around the corner and the BK8 Gresini MotoGP Team is already working to be among the protagonists in the coming years as well.
NEW LINE-UP
Joan Mir and Dani Holgado will be the riders entrusted with defending the colours of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team on track. The record of number 36 speaks for itself: two world titles already won (MotoGP in 2020 and Moto3 in 2017), confirming his value at the highest level. Alongside him will be the very young number 96, Moto3 World Championship runner-up in 2024 and one of the main contenders in the Moto2 title fight this season.
THE BIKE
The collaboration with Ducati Corse has been confirmed, the result of a shared vision and a path already marked by success in both the past and present. A multi-year agreement that further strengthens a solid and well-structured relationship. The status of the BK8 Gresini Racing Team remains unchanged, with an official factory bike in the garage available to Joan Mir.
Nadia Padovani (Gresini Racing Team Owner) and Dani Holgado. Photo courtesy BK8 Gresini Team.
#96 DANI HOLGADO – 2027 BK8 GRESINI RACING RIDER: “I am very happy to join the MotoGP project of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team: it is literally the dream of my life to race in the premier class, and doing it with a team like this makes it even better. It is the result of a lot of effort and hard work over the years. I know it will be a huge challenge, but I am ready to grow both as a rider and as a person. A huge thank you to Nadia and the Team, my family, and everyone who has believed and continues to believe in me. I know it won’t be an easy journey, but I am fully ready for whatever comes next.”
Nadia Padovani (Gresini Racing Team Owner) and Joan Mir Photo courtesy BK8 Gresini Team.
NADIA PADOVANI – GRESINI RACING TEAM OWNER: “From next year a lot will change, but the essence of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team will remain the same. We continue to be a team that works to grow season after season, and in 2027 we will do so with two riders in whom we place great trust and whom we are ready to support fully. Dani is a profile we have been following for a long time and we are pleased that he can begin his rookie experience with us. Joan is a MotoGP World Champion: his record speaks for itself. One is at the beginning of his journey, the other aims to rediscover his best sensations and make the most of his potential. For both, we want to be a constant reference point. We will continue to race together with Ducati Corse, which over the years has proven to be a reliable and winning partner, and we are very happy about this. Last but not least, at the end of the season we will say goodbye to Alex and Fermin, two riders who have given a lot to our team, both in terms of results and human relationship. To them goes our thanks and best wishes for the future.”
GIGI DALL’IGNA – GENERAL MANAGER DUCATI CORSE: “We are pleased to confirm the continuation of the multi-year collaboration between Ducati Corse and the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team. A relationship built over time, based on shared values, technical expertise, and a common determination to pursue ambitious goals on track. This partnership has been enriched by important sporting results achieved by the team, a testament to the quality of the work done together. The BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team represents a key partner within our project and we will continue to work side by side with continuity, with the aim of furthering our shared growth journey.”
Historic 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racer Headlines Rare Ducati Offerings at Mecum Monterey 2026.Two low-production, exceptionally rare Ducatis will cross the block at Mecum’s Monterey Auction.
Walworth, Wis. – Mecum Auctions will hold its annual Monterey, California, auction this Aug. 13-15 at Del Monte Golf Course, where it will present an extremely rare pair of historic Ducati motorcycles including a 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racer. Held during the prestigious Monterey Car Week, the Mecum Monterey auction will mark the first time in history that a 1972 Imola 200 racer of this magnitude is offered for public sale. The second half of this impressive Ducati offering is a highly original two-owner 1974 Ducati 750SS Green Frame. Both motorcycles are set to cross the block on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
One of just eight examples produced and one of seven transported by Ducati to the historic 1972 Imola 200-mile race, the Imola racer stands as a direct connection to a defining moment in the celebrated marque’s racing heritage. According to respected Ducati historian Ian Falloon, this example is among the most authentic in existence and believed to be the counterpart of the winning Paul Smart motorcycle now preserved in the Ducati Museum in Bologna, Italy.
Falloon’s research confirms the motorcycle’s factory significance, noting it as one of the only two bikes prepared for Smart’s 1972 Imola campaign. Today, it retains an exceptional level of originality, including its original factory bodywork, fairing, fuel tank, seat and tail section. It is one of only three known examples retaining its original engine cases, and it remains unaltered—never crashed and never modified.
Accompanying the Imola is a 1974 Ducati 750SS Green Frame that exists as one of just 401 built and one of only a handful believed to remain in such highly original, low-mileage condition. Also reviewed by Falloon, it is considered one of approximately 10 examples worldwide in this level of preservation, remaining unrestored and showing just two owners from new.
1974 Ducati 750SS Green Frame. Photo courtesy Mecum Auctions.
For more on the significance of these ultra-rare Ducati artifacts, read the full feature article at Mecum.com. The Ducati pairing will join an exceptional lineup of vehicles slated for the Mecum Monterey auction block, including an array of other significant collector motorcycles and approximately 600 classic and collector cars. For more information on Mecum Monterey 2026 and all other scheduled Mecum events, visit the website or call (262) 275-5050. Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments and includes detailed descriptions and photographs of the vehicles offered, as well as a detailed auction and event schedule.
Johann Zarco (5) in Brazil. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
Johann Zarco continues recovery and targets September return.
On Wednesday, July 1st, Johann Zarco visited doctor Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet in Lyon to assess the current condition of his knee.
After the crash in Catalunya, the initial MRI scans were performed while the knee was still heavily inflamed, making it difficult to accurately assess the full extent of the injury. As the inflammation subsided, further examinations provided a clearer picture and a more positive outlook than initially expected, with the injuries first suspected no longer confirmed. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is healing well, while the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), initially believed to be torn, is also showing encouraging signs of recovery. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), remains torn.
Over the past few weeks, the French rider had been waiting for a burn injury to heal before undergoing surgery. In the meantime, he continued training and made steady progress, making a non-surgical approach a viable option.
Following the medical team’s advice, and with doctors reporting being impressed by Johann Zarco’s progress, the rider will not undergo surgery and will instead continue with a rehabilitation programme focused on recovery and strengthening. Subject to further medical assessments, the objective is for Zarco to return to the race track in September.
The Castrol Honda LCR Team is pleased to confirm these positive developments and looks forward to seeing Johann Zarco back on track when the time comes.
Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association Livestreaming Race Weekend at Circuit of the Americas
The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) announced that this race weekend at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) will be available via livestream, giving fans around the world the opportunity to watch the action from anywhere.
The livestream will cover all race sessions over the course of the weekend allowing motorcycle racing enthusiasts who can’t make it trackside to follow every lap of the action at one of the premier road racing circuits in North America.
“This is a true grassroots effort. We want to get more Americans excited about motorsports and motorcycle racing and to do that we are making this livestream available to everyone in the country and beyond,” said Josh Bittinger of Bittinger Media Source, a RideSmart Partner.
Coverage begins on Saturday July 4th and runs through Sunday July 5th. Viewers can expect a full-scale broadcast production for the event, featuring 2 static cameras, 8 PTZ cameras, and a drone operator capturing the action from every angle of the circuit. The broadcast will also include live pit reporting from Dezrae Caldwell and Alonzo Contreres, with hosting duties handled by Josh Bittinger and AJ Pyne.
Event Details:
– Event: Moto-Texas Superbike Challenge
– Location: Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas
The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) grew out of another organization, the Central Road Racing Club (CRRC), which was incorporated in 1974. The CRRC’s founder was Lou Linden, a University of Texas law student at that time. Lou’s vision was to organize the casually structured road racing community into the intense road racing scene we have now with the CMRA.
The CMRA holds two and three-day events on weekends from February through November at tracks in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Events feature sprint races (usually 6 to 8 laps) and endurance races (teams of up to 5 riders, 4 to 8 hours long). The CMRA has race classifications for riders as young as eight years old and motorcycles from 50cc mini’s up to unlimited displacement Formula 1 machines.
CMRA events are sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). In order to participate in CMRA competition a valid AMA Membership is required.
Special emphasis is placed on family participation in the sport. Many multi-generation families enjoy participation in both on-track racing and support roles, or just sharing in the fun of the events as spectators and racing fans.
Suzuka 8 hours Race Start in 2025. Photo courtesy EWC.
Suzuka, July 4, 2026— Endurance Moto Promoter (EMP), promoter of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) since the 2026 season, and Honda Mobilityland Corporation, organizer of the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours as well as the owner and operator of Suzuka Circuit, signed an agreement this Saturday, July 4, covering the organization of the Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours for three more years, from 2027 to 2029.
First held in 1978, the Japanese event holds a special place in the Championship. It is the only EWC round staged outside Europe that offers an atmosphere found nowhere else, driven by tens of thousands of fans waving light sticks. Suzuka also remains the home circuit of reference for the Japanese manufacturers involved in endurance racing (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki).
Through this agreement, both parties share a common goal: to firmly anchor the event in the motorcycling landscape, to grow endurance racing culture in Japan and, over the long term, to strengthen interest in the discipline across both Europe and Asia.
Tsuyoshi Saito, President of Honda Mobilityland Corporation (on the left) and Claude Michy (President of EMP) on the right. Photo courtesy EWC.
Tsuyoshi Saito, President of Honda Mobilityland Corporation: “The Suzuka 8 Hours holds a unique place within the Championship. Our ambition is to build further on these strengths. As the national circuit of reference for Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki, we want to increase manufacturer participation in endurance racing and thereby help raise the value of the FIM Endurance World Championship.”
Claude Michy, President of EMP: “I was honored and proud that Honda Mobilityland Corporation agreed to join this adventure. This organization aims to increase the visibility of the Championship, strengthen its appeal and support its long-term development. We also want to involve all the manufacturers as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW and Aprilia more closely by creating a genuine space for collaboration, allowing them to build high-value activation together with us. The Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours is the flagship event of the FIM Endurance World Championship and a true showcase for the Japanese industry. I would like to thank Honda Mobilityland Corporation for its support of the FIM EWC. May this new edition be crowned with success.”
EMP, the structure bringing together the organizers of the FIM EWC rounds alongside Motul, has been promoting the EWC since the start of the 2026 season.
Ray closes on all-time Snetterton BSB lap record to lead Pre-Qualifying at Snetterton. Photo courtesy BSB.
Bradley Ray set a blistering pace to lead the British Superbike Championship times for McAMS Yamaha, topping the Pre-Qualifying session at Snetterton by 0.474s from AJN Steelstock bimota’s Max Cook.
Ray had set the benchmark lap time early in the session, laying the gauntlet down to his rivals with a time that was just 0.078s adrift of the all-time fastest BSB lap at the Norfolk circuit.
Cook closed in the final minutes of the session, displacing reigning champion Kyle Ryde from second place as the Nitrous Coin Nitrous Competitions Racing contender completed the top three.
Leon Haslam was fourth fastest for the Moto Rapido Racing team, moving ahead of Scott Redding and the Hager PBM Racing Team, who had set the pace in the opening Free Practice session this morning.
Christian Iddon had a strong session in sixth place for the Sencat Racing Yamaha team, holding off Storm Stacey and Glenn Irwin with Danny Kent completing the top ten.
British Superbike Championship, Snetterton, Pre-Qualifying result:
“It has been a solid day; straight away in FP1 I felt comfortable. I had some discs to bed in this morning and then got into a rhythm straight away and was fast. I think maybe it is a little bit easier for me coming here on the same bike as last year, with Max and Kyle both on new bikes.
“Overall I am super happy; we made a few changes in FP2 and we went in a direction that didn’t feel that comfortable, so we went back to something that was more suited to me. There are a few areas I still want to improve for race distance more than anything and we will roll on again tomorrow!
“I was quite surprised with the lap times today, but it came quite quickly from this morning and we could get into a rhythm. It is definitely nice to end today fastest ahead of tomorrow.”
Michigan native Jeff Stanton captured a total of six SMX championships over the course of a Hall of Fame career, which included a victory in his home race at RedBud in 1989. Photo courtesy SMX
Six-Time SMX Champion and AMA Hall of Famer Jeff Stanton to Serve as Grand Marshal of RedBud National. Michigan Legend and 1989 Race Winner Makes Anticipated Homecoming.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – MX Sports Pro Racing, in partnership with RedBud MX and the Ritchie Family, has announced that six-time SMX Champion and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Stanton will serve as Grand Marshal of this Saturday’s 53rd running of the 5.11 RedBud National, which will take place on America’s 250th Anniversary, on July 4th, for Round 22 of the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship. The Michigan legend will make an anticipated return to his home race as the ceremonial ambassador of this weekend’s momentous fifth race of the summer Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.
“Jeff Stanton is a hero to many racers and enthusiasts throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes. He was blessed with exceptional natural talent, but what set him apart was a determination and work ethic that turned into championships and built a Hall of Fame career,” said Amy Ritchie, Co-Owner of RedBud MX. “We’ve considered Jeff a member of the RedBud family for many years, but we’ve yet to celebrate him in the way he is so deserving of. Given the significance of this year’s race taking place on America’s 250th Anniversary, we felt the timing was perfect to make him our Grand Marshal and allow him to be a part of something he helped grow into one of American motocross’ biggest events.”
Stanton enjoyed a decorated racing career that saw him capture a trio of both Supercross and Pro Motocross titles over the span of eight years. While those six combined titles are easily Hall of Fame accolades, what makes them even more impressive is the fact that Stanton won each respective title consecutively. He swept the 250cc championships in both Supercross and Pro Motocross during the 1989, 1990, and 1992 seasons, which puts Stanton in elite company with Ricky Carmichael as the only riders in history to accomplish the feat on three or more occasions.
Hailing just 70 miles from RedBud, in Sherwood, Stanton managed to capture just a single victory at his home National, doing so at the 1989 event, but also never finished off the overall podium in six 250cc starts at the venue. He amassed a total of 37 career SMX wins in both 250cc and 500cc competition and also became a star on the international stage with multiple victories at the U.S. Grand Prix and a trio of Motocross of Nations triumphs with Team USA. Stanton was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000, six years after he made his final start. Today, Stanton shares his passion for off-road riding through Jeff Stanton Adventures, which is based in his home state and explores the natural beauty of Michigan as the first official “Triumph Accredited Adventure Partner” in North America. Stanton has been an ambassador for the storied British manufacturer for several years and has played a key role in Triumph’s foray into SMX competition.
The 5.11 RedBud National will take place this Saturday, July 4, with on-track action starting at 5 a.m. PT / 8 a.m. ET, followed by opening ceremonies at 9:15 a.m. PT / 12:15 p.m. ET then motos for the 250SMX Class and 450SMX Class starting at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Comprehensive live streaming coverage of the Independence Day spectacle will air exclusively on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET before coverage of the motos gets underway at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.
Jonathan Rea aboard the Honda HRC racebike before rain cancelled the Superpole (a.k.a. Top 10 Trial) session at Suzuka. Photo by Kohei Hirota/Roadracingworld.com
Honda HRC claims Suzuka 8 Hours pole position
F.C.C. TSR Honda France secures sixth on the grid after Top 10 Trial cancellation
Honda HRC will start from pole position for Sunday’s 47th edition of the FIM Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours after Saturday’s Top 10 Trial was cancelled due to persistent rain at Suzuka Circuit.
Based on Friday’s combined qualifying results, Honda HRC secured pole position with an average lap time of 2:04.738. Following the cancellation of the Top 10 Trial, Takumi Takahashi, Jonathan Rea and Somkiat Chantra will line up first aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP #30 for Sunday’s race.
The Honda HRC riders after qualifying on pole, based on earlier sessions after Superpole was rained out, with multi-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea at left, Takumi Takahashi at center, and Somkiat Chantra at right. Photo by Kohei Hirota/Roadracingworld.com
Free practice session 2 got underway at 13:00 under cooler conditions than Friday before rain arrived towards the end of the session. Takahashi was first on track, setting the team’s fastest lap of 2:06.267 on his sixth lap. Rea followed with a personal best lap time of 2:07.354, before handing the bike over to Chantra for the final seven minutes. Chantra’s best lap time was 2:06.325, leaving Takahashi’s lap as Honda HRC’s fastest lap time and placing the team second overall in the session.
For F.C.C. TSR Honda France, free practice session 2 was dedicated to race preparation rather than setting fast lap times. The team focused on confirming the race setup across both Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP #5 machines, comparing engine and electronic settings while gathering valuable data ahead of Sunday’s eight-hour race.
With rain forecast, the riders also prioritised preserving the wet tyres for the race and planned to use Sunday’s warm-up to further refine the bike’s setup in wet conditions. Despite not chasing a fast lap, the team completed the second free practice confident in the package developed for Sunday’s race.
With the Top 10 Trial cancelled, Friday’s combined qualifying results determined the starting grid, with F.C.C. TSR Honda France securing sixth place on the grid with a qualifying time of 2:05.321.
The result represents a significant improvement on last year’s 11th-place grid position and puts the Honda #5 squad in a strong position for Sunday’s race, with all three riders encouraged by the progress made throughout the week and confident in the race package developed across both machines.
Among the other permanent Honda teams, Tati Team AVA6 Racing will start 28th on the grid after recording a qualifying time of 2:08.094 with Hugo Clère, Mike Di Meglio and Isaac Viñales aboard the Honda #4.
In the Superstock category, Dafy-Kaedear-RAC41-Honda will line up fifth in class with a qualifying time of 2:07.772, with Takeshi Ishizuka, Diego Poncet and Kevin Manfredi, while Wójcik Racing Team #77 SST will start seventh in the category with a 2:08.356, with Oscar Gutiérrez Iglesias, Jordi Torres Fernández and Gabriele Giannini.
The 47th edition of the ‘Coca-Cola’ Suzuka 8 Hours will start on Sunday, 5 July, at 11:30 am local time.
F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s Alan Techer said, “Free practice session 2 went quite well. The most important thing is that both bikes are working well and are now on the same race setup in terms of the engine, electronics and everything else, so we’re in a good position. Tomorrow we’ll probably have wet conditions, so we’ll use the warm-up to try a few things and improve our feeling in the wet ahead of the race. Sixth place is a good result and we’re happy with it. Last year we started from 11th on the grid, so it’s definitely a step forward. I’m just a little disappointed that both of my teammates missed out on the Top 10 Trial because it’s the first time here for John and Corentin. I’ve experienced it before, and it’s something really special with all the fans watching as you go out for that one flying lap. Hopefully they’ll get the chance to experience it next year.”
F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s Corentin Perolari said: “Today I only did one run before coming back in, mainly to save the wet tyres for the race. We still haven’t decided who will take the start, that will be decided this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Depending on the conditions, it could be John, Alan or me. With rain expected tomorrow, we’re feeling confident, so we’ll see how everything unfolds.”
F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s John McPhee said, “Today we didn’t do many laps. The only running we completed was to check the base map for the race engine and compare the settings between the two bikes. Although we didn’t complete a fast lap, everything we did was focused on preparing for the race. It’s a real shame that we won’t be able to put on a show for the fans in the Top 10 Trial, but we’re feeling good and looking forward to Sunday’s race.”
More, from a press release issued by the Yoshimura SERT Motul team:
YOSHIMURA SERT MOTUL DETERMINED TO STRENGTHEN ITS POSITION AT THE SUZUKA 8 HOURS
The legendary Suzuka Circuit hosts the third and penultimate round of the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship, the 47th edition of the iconic Suzuka 8 Hours, this Sunday the 5th of July.
Currently second in the championship standings, Yoshimura SERT Motul heads into one of the season’s most prestigious events determined to strengthen its title challenge. After an intense week of preparation marked by highly changeable weather conditions, the Franco-Japanese squad will line up eighth on the starting grid. A position that does little to dampen the team’s ambitions, having secured a podium finish at the legendary Japanese circuit in 2025.
Preparation began with two productive private testing days, during which the team finished sixth and seventh respectively. Tuesday’s running took place entirely in dry conditions, allowing the riders to set a best lap of 2:05.896. Wednesday also started on a dry track before rain arrived around midday, forcing the final sessions to be held on a soaking wet circuit. Despite the changing conditions, the team’s fastest lap improved to 2:05.856.
Yoshimura SERT Motul immediately showed strong pace in the opening official Free Practice session, with the #12 Suzuki topping the timesheets thanks to a lap time of 2:05.323. In qualifying, Gregg Black finished sixth in his session with a 2:05.248, while Cocoro Atsumi claimed fourth with a 2:05.470. Dan Linfoot posted the eighth fastest time in his session with a 2:05.792 but was unable to improve after crashing early in Q2. With an average qualifying time of 2:05.359, Yoshimura SERT Motul secured eighth place and qualified for the Top 10 Trial. However, the shootout, which was set to determine the first 10 places on the grid was cancelled, due to heavy rain, leaving the #12 Suzuki locked into eighth on the starting grid.
Gregg Black (12) leads a group in qualifying. Photo courtesy Yoshimura SERT Motul.
With incredibly small margins separating the leading contenders and unpredictable weather forecast for race day, all the ingredients are in place for a wide-open contest. Having demonstrated competitive pace in both dry and wet conditions throughout the week, the team remains fully focused on delivering a result that matches its ambitions.
Sunday’s program begins with the Warm-Up session from 08:30 to 09:15 local time before the start of the Suzuka 8 Hours at 11.30, 04.30 CEST. Live coverage of the race will be available across Europe on Eurosport, while Japanese fans will be provided live action on Jsports.
Yohei Kato – Team Director
“Unfortunately, Dan’s crash during yesterday’s qualifying session meant our results did not fully reflect the team’s true potential. We are also very disappointed that today’s Top 10 Trial session was cancelled.
“Despite these setbacks, we are fully focused on the race. While the weather forecast remains uncertain, we will stay composed and approach the race with confidence, regardless of the conditions. We aim to achieve a strong result with the new GSX-R1000R here in Japan – Yoshimura’s home turf – and we appreciate your continued support.”
Damien Saulnier – Team Manager
“We eventually finished eighth overall in qualifying. Naturally, there’s a slight sense of disappointment because we were counting on the Top 10 Trial to improve our grid position. As soon as the first raindrops started falling while we were taking the team photo in front of the garage, we quickly realised the session was in serious doubt before Race Direction eventually called it off. We’ll therefore start from eighth, which is a little further back than we had hoped. Dan’s crash also disrupted our qualifying and cost us the opportunity to achieve a stronger result. That said, an eight-hour race isn’t won in qualifying. What really matters now is being fast and consistent on track, avoiding mistakes and, above all, delivering flawless pit stops. Every second in the pits will count because we simply can’t afford to lose time. It’s clear that eight to 10 bikes have the pace to fight at the front, so we’re expecting a very close race. The weather could also play a major role, with conditions likely to be similar to Spa; rain, a drying track and strategic tire choices. Everything points towards a particularly demanding race.”
Gregg Black – Rider
“We made a positive start to the week despite track conditions being quite different from pre-season testing, with slightly less grip following the heavy rain. We adapted the bike well and felt comfortable in both wet and dry conditions. On Wednesday we were competitive in the rain, and on Friday morning we topped the opening official Free Practice session. Qualifying proved more challenging because of the higher track temperatures. You had to find clear track, put together a clean lap and make the most of the new tyre. The gaps were incredibly close. I set a new personal best at Suzuka with a 2:05.248 during my second qualifying session and finished just 0.160 seconds from the fastest rider in my group. Although we’re eighth on the grid, we’re still very close to the front on outright pace. My teammates also showed strong speed throughout the week. Cocoro had a few harmless crashes early on, while Dan suffered a heavy crash during his second qualifying session while trying to pick up a slipstream, which caused significant damage to the bike and disrupted our program. We were looking forward to the Top 10 Trial to maximize our chances and score additional points, but the rain denied us that opportunity. It’s frustrating, but we have to adapt. The forecast suggests mixed conditions for the race, and that’s something we feel quite comfortable with.”
Dan Linfoot in qualifying. Photo courtesy Yoshimura SERT Motul.
Dan Linfoot – Rider
“My qualifying was something of a mixed bag. In Q1 I had a fresh tire for the final two laps, but traffic prevented me from putting together a perfect lap. Then in Q2 I crashed on my out lap while trying to slot in behind another rider for a tow. The bike was heavily damaged, and I wasn’t able to complete a flying lap, which was obviously very disappointing. Fortunately, Cocoro and Gregg produced strong enough lap times to keep the team inside the Top 10 before the Top 10 Trial was cancelled. Rain is expected for the race, and I’m actually quite happy with that. Being from the UK, I’m used to riding in those conditions and I feel very comfortable in the wet. I’m looking forward to the start and hopefully we can fight for the best result possible.”
Cocoro Atsumi in qualifying. Photo courtesy Yoshimura SERT Motul.
Cocoro Atsumi – Rider
“Overall, qualifying went quite well, even if the final result wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for. I wasn’t able to make the most of the tires with which I believed I could have set a 2.04 lap, so there was probably still some potential left.
“The most important thing is our race pace, which has been strong in both dry and wet conditions. Everyone in the team is working in the right direction, and we head into the race feeling confident. Now it’s up to us to give everything and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.”
TrackDaz is running both tracks at Buttonwillow on August 1-2. TrackDaz photo.
TrackDaz Running Buttonwillow BOTH TRACKS on August 1-2
***BRP Classic and Circuit***
Our next event is the weekend of August 1-2. We’re doing something a little crazy. Buttonwillow has 2 tracks we can use, so we thought we’d give you opportunity to ride both of them in the same day.
Saturday, we’ll be ABC Format on the Classic Course, while on the new Circuit we’ll have No-Sessions format.
Price for No Sessions Only is $350
Price for ABC format is only $250
+$100 if you want to add the No Sessions day to your order.
**YES.. you can ride the ABC event session, then ride next door and out on track.
Sunday, we’ll be ABC format on the Circuit, while we’re ABC format on the Classic Course. Just like on Saturday, you can add $100 to your ABC format day and ride both tracks.
$100 also gets you New Racer School on Sunday (circuit)
We’re going to have a measuring party Saturday for REV’IT! TAILORTECH.
For this event, pre-registered riders who have pre-signed the E-WAIVER will not report to registration, but instead will bring their motorcycles straight to tech inspection.
August 1-2 Weekend Buttonwillow Classic/Circuit insanity Registration:
August 1-2 Weekend Buttonwillow Classic/Circuit insanity Registration:
The third round of the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship takes place in Japan with the 47th edition of the ‘Coca-Cola’ Suzuka 8 Hours from 3–5 July. Known as one of the most physically demanding races on the calendar, the Suzuka Circuit challenges riders with its technical 5.821 km layout, and this year the event takes place one month earlier than usual.
This year, 20 Honda-powered teams will compete out of a total of 50 entries, including the permanent Formula EWC teams F.C.C. TSR Honda France and Tati Team AVA6 Racing as well as the permanent Superstock teams Wójcik Racing Team #77 SST and Dafy-Kaedear-RAC41-Honda.
During the two qualifying sessions, Honda HRC with Takumi Takahashi, Jonathan Rea and Somkiat Chantra emerged as the fastest team.
In the first qualifying session, Takahashi in the blue rider group set his best lap of 2:05.055 on his third lap, securing second place in his session. In the following session, Rea topped the timesheets with a lap of 2:04.583. Chantra completed Honda HRC’s first qualifying run in the red group, placing sixth with a best time of 2:05.763.
The second qualifying session began at 15:30, with Takahashi returning to the track and maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout the run. He set the fastest time of his session with a 2:05.088 on his second of nine laps. Rea improved his performance, lowering his morning lap time to 2:04.422, while Chantra improved his personal best to 2:05.465.
With Rea’s and Takahashi’s best laps combined, Honda HRC topped the overall qualifying classification with an average time of 2:04.738, while Rea’s lap remained the fastest recorded across all qualifying sessions.
F.C.C. TSR Honda France returns to home ground aiming for a strong result, with riders Alan Techer, Corentin Perolari and John McPhee targeting valuable championship points aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP.
Techer was the first rider to take to the track for F.C.C. TSR Honda France in the blue group with a best lap of 2:06.059, placing 10th in his session. He was followed by Perolari, who posted a 2:05.785 to finish sixth, while McPhee set the benchmark for the team in the red group with a 2:05.332.
During the second qualifying session, Techer improved to 2:05.985, while Perolari also improved with a 2:05.310. McPhee, running on a different tyre strategy, recorded a 2:05.828 and was unable to improve his earlier laptime, focusing instead on gathering data for race conditions.
By averaging the two fastest laps from both sessions, F.C.C. TSR Honda France secured sixth place overall with a 2:05.321 average, earning a place in tomorrow’s Top 10 Trial.
The other EWC team Tati Team AVA6 Racing completed qualifying in 28th place overall with a combined average lap time of 2:08.094 aboard the Honda #4 with Hugo Clère, Mike Di Meglio and Isaac Viñales steadily improving in changing conditions.
In the Superstock category, Dafy-Kaedear-RAC41-Honda qualified fifth in class with a 2:07.772 lap with Takeshi Ishizuka, Diego Poncet and Kevin Manfredi, while Wójcik Racing Team #77 SST placed seventh in Superstock with a best time of 2:08.356.
A second free practice session takes place on Saturday, followed by the decisive Top 10 Trial, which will determine the front rows of the grid.
The 47th edition of the Suzuka 8 Hours will start on Sunday, 5 July 2026 at 11:30 am local time.
From left to right with, Michele Masini (Team Manager), Joan Mir, Nadia Padovani (Team Principal & Team Owner), Dani holgado and Carlo Merlini (Comm. & Marketing Manager). Photo courtesy BK8 Gresini Team.
BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP, between present and future.
Half a season still to go with our hearts on the line, but 2027 is just around the corner and the BK8 Gresini MotoGP Team is already working to be among the protagonists in the coming years as well.
NEW LINE-UP
Joan Mir and Dani Holgado will be the riders entrusted with defending the colours of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team on track. The record of number 36 speaks for itself: two world titles already won (MotoGP in 2020 and Moto3 in 2017), confirming his value at the highest level. Alongside him will be the very young number 96, Moto3 World Championship runner-up in 2024 and one of the main contenders in the Moto2 title fight this season.
THE BIKE
The collaboration with Ducati Corse has been confirmed, the result of a shared vision and a path already marked by success in both the past and present. A multi-year agreement that further strengthens a solid and well-structured relationship. The status of the BK8 Gresini Racing Team remains unchanged, with an official factory bike in the garage available to Joan Mir.
Nadia Padovani (Gresini Racing Team Owner) and Dani Holgado. Photo courtesy BK8 Gresini Team.
#96 DANI HOLGADO – 2027 BK8 GRESINI RACING RIDER: “I am very happy to join the MotoGP project of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team: it is literally the dream of my life to race in the premier class, and doing it with a team like this makes it even better. It is the result of a lot of effort and hard work over the years. I know it will be a huge challenge, but I am ready to grow both as a rider and as a person. A huge thank you to Nadia and the Team, my family, and everyone who has believed and continues to believe in me. I know it won’t be an easy journey, but I am fully ready for whatever comes next.”
Nadia Padovani (Gresini Racing Team Owner) and Joan Mir Photo courtesy BK8 Gresini Team.
NADIA PADOVANI – GRESINI RACING TEAM OWNER: “From next year a lot will change, but the essence of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team will remain the same. We continue to be a team that works to grow season after season, and in 2027 we will do so with two riders in whom we place great trust and whom we are ready to support fully. Dani is a profile we have been following for a long time and we are pleased that he can begin his rookie experience with us. Joan is a MotoGP World Champion: his record speaks for itself. One is at the beginning of his journey, the other aims to rediscover his best sensations and make the most of his potential. For both, we want to be a constant reference point. We will continue to race together with Ducati Corse, which over the years has proven to be a reliable and winning partner, and we are very happy about this. Last but not least, at the end of the season we will say goodbye to Alex and Fermin, two riders who have given a lot to our team, both in terms of results and human relationship. To them goes our thanks and best wishes for the future.”
GIGI DALL’IGNA – GENERAL MANAGER DUCATI CORSE: “We are pleased to confirm the continuation of the multi-year collaboration between Ducati Corse and the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team. A relationship built over time, based on shared values, technical expertise, and a common determination to pursue ambitious goals on track. This partnership has been enriched by important sporting results achieved by the team, a testament to the quality of the work done together. The BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team represents a key partner within our project and we will continue to work side by side with continuity, with the aim of furthering our shared growth journey.”
1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racer (on the left) and 1974 Ducati 750SS Green Frame (on the right). Photo courtesy Mecum Auctions.
Historic 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racer Headlines Rare Ducati Offerings at Mecum Monterey 2026.Two low-production, exceptionally rare Ducatis will cross the block at Mecum’s Monterey Auction.
Walworth, Wis. – Mecum Auctions will hold its annual Monterey, California, auction this Aug. 13-15 at Del Monte Golf Course, where it will present an extremely rare pair of historic Ducati motorcycles including a 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Racer. Held during the prestigious Monterey Car Week, the Mecum Monterey auction will mark the first time in history that a 1972 Imola 200 racer of this magnitude is offered for public sale. The second half of this impressive Ducati offering is a highly original two-owner 1974 Ducati 750SS Green Frame. Both motorcycles are set to cross the block on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
One of just eight examples produced and one of seven transported by Ducati to the historic 1972 Imola 200-mile race, the Imola racer stands as a direct connection to a defining moment in the celebrated marque’s racing heritage. According to respected Ducati historian Ian Falloon, this example is among the most authentic in existence and believed to be the counterpart of the winning Paul Smart motorcycle now preserved in the Ducati Museum in Bologna, Italy.
Falloon’s research confirms the motorcycle’s factory significance, noting it as one of the only two bikes prepared for Smart’s 1972 Imola campaign. Today, it retains an exceptional level of originality, including its original factory bodywork, fairing, fuel tank, seat and tail section. It is one of only three known examples retaining its original engine cases, and it remains unaltered—never crashed and never modified.
Accompanying the Imola is a 1974 Ducati 750SS Green Frame that exists as one of just 401 built and one of only a handful believed to remain in such highly original, low-mileage condition. Also reviewed by Falloon, it is considered one of approximately 10 examples worldwide in this level of preservation, remaining unrestored and showing just two owners from new.
1974 Ducati 750SS Green Frame. Photo courtesy Mecum Auctions.
For more on the significance of these ultra-rare Ducati artifacts, read the full feature article at Mecum.com. The Ducati pairing will join an exceptional lineup of vehicles slated for the Mecum Monterey auction block, including an array of other significant collector motorcycles and approximately 600 classic and collector cars. For more information on Mecum Monterey 2026 and all other scheduled Mecum events, visit the website or call (262) 275-5050. Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments and includes detailed descriptions and photographs of the vehicles offered, as well as a detailed auction and event schedule.
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Bradley Ray – McAMS Yamaha: 
