The moment came during the weekend’s Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, which attracted 20,216 spectators who enjoyed perfect autumn weather and thrilling endurance racing. The 2026 edition delivered close competition across the field, with the annual production-car enduro again proving why it has become one of Australia’s most popular grassroots motorsport events.

But for motorcycle fans, the real headline came when a group of riders rolled onto the closed circuit for two special 15-minute demonstration sessions – the first motorcycles to lap Mount Panorama Circuit in a group in 26 years. The sessions were kept under wraps until successful completion Sunday afternoon, used as testers for future planned motorcycle events.

Six riders were invited by Bathurst Regional Council to take part in the historic return: Australian Superbike and International legends Shawn Giles, Roy Leslie and Ken Watson – plus experienced current racer Keo Watson and ex-racers Steve Wood and motorcycling publisher Jeff Ware.

Shawn Giles, multiple Australian Superbike Champion, “I’ve been coming to Bathurst at Easter since I was a child, as my family owned a motorcycle shop. Being back in the pits brings back memories and riding today with Roy Leslie was fantastic. I was getting Déjà vu over the mountain from our 1994 TT battle! The Suzuki GSX-8R was the perfect bike here and I look forward to riding here more often, everything went smoothly and to plan, with safety paramount” …

Roy Leslie, Racing Legend, “This was a great experience and a lot of fun. The last time I rode here was in 1994 racing against Shawn. Today I felt at home on the Ducati almost immediately, and in the second session it all started to come back – I hopped off wishing I had another dozen laps!” …

Ken Watson, Racing Luminary, “A lot of effort behind the scenes has gone into making this happen and everyone involved deserves a big pat on the back as everything went well and, more importantly, safely. It was fantastic to ride here again, the last time for me was the TT in 2000, and riding Mt Panorama on the TZ750 was a thrill” …

Organised through a huge collaborative effort between the event promotors ARG (Australian Racing Group) Bathurst Regional Council, Bathurst Mayor Cr. Robert ‘Stumpy’ Taylor and Motorcycling Australia, the demonstration proved an immediate crowd favourite.

Cr. Robert ‘Stumpy’ Taylor, “Without the efforts of ARG and everyone involved, we would not have been able to make this historic moment happen. After the success of these demonstration laps, I will be meeting with MA and discussing future events and ideas for 2027 and beyond, it was fantastic to witness two wheels back on Mt Panorama” …

The bikes ran on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday morning, with excited fans, officials and car team members lining the fences around the famous circuit to witness the long-awaited return of two wheels to The Mountain.

Judging by the reception from spectators and organisers alike, the future for motorcycles in a non-competitive way at Mount Panorama Raceway suddenly looks very promising. Stay tuned for more news as plans for 2027 and beyond are announced by organisers and promotors.

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With less than a week to go, organisers are calling on riders and fans alike to head to Eastern Creek for an evening dedicated entirely to two wheels. Bike Night is designed for motorcycle enthusiasts who want to test their machines down the quarter-mile in a safe and controlled environment, while also enjoying the atmosphere of a packed dragway and the camaraderie of fellow riders.

Competitors are encouraged to secure their entry online ahead of the event to guarantee a spot on the strip, as limited entries will be available at the gate.

The night offers riders the chance to run their street or race bike down the drag strip, whether they are seasoned drag racers chasing quick times or first-timers keen to experience the thrill of launching off the start line under the famous “Christmas tree” lights. The event also welcomes spectators, making it an easy Friday night outing for anyone who enjoys motorcycles and motorsport.

Located on Ferrers Road in Eastern Creek, Sydney Dragway is a purpose-built quarter-mile drag racing facility that hosts a wide range of motorsport events throughout the year, including state championship racing and regular street-style race nights.

Event Schedule
Gates Open: 4:30pm
Scrutineering & Registration: 4:30pm – 8:30pm
Drag Racing: 6:00pm – 10:00pm

All patrons and competitors must enter via Competitor Entry (Gate A). For riders looking to unleash their bike down the strip or simply soak up the atmosphere, Bike Night promises an action-packed evening celebrating motorcycle performance and community.

Bike Night is proudly supported by Sydney Random Riders, Heavy Duty Magazine, Hawkesbury Motorcycles & Sy’s Harley Davidson

Tickets and competitor entries are available now, with organisers recommending early booking to avoid missing out on track time. Cost to run is $63.75. Full pricing and to book your ride, Click here.

Gear Requirements

Helmet: Approved Standard full-face helmet. For example: AS/NZS 1698 or AS/NZS 1698:2006; ECE R22-05; M2015 or M2020 minimum.

Jacket: Purpose-made motorcycle riding jacket. Leather or DriRider/Kevlar-style with all armour inserted. DriRider/Kevlar-style jackets need to have all armour inserted, this includes a back protector.

Pants: Full-length jeans or workwear style cargo pants minimum. Strongly recommend leathers or Kevlar. Track suit pants not permitted.

Gloves: Full leather gloves required. Material gloves not permitted.

Boots: Purpose-made riding boots or lace-up boots that fully cover the ankles. Elastic-sided boots, track shoes/runners not permitted.

The post Bike Night Set to Fire Up Sydney Dragway This Friday appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Building on the success of the 2025 program, the collaboration now delivers a fully integrated R-Experience platform, combining Yamaha machinery, performance parts and professional coaching into a unified national rider experience. Central to the program is MotoSchool’s all-new fleet of YZF-R9s, supported by Yamaha Genuine Accessories and race-proven components.

MotoSchool’s training environment will now fully integrate Yamalube oils and maintenance products, GYTR performance accessories, Akrapovic exhaust systems, and Dunlop tyres via Ficeda Accessories. Together, these elements create a premium accessible setup for riders looking to develop skills in a professional track environment.At the heart of the 2026 program is MotoSchool’s R-Experience, a structured, race-inspired immersion anchored by the new YZF-R9. Each bike is fitted with a GYTR Akrapovič titanium race exhaust system and prepared to professional standards. Riders can choose between Dunlop race slicks for advanced training or Dunlop treaded slick track day tyres for high-performance road-based track riding.

MotoSchool says the R-Experience is designed as a true brand engagement platform rather than a simple hire fleet, allowing participants to arrive, ride and immerse themselves in Yamaha’s next-generation supersport technology.An exclusive Yamaha Customer Day has also been confirmed for Sunday, March 29 at Sydney Motorsport Park’s Grand Prix Circuit. Open to all Yamaha road models and rider experience levels, the YamaFest event will offer customers their first public opportunity to hire a YZF-R9 and take part in the R-Experience.

“What we’ve built with MotoSchool goes far beyond a traditional partnership,” says Mathew Ferry, General Manager Sales & Marketing, Land Mobility at Yamaha Motor Australia.

“It’s a platform that brings riders closer to our brand, our technology, and our philosophy. Extending this partnership into 2026 and launching the YZF-R9 hire fleet and Yamaha Customer Day, allows us to offer something truly unique to our customers,” he adds. “What Yamaha Motor Australia has created through this partnership is something truly special,” says Haydan Parker, Managing Director and Founder of MotoSchool.”

“The Yamaha team has shown what’s possible when a manufacturer genuinely commits to riders through experience, education, and community. This partnership is a blueprint for how brands can invest in the future of motorcycling in a meaningful way.”

“Together, we’ve built a model that removes barriers and opens doors. An environment where world-class machinery and elite coaching are no longer reserved for the few. The 2026 program proves that when motorcycle distributors and rider development organisations work in true partnership, the result is not just better riders, but a stronger, more connected global motorcycle culture,” he continues.

“For the first time, riders can step straight into a race-inspired Yamaha environment, ride the new YZF-R9, train with elite coaches, and be part of a community that’s built around learning and passion. We aim to offer riders the chance to experience something completely new,” ends Parker.

More details on the R-Experience and YamaFest Customer Day will be announced shortly.

The post Yamaha and MotoSchool Take R-Experience to the Next Level appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Get out to Sydney Dragway this weekend for the action and stay tuned to BikeReview.com.au and PitBoard.com.au as we follow the series throughout 2026. Don’t miss the opening round, and be sure to follow BikeReview.com.au and PitBoard.com.au throughout 2026 for race reports, photos, results and behind-the-scenes coverage from the NSW Championship Series.

Buy your tickets for Round One here… and view the Sydney Dragway 2026 calendar here…

ROUND 1 – 2026 NSW Championship Series

A new year. A new series. A fresh opportunity to be crowned champion. The 2026 NSW Championship Series roars into life at Sydney Dragway on Saturday, 7 February 2026, as Australia’s best Sportsman drag racers line up for the opening round of what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.

Spanning eight action-packed rounds, the NSW Championship is one of the most diverse and hotly contested drag racing series in the country, featuring everything from fire-breathing boosted machines to ultra-competitive street and junior categories. With championship points up for grabs from round one, every pass down the quarter mile counts.

Fans can expect full fields and close racing across an impressive range of brackets, including

Iconicote Boosted Outlaws
Extreme Bike
Platinum Powder Coating Modified Eliminator
Micks Metal Roofing Top Sportsman
Go Logistics Super Sedan
BikeReview.com.au Modified Bike
Powerplus Super Street
Speedflow Junior Dragster
Speedflow Junior Drag Bike
Super Gas
Jetters HQ Street Fighter
Heavy Duty Magazine Street Bike
Real Street

From rising stars eager to make their mark to proven champions defending their status, Round One will set the tone for the entire season. Expect tight racing, big performances and plenty of early championship drama as the road to glory officially begins at Sydney Dragway.

As proud sponsors of Sydney Dragway two-wheel racing for 22 years in 2026, Jeff and Heather Ware (JPMedia P/L – publishers of BikeReview and PitBoard, formerly Rapid Bikes Magazine) are excited to continue their long-standing partnership with the sport sponsoring Modified Bike again this year and look forward to bringing fans even more coverage from trackside this season.

NSW Championship competitor info hub is here…

The post Sydney Dragway News | ROUND 1 – 2026 NSW Championship Series appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Across 2025, a total of 30 Ride Days and six Ride Nights were run at Sydney Motorsport Park, attracting 4,518 riders. Participants came from all walks of life, nationalities and backgrounds, united by a shared passion for riding one of Australia’s premier motorsport venues.

Looking ahead to 2026, the calendar expands even further. A total of 31 regular Ride Days and 11 Ride Nights are planned, alongside a limited number of weekend and public holiday events, plus several special dates yet to be announced.

One of the standout features continuing into next year is the opportunity for riders to hire premium superbikes on every Ride Day, including the Ducati Panigale V4S and BMW S 1000 RR. For those wanting the ultimate on-track experience, the Full Factory Experience will also return, offering riders access to up-spec Ducati Panigale V4S and BMW S 1000 RR M Sport machines, complete with slick tyres, tyre warmers and personalised setup.

New for 2026 are brand-specific days, including BMW Motorrad Days and Ducati Experience events, where only motorcycles from that marque take to the circuit. Exclusive Full Factory Experience Days will also be introduced, limited to just 10 riders on track, with seven dedicated sessions per day.

Further details on these new experiences will be revealed in the new year, as Sydney Motorsport Park continues to elevate its motorcycle ride-day offering for 2026.

The post Sydney Motorsport Park Ride Days Set for Biggest Year Yet in 2026 appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

Keith Campbell, Australia’s First Grand Prix World Champion is a terrifically researched 95,000-word account of Campbell’s remarkable career featuring many previously unpublished photographs.

Campbell secured the 1957 World 350 Championship in his debut season with Moto Guzzi, finishing on the podium at the Isle of Man and taking consecutive victories in The Netherlands, Belgium and Northern Ireland. He was the first Australian to win multiple Grands Prix in a calendar year.

Campbell’s world title was the culmination of an eight-year journey from Melbourne teenager welding vacuum-cleaner bodies to finance his racing and solo trips to the famed Isle of Man that launched his career as a Continental Circus rookie at 22 and then successful private entrant.

A fair-minded man, Campbell stood up for proper payment for private riders at the 1955 Dutch TT. Along with other striking riders, he was suspended from racing for six months. Undeterred, he was back racing and winning in 1956, and then piloted Guzzi 350 singles, 500 singles and the fabulous Guzzi 500 V-eight as a factory rider.

Guzzi’s withdrawal from racing in September 1957 left Campbell without a works ride. He returned to the privateer ranks for 1958 with plans to head home to Melbourne and start a business in 1959. Campbell tragically died in a race accident at Cadours, France, in July 1958.

Purchase your signed copy for $50 plus shipping by emailing your details to krcampbellbook@gmail.com

“This is a truly remarkable biography of the racer, businessman and entrepreneur who became Australia’s first motorsport grand prix world champion,” Peter Donaldson said.

“Talent, bravery, speed, smarts and persistence. Australia’s first road-racing World Champion Keith Campbell used all of that to reach the pinnacle of success,” Jamie McIlwraith said. “The man behind the legendary Circus Life  history of 1950s’ Aussie international motorcycle racers tells the inspiring yet tragic story of Campbell’s extraordinary career”.

Keith Campbell, Australia’s first Grand Prix World Champion draws on interviews with Keith Campbell’s family, friends, rivals, team mates, helpers and travelling mates, reporters and spectators from the day.

The list of those whom helped contribute to the book includes Jack Ahearn, Keith Bryen, Rod Coleman, Geoff Duke, Keith’s brother George Campbell, key helpers Ron Day and Bob Edmonds, Eric Hinton, Bob Mitchell, Maurie Quincey, John Surtees and Vic Willoughby. Keith Campbell.

The post Available Now! Keith Campbell, Australia’s first Grand Prix World Champion by Don Cox, $50 + Delivery for a signed copy! appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

On-Track
Jack Miller – MotoGP

Kicking his August off with a 12th in the Sprint after starting 14th in Catalunya, this was a solid effort in a bout where he displayed some excellent pace and engaged in some fierce battles throughout. In the main race, he recovered from early adversity to secure 14th place, fighting his way back into the points after being pushed wide by Brad Binder on the opening lap, which had dropped him to the back of the field. Keen for more at Misano, Jack Miller (#43) began his weekend with a decent 14th in the Sprint, clawing his way back from 20th on the grid despite him not feeling overly confident on the bike. He followed that up with a gritty ride to 12th in Sunday’s main race, once again carving through the field – this time from 21st – to round out what was another tidy body of work.

“It’s been a relatively good day, considering where we started and where we finished. I lost quite a bit of time in the opening laps while settling into my rhythm, but from around lap eight until about six laps from the end, I felt pretty good and confident on the bike, even setting my best lap of the race in that stint. From then on, with a low fuel load and worn tyres, the bike started moving around a lot, and it was difficult to manage the weight transfer – that‘s something we need to work on. Overall though, I’m satisfied: I had a solid Sprint and a solid Sunday. We’re still missing a bit of speed, but the team did a good job. We have an important test, where I’ll try the new Yamaha YZR-M1 V4 prototype,” he commented.

Read our previous Aussies Racing Abroad columns here…

Speaking of the test, and Miller was content following his first outing on Yamaha’s new V4, noting that there’s much to like already even though there’s huge scope for improvement given the project’s still in its early stages.

Senna Agius – Moto2

Despite banking an impressive P8 in qualifying, Senna Agius frustratingly could only manage 14th in the race, as he was hindered by a sluggish start, grip issues and a long lap penalty on his return from his brutal crash in Austria. Eager to come out swinging in Misano, this is exactly what the Aussie flyer did, for he produced a sterling showing, which began with a strong P7 in qualifying: just 0.190 seconds off the fastest time. He then positively transferred his pace into the race, with him riding with plenty of intensity and fight to clinch fifth, which secured him a valuable points haul to propel him from tenth to eighth in the Moto2 standings.

“It was a good race, I can’t complain. Fourth place would have been the best I could have hoped for today. Maybe even a little better, because I saw the podium and relived that feeling I’ve been missing over the last months. But I got a little kick from behind and ended up on the kerbs, where I almost lost control of the front on the outside. I almost had a serious crash because it was at a fast place. Fifth place at the end is good, and we’ve made up a little ground in the championship, which is nice.” Agius reflected.

Joel Kelso – Moto3

Joel Kelso rocketed to P2 in qualifying at Barcelona, setting himself up nicely for an uplifting race. However, he was unable to fully convert that speed when it counted, slipping as far back as 14th before fighting back to finish a respectable seventh.

At Misano, Kelso wanted to carry that momentum. And he did just that by bagging an eye-catching P3 in Friday practice. He duly backed it up with another front-row start in qualifying and went on to finish fourth in the race to cap off a fine round at the office.

“Not the smoothest race today – made it to the front but got shuffled back after a small mistake. Fought my way through to finish with solid points. Happy to have the good feeling back on the bike and ready to build for the second half of the season. Time to tidy up a few things and go again next weekend,” Kelso stated.

Jacob Roulstone – Moto3

While he was dissatisfied with only logging P11 in qualifying, mainly due to getting stuck behind others on slow laps at Catalunya, Jacob Roulstone was ready to show his class in Sunday’s showdown. But his race ended in devastation after a technical issue forced him to retire.

“Really unfortunate once again. It seems that when everything is going good, I can’t catch any luck. I don’t know how many ladders I walked under this year, but I am really upset. It is the third time this year that I am having this issue. I know it is out of the team’s control, so it’s just a really big shame. I felt really strong from lap one, I showed top speed, so it is sad,” he lamented.

It was a weekend of highs and lows in San Marino too. After securing the first front row of his GP career with a superb P3 in qualifying, tyre issues meant P11 was the best he could salvage in the race.

“We felt good at the start. I tried to manage myself, but I quickly struggled with the tyre drop, and I was a bit lost. I am a bit disappointed, of course, but we take the positives from this weekend, and let’s keep working,” admitted Roulstone.

Remy Gardner – World Superbike

Despite feeling sore from his Balaton spill, Remy Gardner produced a valiant effort on the physically demanding Magny-Cours circuit to register a brave sixth in the opening race. An 11th in the Superpole Race then followed for the #87 before he picked up an admirable P13 in the final race to close out the French round.

“Unfortunately, in the sprint race we couldn’t hold our position early on, even though our pace was good in the closing stages. That meant starting one row further back for race two, which made things a bit tougher. We tried to work our way through the field and kept a consistent pace, but it wasn’t quite enough to gain more places. Now we’ll focus on Aragon and take some time to rest,” Gardner said.

Oli Bayliss – World Supersport

While beginning race one from the back after a collision with Kaito Toba prevented him from completing a qualifying lap, Oli Bayliss mounted a spirited charge, gaining 18 spots to finish 12th over the 19-lapper. Bayliss once again put in a remarkable comeback in the second stanza, where, having started from the back, the Australian steadily sliced through the field at a rate of over one place per lap, showing both pace and determination. His remarkable surge to tenth at the chequered flag was certainly a supreme effort.

“It was a frustrating kind of a weekend. We had a pretty good free practice, and as we all know, we got taken out of the first lap of qualifying, so we had to start at the back of the grid. We were really close to making the lap time in race one to start one of the first nine in race two, we just missed out, so we had to start at the back again. We made good progress throughout the race and finished tenth. We were really fast at the end of the race, it’s annoying because I think we could have had some really good results, but we are just going to have to try again next time,” he noted.

Off-Track
Jett Lawrence – SuperMotocross

Jett Lawrence capped off an extraordinary 2025 season with another sensational performance at the SMX finale in Las Vegas to secure his third consecutive SuperMotocross 450 Championship. Entering the final round with just a six-point edge over his brother Hunter and facing a triple-points format, Jett was under intense pressure in a winner-take-all duel. And he delivered when it mattered most, overcoming average starts in both motos to go 1-2 on the night. A critical late-race pass on Eli Tomac in the second moto clinched the overall victory and the title, netting him $1 million and his 10th career AMA crown – tying him with legends Jeremy McGrath and Ryan Villopoto. At just 22, Jett remains the only rider to have claimed every premier category SMX title since the series began in 2023, cementing his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

“It was a good race weekend. Hunter rode well and executed two starts, which made it hard on me. The first moto, I was able to dig deep and get that moto win, thankfully, it saved me for sure. In the second moto, I got another bad start, and the boys were riding well. Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to be able to catch Eli to make the pass, but in the last few laps I was able to close up. I saw an opportunity to pass and jumped on it real quick. I was able to make it stick and get the win. It’s awesome to go 1-2 with Hunter and me,” Jett explained.

Hunter Lawrence – SuperMotocross

Hunter Lawrence may have narrowly missed out on the SMX 450 title, but his exertions in Las Vegas were nothing short of impressive. With the championship on the line and only six points separating him from his younger brother Jett, Hunter came out all guns blazing. He led both motos early and even held on to win the second, showcasing his speed, maturity and racecraft. His third in moto one and triumph in the second earned him second overall on the night and in the final standings – along with a hefty $500,000 payout. While he fell just short of the title, Hunter’s consistency and ability to push his brother to the limit underlined why he’s a top-tier contender in the premier class.

“Yeah, I’m gutted. I did everything I could in that one, felt like I just gave it 110% every time I went on the track. Just came up short,” Hunter insisted.

Jake Cannon – EMX250

Aussie Bud Racing ace Jake Cannon ended his EMX250 season well despite enduring some adversity. Although all the signs were looking good in race one, where he was running fourth, his moto was scuppered when he got run into by another rider, which relegated him to eleventh. Recalibrating his focus swiftly, he notably fought back to finish seventh.

Then, in the second moto, Cannon didn’t let being pushed wide condition his race, as he rapidly regained his composure, and charged from ninth to fourth. His resilient output saw him secure fourth overall and eighth in the final EMX250 standings.

Liam Owens – EMX250

Liam Owens wrapped up his 2025 EMX250 crusade in style by powering himself to the podium at the finale in Turkey to close out the term with back-to-back podiums to clinch an outstanding fifth in the gruelling EMX250 championship.

While battling a bout of food poisoning wasn’t ideal in race one, Owens charged from 13th on the first lap to finish an excellent fourth. Feeling better on Sunday, the hotshot found his groove again to take home third to earn third overall.

“Back-to-back podiums to finish my 2025 EMX250 campaign. This weekend in Turkey was definitely an experience, from eating the wrong food and throwing up in race one to riding in the altitude and bikes feeling slower because of it,” Owens posted.

The post Aussies Racing Abroad | September 2025 appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

From the early stages, the #12 Yoshimura SERT Suzuki GSX-R1000R set the pace. Gregg Black, Étienne Masson and Dan Linfoot carried the team’s momentum into the night, barely relinquishing control as they racked up maximum points. Their consistency, pit discipline and relentless pace ensured a third consecutive Bol d’Or win, confirming the team’s reputation as one of endurance racing’s strongest forces.

Yet the championship fight lay elsewhere. BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team looked set to clinch their first EWC title until disaster struck with just 30 minutes left on the clock. A mechanical failure forced the M1000RR out of contention, handing the advantage to Yamaha.

For YART Yamaha, the 2025 season had already been a landmark campaign, including victories at the 24 Heures Motos and strong performances at Spa. In France, the trio of Marvin Fritz, Karel Hanika and Australian Jason O’Halloran kept their composure under immense pressure. Despite setbacks – including minor technical issues and illness in the camp – they secured enough points to leapfrog BMW and seal Yamaha’s second world crown in three years.

Their triumph also marked history for O’Halloran, who became the sixth Australian to win an FIM EWC championship, further strengthening Australia’s presence on the global stage.

There were more stories across the classes. Champion-MRP-Tecmas battled adversity to secure victory in Superstock, while National Motos Honda lifted the Endurance World Cup for a second year running. ARTEC #199 wrote their own page of history by winning the Production competition title.

Check out the full Bol d’Or results here…

Rieju, TSR Honda and ERC Endurance were among those sidelined during the gruelling 24-hour marathon, proof once again of the unforgiving nature of endurance racing.

For Australian fans, the result was especially sweet. Jason O’Halloran’s championship win with YART has put another Aussie name on the EWC honour roll, joining legends who have carried the flag in one of the world’s toughest racing arenas. With more local riders eyeing international endurance competition, and growing broadcast access in Australia, the EWC is carving out a stronger profile among local enthusiasts.

In total, Ducati, BMW and Honda all showed flashes of brilliance during 2025, but Yamaha’s ability to adapt and endure over four rounds proved decisive. SERT may have stood on the top step at Le Castellet, yet it was YART Yamaha who carried the trophy home, underscoring the unpredictable beauty of endurance racing.

The curtain falls on the 2025 FIM EWC season with Yamaha crowned champions, Suzuki celebrating a Bol d’Or masterclass, and fans already looking ahead to 2026. For Australians, there’s added pride knowing one of our own played a decisive role in this unforgettable campaign.

The post YART Yamaha Win FIM EWC Title at Bol d’Or 2025 appeared first on Racing, Riding, Motorcycle Reviews, Race bikes, Tech Tips, Rider Training....

On-Track
Jack Miller – MotoGP

After a tough 17th in the Austrian sprint, where he struggled with severe rear wheel spin, Jack Miller endured more of the same in the main race, limping home in 18th to cap off a weekend to forget.

“It’s quite clear on paper that this weekend our bike simply doesn‘t work with this rear tyre and its construction. There‘s just no way to make it work. I tried everything I know – from short-shifting to being super patient on the throttle – just trying to find a way to defend myself,” Miller reflected.

Heading to Hungary, the popular #43 secured a positive 12th in the Sprint on a track where overtaking was difficult. The main race was always going to be a challenge, with Miller forced to start 17th after receiving a three-place grid penalty for impeding Francesco Bagnaia during Friday’s practice. Despite a brilliant start, Jack Miller frustratingly crashed out of the race to end another challenging round.

“Definitely not the day I wanted or expected. I got off to a decent start, settled in behind Pol (Espargaro) and waited a bit before making a move, knowing I had the pace to get ahead. But then, at turn one, as soon as I touched the throttle, the front went away and that was it. Honestly, I hadn‘t done anything different from the lap before. I picked the bike up and tried to push, hoping to catch someone, even with a small clutch issue. But a few laps later I went down again at Turn 11. A real shame, because we had a decent pace this weekend and I feel it was a missed opportunity,” he lamented.

Senna Agius – Moto2

Kicking off his weekend with a strong P5 in FP2 and sixth in qualifying in Austria, things were looking promising for Senna Agius to deliver a fine race. But it wasn’t to be, as a brutal crash at turn two on the opening lap, involving Ivan Ortola and Alonso Lopez, saw Agius get run over, ending his race early. Fortunately, he escaped without serious injury. Though scans at the Red Bull Ring came back clear, he was transferred to Judenburg Hospital for precautionary checks and underwent further tests in Barcelona.

“Lucky to be walking away today, relatively okay after a scary crash on lap one. Time to recover to get back on it soon,”Agius recalled. While he had to sit out the Hungarian GP to rest and recuperate, he positively plans to return to action in Catalunya, pending medical clearance.

Joel Kelso – Moto3

Back from injury in Austria following the summer break, exciting talent Joel Kelso claimed 10th on the grid before producing a commendable 11th in the race. Leaving determined and motivated to build on this ahead of the subsequent round in Hungary, his words illustrated he wasn’t content.

“Not the result we wanted coming back from the summer break. Didn’t feel fully dialled in this weekend, but we’ll regroup and go again,” stated the #66. Although it wasn’t the weekend Joel Kelso had envisaged in Hungary on a track he enjoyed riding, the Australian dynamo showed plenty of grit to fight his way back from P14 to a respectable eighth.

“It wasn’t an ideal weekend, starting from P14, but we fought hard and managed to move forward. We’re still in a bit of a rut – no point sugar-coating it. The focus now is on finding solutions, and we won’t stop until we do,” asserted the Aussie.

Jacob Roulstone – Moto3

Having toiled earlier in the weekend, it was admirable how Jacob Roulstone made steady progress on the Saturday to qualify P12 at the Red Bull Ring. Sadly, grip issues hindered his race, thus ensuring he couldn’t get any higher than 14th.

“I’m taking some positives away from what was definitely a tricky round, at not one of my favourite tracks. In today’s race, I managed to get a decent start and maintain a decent pace throughout. I did struggle with grip toward the end of the race. It seems we’re making small steps in the right direction, even if the results aren’t quite reflecting that yet,”commented Roulstone.

After qualifying P7, Jacob Roulstone continued his admirable Moto3 momentum with a P10 in Sunday’s race in Hungary. While a reasonable result, the Aussie felt more was possible with better tyre management.

“Really good start, and I was able to stay near the front for a while. But I just didn’t manage the tyre well enough. Small steps forward again. Not the results I’m aiming for, but I’m giving my best day in and day out to get to where I know I can be. Just need to work things out on and off the bike a little earlier in the weekend. A week off now, but see you in Barcelona,” insisted the gifted prospect.

Off-Track
Jett Lawrence – AMA Pro Motocross

Jett Lawrence wrapped up his second 450 AMA Pro Motocross crown and his fifth title in the premier class after enjoying his latest masterful season. His achievement was made all the more remarkable given the fact he’d only just recovered in time from an ACL injury for the start of the Pro Motocross series. Winning nine of the 11 overalls on offer, there was no denying the 22-year-old phenom, who was a cut above his adversaries throughout. Combining superb technique, elite line selection, tremendous starts and outstanding racecraft, it was a joy to watch the #18 flex his muscles.

“I think the biggest moment in this championship was round one. Leading up to it, I was dealing with my knee injury. It was my first one, so mentally it felt horrible, and I was originally told I’d be out four months. I didn’t think I was going to make the opener at all. Just making it to the first round had me stoked, and to go there and win made it one of my best races ever. To wrap up the title one round early makes it even more rewarding,” Lawrence explained. The younger Lawrence sibling will now immediately shift his attention to the upcoming SMX Playoffs.

Hunter Lawrence – AMA Pro Motocross

Hunter Lawrence rounded out an excellent Pro Motocross season by finishing second in the standings behind his sensational brother, in a campaign which memorably included him banking his first-ever victory outdoors in the 450 category when he reigned supreme at Ironman.

“I haven’t got the energy to be emotional or happy. It’s hot and I’m finished. I’m just happy to get one [a win]. A lot of second-place finishes, but it’s good to get the monkey off my back,” he divulged. Launching out of the gate wonderfully throughout the crusade and riding in a disciplined and calculated manner, Hunter deserves huge credit for what was an accomplished body of work over 11 gruelling stops on the calendar. Expect him to come out swinging in SMX too, where he’ll aim to go one better after falling just short last time around.

Jake Cannon – EMX250

Consistency has been key for Jake Cannon in August in the fiercely competitive EMX250 division. Beginning with a solid P5 in Sweden despite a spill in race one and having an off-track excursion in the second race, there were many positives to extract from his Uddevalla. Feeling good on the bike, possessing podium speed and comfortable on the iconic venue, a podium was in reach if only he’d avoided those mishaps.

“I felt good on the bike and was enjoying the track, but the first moto just didn’t go my way. I rode strong to get back to ninth after crashing on the second lap, but I need to get better starts and minimise the errors. I’m frustrated with my first lap in the second moto, as I jumped off the side of the track after a good start. After ten minutes I started riding like myself again and came back to fifth for fifth overall. I just have to put it all together for a full moto. I know I have the speed to be at the front,” Cannon told the Bud Racing website.

The Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki hotshot then ventured to Arnhem ready for more, but unsatisfactory starts ensured he had to surge through the pack to eventually clinch a hard-earned sixth overall.

Liam Owens – EMX250

Liam Owens continues to make impressive strides in EMX250, with the Aussie flyer notching his maiden podium at Arnhem last weekend, which was a just reward for all his hard work. Riding superbly on the demanding sand circuit, his 4-2 moto scores saw him claim a deserved third overall and his spot on the box.

“Finally made it on the podium. If you had told me, when I first moved here from Australia, that my first EMX250 podium would come in the sand, I would’ve fallen off my chair. Big thanks to everyone involved in my first podium. Getting that feeling once just makes me want it even more,” said a delighted Owens.

In another piece of uplifting news, it was also confirmed that the Cat Moto Bauerschmidt Husqvarna ace will stay with the team for 2026, where his sights will be firmly set on the coveted EMX250 title.

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Demand has been huge, with Suzuki confirming more than 1,300 online expressions of interest already lodged since the models were first teased. To manage the rush, Suzuki is launching a priority pre-order process designed to reward early fans who registered their interest online.

Customers who completed the “Register Your Interest” form will receive an email from Suzuki on August 12 inviting them to contact their preferred dealer to arrange pre-order contracts. Dealers and customers have until August 29 to lock in as many confirmed pre-orders as possible. The initial December shipment will then be allocated in the order registrations were received.

From September 1, orders will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, matched to the earliest registration dates until stock is exhausted.

Both models will be offered in two colours:
DR-Z4S – Champion Yellow No.2 / Solid Special White No.2, or Solid Iron Grey.
DR-Z4SM – Solid Special White No.2, or Sky Grey.

Suzuki will also offer a range of Genuine Accessories for both bikes, including knuckle covers, brake disc covers, axle sliders, a rear carrier, aluminium skid plate, and a low seat.

Check out our video review from the World Launch… 

For more information, customers can contact their local Suzuki dealer or visit www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au.

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