OrangeCat Racing will become an BMW Motorrad Motorsport official team for the 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike racing season, with a rider line-up comprising 2021 MotoAmerica Supersport champion Sean Dylan Kelly and returning rider Jayson Uribe.

Team newcomer Kelly has had a prolific motorcycle road racing career. In addition to his 2021 title, he finished runner-up in the Supersport Class in 2020, raced in FIM Moto2 for two seasons and recorded his first MotoAmerica Superbike win on a BMW in 2024.

Uribe returns to OrangeCat Racing after an eight-podium season last year, finishing third in the 2025 Stock 1000 standings. After racing overseas for several years, Uribe joined OrangeCat Racing in 2024, where he finished runner-up in the Stock 1000.

“This partnership brings together two organizations united by a passion for performance and racing excellence. The entire OrangeCat team, from the riders to the engineers and mechanics, has been absolutely first-class ambassadors for our brand and for the greater motorcycle community. We are excited about our future as we continue showcasing the winning capabilities of the BMW M 1000 RR in North America’s premier Superbike championship,” said Kevin Philips, head of BMW Motorrad, Americas.

Chicago-based OrangeCat Racing and BMW Motorrad began competing with the BMW M 1000 RR in MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 class in 2023 and achieved immediate success. In three seasons, OrangeCat Racing brought home 10 wins and 33 podiums, including a second place finish with Kaleb DeKeyrel in 2023, second place with Jayson Uribe in 2024, and both a third place finish with Jayson Uribe and a championship with Andrew Lee in 2025.

After three very successful years in Stock 1000, OrangeCat Racing will compete in MotoAmerica’s top Superbike class with full factory backing and support from BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

“BMW has been key to our success over the years, and we’re excited about what we can achieve with support from their team,” said Jeff Connors, team principal for OrangeCat Racing. “The passion and work ethic BMW Motorrad Motorsport brings to the table day-in and day-out are infectious. We feel more than up to the challenge of Superbike with BMW’s partnership.”

“I’m super proud of our whole team for continuing to embrace any challenge thrown our way, and BMW has been an outstanding partner for all of us,” added Andrew Sieja, founding principal of OrangeCat Racing. “We have a lot in common: from love of the sport, to a sense of adventure and trying new things, to striving for our best in anything we take on.”

In related news, BMW and Peugeot confirm 2026 Hypercar line-ups

The post OrangeCat Racing joins 2026 MotoAmerica Superbike appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Willow Springs International Raceway has unveiled the extensive renovations to two of its most popular tracks, marking the first chapter in the next era for the Southern California facility.

The 1.8-mile Streets of Willow Springs road course and 0.625-mile kart track have both undergone significant investment and modernization to improve safety and upgrade the overall on-track experience. The unveiling revealed updates to both circuits, including repaved tracks and extensive painting in the raceway’s green and off-white color scheme.

The Streets of Willow Springs and kart track have both been upgraded with asphalt to replace the track surfaces, new internal and external curbs, grading and added gravel along the track perimeter, a runoff around the circuit, and branded striping and logos in the runoff areas, curbs and track perimeter.

In addition to these improvements, three new chicanes have been added to the Streets of Willow Springs layout for track extension and safety. With a continued focus on safety, the facility says that it will also add tire barriers, Armco and air fence to the circuits, with work expected to be completed during the autumn.

“We are excited to preserve the history of Willow Springs while continuing to make improvements that establish it as the premier venue for motorsport enthusiasts of all kinds,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners and representative of the Willow Springs ownership group.

“This is just the first phase of our plans for this iconic facility, and we’re excited to show off the work we’ve completed so far at the Willow Springs Reimagined event on October 11.”

In related news, Kiwa certifies grandstand barriers at Silverstone

The post Renovations to Willow Springs International Raceway unveiled appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Product safety certification provider Kiwa has conducted a comprehensive testing program at Silverstone to assess the spectator barriers’ structural integrity and compliance with safety regulations.

With thousands of motorsport fans attending the British F1 Grand Prix and MotoGP at Silverstone, ensuring spectator safety – and meeting modern sports ground safety regulations – remains a top priority for the circuit’s management across its 25 permanent and temporary grandstands.

Driving barrier testing

To maintain a safe environment, barrier testing is conducted to ensure total confidence in structural integrity and performance for optimum crowd control and the preventing falls.

Delivering a strategy of enhanced safety means undertaking regular risk assessments and testing regimes as part of programs to identify and address potential safety issues before they can lead to accidents.

Kiwa worked with DSA Group to undertake barrier tests on several structures, including the BRDC, COPSE, Lakeside and Luffield stands. All the testing was undertaken in accordance with Chapter 11 of the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds sixth edition (2018).

Chris Forshaw, construction and utilities cluster director at Kiwa, said, “Offering a strong track record in testing sporting structures and leisure facilities, we worked with the DSA Group to carry out a testing program for several spectator stands at Silverstone. With massive crowds regularly attending world famous events at the venue, such testing ensures a safe environment for all and meets the prevailing safety standards.”

The program involved applying test loads centrally between supports using hydraulic cylinders. The loads were measured with a calibrated pressure gauge, and deflection was monitored using dial gauges at the point of maximum movement.

Each test included a bedding cycle conforming to the design force, followed by two applications of the test load. The deflection and recovery data were then used to assess compliance with the safety specifications.

Following the testing procedures, all the barriers at Silverstone were found to comply with the required safety standards.

Chris Forshaw said, “For those charged with operating and managing heavily used spaces such as sports arenas and other leisure facilities, visitor safety is the number one priority.”

In related news, FIA selects Siemens as official digital twin sponsor

The post Kiwa certifies grandstand barriers at Silverstone appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

A new front, smaller kidney grille, improved aerodynamics … BMW has updated the M Hybrid V8, which will feature a new exterior design and technical optimizations when it competes in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series.

BMW M Motorsport is implementing aerodynamic updates – subject to final homologation – based on insights gained by engineers during previous race outings.

The most notable change to the BMW M Hybrid V8 is its front end. An adjusted splitter will be added to optimize airflow, while the BMW kidney grille will be slightly smaller while retaining its contour lighting. The hybrid will also receive new headlights.

The aerodynamic updates have been designed to provide two benefits: to enable the car to perform more consistently across all track layouts, to eliminate weaknesses found following analysis of past seasons in the FIA WEC and IMSA; and the revised airflow around the car improves cooling efficiency.

The development of the aerodynamics, from CFD calculations to the manufacturing of parts, was carried out in close collaboration between BMW M Motorsport engineers and chassis partner Dallara. Following private test sessions in recent weeks, the BMW M Hybrid V8 is due to make its first public appearance after the FIA WEC Lone Star Le Mans race in Austin, Texas, during a joint test at the Circuit of the Americas. Subject to final homologation, the vehicle’s first race will be the 24 Hours of Daytona at the end of January 2026.

Andreas Roos, head of BMW M Motorsport, said, “Since we began racing in the IMSA series in 2023 and the FIA WEC in 2024, we have learned a great deal about our BMW M Hybrid V8. After optimizing the brakes for the current season, it is now time for an aerodynamically improved version of the car. With these updates, we are responding to the insights gained from our previous race outings.

“Following the tests we’ve already conducted, we are confident that the changes to the BMW M Hybrid V8 will allow us to compete more consistently at the front on all types of tracks, taking another step toward the top. A big thank you to everyone involved for their hard work. In the coming months, we will continue to work intensively to ensure we are optimally prepared for the start of the 2026 season at Daytona in January.”

In related news, Mercedes-AMG recently demonstrated the performance of the Concept AMG GT XX under long-distance, extreme conditions, breaking a total of 25 long-distance records

The post BMW M Hybrid V8 receives aerodynamic updates for 2026 season appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has announced that the 2025 FIA Karting World Championship (September 11-14) will be supported by an e-sports event organized by the Swedish national sporting authority (ASN). The initiative aims to showcase the diverse grassroots pathways available for participation in motorsport.

Since the World Motor Sport Council recognized e-sports as an official discipline of motorsport by adding it to the FIA International Sporting Code in 2023, the FIA has organized major international events, including the FIA Motorsport Games Esports Cup.

E-sports “offers a unique opportunity to engage with new communities across the world”, the FIA says, adding that the combined e-sports and karting event at the FIA Karting World Championship supports its mission to create accessible pathways from virtual racing to real-world motorsport.

Vincent Caro, FIA head of circuit grassroots disciplinesand activities, said, “Bringing together karting and e-sports at the 2025 FIA Karting World Championship underscores the FIA’s commitment to grassroots investment and expanding the ways people can engage with motorsport.

“All the equipment that the SBF will set up for the competition between senior karting drivers will remain in place throughout the weekend of the event, so that all visitors and spectators tempted by an e-sports experience can try out the simulators for free.

“This activation also makes the experience of visiting an FIA event even more attractive to the public. Accessibility is central to the FIA’s Global Karting Plan and this initiative is a major step toward growing participation and opening new entry points into the sport.”

Jessica Bjurström, chair of Svenska Bilsportförbundet, said, “We’re really excited to be able to host an e-sports competition when the FIA Karting World Championship comes to Kristianstad in September. E-sports is a growing discipline and this a great opportunity for more people to get involved with the thrills of motorsport, whether on-track or on-screen.”

The event will be held at the Åsum Ring, Kristianstad, and will use 12 racing sims to stage a dynamic racing competition during the championship weekend. The competition has been registered on the International Sporting Calendar and will be officiated by a group of international stewards appointed by the ASN.

Entries are open for any individual aged 14+ that holds an international Llcense. The virtual competition will use the iRacing title and, in line with the ambitions of most young karting drivers, the FIA F4 category has been chosen for the competition.

In related news, the FIA World Rally Championship is taking place in Paraguay for the first time, with a strong 48-car entry list confirmed for its landmark debut this month. Read the full story here

The post FIA welcomes e-sports to 2025 FIA Karting World Championship appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The FIA World Rally Championship will arrive in Paraguay for the first time on August 18-31, 2025, with a strong 48-car entry list confirmed for its landmark debut.

The entry list sets the stage for what the WRC says will be one of 2025’s most “intriguing challenges as crews tackle the distinctive red gravel roads around Encarnación for the first time”.

Toyota will bring five GR Yaris Rally1 cars for the Paraguayan challenge, with eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier joining championship leader Elfyn Evans, double world champion Kalle Rovanperä, Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari for the season’s 10th round.

Hyundai Motorsport will field its full i20 N Rally1 line-up through Ott Tänak, defending champion Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux, with M-Sport Ford running Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean in Puma Rally1s.

“Paraguay has huge fans and supporters of rally. We have good drivers,” said president Santiago Peña, who has personally championed the event’s creation. “This is going to be the beginning of a very long journey. Paraguay is going to begin this year with the World Rally Championship, but we are definitely sure that this is going to be, for the next decades to come, one of the best rallies in the world.”

In related news, the FIA World Rally Championship Commission recently revealed an updated version of its WRC27 technical regulations, which include a new chapter relating to bodywork. Read the full story here

The post WRC announces 48-car entry for inaugural Rally del Paraguay appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Formula E and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have announced a 10-year extension for the continued promotion of the FIA Formula E World Championship within the all-electric single-seater category.

This agreement is designed to strengthen Formula E’s position in international motorsport through supporting its continued growth, attracting investment and expanding its global presence, as well as promoting sustainable innovation within the automotive industry.

Under current plans, Formula E is set to continue its development strategy for its racing cars, delivering faster top speeds, greater acceleration, enhanced aerodynamics and improved tire performance. These advancements aim to maintain the series’s reputation for close, competitive racing while strengthening the connection between race technologies and consumer electric vehicles through greater technology transfer.

Longstanding partnership and a long-term future

The long-term extension will enable Formula E to build further on the work so far, providing the FIA World Championship with long-term vision and support. It “opens the door to strategic long-range partnerships and expanded fan engagement” the companies said in a statement.

With electric vehicles projected to account for over 40% of global vehicle sales by 2030 and lithium-ion battery production expected to triple, the relevance of Formula E continues to grow. The FIA Formula E World Championship highlights the capabilities of modern electric racing and contributes to the development of technologies that are increasingly influencing future road vehicles.

The Gen3 Evo, which launched earlier this year, is already a step-change in performance: 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds (30% faster than a current Formula 1 car), a 200mph top speed, and with almost 50% of the energy needed to complete a race being regenerated during a race. It has been designed with sustainability at its core and includes tires made with 35% recycled materials and bodywork incorporating recycled carbon fiber and natural fibers.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president at the FIA, said, “The extension of the agreement governing the FIA Formula E World Championship is a fantastic outcome for the sport and a clear reflection of our ongoing strategy at the FIA to foster long-term stability, innovation and growth across all areas of motorsport.

“This milestone reaffirms our commitment to innovation, sustainability and technological progress, which are all central to the championship’s unique identity and purpose. It also aligns with our broader goal of increasing global participation and driving more accessible motorsport for all. We are delighted to be continuing this journey with Formula E and I look forward to seeing it grow even further, both on and off the track, in the years to come.”

Craig Edmondson, chief commercial officer at the FIA, said, “Formula E has not only demonstrated impressive growth since its inception, but has also led the way on sustainable innovation in our industry. This is a landmark agreement for the FIA and Formula E, and we are excited to be working with the championship in the years to come.”

Jeff Dodds, CEO at Formula E, said, “Formula E’s growth since its inception has been nothing short of extraordinary, with hundreds of millions of fans and world-class teams and drivers deciding to choose highly competitive electric racing.

“This long-term extension of the partnership enables us to continue building the brand, investing in the product and delivering some of the most captivating racing that has made us famous. With this long-term extension, the opportunity that Formula E now has to impact world motorsport will be truly transformational.”

In related news, building on the record-breaking legacy of the original Nevera, Rimac’s Nevera R has become the latest 0-400-0 champion, setting 24 performance records

The post FIA and Formula E sign 10-year extension appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Aspire has announced the return of its flagship event, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). The 2025 edition will take place on November 15 at Yas Marina Circuit with a US$2.25m prize pool and the launch of a global virtual racing series.

Following its debut in April 2024, it returns with expanded international participation, welcoming teams from 10 countries, as a platform to advance autonomous mobility.

A2RL’s autonomous race car

The Emirates autonomous vehicle (EAV 24), A2RL’s upgraded autonomous racecar, aims to reflect the nation’s growing capabilities in AI, robotics and high-performance mobility.

Built on the Super Formula SF23 platform, the EAV-24 has been reengineered to incorporate enhanced sensor arrays, upgraded compute systems and refined control logic, optimized for the demanding conditions of autonomous racing. Equipped with advanced braking systems, drive-by-wire throttle control, and a custom-built autonomous stack, the SF23 gives each team a platform to adapt and optimize their AI driving algorithms in the pursuit of peak performance.

The open-wheel race car has been built from sustainable bio-composite materials, weighs 690kg and can reach speeds of up to 300km/h.

Faisal Al Bannai, advisor to the UAE president for strategic research and advanced technology affairs and secretary general of ATRC, said, “With A2RL, we’re not just testing autonomous technology, we’re accelerating its evolution in the most demanding conditions possible. It’s a showcase of engineering excellence, but more importantly, a platform for the future of mobility.

“From high-speed racing to real-world applications, we are demonstrating what’s possible when nations invest in deep tech innovation and challenge the world to think faster, build smarter and compete responsibly.”

The sprint

The season will see the launch of A2RL SIM Sprint. A series of virtual races designed to fast-track algorithm refinement and test AI systems in diverse conditions, the SIM Sprint extends A2RL into a year-round development ecosystem. By offering a consistent and controlled environment for experimentation, the sprint will help teams to accelerate the development of autonomous driving algorithms beyond real-world testing. A2RL has said it aims to open the SIM Sprint to a wider community of participants, including fans, independent developers and aspiring teams worldwide.

Stephane Timpano, CEO of Aspire, added, “By combining the physical thrill of racing with the precision of virtual testing, we’re enabling the world’s best minds to push the boundaries of AI. This year’s expanded league reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to challenge-driven innovation, where real-world impact is engineered at speed and scale.”

In related news, the 24h Nürburgring, taking place on June 21 and 22, will be the setting for the BMW M2 Racing’s final major endurance test before its sales launch. The car has already completed over 30,000km of testing. Click here to read the full story

The post Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League season two announced appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

The iconic Suzuka Circuit in Japan is set to host the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) in a ‘Man vs Machine showdown’ next month when autonomous cars race against a human driver to showcase the advancement of AI in motorsports.

The exhibition race will take place on the Super Formula double-header season finale on November 9-10. A2RL has partnered with Japan Race Promotion to pit two Super Formula race cars against each other in a head-to-head. Behind the wheel of one car will be former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, A2RL’s development driver. The second car will be controlled entirely by advanced AI and robotics.

The race car will be the Dallara SF23, which is already a local hero as it is currently used in Japan’s top tier Super Formula racing series. A2RL’s states that its version of the car, in the hands of Super Formula drivers, is the “fastest sub-F1 racing car in the world”. The vehicle uses a host of advanced sensors and systems to enable fully autonomous racing, including seven cameras, four radar sensors, three lidar sensors, and a computational ‘stack’ in place of the driver.

The teams behind the ‘Man vs Machine’ event are already on the ground in Japan, completing a test to collect important data and prepare for the race. This event also marks A2RL’s first public race outside Abu Dhabi, following its debut in April this year. During the inaugural race, eight international teams competed in autonomous racing for a share of the US$2.25m prize.

A2RL is also expanding into new territories and has recently completed a European testing program with Japanese rising star Juju Noda behind the wheel.

Stephane Timpano, CEO at A2RL, said, “Pitting human against machine is the ultimate test for AI-driven technology, especially when racing against Daniil Kvyat, a former Formula 1 driver who knows this circuit so well. I have no doubt the fans are in for an electrifying showcase of autonomous racing at its best.”

Yoshihisa Ueno, CEO of Japan Race Promotion, said, “To now see it race in this groundbreaking exhibition — one car driven by a human, the other by AI — is both fascinating and exciting. We are pleased to welcome A2RL to the world-famous Suzuka Circuit and look forward to the highly anticipated ‘Man vs Machine’ event.”

The post A2RL and Japan Race Promotion bring autonomous racing to Suzuka appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.

Since October 2022, the fastest production car around the ring has been the Mercedes-AMG One. However, Mercedes‑AMG thought it could do better and so, with DTM driver Maro Engel behind the wheel, the One was sent around the infamous green hell again, and posted a lap time of 6:29.090 min – knocking more than five seconds off its previous record. This makes the AMG One the only production car to breach the 6:30 min mark around the 12.944 mile (20.832km) track.

“We’ve held the record for road vehicles for almost two years now. But at AMG, we always want to push the boundaries of what is possible to the maximum or even push them a little further. That’s why we have once again demonstrated what is possible with the unique AMG One” said Michael Schiebe, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes‑AMG and head of the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class and Mercedes‑Maybach divisions.

“Two years ago, the conditions were not ideal, and some sections of the track were still a little damp. We knew we could do more, and we wanted to show that,” added Maro Engel, Mercedes‑AMG brand ambassador.

To achieve this feat, the track conditions had to be ideal. On September 23, 2024, at 6:56pm, on the third timed lap, Engel set the new record. With temperatures of 15°C (air) and 20°C (asphalt), the Nordschleife was dry throughout and offered good grip.

Engel used the AMG One’s four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) system and in some cases deliberately took his foot off the accelerator a little earlier than he normally would (also known as ‘lift and coast’) to optimize the hybrid output. Preliminary tests in the driving simulator in Affalterbach and on the Nordschleife itself provided the necessary insights, which the team and driver were able to optimally implement for the record lap.

The Mercedes‑AMG hypercar develops 1,049hp (782kW) from its 1.6-liter V6 engine, with the top speed capped at 218mph (352km/h). Being a Formula 1 car for the road, it borrows numerous bits from the race car and features a fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with a hybrid-driven rear axle and electrically driven front axle with torque vectoring.

The hypercar also features a Drag Reduction System (DRS) that can be activated by the driver to retract the louvers on the front fenders as well as the upper aero element of the two-stage rear wing. The record-breaking car was shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires.

The post Mercedes-AMG One breaks its own lap record at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife appeared first on Professional Motorsport World.