Powersports Business May 2026 | Page 24

24 • May 2026 • Powersports Business

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MotoAmerica Superbike lands VICE TV broadcast deal for 2026 season

MotoAmerica has secured a new broadcast partnership with VICE TV and V10 Entertainment to air its premier Superbike class live throughout the 2026 season, marking a major media expansion during the championship’ s 50th anniversary.
The agreement brings nine Superbike rounds, totaling 20 races, to a national television audience. Coverage kicked off April 18 and 19, with the remaining races available to more than 40 million U. S. households through VICE TV’ s cable and satellite distribution.
The move comes as MotoAmerica celebrates 50 Years of Superbike Racing, positioning the series for broader exposure among a younger, culture-driven audience.
“ MotoAmerica Superbike competition is pure racing, authentic and uncompromising,” says Chuck Aksland, chief operating officer of MotoAmerica.“ We are excited to bring our premier class to VICE TV, a platform known for dynamic and edgy sports programming that reflects the same raw energy that defines our series.”
The new broadcast deal will make races available to more than 40 million U. S. households through VICE TV’ s cable and satellite distribution.( Photo: MotoAmerica)
Superbike represents the top tier of MotoAmerica competition, with production-based motorcycles capable of exceeding 200 mph and a field of elite domestic and international riders competing at tracks across the United States.
Defending champion Cameron Beaubier is expected to headline the 2026 season, adding to the championship’ s storylines as it reaches a broader television audience.
For VICE TV, the partnership continues its push into live sports programming.
“ Live competition is at the core of VICE TV’ s expanding sports strategy,” says Pete Gaffney, president of VICE TV.“ MotoAmerica Superbike embodies everything we look for, including speed, intensity, elite athletes, and real stakes.”
The deal represents a significant visibility boost for the series and its stakeholders, including OEMs, teams, and sponsors, as motorcycle racing continues to seek wider mainstream exposure.
With a full season of live broadcasts planned, the partnership is expected to introduce new fans to the sport while reinforcing MotoAmerica’ s position as North America’ s premier motorcycle road racing championship.

DUCATI

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In addition to the 500 Superleggera V4 Centenario bikes, there are 100 Superleggera V4 Centenario Tricolore bikes, which celebrate Ducati racing of the 1980s.
But despite debuting the limited-edition motorcycles in late March, all 600 units sold out in early April. Ducati U. S. CEO Jason Chinnock told Yahoo Finance that the company opened pre-sale in October 2025, and its order portfolio now exceeds production capacity.
Chinnock adds that the market is strong for ultra-lightweight superbikes, regardless of MSRP. The Superleggera V4 Centenario was priced at $ 165,000, while the Tricolore variant went for $ 250,000.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES The Superleggera V4 Centenario introduces a new engine: the Desmosedici Stradale R 1100, developed specifically for this project. The displacement increases from 998cc to 1,103cc. This modification allows for more torque and more thrust at intermediate revs, without penalizing acceleration.
The electronics of the Superleggera V4 Centenario feature a control suite derived from the Panigale V4 R, recalibrated and enriched with the latest-generation DVO strategies. Ducati says the aim is to offer even more control and allow even nonprofessionals to experience the riding techniques of MotoGP riders.
Also included are Ducati Traction, Wheelie, and Slide controls, and Ducati Power Launch, which offers more precise management thanks to new algorithms. Cornering ABS now includes the new Engine Brake Control DVO, which introduces the Dynamic Engine Brake function.
The Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario is the first road-legal bike in the world to feature a braking system with carbon-ceramic discs and a fork with carbon fiber sleeves.( Photos: Ducati)

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