Heritage And Horsepower: “50 Years Of Superbike Racing” Storms Into Barber Motorsports Park

Spies Named Grand Marshal As
Quad Lock Superbike Championship Heats Up At Round Two

BIRMINGHAM, AL – May 12, 2026 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The momentum of the Quad Lock Superbike Championship shifts to Birmingham, Alabama’s Barber Motorsports Park following a high-intensity season opener in Atlanta. This year’s talented Superbike field has already dismantled expert predictions, leaving fans no clear title favorite.

As the celebration of “50 Years Of Superbike Racing,” continues, MotoAmerica welcomes AMA Hall of Famer Ben Spies as Grand Marshal at Barber Motorsports Park—the site of his iconic 2006 victory over Mat Mladin that launched his global career in motorcycle racing.

The three-time AMA Superbike champion, World Superbike title winner, and last American to stand atop a MotoGP podium now serves as team principal for Rahal Ducati Moto. “Elbowz” continues to impact the paddock by mentoring riders PJ Jacobsen, Kayla Yaakov, Alessandro Di Mario, and Josh Herrin.

Texas-native Ben Spies, affectionately known as “Elbowz,” was distinguished by his tall stature and signature elbows-out riding style that became a trademark of his professional career.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

For those seeking a deeper connection to the sport’s heritage, the on-site Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum offers an unparalleled experience. Officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest motorcycle museum, the facility houses more than 1,800 vintage and contemporary motorcycles, representing over 100 years of production. A centerpiece of the museum is the World Champions Exhibit, which showcases championship-winning motorcycles personally donated by both Kenny Roberts and Kenny Roberts Jr.

“We’re excited to continue ‘50 Years of Superbike Racing’ with round two at Barber Motorsports Park,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “The opening round is always exciting, with riders on new teams wanting a strong start to the season. But as we saw, there were many surprises in Atlanta, and we don’t have a clear favorite yet as we head into round two.

“Barber is a demanding track that tests a rider’s physical limits and a team’s technical ability to find the ultimate setup. It will be fun to see which teams can step up and take control, and I expect the intense competition in Alabama to deliver even more unpredictable results.”

One rider well-suited for these technical and physical demands is Mathew Scholtz, who enters Barber carrying confidence and the Quad Lock Superbike Championship points lead aboard his Strack Racing Yamaha YZF-R1. The South African has shown strong pace at the Alabama circuit throughout his career, and Barber’s flowing nature has historically fit his smooth riding style.

For now, the 2026 Quad Lock Superbike Championship is in Mathew Scholtz’s (#11) control.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

OrangeCat Racing’s Sean Dylan Kelly also returns to a meaningful venue in his Superbike career. Barber was the site of the Floridian’s first Superbike podium, and the BMW M 1000 RR rider is targeting a breakthrough weekend that could firmly establish him among the early championship contenders. The technical demands of the 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course may play directly into Kelly’s strengths as one of the paddock’s most precise riders as he continues to gel with his new machine.

Sean Dylan Kelly (#40) sits second in the Quad Lock Superbike standings, just nine points out of the lead. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Few riders carry a stronger résumé at Barber than six-time premier-class title winner Cameron Beaubier, boasting eight career wins at the Birmingham circuit. As the Warhorse HSBK Ducati Flo4Law rider is chasing a record-tying seventh season title, Alabama presents him with an opportunity to break AMA Hall of Famer Mat Mladins record of nine total wins at Barber Motorsports Park.

Cameron Beaubier (#1) sits third in championship points coming into Barber.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Another rider looking to claw back some missing points after round one is Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Bobby Fong. Barber’s fast and flowing layout rewards confidence on corner entry, an area where Fong has consistently excelled throughout his Superbike career. If the Yamaha rider finds early rhythm during the weekend, he will be a threat at the front of the pack.

Bobby Fong and his “Fast 50” are fourth in the championship after one round.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Cameron Petersen enters the Alabama round building solid momentum aboard his Wrench Motorcycles Ducati Panigale V4 R. As Petersen’s familiarity with the Ducati platform continues to grow, Barber could offer the South African an opportunity to push closer to the front of the premier-class battle.

South African Cam Petersen looks to use his smooth style aboard the #45 Ducati Panigale V4 R to master the Alabama road course. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

M4 ECSTAR Suzuki riders Brandon Paasch and Richie Escalante are primed to lead the charge at Barber Motorsports Park. Headquartered in nearby Athens, the legendary squad aims to propel their GSX-R1000Rs to the front of the pack for a podium finish in Sweet Home Alabama.

Teammates Brandon Paasch and Richie Escalante are locked in and look to use the Suzuki GSX-R1000R’s sharp handling to slice through the field at Barber. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Real Steel Honda’s Hayden Gillim enters Barber Motorsports Park aboard his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP looking to regain ground after an early-season DNF at the opening round.

Kentucky-native Hayden Gillim (#69) brings his relentless grit to Barber. The veteran Red Rider is prepared to hustle the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP through the technical Alabama circuit. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Another rider to watch closely is Rahal Ducati Moto with XPEL’s PJ Jacobsen. The ultra-tough New Yorker is expected to return to competition this weekend aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R, bringing yet another experienced frontrunner back into an already stacked Superbike field.

As the paddock arrives at “the Augusta National of Motorsports,” the margin for error is razor-thin. However, the true wildcard may be the unpredictable spring weather. The forecast calls for high heat on Saturday and Sunday, but a surprising spring shower could act as the ultimate equalizer, upending expert predictions again. Riders and teams will need to be ready for anything from high heat to high water.

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About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

ource: MotoAmerica

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