The Superbike is waiting to know the name of the network that will broadcast the championship (most likely it's going to be Sky again), but this isn't the only delay that the new Dorna/Liberty media management team is getting us used to in this end/start of the season.
In fact, the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup 2026 - the new series that will be supporting select MotoGP rounds - hasn't yet announced the names of the official teams that will be participating in the championship. Only three have been confrimed so far, but the championship is expected to increase to 6-8 teams, with two riders each.
The teams confirmed for the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup 2026 announced by Harley-Davidson during EICMA are:
Cecchini Racing (Italy) - Italian team led by Francesco Cecchini with racing and technical experience
Saddlemen Racing ( USA) - U.S. formation related to the bagger world
Joe Rascal Racing (Australia) - Australian team bringing an international scope to the series
All teams will ride special Harley-Davidson Road Glide race bikes, supplied and supported by the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing program, in order to ensure technical parity.
Racing versions of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide will be used. According to the manufacturer, the bikes deliver more than 200 hp (147 kW), develop a maximum torque of 245 Nm (180 lb-ft), and weigh about 280 kg (617 lbs). Electronic interventions are deliberately kept to a minimum. According to Harley-Davidson, traction will be controlled solely by the throttle.
A fixed electronic control unit offers preset mappings for throttle response and engine braking, which can be adapted to riding styles. Riders will have access to chassis, transmission, brake pressure, and engine data to make trim adjustments. However, chassis components are predetermined and cannot be freely selected.
The competition will accompany six MotoGP weekends in 2026:
GP of the Americas - Austin (USA)
Italian GP - Mugello (ITA)
TT Assen- (NED)
Silverstone - (GBR)
Aragón - (ESP)
Red Bull Ring - Spielberg (AUT)
Two races will be run on each stage.
All race bikes are built at the new Factory Racing facility in Milwaukee. Harley-Davidson will deliver all bikes to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin for the season opener.
In the U.S., a rich array of prizes for the original King of the Baggers racing in the MotoAmerica are offered, the series created by former racer Wayne Rainey.
In fact, the manufacturer will make more than €561,000 Euros ($600,000) available for this purpose. The program is for qualified riders in the MotoAmerica series and the Progressive American Flat Track Championship. Support will be provided to the King of the Baggers, Super Hooligan, AFT SuperTwins, and AFT Adventure Trackers classes.
For King of the Baggers alone, prize money totaling €210,000 Euros ($224,500) will be available. In the Super Hooligan program, €135,000 Euros ($144,200) will be distributed.
Successful riders, such as current King of the Baggers Champion Kyle Wyman and 2025 Super Hooligan Champion James Rispoli ,will also be eligible for the program. Private teams will furthermore have access to parts and support services.