Championship Grid Grinds For Margins At Technical Washington Circuit

IRVINE, CA (June 18, 2026) – A state famous for craft coffee roasters, grunge music, and volcanoes is about to experience a different kind of energy and seismic rumble. The Quad Lock Superbike Championship makes its highly anticipated annual stop at Ridge Motorsports Park on June 26-28, bringing 200-plus horsepower machines to the dense coniferous forests of Shelton, Washington.

The 2.47-mile counter-clockwise layout delivers a relentless, technical workout, packing 16 turns and 300 feet of elevation change into each lap. The circuit demands ultimate precision, highlighted by a blistering half-mile-long front straight, heavy braking zones, a sweeping edge-grip-challenging carousel, and rapid transitions with elevation change.

Success at the Washington circuit demands an impeccable chassis setup. Unlike the wide-open nature of the previous round, this is a track that throws a massive challenge directly at the top speed merchants, shifting the advantage to those who can carry immense rolling momentum through the corners.

The unique layout alters the dynamic for current championship points leader, Sean Dylan Kelly. While the Floridian and his OrangeCat Racing BMW M 1000 RR have optimized their high-speed stability to muscle ahead in the standings, they must now adapt to a tighter, faster-steering environment. To defend his narrow advantage, Kelly will need to lean on a smooth, calculated approach to perfectly spot hidden apexes and manage the Beemer’s brute force out of the technical exits.

Hot on his heels in the standings is South African standout Mathew Scholtz, sitting in a prime striking position in second place, just a single point back. Competing for Strack Racing aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1, the multi-time Superbike race winner feels right at home on layouts that favor nimble handling over outright horsepower. Scholtz’s fierce corner-entry style and extensive history with the R1 platform make him a devastating threat on a circuit that heavily rewards side-grip and momentum.

Much like Scholtz, the powerhouse teammates of Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing will be looking to capitalize on the handling prowess of the Yamaha YZF-R1 in the technical sectors. Currently third in points, Bobby Fong brings an explosive, aggressive riding style that could yield high rewards over the track’s dramatic crests. Right behind him in fourth is JD Beach, whose dirt-track heritage gives him a masterful ability to back his Yamaha YZF-R1 into tight corners and slide through rapid transitions.

Sitting fifth in the championship hunt is Cameron Petersen, who looks to assert himself at the sharp end of the field aboard the Wrench Motorcycles Ducati Panigale V4 R. Coming off a race one win at Road America, the South African is the only active rider in the class with a Ridge win to his name, and he has podiumed a total of five times in his career at the circuit.

The deep grid features plenty of spoiler talent capable of turning the weekend upside down. The hungry pack includes M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammates Richie Escalante and Brandon Paasch, both pushing their Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbikes to find maximum consistency. 

One of the big stories heading into round four is that Warhorse HSBK Ducati Flo4Law rider Cameron Beaubier, who underwent shoulder surgery after his Road America race one crash, will be out for an indefinite amount of time. Already at a 59-point deficit, it likely spells the end of his championship defense in 2026, even if he does return to racing later this season. The team has enlisted the services of their former Superbike rider Loris Baz, beginning with the upcoming round in the Evergreen State.

Rahal Ducati Moto with XPEL rider PJ Jacobsen is another rider who has had a challenging start to his season. The 32-year-old New Yorker reversed his fortunes at the previous round by capturing his first podium of the season. The breakthrough performance signals a dramatic turnaround in luck and velocity. Expect Jacobsen to maintain this upward trajectory at Ridge Motorsports Park, acting as a prime championship disruptor as he fights for wins.

Showing upward momentum, the red wing of the Real Steel Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP ridden by Hayden Gillim is beginning to take flight. Watch for the Kentuckian to continue his rise towards a podium finish as he has continuously improved the package and is knocking on the door of the top five. 

Meanwhile, Superbike Cup leader Andrew Lee will try to continue his success and keep his Real Steel Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at the top of the Superbike Cup standings.

Chandler Named Grand Marshal

As the season-long celebration of “50 Years Of Superbike Racing” continues, MotoAmerica is honoring three-time AMA Superbike Champion Doug Chandler as the Grand Marshal for the race weekend at Ridge. An absolute legend of American motorcycle racing, “DC-10” is one of only four riders in history to achieve the prestigious AMA Grand Slam—capturing national victories across a mile, half-mile, short track, TT, and a road race. Best known for his clinical execution aboard his iconic, green #10 Muzzy Kawasaki ZX-7RR, Chandler claimed his titles in 1990, 1996, and 1997 before representing the United States at the absolute pinnacle of the sport in the 500cc Grand Prix World Championship. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee is a perfect selection to usher in the Superbike podium celebrations over the weekend, cementing his legacy not just as a champion, but as one of the most versatile and respected icons the sport has ever known.

For the full 2026 MotoAmerica schedule, and to purchase tickets for MotoAmerica events, CLICK HERE

For information on how to watch the MotoAmerica series, CLICK HERE

For photos and entry list, CLICK HERE