BMW has been racing motorcycles longer than cars, and started winning championships on two wheels in the mid-Twenties. Now, 100 years later, BMW Motorrad Motorsport is still winning titles and had a very successful 2025. Overall, BMW Motorrad teams and riders had 411 podium finishes with 169 wins in 2025. BMW won the FIM World Superbike championship and wrapped up 12 additional titles with customer teams and riders.

In the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), factory rider Toprak Ratzgatlioglu won the World Championship for a second consecutive year with a BMW M 1000 RR and the RoKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team.

“Toprak’s successful title defense in WorldSBK will remain unforgettable, with no fewer than 21 wins in 36 races,” said Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Sven Blusch. “In the FIM Endurance World Championship, we were also on course for the title in a dramatic finale until just minutes before the finish, before a technical issue prevented this potentially historic success for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. But next year we will have another chance to become world champions in endurance racing as well.”

Toprak Ratzgatlioglu won his second consecutive FIM Superbike World Championship.

BMW Motorrad customer teams had great success around the world with the M 1000 RR, winning 12 titles, including two here in the U.S. Cameron Beaubier won the MotoAmerica Superbike championship with Tytlers Cycle Racing, and Andrew Lee won the MotoAmerica Superstock championship with the Orange Cat Racing team. “The BMW M 1000 RR is one of the best bikes in international racing—and this season once again showed that our customers can rely on it in championships around the globe,” said Uwe Geyer, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing. “We are proud to be able to provide private teams and riders with such a strong package.”

Davey Todd on his way to a win on the streets of Macau.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport was also victorious in some of the most prestigious standalone road races in 2025. Davey Todd and Michael Dunlop finished one-two in the Isle of Mann Tourist Trophy, and Todd also won three of the five races that make up the North West 200, while Dunlop won the other two. Todd also won the Macau Motorcyle Grand Prix, with BMW riders Peter Hickman and Erno Kostamo finishing second and third to make it a BMW podium sweep. “All these successes fill us with great pride,” said Sven Blusch. “They prove that the BMW M 1000 RR is a true winning motorcycle and that our global BMW Motorrad Motorsport family is stronger than ever.”

—David Haueter
[Photos courtesy BMW]

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially completed the acquisition of the historic motorsports facility in Millington, Tennessee, formerly known as Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park, closing on the property on December 23, 2025.

Originally opened in the late 1980s, the facility has played a significant role in American motorsports history. It has hosted major drag racing events and national touring series and was, at one point, sanctioned by IHRA, hosting IHRA-sanctioned drag racing events during that time. With the property now under IHRA ownership, the acquisition represents a full-circle moment that reconnects the track’s past with a renewed vision for its future.

The facility has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County. Under IHRA ownership, it will operate as a multi-use destination supporting drag racing, stock car competition, grassroots motorsports, and other large-scale events that engage the broader community and region.

“This investment honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park while positioning it for a strong future,” said Mayor Paul Young, City of Memphis. “IHRA’s acquisition reflects confidence in our region and creates new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and fan experiences.”

“As the Commissioner for District 1, I am thrilled about IHRA’s acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park,” said Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Government. “This investment strengthens our local economy, puts world-class racing back on solid ground, and gives our families and young people a safe, exciting place to create memories for years to come. Having a national organization like IHRA committed to the long-term success of this historic facility is exactly the kind of partnership Shelby County needs.”

“Memphis Motorsports Park has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a positive step forward for the facility and the community,” said Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce. “This investment supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and future growth. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with IHRA as this next chapter takes shape.”

“This is a special place in American motorsports,” said Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA. “This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future. We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”

“This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack,” said Leah Martin, President of IHRA. “It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact.”

“Memphis Motorsports Park holds a special place in our hearts,” said Daniel Horton, Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series. “Bobby Hamilton won the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series race here in a truck built by Tim and with Danny as the crew chief. With the facility now under the IHRA umbrella, we can give grassroots racers a chance to compete where legendary drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Randy LaJoie, and the late Greg Biffle have won. We are extremely excited to bring stock car racing back to Memphis and continue the legacy of this iconic track.”

In the coming days, IHRA will begin facility improvements and operational preparations. Fans and community members are encouraged to follow IHRA across its social media platforms for updates and behind-the-scenes coverage as revitalization efforts get underway. Further announcements regarding schedules and programming will be released in the near future.

This story was originally published on December 29, 2025.

AS the engines cooled and the checkered flag waved at the close of the 2025 season, Philippine motorsports stands at full throttle — no longer just revving up, but firmly in gear.

From thrilling local events to remarkable international wins, the year was filled with pivotal milestones that showcased the country’s growing presence in the global racing arena and the undeniable rise of Filipino driving talent.

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippines led the charge with the biggest motorsports spectacle of the year — the second leg of the 2025 TGR Philippine Cup held in Villar City, Cavite. The two-day event drew thousands of motorsports enthusiasts and further cemented TGR’s commitment to growing the racing scene in the country.

In a major announcement, TGR confirmed that the 2026 season would introduce a Tamaraw One-Make Race (OMR) series, running alongside the long-standing Vios OMR championship, signaling broader participation and diversity in its racing portfolio.

Axel Nocom at the Champions of the Future Academy Series. PHOTO BY AXEL NOCOM

In the virtual world, the TGR Philippines Esports GT Championship concluded in October with Victor Ancheta crowned the 2025 champion, followed by Enzo Ison and Matthew Ang. The talented trio flew the Philippine flag in Thailand for the TGR Asia Esports GT Championship and brought home a solid fourth-place finish in the country standings — proof that Filipino excellence now extends beyond physical tracks and into the high-stakes world of sim racing.

Mazda Philippines also made headlines with the successful staging of the 2025 Mazda Fan Festa PH, a localized version of Japan’s famed Mazda gathering. The event featured adrenaline-pumping Miata OMR races, a track day experience for enthusiasts, and a grand parade that saw hundreds of Mazda vehicles creating a vibrant sea of motion. More than just a race day, the celebration embodied the brand’s dedication to performance and community.

The Philippine rally scene experienced a landmark moment with the AAP Rally of Lubang, organized by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) in partnership with the local government of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro and the Philippine National Rally Championship (PNRC). It marked the country’s first inter-island full tarmac rally and was the first motorsports event held in the island. The success of the rally, which also served as an official PNRC round, laid the foundation for more motorsport events in the region in the coming year.

On the international front, several young Filipino racers delivered stellar performances that brought honor to the country. Zach David, a standout talent in local and international karting, has set his sights on Japan’s Super Formula Lights after a strong stint in Formula 4 across Europe and Asia. Axel Nocom continued his ascent by representing the Philippines in the Champions of the Future Academy karting series, securing a 7th place overall finish in the OK-N Junior class and clinching his first series win in the UAE’s Al Forsan leg.

Inigo Anton, a dominant figure in local slalom and touring races, elevated his career further by competing in the 2025 Formula 4 Southeast Asia Championship, where he earned the title of F4 SEA Rookie Champion. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Bella Canete made a bold mark in drifting, winning the Women’s Drift Challenge Pro-Am title in the 2025 Indonesian Drift Series despite a controversial removal from the standings late in the season. She later bounced back with a second-place finish in the Pro 2 Class at the 2026 Southeast Asia Drift Series opener at Tarlac Circuit Hill.

In September, the Philippines showcased its motorsport might at the 2025 Asia Pacific Motorsports Championship (APMC) in Sri Lanka. AAP fielded a formidable lineup that included Iñigo Anton and Axel Nocom competing in auto gymkhana, karting slalom, and sprint events, alongside Richard Gallardo, Rain Acejas, Louie Camacho, Ricardo Dy-Liacco, Ricardo Montelibano, Ryan Sy, Martin Zaragoza, Luis Moreno, and Russel Reyes. The team’s efforts paid off, winning a total of two golds, two silvers, and three bronzes — enough to earn the Philippines the Overall Country Champion title at the APMC, besting host nation Sri Lanka and third-placer Hong Kong.

Notable contributions included Anton’s gold in karting slalom, Nocom’s gold in karting sprint, Montelibano’s silver in crosscar autocross, Moreno’s silver in esports GT3, Gallardo and Acejas’ bronzes in auto gymkhana, and Reyes’ bronze in esports F4.

Reflecting on the year’s success, AAP Motorsports Manager Rikki Dy-Liacco emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and supporting opportunities for international competition. “What we can expect is that your AAP will continue to monitor talent and once such opportunities to represent the country arise, we will be there to support our very own,” he said.

As the checkered flag drops on 2025, one thing is clear: Philippine motorsports is no longer warming up. With a new generation of racers and organizers shifting gears into higher performance and global ambition, the race ahead is full of promise — and the finish line is nowhere in sight.

Paul Lee, President of Wharton Automotive Group, was inducted into the SEMA Motorsport’s Products & Media Council (MPMC) Hall of Fame during the 2025 PRI Show, honoring his exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and lasting impact on the automotive aftermarket industry.

Lee is the owner of McLeod Racing, Silver Sport Transmissions, FTI Performance, Competition Clutch, and Independence Driveline. Through strategic leadership and a long-term commitment to innovation and performance, he has successfully assembled these respected brands under the Wharton Automotive Group umbrella, creating one of the most influential performance-drivetrain organizations in the industry.

The SEMA MPMC Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and advancement of the automotive aftermarket. Lee’s career exemplifies this mission through his ability to preserve the heritage of iconic performance brands while driving modernization, expansion, and operational excellence.

Beyond his business leadership, Lee is also deeply involved in motorsports. He is an NHRA Nitro Funny Car team owner and driver, bringing real-world racing experience to his companies and reinforcing their commitment to performance at the highest level of competition.

“Paul Lee’s influence extends far beyond individual brands,” said Brian Bohlander, SEMA MPMC Chair. “His vision, leadership, and hands-on involvement in both manufacturing and motorsports have helped elevate the entire aftermarket industry.”

“I am truly honored to be inducted into the MPMC Hall of Fame,” said Lee. “This recognition reflects the hard work of the teams behind each of our brands, our partners throughout the industry, and a lifelong passion for performance and racing.”

The induction ceremony took place at the 2025 PRI Show, one of the industry’s premier annual gatherings of performance racing professionals, manufacturers, and innovators.

This story was originally published on December 29, 2025.

Two additional suspects have been arrested in connection with a 2023 burglary at a Macedon motorsports store that resulted in thousands of dollars in stolen dirt bikes, police said.

The Macedon Police Department announced that Mia Fernandez, a 26-year-old Florida woman, and Cordae Terry, a 28-year-old Rochester man, have been charged in the March 2023 “Smash-and-Grab” burglary at Filer’s PowerSports in Wayne County.

Police said the burglary involved suspects driving a vehicle into a garage door on the side of the building to gain entry. Once inside, investigators said the group stole multiple dirt bikes before leaving the scene and later returning to take additional bikes. Authorities have previously estimated the value of the stolen property at approximately $67,000.

Seven suspects were indicted in Wayne County Court in November 2025. Four of those individuals were taken into custody that month. An initial arrest tied to the burglary was made in March, when a Rochester man was charged with burglary and additional offenses related to the case. The seventh indicted suspect was determined to be deceased.

Fernandez, who had relocated to Bradenton, Florida, was taken into custody at her workplace with assistance from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, authorities said. She waived extradition and was returned to New York by Macedon police on Dec. 2. She was arraigned in Wayne County Court, released, and is scheduled to appear at a later date, according to police.

Terry was located while already in the custody of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. He was ordered to appear in Wayne County Court on Dec. 18, where he was arraigned before being returned to state custody. Police said he is also scheduled to appear at a later date.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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Two people have been hospitalized following a huge fire at a home in North Carolina, which is owned by NASCAR star Denny Hamlin.

On Sunday night, the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department responded to the scene in Stanley, North Carolina, to extinguish a blaze that had broken out at a property owned by Hamlin’s real estate company, One Real Estate. The property, a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house, sits on 1.76 acres of land and was built in 2015.

Shocking scenes show the house being ravaged by the inferno as firefighters attempted to put out the fire, which also led to two people needing to be taken to the hospital, with the pair unnamed. It comes following a recent announcement involving Jeff Gordon’s family.

“We are starting with some breaking news tonight where you can see some live images of a massive house fire in Gaston County, a house that is reportedly linked to NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin,” said a broadcast from NBC affiliate WCNC.

“We are told this fire started around 6 p.m. Sunday night. … Fire officials also confirming to us that Hamlin’s parents do live in the home … Gaston County officials say two people were taken to the hospital, officials did not share their condition, only to say one person at least had smoke inhalation.”

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The two individuals were, according to Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department chief David Toomey, outside the property when emergency services arrived to tackle the blaze. It took around five hours for the fire to be put out, with the final fire truck leaving the scene at around midnight on Sunday.

Posting an update on Facebook, the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department wrote: “Multiple departments throughout Gaston and Lincoln Counties responded tonight to the 1100 block Blacksnake Road.

“Fully involved single family residential home. We are thankful for the multiple agency response and ask that the public be in prayer for the affected family and our first responders in fire, GEMs and police. This remains an active scene.”

Toomey also confirmed that the damage to the house was a total loss and that 40 to 45 percent of its structure was burning by the time they arrived on the scene.

Speaking to the Athletic, Toomey said: “They had some really expensive cars in the garage and some racing memorabilia and stuff, so all that was saved.

“We were able to save all that and get it out so it wasn’t damaged.”