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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TST Industries Scores Stunning Overall Victory in Inaugural N2RA KYT Americas 6-Hours of VIR

Media, PA – August 2026 – TST Industries scored a stunning overall victory in the inaugural N2RA KYT Americas 6-Hours of VIR, defeating a field that included significantly more powerful machinery to claim both the Lightsport class and overall win at Virginia International Raceway. Riders Julian Correa, Justin Riley, and Levi Badie piloted the team’s Lightsport-spec Suzuki GSX-8R on Dunlop tires to victory, earning $7,000 in combined class and overall prize money.

Team Roberts added another memorable performance to the inaugural N2RA weekend, winning Saturday’s Alpha Omega 2-Hour Ultralight Endurance with 15-year-old Kensei Matsudaira completing the entire race solo aboard a Kramer APX-350.

Although N2 has been involved in endurance racing since 2017, the N2 Racing Association is completely new for 2026, with new rules, formats, staff, and a self-contained racing organization. The inaugural N2RA weekend at VIR brought all of those pieces together for three days of track time and racing.

“Overall, I couldn’t be happier with how our inaugural N2RA weekend turned out,” said N2 COO John Farrell. “We created N2RA to bring the same customer-first approach we’ve spent more than 12 years building in the track day community into motorcycle racing. We originally planned to launch in 2025, but we made the decision to wait until we knew we could deliver the experience we envisioned. When the opportunity at Virginia International Raceway became available for 2026, we knew we had the right venue to finally do it.

“Our goal was simple: make it easy for racers to come race motorcycles. From registration and tech to the Endurance 30 format and procedures for changing conditions, we tried to think through the details that make a race weekend better for the customer. Sunday was the ultimate test. We had never run a six-hour endurance race, the schedule was extremely tight, and everything had to operate with pinpoint accuracy to deliver the full six hours we promised. We did it, with more than 200 laps of racing with only two red flags. That says a tremendous amount about the talent, discipline, and professionalism of the racers and teams who competed.

“Was everything perfect? No, and we didn’t expect it to be. We came away with a lot of notes and tremendous feedback that will help us make N2RA even better. Most importantly, I want to thank every racer, team, and sponsor who trusted us before we had proven we could do this. Maybe the best indication of how I feel about the weekend is that planning for 2027 was already underway before my rig ever left the VIR paddock.”

Friday: N2 Track Day

The weekend began Friday, August 7, with a sold-out N2 Track Day racers’ practice. Four groups with limited rider counts provided competitors with substantial track time to learn the circuit, test setups, and prepare for the weekend’s racing.

Saturday: Endurance 30 and Alpha Omega 2-Hour

Saturday, August 8, opened with 30-minute practice sessions followed by 30-minute qualifying sessions for each class.

The afternoon introduced N2RA’s new Endurance 30 format: 30-minute-plus-one-lap mini-endurance races for Lightsport, Supersport, Ultralight, and Superbike competitors.

Team Estenson’s Sam Drane won the Lightsport Endurance 30 aboard a Yamaha YZF-R7, ahead of Kevin Olmedo and Chase Brown.

Julian Correa won the Supersport Endurance 30 aboard a Dunlop-shod Honda CBR600RR, followed by Tim Wilson and David Zaka.

Matt Spinak took the Superbike Endurance 30 victory aboard a Dunlop-equipped Yamaha YZF-R1, ahead of Ryan Manotti and Daniel Hughes.

Team Roberts’ Kensei Matsudaira won the Ultralight Endurance 30 aboard a Kramer APX-350, ahead of Matt Patacca and Alex Ferreira.

Saturday’s featured race was the Alpha Omega 2-Hour Ultralight Endurance, which allowed competitors to race as teams or attempt the event solo.

Matsudaira chose the harder route.

The 15-year-old completed the race solo, stopping only for fuel and combining youthful endurance with impressive pace to take the victory in a race shortened by thunderstorms and lightning.

Matsudaira and Team Roberts finished ahead of Robem Engineering’s Hank Vossberg and Seth Dahmer aboard an Aprilia RS 457, with Matt Patacca and Mark Morrow finishing third aboard a Mark Morrow Roadracing School Dunlop-shod Kawasaki Ninja 400.

Sunday: KYT Americas 6-Hours of VIR

The feature event of the weekend was Sunday’s KYT Americas 6-Hours of VIR. Six hours of endurance racing brings heat, humidity, changing weather, crashes, mechanical problems, pit stops, rider changes, fuel strategy, and countless opportunities for mistakes. Outright speed alone rarely wins an endurance race. Consistency, preparation, teamwork, and minimizing mistakes ultimately decide the result.

TST Industries delivered all four.

With consistent pace, efficient pit stops, a talented lineup of young riders, and remarkably little drama, TST Industries kept its Lightsport-spec Suzuki GSX-8R in contention throughout the six-hour race.

When the checkered flag fell, the smaller Lightsport machine had beaten 24 other teams, including competitors aboard significantly more powerful Supersport and Superbike machinery.

TST Industries claimed the Lightsport victory and overall win, earning $4,000 for the class victory plus the $3,000 Overall Winner Bonus.

Supersport-class 3 Marines Racing finished second overall with riders Sloan West, Nathan Gauker, David Zaka, and John Hvizdak. TR2 Racing, with Emerson Amaya, Dan Kaepernik, and Kevin Olmedo, completed the overall podium in third.

Twenty-five teams competed across four classes: Superbike, Supersport, Lightsport, and the Relay Exhibition Class.

KYT Americas 6-Hours of VIR Results

Lightsport

1st – TST Industries – $4,000 + $3,000 Overall Winner Bonus

2nd – Chasing Shade – $2,500

3rd – Robem Engineering – $1,500

Supersport

1st – 3 Marines Racing – $4,000

2nd – TR2 Racing – $2,500

3rd – Team Roberts – $1,500

Superbike

1st – KYT Americas – $4,000 (Donated to the Roadracing World Action Fund)

2nd – Team Velocity Racing – $2,500

3rd – MP13 – $1,500

Relay Exhibition Class

1st – A Proper Ding Dong

2nd – Hell Yeah Racing

3rd – Gotta Catch ’Em All

“What an incredible way to kick off our inaugural 6-Hours of VIR race event,” said N2 CEO Jim Curtis. “From the moment the bikes hit the track, the talent, speed, and determination of our riders and teams were on full display, delivering the kind of close, competitive racing that makes this sport so exciting.

“We’re extremely grateful to our sponsors and partners for believing in our vision and helping bring this event to life. KYT Americas and Alpha Omega generously stepped up as title sponsors of our two main endurance races. Kustom Cockpits, Pit Lane Moto, Yamaha Champions Riding School, and Rick Hammett contributed cash purse and bonus awards, while Yamaha Motor USA, Bridgestone, Hindle, Woodcraft, and Pirelli provided contingency support.

“These contributions put money and products directly into the hands of racers while helping us continue to grow endurance racing in America. We can’t wait to start working on what comes next.

“I also want to recognize our staff and volunteers, whose energy and hard work behind the scenes kept everything running smoothly, both on and off the track. We are so fortunate to have such dedicated and supportive individuals.”

N2RA Sponsors

N2RA is proudly sponsored by: KYT Americas, Alpha Omega, Yamaha Motor USA, Bridgestone, Kustom Cockpits, Pit Lane Moto, Woodcraft Technologies, Hindle Exhaust, Pirelli, and Yamaha Champions Riding School.

ABOUT N2: RIDE. LEARN. RACE.

Founded in 2014, N2’s mission is to build a sustainable motorcycle community through safe, structured track days and advanced rider-training programs based on Yamaha Champions Riding School methodology.

In 2017, N2 helped revive motorcycle endurance racing in America with the creation of the N2 National Endurance Series, the foundation for today’s N2 Racing Association.

The N2/BobbleHeadMoto Race Team has also won two national championships in the MotoAmerica Pro Racing series with rider Blake Davis.

N2 is a major contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund through its racing efforts and the support of its large and dedicated member base.

For more information: www.n2td.org

N2 Track Days, LLC

101 E. Baltimore Pike #1758

Media, PA 19063

info@n2td.org

Photos by Apex Pro Photo – Julian Correa on the TST Suzuki, Kensei Matsudaira on the Team Roberts Kramer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Benelli Launches the All-New Tornado 550 at an Introductory MSRP of Just $5,999

Frisco, Texas, July 2026 – Keeway America is proud to announce the arrival of the all-new Benelli Tornado 550, an exciting new middleweight sportbike delivering exhilarating performance, premium technology, and unmistakable Italian styling at an introductory MSRP of just $5,999.

Built to shake up one of motorcycling's most competitive segments, the Tornado 550 raises expectations for the middleweight sportbike category. Its powerful 554cc parallel twin delivers class-leading performance, while a responsive chassis and confidence-inspiring handling make every ride rewarding, from winding roads to everyday commuting.

Rather than asking riders to compromise, the Tornado 550 arrives equipped with technology and premium components rarely found at this price point. Selectable ride modes and traction control allow riders to tailor the experience, while a full Brembo braking system and premium Marzocchi suspension complement a refined chassis designed to inspire confidence and deliver precise control.

A modern TFT display, full LED lighting, and aggressive aerodynamic bodywork complete a motorcycle that looks as impressive as it feels on the road.

With its introductory MSRP of just $5,999, the Tornado 550 brings an exceptional level of equipment and performance to the middleweight sportbike segment. Initial availability will be limited, so interested riders are encouraged to contact their local Benelli dealer.

The all-new Benelli Tornado 550 is arriving now at authorized Benelli dealers nationwide. Riders can visit or contact their local Benelli dealer for availability and additional information. Powersports dealers interested in learning more about Benelli's evolving lineup and future dealer opportunities are encouraged to contact Keeway America at admin@keewayamerica.com.www.keewayamerica.com

Benelli Launches the All-New Tornado 550 at an Introductory MSRP of Just $5,999

STARK FUTURE UNVEILS THE VARG MX AND EX FACTORY EDITIONS

RACE DEVELOPED. FACTORY EQUIPPED.

Barcelona, Spain, 22 July 2026 — Stark Future today unveils the Stark VARG MX and EX Factory Editions, two strictly limited motorcycles shaped by years of testing, development, and competition at the highest level of off-road racing.

The VARG already delivers championship-winning performance. The Factory Editions build on that platform with race-developed suspension, reduced weight, greater control, and the components selected by Stark Future Racing Director Sébastien Tortelli.

At the center of both limited editions is a complete KYB Factory A-Kit suspension package, supported by titanium components, Dynamic Traction Control, a high-grip seat, and a series of detail refinements designed around one objective: giving riders more confidence to unlock more of the VARG’s existing performance.

The Factory Editions will be produced in a single global production run, limited to 200 VARG MX Factory Editions and 300 VARG EX Factory Editions worldwide.

RACE DEVELOPED. FACTORY EQUIPPED.

The VARG has never stopped evolving.

Every test, every race, and every lesson learned from Racing has gone back into the VARG. From FIM World Supercross and Arenacross to FIM SuperEnduro, EnduroGP, the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, and Erzbergrodeo, competition has supported Stark Future to refine how the VARG delivers its performance.

The objective has always remained the same: make the VARG faster, easier to ride, and give the rider more confidence.

The VARG MX and EX Factory Editions are the result of that work. They are not cosmetic packages. Every component has been selected to improve grip, precision, control, or the rider’s ability to use more of the motorcycle’s performance.

THE HERO UPGRADE: FULL KYB FACTORY A-KIT SUSPENSION

Suspension is the most significant upgrade on both Factory Editions.

For the first time in the industry, a manufacturer is offering a complete KYB Factory A-Kit suspension package on a production motorcycle. The Stark VARG MX and EX Factory Editions come equipped with the full Kashima-coated KYB Factory A-Kit, bringing factory race suspension directly from the paddock to the showroom.

The result is more grip, greater precision, and improved control across changing terrain. The motorcycles remain more composed under braking, track the ground more accurately, and give riders the confidence to carry speed, accelerate earlier, and ride harder with less effort.

Key suspension features include:

• KYB Factory Kit 48 mm closed-cartridge, air-oil separated coil-spring fork.
• Hard-anodized internals and DLC-coated inner tubes to reduce friction.
• Mid-speed valve for a broad range of adjustment.
• Custom spring collar for improved front-wheel control and greater comfort on landings.
• Triple-adjustable KYB rear shock with Kashima-coated body and DLC-coated piston rod.
• X-Trig preload adjuster for faster and more precise sag setup.

The MX Factory Edition offers 310 mm of front travel, while the EX Factory Edition uses an enduro-specific setup with 300 mm of front travel. Both motorcycles provide 303 mm of rear travel.

FACTORY-LEVEL COMPONENTS. LESS WEIGHT. MORE CONTROL.

Every supporting component has been selected to help the rider exploit the suspension and the performance already available from the VARG platform.

The Factory Editions feature:

• Exclusive CNC-machined triple clamps, individually numbered from 1 to 500.
• 3D-printed titanium footpegs, saving approximately 140 g.
• Titanium bolt kit, saving approximately 900 g.
• High-grip seat.
• Hand-operated rear brake, subject to regional homologation requirements.
• 80 hp Alpha drivetrain.
• Dynamic Traction Control integrated into the ride modes.
• CNC-machined aluminum triple clamps with conical handlebar mounts.
• Improved Bio PA6 radiator fan holder.

Together, the titanium components reduce weight by more than 1 kg. The lower mass contributes to quicker direction changes, greater agility, and a more responsive connection between the rider and the motorcycle.

Dynamic Traction Control allows riders to fine-tune rear-wheel grip for different terrain, conditions, and riding styles. It helps riders find traction more consistently, accelerate earlier, and maintain control when grip becomes unpredictable.

VARG MX FACTORY EDITION

The VARG MX Factory Edition is designed for riders looking for the closest production interpretation of Stark Future’s race-developed motocross setup.

Finished in exclusive Stark Red Factory Edition graphics, it combines the latest 7.2 kWh VARG platform with the full KYB Factory A-Kit, lightweight titanium components, and Dunlop MX34 tires.

The suspension, reduced weight, and increased rider contact work together to provide greater precision entering corners, improved stability through braking bumps, and more confidence when getting back on the power.

It is not about adding more power. It is about giving the rider more confidence to use the performance already there.

VARG EX FACTORY EDITION

The VARG EX Factory Edition applies the same philosophy to enduro.

Finished in exclusive Forest Grey Factory Edition graphics, it combines the 80 hp VARG EX platform with the full KYB Factory A-Kit, enduro-specific suspension settings, Dunlop Geomax EN91 tires, front and rear disc protection, and hand protectors.

It is built to remain composed across technical singletrack, hard enduro terrain, high-speed stages, and long days on the motorcycle.

The EX Factory Edition also retains full road homologation, combining race-developed performance with the versatility required for road-legal enduro riding.

DEVELOPED WITH SÉBASTIEN TORTELLI

Sébastien Tortelli, Racing Director at Stark Future, said:

“Racing and developing championship-winning motorcycles has been my life’s work. Since joining Stark, we have continued to improve the VARG through testing and competition at the highest level. Every race has taught us something, and everything we have learned has gone back into the motorcycle.

The VARG already has the performance. With the Factory Editions, the focus was to give riders more grip, more precision, and more confidence to unlock more of that performance.

These are built exactly how I would build my own.”

STRICTLY LIMITED GLOBAL PRODUCTION

The VARG MX and EX Factory Editions will each be produced once, in a single global production run.

• VARG MX Factory Edition: 200 units worldwide.
• VARG EX Factory Edition: 300 units worldwide.

PRICING, AND AVAILABILITY

VARG MX Factory Edition pricing: 15,990EU/ 15,990USD/ 13,990GBP/ 23,990AUD/ 20,990CAD

VARG EX Factory Edition pricing: 16,990EU/ 16,990USD/ 14,990GBP/ 25,990AUD/ 22,490CAD